Garmin GPS 12



This small unit fits the weekend angler's pocket book and yet is as accurate as the big ones.

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Pros



Comparatively inexpensive

12 satellite uplink for accuracy

500 waypoint memory



Cons



Weak plastic console mount

Battery every day life is only enough for one fishing trip

Waypoint input is cumbersome

Garmin GPS 72

Description



A small, light weight, hand held GPS unit

Uses up to 12 satellites for accurate readings

Provides either compass heading or runway path



Guide Review - These guys 12

Finding Your Way



Garmin has put a lot of product in a small package. The GPS 12 is arguably the most popular hand held GPS unit. It arrives with a nice array of add-on options, including a small plastic console mount and a cigarette lighter cord to save you on batteries.



I prefer the roadway guidance towards the compass heading mode, however it has both should you prefer one within the other. With 500 waypoints in the memory, you can store a lot of fishing spots.



The waypoint input is like all of the handhelds - more than cumbersome. But that can be overlooked if you study the owner's manual and practice.



Battery life is advertised as 12 hours. I'm able to get 12 hours, but just with the most expensive batteries - the unit takes four AA batteries. I purchase four new ones every trip just to make sure I can go back home. The cigarette lighter cord option fixes the battery problem, but in rough water, I've found the plastic console mount is not strong enough to hold the unit. So, I end up using it as a true handheld, and consequently need the batteries.



I've found this GPS to become an excellent value along with a very accurate unit. I have never seen it be off by a lot more than about ten feet, and frequently puts me exactly at that moment.

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