Review on 🌍 Garmin Legend H GPS Navigator Handheld Device by Benjamin Saric

I recently purchased this unit to replace an eTrex Venture that was starting to fail after 7 years of heavy use (several falls from 10ft resulted in partial screen failure). After a week of intensive use I am very satisfied. The eTrex Legend H has a significantly better antenna than my old device and picks up satellites faster. I've even used it a few times to pick up a signal in heavy concrete structures, although metal (car bodies) still affects it heavily (100 feet or more on average). It works very well sitting in the front so it has a clear view through the glass, just like the old unit, just not in the center console or the back seat. They also updated the user interface a bit and it's better than it was (compared to the old device) but still not 100% intuitive. Spending 5 minutes on the quick start guide will usually fix this issue. Body Design: Just the USB cable is an amazing change from older versions of the eTrex serial connector. Even with a USB-to-serial adapter and drivers, my Mac doesn't recognize older devices, while this newer device had no trouble being recognized with GPSBabel, Quantum GIS (open source), and downloadable Garmin software like Snow Leopard as below Windows. 7. The case design is exactly the same as the old eTrex models, so I assume the IPX7 "water resistance" still behaves the same way. It easily tolerates heavy rain, but DO NOT soak it in streams and rivers; it dies forever if completely submerged in water. Usage: This device is best used as a simple recreational device. I use it for photo geotagging, geocaching, running/bike route tracking, time and speed, and the occasional GIS project. It has NO real built-in maps other than the US Interstate system, so you'll need to bring your own paper version or have access to Google Maps or similar. This can be a real problem for laypeople. You can buy downloadable maps from Garmin if you want, but they tend to be overpriced. This is NOT a car navigation box. Sure, you can use it as such with a map, and it's great for hiking, but you're better off using Nuvi's TomTom for car navigation. I said I'll use it as a guide, but that's not really what it's designed for. On a good day and clear terrain, you'll get coordinates within 10 feet. Therefore, it's perfect for simple things like creating route maps and estimating land area. This is definitely not a device for serious architecture, construction, real estate, or surveying projects. Better use a high-end Trimble or Sokkia, or even better hire someone for that kind of accuracy. I don't need games so I haven't even tried them yet. Games are new additions compared to older eTrex models. It would be nice if Garmin included a non-GPS compass like the new Legend HC, but without the $40 higher price point. All in all it's just an updated version of the old eTrex series with a much better antenna. It's comfortable, easy to use, has decent battery life, and is reasonably durable. A great device for the price.