Garmin Geko 201 Waterproof Hiking GPS (Yellow) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let's start with the downsides:-
1. Battery life is about 6 hours, so make sure you bring a few spares on long hauls.
2. Doesn't float.Not a nig negative for me, but may be for you.
3. That's it.Yes, it has no maps, but it doesn't need them - this ain't aimed at those users.You may as well say it has no marine or flight addons.....same thing - it's aimed at hikers/runners/cyclists/hobbyists.
Upsides?Lots!
1. Size - It is TINY.It's smaller and lighter than my mobile phone.
2. Waterproof.Tested it, true, it is.Water got into the batter compartment, and it didn't affect operation.Weird.
3. Trackpoints - 10000.Yes, Ten thousand.
4. Although its a budget model, it doesn't scrimp on other basic features - 20 route or 125 legs, 10 saved tracks, 500 waypoints, its plenty for anyone.
5. WAAS.Not used in the UK yet, but next year.
6. PC Connectivity - allows me to use my Ozi Explorer to upload/download pretty much everything.
7. Ease of use.... I was up and running in literally no time.
8. Speed - acquired satellites pretty damned quickly.
9. Feel - Feels damned good in the hand - buttons/screen well placed, feel good.Some have mentioned an on button problem, I don't see it myself.
10. Trip Computer - nice for runners/cyclists.Lots of configuration available to the user too.
11. Colour - you ain't gonna lose this gadget in a hurry....
12. Price - At £120 including VAT (UK) it's pretty amazing value.
Summary - for a hiker etc, it does the job extremely well, especially if you use it with a PC.As far as I'm concerned, there are no decent competitors on the market - all others fall short in some way.
10/10.Easily.

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Product Description:
The Garmin Geko 201 is one of the smallest and lightest waterproof GPS units on the market. This inexpensive unit has a sleek design and a simple operating system and is WAAS-enabled with an accuracy of 10 feet or less. With its distinctive canopy-green case, the powerful Geko 201 allows for ample waypoint and route storage, making it a perfect entry-level handheld GPS unit for basic navigation.

Map page. View larger.
Compass display. View larger.

The Geko 201 packs easy-to-use GPS navigation into an affordable, handheld device. View larger. The Garmin Geko 201 features a user-configurable trip computer with 500 user waypoints that allow up to 20 reversible routes, as well as an automatic track log with up to 10,000 trackpoints and 10 savable tracks that let you retrace your path in both directions. This unit also includes external ports that provide an external power connection and allow for PC connectivity--making it a breeze to upload software upgrades.
The Garmin Geko 201 has five keys located on the front of the unit for easy one-hand use that allows the user to quickly access all of the unit's functions. The Geko 201 has a 64 x 100 pixel, high-contrast display for easy viewing and is powered by only two AA batteries (not included) that can run for up to 12 hours. In addition, the Geko 201 boasts an upcoming-turn feature that alerts the user of the next turn within 15 seconds by bending the compass arrow in the direction of the next waypoint.
Not just a regular navigational aid, the Garmin Geko 201 also includes four fun, interactive games that transform the great outdoors into a virtual board game. Enjoy a good workout while chasing a virtual lizard in Geko Smak, match symbols in a grid version of Memory Race, navigate to reference points without crossing one's trail in Nibbons, and collect symbols along a path in Virtual Maze.
Designed with the user in mind, this Garmin GPS unit weighs a light 3.1 ounces with batteries, and measures a pocket-size 1.9 by 0.96 by 3.9 inches (W by D by H). The Geko 201 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, meaning it can be submerged down to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, and is rugged enough to endure the most trying use. And the Geko 201 provides that most critical of benefits--peace of mind. With the Geko 201 you will always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And since you will always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do--explore the outdoors.

What's in the Box
Geko 201 GPS receiver and manual.