Product Tested: Garmin Rino 130 (GPS and 2-way radio)
Price paid, where purchased: www.tvnav.com $305 shipped, $375 retail
Size/ weight: 8 ounces
Similar products tried: Garmin eTrex Summit
How long/where tested: 3 weeks, several dayhikes
Rating: 1 to 5 3
Summary:
The GPS works well, even under a canpoy of trees. Does seem to take a while to lock-in on the satellites, but once locked it works well. Being able to upload a lot of detailed maps is a big plus. Electronic compass is also very handy.
Reason for the low(ered) score is the technical problem I've had receiving 2-way radio broadcasts.* Essentially, my unit was defective and was only receiving spurts/pieces of the incoming transmissions. However, the unit did transmit fine. It's now on its way back to Garmin for repair/replacement. I don't feel receiving a defective unit new should garnish bonus points, so they lose a star in their rating.
I would recommend the product for the features. It's a tad overpriced, but it's the only unit I could find with everything you would want from a gps and 2-way radio.
* - Received the unit back, they identified the issue and replaced the Rino. The waypoints were saved but I had to re-upload the maps.
Price paid, where purchased: www.tvnav.com $305 shipped, $375 retail
Size/ weight: 8 ounces
Similar products tried: Garmin eTrex Summit
How long/where tested: 3 weeks, several dayhikes
Rating: 1 to 5 3
Summary:
The GPS works well, even under a canpoy of trees. Does seem to take a while to lock-in on the satellites, but once locked it works well. Being able to upload a lot of detailed maps is a big plus. Electronic compass is also very handy.
Reason for the low(ered) score is the technical problem I've had receiving 2-way radio broadcasts.* Essentially, my unit was defective and was only receiving spurts/pieces of the incoming transmissions. However, the unit did transmit fine. It's now on its way back to Garmin for repair/replacement. I don't feel receiving a defective unit new should garnish bonus points, so they lose a star in their rating.
I would recommend the product for the features. It's a tad overpriced, but it's the only unit I could find with everything you would want from a gps and 2-way radio.
* - Received the unit back, they identified the issue and replaced the Rino. The waypoints were saved but I had to re-upload the maps.
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