Garmin eTrex H

If you're on a budget -- or if you don't want an expensive handheld GPS unit gathering dust between rare uses -- reviewers say the Garmin eTrex H is a great value. Users report that its high-sensitivity signal processor (a rare find in a handheld GPS units under $100) gets excellent satellite reception, even in dense woods or between tall buildings. The eTrex H also wins praise from both experts and owners for being lightweight, tough, water-resistant and easy on batteries. The eTrex H cuts costs by skipping two major features: mapping and a color screen. The eTrex H cannot accept or read actual maps. Instead, it displays a graphic showing your track and any waypoints you have entered.

The British technology website Sciuridae covers the Garmin eTrex H extensively, with both video and written reviews and a 13-minute video user's guide. The reviews at GPSTracklog.com and the geocaching blog OscarCookie are briefer, but both sites have concise outlines of the eTrex H's strengths and weaknesses. The eTrex H has accumulated a good collection of user reviews at Amazon.com.