Garmin GPS 12

This small unit fits the weekend angler's pocket book and yet is as accurate because the big ones.

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Pros



 Comparatively inexpensive

 12 satellite uplink for accuracy

 500 waypoint memory



Cons



 Weak plastic console mount

 Battery life is only enough for just one fishing trip

 Waypoint input is cumbersome

GPS For Cars

Description



 A small, light weight, hand held GPS unit

 Uses as much as 12 satellites for accurate readings

 Provides either compass heading or runway path



Guide Review - These guys 12

Finding Your Way



Garmin has put lots of product in a small package. The GPS 12 could well be the most popular hand held GPS unit. It arrives with a nice array of add-on options, including a small plastic console mount along with a cigarette lighter power cord to save you on batteries.



I prefer the roadway guidance towards the compass heading mode, however it has both if you prefer one over the other. With 500 waypoints in the memory, you can store a ton of fishing spots.



The waypoint input is like all of the handhelds - more than cumbersome. But that may be overlooked if you study the user guide and practice.



Battery life is advertised as 12 hours. I can get 12 hours, but only with the most expensive batteries - the system takes four AA batteries. I end up buying four new ones every trip just to make sure I can go back home. The cigarette lighter cord option fixes battery problem, but in rough water, I find the plastic console mount is not strong enough to hold the unit. So, I wind up using it as a true handheld, and consequently need the batteries.



I find this GPS to become an excellent value and a very accurate unit. I have not seen it be off by a lot more than about ten feet, and frequently puts me exactly at that moment.

Garmin GPS 12