eTrex Venture HC Review
eTrex Venture HC
eTrex Venture HC is an essential for any outdoor excursion. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for peak performance in any environment and includes 24 megabytes (MB) of internal memory, a detailed basemap and crisp color screen.
Ok, thats what eTrex says about this little gadget, now for our eTrex Venture review.
Size: 4.2 x 2.2 x 1.2 weight 5.5 oz
Light weight enough for almost any excursion. A little bulky to stick in a pocket, but no need for a backpack. 4/5
Battery Life: 14 hours (AAx2) Normally I would object to a 14 hour battery life, but since this uses standard AA batteries, bring a spare set on multi-day journeys. 3.5/5
Maps: The bundled maps are very very very basic. Highways, some lakes, a few landmarks. You can download more specific maps, and have a generous 24mb of memory to save them in. Good maps are extra $$$ however. 3/5
Features and Price: Lots of toys.
- Geocaching – although ive heard some complaints about this feature
- Outdoor games
- Hunting/Fishing calendar
- Sun/Moon information
- Price – About $135 from Amazon.com
- Overall features and price 5/5
Other comments on our eTrex Venture HC Review
Satellite pickup is very improved over earlier versions. No more lost signals next to tall buildings or dense trees. Satellites were picked up almost instantly…. And I mean fast, about as good as i have seen in a GPS. Accuracy seems good. Screen is a little tough to read in daylight.
Overall rating: 4/5
Look at our Hiking GPS Review guide for more information in choosing a hiking GPS.
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review
The Garmin StreetPilot 7200 is a large (7″) screen automobile GPS device with radio and text to speach capability. It is on the pricier end of devices, with most stores selling at around $590.
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator at Amazon.com
Some of the features include:
* High-end automotive GPS navigator with 480-by-234-pixel 7-inch color TFT touch-screen display
* Text-to-speech technology announces the names of streets and delivers turn-by-turn directions
* Integrated XM radio receiver delivers real-time traffic info, weather, and entertainment; built-in MP3 player
* Includes MapSource City Navigator NT North America software with maps of U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
* Built-in A/V input for connecting portable DVD player; 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.2 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
Product Description
The StreetPilot 7200’s huge 7-inch touch-screen display means you’ll always see where you’re going, from anywhere in the vehicle. Designed for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses, it is a premium automotive unit that comes preloaded with City Navigator NT detailed maps of North America. With the purchase of an optional sensor (not included), the unit notifies the driver of accidents, road construction and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered (requires subscription, traffic service only for select cities where coverage exists). Either of two optional purchase sensors can provide these features, the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic sensor or the GXM 30 Smart Antenna (separate purchase required). In addition to traffic data, the GXM 30 provides real-time satellite weather information. The 7200 model features all of Garmin’s well-known GPS functions, including intuitive navigation and automatic route calculation; voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions; 2D or 3D map view; and automatic rerouting if a motorist strays off course. With its POI Loader software, users can load custom points-of-interest such as school zones or safety cameras. The StreetPilot 7200 also includes entertainment options, including an internal MP3 player, XM radio, and playback of audio books. The built-in MP3 player lets users browse music by artist, album, song, or genre. The XM Radio (with the optional GXM 30 Smart Antenna and XM Satellite Radio subscription – not included) features 150-plus channels of commercial-free entertainment. The StreetPilot 7200 is also compatible with www.audible.com, a subscription-based audio book service. The face of the StreetPilot 7200 only has one button, an on/off switch. Using simplicity to manage complexity is a hallmark of the quality from Garmin, the premier maker of GPS products.
Our Opinion:
Beautiful large screen, and Garmin quality. We like this device.
Some cons:
No street names on the map.
Large size, tight fit in small autos, maybe more suitable for SUV or larger.
Hefty price tag.
