Garmin Adds High Sensitivity GPS to eTrex

Garmin International Inc. has refreshed its eTrex series by adding a high sensitivity GPS receiver to this popular line of outdoor handheld devices. The new models include the eTrex Vista HCx, eTrex Legend HCx, eTrex Summit HC, eTrex Venture HC and eTrex H. In addition, Garmin has unveiled a new way to load geocaches to the eTrex series and many other Garmin handhelds.

In conjunction with the eTrex products announcement, Garmin has also launched a new "Go Geocaching" feature on its website. The Go Geocaching site simplifies downloading geocaches to Garmin devices and eliminates entering latitude and longitude coordinates manually.

The eTrex series is recognized for its compact size, lightweight design and ease-of-use. Powered by two AA batteries, the eTrex is packaged in a small case with operating buttons located on either side of the unit. The case is waterproof and will withstand immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The newly added high sensitivity GPS receiver is intended to provide faster acquisition times and improved tracking performance in outdoor environments, including heavy tree coverage and canyons.

The eTrex Vista HCx and Legend HCx include a built-in basemap of North America with the capability to perform automatic route generation, off-route recalculation and turn-by-turn directions with alert tones. To take advantage of these advanced routing features, customers will need to purchase a pre-programmed microSD card with City Navigator street maps. Customers can also select optional microSD cards with preloaded topographic maps, Bluechart marine charts or detailed inland lake maps. Maps are displayed on a color TFT display that is easy to view day or night. The Vista HCx and Legend HCx store 500 waypoints and 50 routes. The Vista HCx also incorporates a barometric altimeter for elevation data and an electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still.

The eTrex Summit HC and eTrex Venture HC are all new value oriented products that feature a bright color TFT display and come with a built-in basemap and 24MB of built-in memory for adding additional map data using the optional MapSource mapping software. The Summit HC and Venture HC store 500 waypoints and 50 routes. Like the eTrex Vista HCx, the eTrex Summit HC offers an electronic compass to provide accurate bearing information and an altimeter to determine precise altitude.

For the budget savvy consumer looking for a basic GPS device, Garmin’s eTrex H provides GPS capability for under $100. The eTrex H has a monochrome screen and stores 500 waypoints and 20 routes. As with other members of the eTrex family, the eTrex H is WAAS enabled and provides accuracy of less than three meters (10 feet).

The new eTrex devices are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2007. The eTrex Vista HCx and Legend HCx have a suggested retail price of $299.99 and $269.99, respectively. The eTrex Summit HC and Venture HC have a suggested retail price of $249.99 and $199.99, respectively. The eTrex H has a suggested retail price of $99.99.