PDA Reviews

I really love my Garim GPS 12. It is easy to use and move between screens and features. The Summit is not as easy to use. It is not as convenient to identify way points, does not work with mapping software and its display is to simple. It was not a step up but sideways. I use it in conjunction with my GPS 12 mostly just to keep the track log.

I have several GPS for different uses. The most professional one is a Raytheon Chartplotter 630 on my motoryacht. The E-Trex Summit I bought to use for trekking and to mark the GPS location on dive trips with dive operators. They are VERY reluctant to reveal the GPS dive location. I found no difference in accuracy to other GPS. What is completely amazing is the sync time until all satellites are mapped and its ability to work by partly covered satellite horizons. The E-trex Summit syncs in about 15-30 seconds for normal use. The larger units all need 5-15 minutes!!! I have already ordered another one as backup for my boat. Two AA batteries or NiMh cells will run for more than 24 hours. The GPS III+ needs 4-5 times the batteries! The digital compass and barometric pressure/level display are very practical features and very accurate. This is not just a toy.

I use it when I go sking, so I see how fast I can go, I use it for biking, so I can tell how far I have gone. I can be in the middle of my two story house and still get a signal (It takes about 10 minutes though) Outside it will pick up a signal in under 30secconds. Its Great!

Pro-Easy to use
-Lots of info
-Can be used for rec/work
-Very accurate

Con-Sucks up batteries fast

Intrigued by Garmin's Geko 201 Personal Navigator®? It's smaller than an eTrex and dwarfed by many standard GPS units. But is the Geko a real GPS or just a toy?

First, the Geko 201 is a serious GPS receiver. It features WAAS differential correction; memory for 500 waypoints, twenty routes, a whopping 10,000 track points and ten saved tracks; and it connects to external power or to your PC for data transfer with an optional cable. It floats. The array of five buttons is easy to use. The screen is tiny, but it's not that hard to read. Menu choices allow configuration of the data screens to your liking. The back is rubberized, so you can lay it on your dashboard (where it works quite well) and not have it slide around. Using only two AAA batteries, the unit is light as well as small enough to fit in a shirt pocket (but the limited power supply may be an issue for some as explained below). The Geko also has four built-in arcade games, a novelty to emphasize that GPS can be fun.

The Geko doesn't show base maps but is adept at recording points and lines (keeping track of where you've been, locations you want to remember and where you'd like to go). If you want a GPS unit to use primarily for hiking or recording locations, the absence of base maps isn't that significant. Fact is that the base maps in many GPS units don't provide enough detail to be of much use at a close-in scale unless you can download more features from a CD. If you need map detail, a Geko easily connects to a PDA or laptop computer to display your location in navigation programs or even projected on aerial photos.

The Geko utilizes a built-in "patch" antenna (a square plate inside the unit, located under the lizard logo). I found the antenna remarkably sensitive when the unit is held correctly. It works best in a horizontal orientation, the top edge of the unit pointed to the horizon. That way the antenna can look up to the sky. Hang it around your neck on a lanyard, though, and the reception will drop. (Note: Unlike receivers with a patch antenna, GPS units like the Garmin 72 and 76 series using a quadrifilar helix antenna should be operated with the top edge pointed skyward.)

As an experiment, I took both a big Garmin GPSMAP 76S and the Geko 201 on a hike through a forest area. I wanted to see if the Geko could perform as well and hold a track in a wooded situation. After the hike I downloaded the data with a freeware mapping program (USAPhotoMaps) to overlay the GPS tracks on a TerraServer aerial photo. That's the best way to visualize where you've been. To my surprise the tracks and waypoints recorded by the two units were nearly identical. The Geko had no problem holding a signal in the test, even while I walked through a crowded pine plantation.

On the downside, Geko's rather feeble power supply - two AAA batteries - disappoints me. Garmin claims that two AAA alkaline batteries can last up to twelve hours (on battery saver mode). For economy, however, I use NiMH rechargeable batteries. I know that NiMH power cells don't last as long as alkaline, but the duration was far shorter than I expected - only 40 minutes set on standard mode in 32° F March weather. At 60° F (~16° C) the Geko ran just two hours on fresh NiMH batteries. It operated five and a half hours in battery saver mode with NiMH batteries on the warm dashboard of my car. It's also peculiar that the Geko manual extols lithium batteries for cold weather use and long life when nobody manufactures AAA lithium batteries. Only AA-cell batteries from Energizer are available in a lithium formulation. They can operate to -40°F and last four times longer than alkaline batteries, but sadly do not fit a Geko.

Although you may rely on a more complex GPS for serious tasks, having a miniature Geko tucked in your pocket or bag could be handy. If you toss the Geko to your kids in the back seat to play arcade games en route to your destination, however, the batteries could be dead by the time you arrive. You might prefer a recreational GPS unit using AA batteries for extended outdoor activities, but a Geko is a good buy for educational, casual or backup use.

This little GPS, while not having any removeable memory nor a large bank of memory, does VERY well with what it does have. It easily stored a 6 hour hike in it's memory, with less than half the memory used. For street mapping, it has a connection for a computer -- And coupled with Delorme Street Atlas USA, is a high-end solution for in car navigation. (Requires the cables and a serial/USB converter, which are reasonably priced and excellently assembled at the pfranc project.) The eTrex cable/converter is the same for this Geko.

The battery life isn't really a negative -- ten to twelve hours of operation is just fine, and you can replace low batteries without losing information, so nothing is hurting there. Overall, the price for this unit makes this unit an excellent purchase. Only complaint is that the color is a bit ugly -- And the stretch holster offered by Garmin doesn't do anything for its appearance either.

I bought the Geko 201 as a replacement for my very old Magellen Blazer 12. The difference is night and day.

Although both had parallel processing, the Geko picks up signals much faster. From a cold, fresh-out-of-the-box start, it took the Geko less than a minute to figure out where it was. The Blazer 12 took about 10 minutes even when given hints.

The screens are simple and extremely useful. Even with my very bad eyesight, the display was very readable. The buttons make sense, no manual necessary.

A few people have mentioned a "flaw" with the power button. I have carried this Geko around for almost two months, keeping it in my pocket almost every day. The unit has NEVER come on by accident. The power button is recessed and takes a good push to get it going.

As a hiker and backpacker, my power usage might be less demanding than others. I find that the battery lasts about 8-9 hours on battery save mode. This mode even works well in forests. The only time the Geko is kept powered on is if I'm mapping a trail. Otherwise, it is used for waypoints and position checks only.

The lack of displayed maps is irrelevent as I have yet to see a GPS with enough detail to be worth it. I have linked the Geko to DeLorme's Topo 5 with excellent results. Routes, tracks, waypoints can all be moved freely back and forth. This is great for mapping new trails or discovering hard-to-find trailheads. The memory is more than enough, I've never gotten past 12% full after a weekend jaunt.

Of course, the size is amazing. The color is also nice as I can actually find it! This is an excellent buy and a great choice for those who want GPS served up straight, stripped of all the annoying "features" of other units. I just purchased a second 201 for my hiking friend, she loves hers as much as I do!

Nice pen, got one for my wife and I several months apart and from two entirely different stores. Both came with non-functioning roller tips, but plenty of ink... Decent pen after you call manufacutrers, wait a couple of days, and install new ink cartridge.

the stylus rights smooth on my pda.the pen is very good.the pencil writes very good.im very glad i got this.

well i really liked this pen, stylus or pencil, whatever it is but it is really cool, i bougth a couple one for me and one for a gift to my principal, i knew she was going to love it, i always have trouble when swicthing from stylus to pen and so on, sometimes i can't find my stylus and its rigth next to me, and this pen takes that trouble away, you got to have one of these.

Nice pen, got one for my wife and I several months apart and from two entirely different stores. Both came with non-functioning roller tips, but plenty of ink... Decent pen after you call manufacutrers, wait a couple of days, and install new ink cartridge.

the stylus rights smooth on my pda.the pen is very good.the pencil writes very good.im very glad i got this.

well i really liked this pen, stylus or pencil, whatever it is but it is really cool, i bougth a couple one for me and one for a gift to my principal, i knew she was going to love it, i always have trouble when swicthing from stylus to pen and so on, sometimes i can't find my stylus and its rigth next to me, and this pen takes that trouble away, you got to have one of these.

Nice pen, got one for my wife and I several months apart and from two entirely different stores. Both came with non-functioning roller tips, but plenty of ink... Decent pen after you call manufacutrers, wait a couple of days, and install new ink cartridge.

the stylus rights smooth on my pda.the pen is very good.the pencil writes very good.im very glad i got this.

well i really liked this pen, stylus or pencil, whatever it is but it is really cool, i bougth a couple one for me and one for a gift to my principal, i knew she was going to love it, i always have trouble when swicthing from stylus to pen and so on, sometimes i can't find my stylus and its rigth next to me, and this pen takes that trouble away, you got to have one of these.

Nice pen, got one for my wife and I several months apart and from two entirely different stores. Both came with non-functioning roller tips, but plenty of ink... Decent pen after you call manufacutrers, wait a couple of days, and install new ink cartridge.

the stylus rights smooth on my pda.the pen is very good.the pencil writes very good.im very glad i got this.

well i really liked this pen, stylus or pencil, whatever it is but it is really cool, i bougth a couple one for me and one for a gift to my principal, i knew she was going to love it, i always have trouble when swicthing from stylus to pen and so on, sometimes i can't find my stylus and its rigth next to me, and this pen takes that trouble away, you got to have one of these.

This product is definitely for the "form follows function" crowd. It's ugly and expensive. However, if you are like me and prone to drop your PDA, it might be a necessary evil. I thought about shelling out the extra bucks for a Palm V just because there are at least 2 or 3 elegant hard cases available for it. The Visor has no such good fortune, so you're stuck with either a leather case or this titanium one. Unfortunately, the titanium case runs at $99. There is a myth that titanium is extremely hard to work with, which is true if you're making a bicycle, but for that amount of money I would really expect a more compact, possibly contoured shape. It would also be nice if the visor snapped into place rather than being held in by the friction against neoprene tape. All in all, i say that if you have the opportunity, spend half an hour in a metal shop and make your own case out of some sheet metal. It would look and work about as well, and only cost you about five bucks and an hour of labor. Otherwise, go ahead and get the titanium one. If you drop your PDA, this is its best chance for survival.

My first thought when I received the product was that it was cheap. The metal was very thin, and opening and closing was very metallic sounding and somewhat unrefined feeling. But once I put the visor into the case, everything seemed to come together nicely. The visor fits PERFECTLY. No movement whatsoever, and even though it is only sitting in place, and isn't held in in any way, I have no fear that it will fall out. The fit is quite snug. I really like the case, the titanium is thin, but it won't bend. I don't think many women would like this case, but I have no regrets. The only downside is that in my opinion, the stylus is a bit difficult to remove; I have gotten used to it, but a little more space around the stylus would have been nice. EXCELLENT PRODUCT; WELL WORTH THE PRICE!
Wouldn't have any other case after using this one.

After cracking the screen on my first hangspring Visor, I decided to try the Rhinoskin Ti slider case for my second visor. Despite the added bulk that the case adds, it is very workable overall. But my love for the case came one day at work when I was up on a 15' tall tower and accidentally knocked the case off my belt (I have rhinoskin's matching belt case for the Ti-slider). The case enclode handspring dropped about 18 feet to the concrete floor. I climbed down and pulled the cse out of the belt pouch, then opened the case. Not a mark on the handspring. Still works perfectly. The case has already payed for itself...

This product is definitely for the "form follows function" crowd. It's ugly and expensive. However, if you are like me and prone to drop your PDA, it might be a necessary evil. I thought about shelling out the extra bucks for a Palm V just because there are at least 2 or 3 elegant hard cases available for it. The Visor has no such good fortune, so you're stuck with either a leather case or this titanium one. Unfortunately, the titanium case runs at $99. There is a myth that titanium is extremely hard to work with, which is true if you're making a bicycle, but for that amount of money I would really expect a more compact, possibly contoured shape. It would also be nice if the visor snapped into place rather than being held in by the friction against neoprene tape. All in all, i say that if you have the opportunity, spend half an hour in a metal shop and make your own case out of some sheet metal. It would look and work about as well, and only cost you about five bucks and an hour of labor. Otherwise, go ahead and get the titanium one. If you drop your PDA, this is its best chance for survival.

My first thought when I received the product was that it was cheap. The metal was very thin, and opening and closing was very metallic sounding and somewhat unrefined feeling. But once I put the visor into the case, everything seemed to come together nicely. The visor fits PERFECTLY. No movement whatsoever, and even though it is only sitting in place, and isn't held in in any way, I have no fear that it will fall out. The fit is quite snug. I really like the case, the titanium is thin, but it won't bend. I don't think many women would like this case, but I have no regrets. The only downside is that in my opinion, the stylus is a bit difficult to remove; I have gotten used to it, but a little more space around the stylus would have been nice. EXCELLENT PRODUCT; WELL WORTH THE PRICE!
Wouldn't have any other case after using this one.

After cracking the screen on my first hangspring Visor, I decided to try the Rhinoskin Ti slider case for my second visor. Despite the added bulk that the case adds, it is very workable overall. But my love for the case came one day at work when I was up on a 15' tall tower and accidentally knocked the case off my belt (I have rhinoskin's matching belt case for the Ti-slider). The case enclode handspring dropped about 18 feet to the concrete floor. I climbed down and pulled the cse out of the belt pouch, then opened the case. Not a mark on the handspring. Still works perfectly. The case has already payed for itself...

This product is definitely for the "form follows function" crowd. It's ugly and expensive. However, if you are like me and prone to drop your PDA, it might be a necessary evil. I thought about shelling out the extra bucks for a Palm V just because there are at least 2 or 3 elegant hard cases available for it. The Visor has no such good fortune, so you're stuck with either a leather case or this titanium one. Unfortunately, the titanium case runs at $99. There is a myth that titanium is extremely hard to work with, which is true if you're making a bicycle, but for that amount of money I would really expect a more compact, possibly contoured shape. It would also be nice if the visor snapped into place rather than being held in by the friction against neoprene tape. All in all, i say that if you have the opportunity, spend half an hour in a metal shop and make your own case out of some sheet metal. It would look and work about as well, and only cost you about five bucks and an hour of labor. Otherwise, go ahead and get the titanium one. If you drop your PDA, this is its best chance for survival.

My first thought when I received the product was that it was cheap. The metal was very thin, and opening and closing was very metallic sounding and somewhat unrefined feeling. But once I put the visor into the case, everything seemed to come together nicely. The visor fits PERFECTLY. No movement whatsoever, and even though it is only sitting in place, and isn't held in in any way, I have no fear that it will fall out. The fit is quite snug. I really like the case, the titanium is thin, but it won't bend. I don't think many women would like this case, but I have no regrets. The only downside is that in my opinion, the stylus is a bit difficult to remove; I have gotten used to it, but a little more space around the stylus would have been nice. EXCELLENT PRODUCT; WELL WORTH THE PRICE!
Wouldn't have any other case after using this one.

After cracking the screen on my first hangspring Visor, I decided to try the Rhinoskin Ti slider case for my second visor. Despite the added bulk that the case adds, it is very workable overall. But my love for the case came one day at work when I was up on a 15' tall tower and accidentally knocked the case off my belt (I have rhinoskin's matching belt case for the Ti-slider). The case enclode handspring dropped about 18 feet to the concrete floor. I climbed down and pulled the cse out of the belt pouch, then opened the case. Not a mark on the handspring. Still works perfectly. The case has already payed for itself...

This product is definitely for the "form follows function" crowd. It's ugly and expensive. However, if you are like me and prone to drop your PDA, it might be a necessary evil. I thought about shelling out the extra bucks for a Palm V just because there are at least 2 or 3 elegant hard cases available for it. The Visor has no such good fortune, so you're stuck with either a leather case or this titanium one. Unfortunately, the titanium case runs at $99. There is a myth that titanium is extremely hard to work with, which is true if you're making a bicycle, but for that amount of money I would really expect a more compact, possibly contoured shape. It would also be nice if the visor snapped into place rather than being held in by the friction against neoprene tape. All in all, i say that if you have the opportunity, spend half an hour in a metal shop and make your own case out of some sheet metal. It would look and work about as well, and only cost you about five bucks and an hour of labor. Otherwise, go ahead and get the titanium one. If you drop your PDA, this is its best chance for survival.

My first thought when I received the product was that it was cheap. The metal was very thin, and opening and closing was very metallic sounding and somewhat unrefined feeling. But once I put the visor into the case, everything seemed to come together nicely. The visor fits PERFECTLY. No movement whatsoever, and even though it is only sitting in place, and isn't held in in any way, I have no fear that it will fall out. The fit is quite snug. I really like the case, the titanium is thin, but it won't bend. I don't think many women would like this case, but I have no regrets. The only downside is that in my opinion, the stylus is a bit difficult to remove; I have gotten used to it, but a little more space around the stylus would have been nice. EXCELLENT PRODUCT; WELL WORTH THE PRICE!
Wouldn't have any other case after using this one.

After cracking the screen on my first hangspring Visor, I decided to try the Rhinoskin Ti slider case for my second visor. Despite the added bulk that the case adds, it is very workable overall. But my love for the case came one day at work when I was up on a 15' tall tower and accidentally knocked the case off my belt (I have rhinoskin's matching belt case for the Ti-slider). The case enclode handspring dropped about 18 feet to the concrete floor. I climbed down and pulled the cse out of the belt pouch, then opened the case. Not a mark on the handspring. Still works perfectly. The case has already payed for itself...