Garmin Geko 201

Pros: Small, has many features like best fishing time

Cons: Turns on too easily, doesn't work in the forest

The Bottom Line: This is a useful product only in wide open spaces, like the open water. Forget it if you're expect it to work in the forest.

Review: I got a Garmin Geko 201 in May 2003. I enjoy the features it has but it has some problematic limitations also. First the limitations. NICad batteries don't last long, maybe 4 hours. Alkaline batteries last about 8 hours of continuous operation...

Pros: Small, light, easy to use, inexpensive

Cons: No base map, short battery life, low res screen

The Bottom Line: If you are looking for something small with no frills and is easy to use, the Geko 201 is perfect.

Review: I hardly go outdoors (in the wilderness I mean). I don t go camping. And I haven t gone fishing since I was 10. So, why would a guy like me get a GPS unit? I do a lot of traveling for work and find it really cool to mark off places where I have...

Pros: Tons of features for the price! Sturdy, waterproof case. WAAS Enabled!

Cons: Cannot download maps to it, cannot pan in map mode

The Bottom Line: WAAS capabilities in an small waterproof case!! This GPS is the best value out there!

Review: I have been waiting for several years to purchase a handheld GPS device. I finally purchased one last week. The reason that I waited so long was that I wanted to get one that would be WAAS enabled for better accuracy (Wide Area Augmentation System,...

Pros: Tiny size, extreme ease of use, great basic navigation.

Cons: Battery life is not very good.

The Bottom Line: This unit gets the job done without needless complexities and is small and light to carry.

Review: The Garmin Gecko 201 is one small device that everyone can benefit from. It is great for hikers, bikers, walkers, driving, flying, and any outdoor pursuit.

The unit is tiny and very easy to operate. It is a great primary GPS device or if...

Pros: Size, WAAS capability

Cons: Power switch that randomly turns unit under normal use

The Bottom Line: If the power button problem can be resolved, this could be an excellent product. But as is, I find it to be unreliable and best left behind.

Review: The primary problem with the Geko 201 is the overly sensitive power button, which randomly turns the unit on with the slightest jostling -- whether it's being carried in a shirt pocket, a pants cargo pocket, or even in a hardshell ballistic nylon...

Pros: Lightest handheld GPS, easy to learn, the essential features, love the trip computer screen

Cons: Short battery life especially w/ NiMh, expensive accessories

The Bottom Line: Buy the Foretrex 101 for the same features & longer battery life unless you can get a good buy on ebay for a used Geko.

Review: I ve used this a lot for hiking, XC skiing, backpacking, kayaking, driving & bicycling. It has worked well even in moderately dense NW forests. When combined with mapping software, it makes all sorts of route finding much easier. Logging information...

Pros: Tiny, easy to carry

Cons: Power button design is poor and unit will turn on and drain batteries.

Review: This would be a good GPS for geocaching except that it has a fatal design/firmware problem with the power switch.

If you carry this in your coat or pants pocket, its a sure thing that the unit will power up all by itself, drain the...

Pros: Size, price, accuracy, seems to be built tough.

Cons: Power button, but it can be "worked around".

Review: I haven't had a chance to try it in "deep woods" yet, but it works in the car and most of the time even in the house. Can't imagine it having trouble under a few trees. Acquires fast, seems to be accurate. Shows 10 ft EPE often. Satisfied customer...

Pros: Cost, SIZE, cool green color, easy to use

Cons: Can't think of any

Review: I almost didn't buy this one because of the bad reviews about the power button. But, I did anyway. To fix that problem I just made a case for mine out of a Eye Glasses case padded with foam. I've only had mine for a couple of weeks, but I love it. I...