Garmin Foretrex 101 review

[John Navas]

SUMMARY: Excellent low-cost compact unit, perfect for yacht racing

PROS: Size. Weight. Wrist-mounting. Quality. Price. Display.
Replaceable-batteries. Sensitivity. Accuracy. Usability. User-interface.
Battery-life.

CONS: Lack of mapping. Water sealing could be better. Serial cable costs
extra.

REVIEW: Compact, versatile, and highly-usable GPS at a very affordable price.
Wrist mounting leaves your hands free for activities. Sufficiently waterproof
to be used in bad weather and in many water sports (e.g., boating). Excellent
display with backlighting. Quality construction. Satellite acquisition is
fast. Receiver is remarkably sensitive and accurate. Configurable screens.
Countdown timer great for yacht racing starts. Can use disposable alkaline or
rechargeable NiMH batteries, and ability to switch batteries in the field is
an advantage over the similar Foretrex 201. Optional serial cable available
for connection to computers and other devices. Highly recommended. My mapping
GPS (Magellan SporTrak Color) is now relegated to a backup/support role.

WEBSITE: http://www.garmin.com/products/foretrex101/

New-in-box units with full factory warranty typically go on eBay for $90-100.

[John Navas]

[POSTED TO alt.satellite.gps.garmin - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

Post by John Navas
SUMMARY: Excellent low-cost compact unit, perfect for yacht racing
PROS: Size. Weight. Wrist-mounting. Quality. Price. Display.
Replaceable-batteries. Sensitivity. Accuracy. Usability. User-interface.
Battery-life.
CONS: Lack of mapping. Water sealing could be better. Serial cable costs
extra.
REVIEW: Compact, versatile, and highly-usable GPS at a very affordable price.
Wrist mounting leaves your hands free for activities. Sufficiently waterproof
to be used in bad weather and in many water sports (e.g., boating). Excellent
display with backlighting. Quality construction. Satellite acquisition is
fast. Receiver is remarkably sensitive and accurate. Configurable screens.
Countdown timer great for yacht racing starts. Can use disposable alkaline or
rechargeable NiMH batteries, and ability to switch batteries in the field is
an advantage over the similar Foretrex 201. Optional serial cable available
for connection to computers and other devices. Highly recommended. My mapping
GPS (Magellan SporTrak Color) is now relegated to a backup/support role.
WEBSITE: http://www.garmin.com/products/foretrex101/
New-in-box units with full factory warranty typically go on eBay for $90-100.

UPDATE: Be warned that lwpjr200, a volume eBay seller of GPS products, is slow
to ship and probably should be avoided.

Best online prices I've found:
$107.24 @ Provantage <http://www.provantage.com/pr_90608.htm>
$111.74 @ Ebuyer
<http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?product_uid=153735>