Garmin GPS III Waterproof Hiking GPS
by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $69.99 You Save: $294.28 (81%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin GPS III Waterproof Hiking GPS
Customer Review: Excellent Equipment!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this GPS about 2 months ago and I take it everywhere I go! The GPS III+ is a great all-around unit that has capabilities to send you anywhere in the world with amazing accuracy AND that fits in the palm of your hand. The unit includes a 12-parallel satellite receiver which can lock your position in about 10 seconds (depending on your position in the world) and with about 50 feet accuracy. Other features include: detailed basemap (roads, coastline, cities etc), illuminated variable light display (adjustable lighting), heading, altitude, sunrise/sunset, speed information, highly informative timer system, and much more. The casing on the unit is very durable and the display glass is scratch resistant (nice feature). Along with all of this, the unit is also waterproof rated to 30 feet (wouldn't try it though, the battery compartment cover seems a bit cheesy).The GPS III+ is perfect for any outdoor activity you throw at it and is great for driving too. There is an optional set of maps called MapSource maps you can download on the gps from your computer to add more detailed information on the gps. Keep in mind however, if you do buy the mapsource map set, you won't be able to store much on the gps because of limited memory space. (usually only holds about one large city at a time). If you primarily want a gps for driving purposes, get the Emap GPS which can store MUCH more information and is made primarily for driving.
Overall: Well-rounded GPS, Fun to use, Efficient (runs about 36 hours on 4 AA), Practical.
Customer Review: great for small planes too!
Summary: 5 Stars
I fly a Piper Cub with no electrics (and therefore no electronics). The Cub doesn't travel very far or fast, and I didn't want to pay the several hundred dollars extra for a GPS III Pilot, if that's the name, with the databases loaded. I bought this gadget from Amazon and have been delighted with its performance. I can't imagine flying without, and entering the lat/lons of airports and waypoints before a trip is useful preflight preparation and a bit of fun besides. I don't regret buying the "civilian" version.The Garmin is easy to read, and after a bit of experience is easy to use in flight. I set up a planned route (I need the same information to file a flight plan) and the Garmin does the rest. It's mounted on an upside-down 5x7" plastic picture frame of the sort that sits on the table by itself and you insert a photo between the folded plastic; the GPS is mounted on what would otherwise be the side of the base that sits on the table. A folded chart goes into the place of the photo, and the whole thing inserts into the map pocket behind the front seat. (You fly a Cub from the back seat when you're alone, so I always fly it from there.)
Brilliant! A few hundred bucks and a bit of plastic and I have brought a 1946 airplane into the 21st century. If ever I lose my nerve, I choose "Waypoints" and punch up the home airport and follow the track back to the gas pump.
Customer Review: Great Gadget!
Summary: 5 Stars
I think that this is THE greatest "Gadget" that I have ever owned! I purchased this product about 8 months ago, and I'm still having fun using it. I currently live in Tokyo, Japan, so I can't really use the base map features, but I used it to find out how far I jog. Since I don't have a car, this has been great. Not only that, I can see my average speed while jogging, in KPH, or MPH. My wife is Japanese, and she doesn't understand miles and feet, so this is a great feature to be able to switch to the metrics system. I used it in Seattle, WA this year, and the US Map data was enough for me to NEVER get lost. It didn't show 2ndary streets, but I could always find my way back to the highway. When I left the hotel, I just marked it as waypoint, and I was guaranteed that I could not get lost. I also purchased the MapSource CD for US Roads, and used it in New Orleans, LA, and it worked great. I needed to use the restroom on the trip and I just hovered the pointer over the next highway exit, and it told me that it had a restroom there. It was right! If you have this product with the Map Source CD, you will never need another map as long as you live because you will always know where you are. It is like holding a map in your hands all the time, but watching yourself move on the map! I could go on and on and on, but you get the point, just BUY IT, YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!Customer Review: Best handheld GPS around except for one slight problem
Summary: 4 Stars
I was given the Garmin GPS 3+ for christmas and I am very satisfied with it! Perfect for just about any sport you want to use it for. It includes options such as: altimeter, current speed, max speed, average speed, odometer, sunrise/sunset, high-resolution map, satellite status page, highway position page (shows you how far off coarse you are), a compass page and many more features! The GPS aquires satellites very fast (usually under 10 seconds) and holds them even if you drive through a tunnel or heavy foliage (for a short time). On top of all this, I was extremely impressed on how well-built the casing is! Buttons feel very positive, and everything feels solid. The casing is also water-proof rated to 30ft (although I wouldn't recommend testing it).A notable downside to this unit is the VERY small memory space for the Mapsource maps. In most cases, it will only hold about one large city. If you live in a large city, you will be extremely limited. If you travel a lot and need more detailed road information (the basemap on the 3+ only has major highways and some local roads), I would recommend you get the Garmin eMAP Deluxe because it comes with a Mapsource cartridge that will allow you to put much more detailed area on your GPS plus the EMAP is designed more for the road.
Overall, I would rate the GPS 3+ very high for anyone.
Customer Review: Do you need GPS?
Summary: 3 Stars
I have the first version of GPS III and the new version has some very good improvements. Most noticeably, an upgradeable map and waterproof case (mine has neither). As a climber and backpacker, I haven't had much need for GPS. A road map and road signs get me where I need to go. Once an unexpected detour (car accident) made it nice to have so I could get around it on the fly. I have also used it for playing around trying to find off-the-beaten-track short cuts. It would also come in handy for navigating off the coast, marking dive sites and whatnot, but I have yet to use it in that capacity. In the backcountry, I find a compass and topo much more convenient. They are lighter and I don't have to worry about batteries. The battery life is very short. Mine lasted about 8-9 hours. They claim 24-36h on the new version. This in my opinion is still too short. It's definitely a battery-eating monster at 4 AA batteries. I use mine mostly in the car. You have to buy the car adapter separately. Even with improved accuracy, with the US government turning off the built in error factor, I still find GPS a toy. Unless you need to ocean navigate, are a traveling salesperson or just want a cool toy, I'd save your money. Otherwise, Garmin GPS III is the top of the line GPS with great features if you need them.