RFI - Garmin Etrex GPS Functions

["Frank O'Connor" <>]

I am looking to upgrade my GPS.  I have been considering the various
Garmin Etrex models, but getting information about their functions is
difficult on the web.  A lot of the product PDF files seem to be
unavailable.

I have a few queries.  From what I have found and due to my cost
limits, the Etrex Camo model is probably what I am interested
in.

Distance between Waypoints

I use this to complete my Atlas data sheets.  e.g. The distance
from one waypoint (survey point) to another (post office).  e.g.
6.4km at 247 degrees from XYZ Post Office.   Is this easy to do
on the Etrex models.

Sun & Moon

The sunrise / sunset and moonrise / moonset times are useful when I
get to a new site.  This is supposed to be on the Etrex Camo. 
Can someone confirm?

Ease of Storing Waypoints

On my current Lowrance GPS, I simply press WayPoint twice and it
stores the point.  How easy is it for the Etrex series?  e.g. I
am driving along and see a Wedge-tailed Eagle that I want to do an
Incidental Atlas survey for.  I can currently do this easily without
stopping (when using the 12V power adaptor).  Also, is the date and
time recorded for each waypoint?

Cost of Accessories

What is the cost of a pouch?  Cigarette power adaptor and
cable?  Dashboard mount?

Battery Life

The web site suggests 22 hours for most models (in Battery Save
mode).  Is this what most people are getting for the Etrex
models?

Thumb Stick 5 Position Cursor

This is available on the higher range models.  How useful is
this?  Note that I very seldom use the Map page.  I mostly use
the information page on my current GPS, although scrolling through
waypoints can take time.  Are there any other features on the higher
range Etrex models that would be useful.  The downloadable maps
would not be of enough use to me to justify the extra costs.

Thanks.

_________________________________________________________________
Frank O'Connor           Birding WA http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au
Phone : (08) 9386 5694              Email : -------------------------------------------- Birding-Aus is now on the Web at www.birding-aus.org -------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message 'unsubscribe birding-aus' (no quotes, no Subject line) to