Garmin GPS 12XL

Pros: Fast, accurate, easy to use, inexpensive, totally cool
Cons: None

Hey, I admit it. I'm a gadget junkie. I love handheld electronic pieces of technical wizardry. I am usually an early adopter of electronic equipment, but with GPS receivers I actually waited for a few years to take the plunge. The primary reason I...

Pros: Perfect design for wilderness navigation
Cons: mediocre battery life

I first became aquainted with Garmin GPS products about 10 years ago, when I saw a picture of an eastern bloc jet fighter with a Garmin mounted in the cockpit. How's that for advertising impact? I don't need a GPS that'll defeat NATO. I just want to...

Pros: Inexpensive, very fast sat. aquisition.
Cons: No regional/street mapping. No longer made.

I wrote this review several years ago when I had my GPS 12. I've since sold it, and I don't believe Garmin produces it anymore. I now own a Garmin eTrex, which is a bit more compact than the GPS 12 and great for hikers, and a Garmin StreetPilot c330 for ...

Pros: Low cost, good reception
Cons: Doesn't have complex mapping abilities

A GPS, although at first may seem to be a luxury item, will soon become an indispensable navigational aid. Once you learn to use it and spend the extra time and money to mount it in your vehicle with an optional power cord. Although the GPS 12XL doesn't...

Pros: several screen/display options; multi-purpose
Cons: considerable GPS background required for best operation

I have used the Garmin both professionally and for leisure. For the price, it is a wonderful piece of technology. If you've decided to buy a handheld GPS unit, this model would be the one I'd recommend.

Be aware, however, that a recent study...

Pros: Compact, affordable, user friendly, accurate, efficient. Batteries last appx 36 hours with consistent use.
Cons: Initial set up scarey. Owners manual technical. Keyboard buttons not illuminated so memorize the buttons for night use.

I am an avid hunter, and hiker. My sense of direction is terrible so I usually hang out in areas where I can see most of the world. This year I drew an Elk Hunting Tag in an area that was flat, heavily treed, and all looked the same.

So I'm...

Pros: Easy to use, accurate, very good computer support programs.
Cons: Not reading the user's manual.

I have been a keen bush walker for a number of years now. One of the best things I have used in the bush is the Garmin GPS 12. I do allot of map to groun type work because you can move quicker through the bush and if you have any seed's of doubt in your...

Pros: Highly portable
Cons: Technical

Being a biologist I have used several different GPS receivers, GPS data recorders, and GIS equipment. I have found the Garmin 12XL to be reliable, accurate, and a highly portable piece of equipment. I use it regularly to document various biological...