Navigation devices are more common in the automotive environment. Without them, the modern vehicle owner loses a significant part of the functionality that facilitates the compilation of routes and further following. Gadgets designed for pedestrians are less popular, which, however, does not detract from their merits. Anticipating the review of the Garmin eTrex 20 model, it is worth noting right away that the device is average and does not have revolutionary capabilities. Nevertheless, the quality factor and the overall quality of the American navigator attract the attention of a considerable part of the users of navigation and topographic equipment.
Technical parameters
The eTrex 20 version has come to replace the popular eTrex 10 in Russia in an improved form. Actually, the platform remained the same, but a number of fundamental improvements allowed the creators to separate the gadget into an independent model. Like its predecessor, Garmin eTrex 20 successfully interacts with GPS and GLONASS systems.
Demonstration of information takes on a color TFT-screen, the resolution of which is 176 x 220 pixels. By the way, detailed cartography and 65,000 colors provide a decent picture. RaiseThe efficiency of the device allows built-in memory of 1.7 GB. This volume is enough to download high-quality and detailed maps. At the same time, part of the memory is already filled with useful topographic information especially for Russian tourists, hunters and fishermen. The rest of the space can be taken for records of routes, tracks, locations and waypoints with the ability to describe them.
Features
Along with the options that came from the "dozens", the new modification has absorbed other features. The basic ones include functions for tracking the parameters of the Moon and the Sun, applications for fishermen and hunters, a table of ebb and flow, as well as a program for calculating the area.
The new optional includes image viewing and photo navigation - it is thanks to the color display that the Garmin eTrex 20 navigator has increased the usability of multimedia "gadgets". Along with this, tourists have access to features such as geocaching, a GPS receiver with the WAAS option, HotFix satellite location prediction and GNSS support.
Design & Usability
In terms of ergonomics, the device is completely sharpened for operational, comfortable and safe operation in any conditions. The developers managed to minimize the number of manipulations with the controls and increase the convenience of physical handling of the gadget.
The body of the model is still complemented by rubber inserts, large buttons and attachments. At the same time, the dimensions of the device were reduced. Minimization and emphasis onpracticality led to the fact that the Garmin eTrex 20 GPS navigator lost its overly protruding keys, which were replaced by smooth, but tangible analogues.
The configuration of the on-screen interface is easily adjusted to suit you. Basic controls, such as satellite, map, compass, etc., can be positioned on the pages according to individual preference. All manipulations are performed by the joystick by the type of ringing, that is, menu management does not imply a tedious return to the first positions, but logically returns to the original choice.
Using cards
The process of loading maps is similar to that provided in version 10. It is noteworthy that the Garmin eTrex 20 GPS already comes with the Roads of Russia package. There is no doubt about the correctness of viewing these materials. Errors and inconsistencies occur only when working with new maps. The device mainly uses two formats - vector.img and raster.kmz. But if the first operations for loading and further use are easy and fast, then in the case of raster maps, you will have to tinker. As a rule, the difficulties are associated with the translation into the.kmz format. One way or another, most of the maps converge successfully and form an accurate image of the area.
Who is it for?
Although the Garmin eTrex 20 is aimed at pedestrians, it would be wrong to limit its range of applications in this way. For motorists, the device can be useful even as a replacement for a car navigator. Of course, the capabilities of the model are not so extensive, but for a long timecharge back-up time sometimes justifies this choice.
And yet the main audience of the product are travelers, tourists and athletes. The navigator will help in recording tracks, cycling, searching for infrastructure facilities, etc. The versatility of the device opens up all the possibilities for outdoor activities and for purposeful use as a treasure hunter's tool. Reconnaissance, exploration and calculation of territories can also be included in the list of tasks to be solved. But the key to the success of any event is not only the technical unit, but also careful preparation - only by providing the necessary set of cards, you can go on a trip.
Device reviews
In working conditions, according to users, the navigator proves to be a hardy and reliable device. This is the very advantage for which the lack of a large display of the Garmin eTrex 20 is forgiven. The instruction in this case is quite consistent with the practice of application. Operation in cold weather, in a downpour and in other situations that are by no means conducive to convenience will not cause problems for the user.
The compactness of the navigator is also noted. Oddly enough, a small device does not make it difficult to use in large male hands, but at the same time, both women and children quickly get used to control through a mini-joystick. A pleasant design introduction, according to the owners, was the approach to organizing a container for batteries. Even in the dark it is impossible to confuse their polarity, whilewhile many navigators do not insure this exploitation nuance.
The use of Garmin eTrex 20 (reviews indicate this) is facilitated by a fully Russified menu. Most problems are again solved by following the instructions.
Expert evaluation
Professional testing of navigation devices usually focuses on the quality of signal reception. In the case of the Garmin eTrex 20, it is expected to work with satellites in difficult conditions with interference.
Regarding reception indoors near a window, in dense forests and tunnels, experts note average performance indicators, which is quite typical for representatives of more advanced models compared to Garmin eTrex 20. Reviews also indicate a slow search for specific objects in areas with close development. Nevertheless, there are attempts by the navigator to catch and fix the signal, and in this regard, the presence of even 2-3 satellites in the search area is already becoming a good result for a device of this level.
Conclusion
Summarizing, we can note the undoubted reliability of the gadget - it will not fail in the performance of basic tasks, but will also justify itself in conditions of increased loads. Nevertheless, an unambiguous conclusion about the Garmin eTrex 20 model cannot be made based on only one of the criteria. This device is beneficial for those who need a set of qualities of a reliable travel accessory. Analyzing the operating parameters and the capabilities of the navigator, it becomes clear that this gadget is comparable to moretechnological devices - it breaks out of the middle segment. And yet, the lack of newfangled frills, which are often superfluous in the hands of practical users, was reflected in the price of the device - it is quite affordable.
