Joe and Jack do not intend to do a product review of the eTrex GPS, but here is the product announcement. This unit is an entry level GPS similar to the Magellan GPS-315 and likely will replace the Garmin G-12 (not XL) in the Garmin line.  Please do not buy the eTrex thinking it is a small version of the G-12xl.  A number of features are missing relative to the G-12xl and it is NOT a replacement for the G12xl.  There are even some features in the G-12(not xl) that the eTrex does not have.   If you purchase the very lowest cost model in any vendors line,  DO NOT expect it to have all the features of the more expensive models.  More expensive models DO have more features.
Joe Mehaffey

Specific questions answered:
     Where can I find the LATEST eTrex MANUAL? HERE
     How many datums does it have? over 100
     Does it support UTM/UPS?    Yes.     MGRS?  Yes.
     How many backlight steps does it have? 2 (on and off)
     Does it have user grids? no
     What MAP GRIDS does eTrex support?  See page 33 HERE
     Can it measure distance between waypoints in a route? yes
     What is battery life? About 20 hours in battery save mode on two batteries
     Can I upload mapsource maps?  No
     Can I use an external antenna?  No
      Is there a power/data cable so I can hook up my computer and external power to the eTrex?  No,  not at this time.
      Does the Satellite screen identify satellites?  No,  it just gives signal bars.
      What are the eTrex pinouts?  Looking at the back of the Etrex from left to right: Gnd, Data out, Data in, Power +
      What is the max external voltage input to eTrex?  Ans: 3.25 volts DC. (Must have regulator if used with 12v car.)
      What upload/download software works with eTrex? Ans: MapSource 3.0x, GPS Utility,  G7to(Win), TrackMaker ver10
      What maps can I upload into my eTrex?  None.  eTrex does not support uploadable maps.
      Can I use Delorme StreetAtlas 7 with my eTrex?  Yes.  SA7 supports eTrex <IF> you have the LATEST SA7 update.
Date:November 1, 1999

New Product Announcement


GARMIN International is pleased to announce the introduction of eTrex, the industries smallest and lightest handheld GPS receiver. eTrex is packaged in a new sleek, waterproof case. Operating buttons on both sides allow more room for the display screen on front. The eTrex is an extremely capable GPS with the power of larger, higher priced handhelds. Simple menus and logical operations make it easy to mark your position under any conditions. Navigation is made simple using the compass page or see your path on the map page. eTrex along with eMap are GARMIN's first GPS handhelds to operate on 2AA batteries.

 
eTrex (Includes: Unit, Manual)
Availability: December, 1999
GARMIN Part Number: 010-00190-00
UPC: 7-5375901702-6
List: $145.71		 eTrex (Includes: Unit, Manual, English/French packaging)
GARMIN Part Number: 010-00190-01
UPC: 7-5375902407-9
12 parallel channel receiver, differential ready
Built-in patch antenna
Unit Dimensions: 4.4"H x 2.0"W x 1.2"D
Display: (128x64 pixels), FSTN, 4 level gray scale
Weight: 5.3 ounces with batteries
Electro-luminescent backlighting
Battery life: up to 22 hours using two AA, alkaline batteries
Permanent user data storage; no memory battery required
Water resistant, IEC-529, IPX7 (Submersible 1 meter @ 30 minutes)
Dedicated zoom in/out keys for map page
500 User waypoints with name and graphic symbol
1 Route with 50 waypoints
Resettable trip computer
Automatic track log; 10 saved tracks let you retrace your path in both directions

Accessories
12 volt adapter cable
PC interface cable
Data cable
Carry Case
Bicycle Mount		 010-10203-00
010-10206-00
010-10205-00
010-10266-00
010-10267-00
Gift Box Dimensions Indiv. Weight
8.5"H x 6"W x 3"D .51 lb