Garmin Etrex legend??

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Aug 10, 2013
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Is the garmin Etrex legend handheld GPS any good? They are selling on Ebay for $50, and before i drop that on a used GPS, wanted to get some input.
thanks. all comments welcomed.
 
All comments welcomed..OK you said it.

I like Garmin stuff, no experience with Etrex Vista but have eTrex Vista HCx and fine HOWEVER what I use most is Motion-X-GPS Drive on my iPhone 4.

My first Garmin handheld brought me home at night on unfamiliar big water when shore lights or landmarks were not visible, the wind was kicking up and we'd waited too long to start picking up a big decoy spread ..and the only lights were my bow running and stern lights. Didn't have cellphones or GPS apps back then however I always take my handheld GPS and cellphone now when on big water or deep woods..might be belt and suspenders for some but my life experiences to date just say "Do it".

Best.
 
The eTrex Legend. I've used them and they're as accurate as any other, with limitations:

It is a discontinued model, for what that's worth.
The eTrex series has very small screens.
There were several different Legend models. Check out the "Discontinued" product page at the Garmin website to learn the difference between the variations, so you can make sure you're getting what you expect. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-...d/cOnTheTrail-cDiscontinuedOnTheTrail-p1.html
The eTrex series does not have a plug for an external antenna.
The buttons are hidden on the unit sides, like on many so-called smartphones, and they aren't as well labeled as they could be.
Some Legend models have color screens, indicated by a "c" in the model name. The color makes it much easier to read the tiny screens in daylight.
The basic Legend model does not have an SD card slot, which may or may not be important to you.
The older Garmin models communicate to computers via a proprietary serial cable. Some new computers and most laptops don't even have serial ports any more, but you can buy a serial-USB adapter.
A big one for me, the eTrex Legend (basic model) does not have a built-in electronic compass. Without it, the GPS can only calculate NSEW directions via satellite based on your movement; it won't work if you're standing still or turning around in place.

Not trying to discourage you, just putting up the information to help you decide.
I'm certain they're worth $50, but if it were me I'd spend the extra money for a higher end older unit (GPSMAP 76 series or GPSMAP 60 series) or one of the more modern but inexpensive current models.

You can save a bunch of money and get a really nice unit sometimes by shopping for a recently discontinued model.
 
Another big difference that separates Garmin units into those that are simple to use and those that are more difficult, the operating system. The new units with touch screens have a icon-driven graphical OS that's similar to smart phones and tablets. Older models (like my GPSMAP 76S and the Garmin Legend) have a menu-driven OS.
 
I have an old one, and consider it crap. It will completely lose it's signal if you turn it sideways or walk into a grove of trees. It actually gave me an inaccurate reading while I was standing next to a cliff. When I bought it (late 90's), it's antenna design was supposedly the best. I wouldn't waste my money. It's such a sore spot with me that I will never buy another Garmin, no matter how "great" they are supposed to be.

This one was supposed to be "great" also...
 
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