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.
TomTom GO 920T Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator with Traffic Receiver
TomTom GO 920T Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator with Traffic Receiver
Product Features
The GO 920 and it’s sibling, the 920T, are TomTom’s new flagship portable gps navigators, replacing the GO 910. The GO 920T comes bundled with TomTom’s RDS-TMC traffic receiver and a one-year subscription to the Clear Channel traffic service, which allows users to receive real-time traffic information. The traffic receiver is sold as a separate accessory for the GO 920.
The first big difference you’ll notice is that the 920s are much thinner than the 910. TomTom introduced this slim form factor with last year’s ONE. With the release of the top-of-the-line 920s, TomTom now offers a full range of units in the new form factor. When you turn it on, you’ll also notice the increased performance and features the 920s packs into their slimmer form.
What’s New — Enhanced Positioning Technology
TomTom’s new Enhanced Positioning Technology uses movement and gravity sensors to calculate drivers’ positions when GPS signals are unavailable. This helps the device continue to navigate to its destination, even when there may not be a direct line-of-sight connection to a satellite (for example, when driving in a city with tall buildings, underpasses or bridges).
What’s New — Voice Prompted Address Entry
Voice prompted address entry gives users the option to speak the address to which they want to drive. Users can simply speak the city, street name and address number they would like to travel to, and the device will automatically calculate the route.
What’s New — Map Share
The GO 920 includes TomTom’s innovative new Map Share technology. Map Share enables users to make easy changes to the map and to share map corrections with other TomTom customers so that users always have the most up-to-date maps available.
Widescreen View and FM Transmitter
See more. Hear more. The GO 920 offers a 4.3-inch, extra-wide, touch-screen LCD display that features anti-glare technology for easy viewing even in direct sunlight. Realistic and clear visual instructions are provided with high-quality 3D graphics, while spoken instructions tell you where you need to go in your own language. As an added convenience, text-to-speech functionality provides you with actual street names. The built-in FM Transmitter to play music and navigation instructions over the car stereo.
Hands-Free Calling
In more and more places, it is becoming illegal to use cell phones while driving without a hands-free kit. The GO 920’s Bluetooth capability, microphone and speaker lets match it to any bluetooth-capable phone to make hands-free mobile phone calls.
Maps
The GO 920 comes come preinstalled with complete maps of the United States, Canada and Europe on 4 GB of internal memory. The GO 920 range has the most complete set of pre-installed maps available in TomTom’s entire portfolio.
Remote control
The TomTom GO 920 range comes with an improved Bluetooth remote control. The remote control enables drivers to operate the device safely from anywhere in the car without having to reach over to the device.
Help When You Need It
Extensive safety features including ‘Help Me’ menu, to give drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance.
Fun Extras to Personalize Your TomTom
Record your own driving instructions. View documents, exchange positions via SMS and Bluetooth wireless technology and select a favorite car icon on the screen.
Full range of accessories to match the design and finish of the new GO range, including a leather carry case, a soft touch carry case, iPod cable and a home charger.
TomTom HOME
HOME is TomTom’s free software that enables TomTom users to future proof and personalize their devices. Via easy desktop access, any TomTom customer can update maps, download the latest application, celebrity voices and more. TomTom HOME allows TomTom customers to
• Update their TomTom device with TomTom’s latest software and services automatically and for free
• Easily buy and install the latest maps and European safety cameras
• Download celebrity and character voices
• Pre-plan trip itineraries
• Receive free traffic alerts on their computers
What’s in the Box
TomTom GO 920 gps portable navigation device, suction mount, car charger, USB 2.0 data cable, and installation CD with connection software and manual.
Language Support
The TomTom 920 gps provides menu support for most European languages as well as English. Voice support covers additional languages, including most Asian languages.
Positives
- Much better point of interest support, comparible to Garmin devices
- Improved shape and design, much slimmer and more portable
- Voice activated – A big plus when driving, seems to work fairly well
- Big and bright screen, good in sun and shade
- Timely and accurate traffic data
- Bluetooth remote is a big improvement on earlier models
Negatives
- Cannot use ipod and traffic antenna at the same time, they use the same port
- POI organization is confusing
- Canceling a route more difficult than necessary
- Short battery life
- Often quirky “out of the box”
