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I've used one of these GPS units for the past couple of years, and have used several others including the III+ and the eTrex and the GPS 12 is by the the winner if you want a unit that will hold the satellites when you are travelling through dense trees and foliage. It is a great unit that is simple to use and program, if you want a solid performer this is it.
It's small size makes it very portable, and battery powered is a plus. I've owned this unit for several years, as a truck driver I can say it's held up better than me. It has a standard NEMA 2.0 interface output, so most quaility mapping programs will accept the data. I've found that 2400mAh rechargable AA work well over a day, not using the power saving feature.And it's actually gone up in value since I bought it.I've seen a lot of the newer GPS's on the market, haven't seen a reason to get one of them. The Garmin 12 will download and upload waypoints and all the rest, you just have to search for the software on the internet.
Its battery use is plain awful--it burns through batteries very quickly with conntinual use. Its functions are easy to understand and use. The Garmin GPS12 is a very reliable, durable unit, perfect for the person who doesn't need mapping capability, a color screen, or downloading capabilities. Its also relatively slow to get a lock on satellites, if you've moved 50 or more miles since its been turned on last. And, after 5 years of use primarily in a boat, I can say first-hand that its very well contructed and durable. Although this unit was once the class of handhelds, its now old technology and has some downside compared to newer models. You also need to be stopped (or close to it) for it to lock on to satellites. Its also slow to update your position compared to newer units--not ideal for navigation at speed.So the GPS12 is no longer a 5 start pick, but if you're just looking to mark a few points and don't want to pay high-dollars for features you'll likely never use, this is a very well made, reasonably priced unit.
It is easy.After using VOR's, and then a King Loran for years, this unit is all you need. I have used this unit for VFR navigation in my aircraft for the last 8 years. Though not suggested, I believe you could shoot a instrument approach (GPS or NDB). Prior to this unit, I had a Lowrance. This unit is much better than the Lowarance.You can get the location for all of the nav-aids and the airports on line, and enter them yourself. Really good CDI screen. I actually have two, and use one as a cheap DME in ORD airspace.
I have had a GPS 12 since about 1996 and used it extensively without any problems. It is a great, solid, reliable unit. I have mountain biked, hiked, drove, geocached and backpacked with it.I heartily recommend it to anyone needing a good basic GPS.My only complaint about it is the battery compartment isn't waterproof. This has never been a problem for me, even in the rain, but it seems it would have been simple to make it so it could handle accidental submersion better.Now I am handing it down as I have recently received a Foretrex 101 for Christmas and love it even more, and it cost even less.
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