Garmin eTrex 20x: GPS Navigator Review, Specifications, Advantages and Disadvantages

Ease of Use on the Garmin eTrex 20x Travel Navigator

Before starting the review of this device, it should be noted that it is not a revolutionary novelty, but is a reliable mid-range device that copes well with the assigned tasks. If we talk about the usability of the navigator, you need to pay attention that the manufacturer tried to provide maximum comfort, safety and efficiency for the device to work in any conditions. Ergonomics is expressed in the reduction of the number of manipulations required by the user to obtain a result, simplification of control and physical convenience when handling the device.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

compared to the junior 10x model from Garmin, this device is made in the pursuit of minimalism, which is expressed by the absence of protruding control keys, which have been replaced by smoothed ones analogs.

An additional positive feature of the Garmin eTrex 20x with Glonass and GPS functions is the presence rubber inserts along the entire perimeter of the gadget, which, according to the manufacturer's idea, should improve safety exploitation. Also, for high-quality fastening, the manufacturer did not abandon the metal brackets located on the back of the device.

Ease of management is reflected in the configuration features of the on-screen interface, which has a wide range of options for user settings. All basic setting items such as compass, maps, satellites can be arranged on the home screen according to individual preferences. The selection of menu items is carried out by means of a joystick, and navigation is organized according to the ringing principle.

IMPORTANT!

Movement through the menu items is carried out not in the traditional way of a long return to the starting position, but in the most logical form.

Another positive feature of the Garmin eTrex 20x navigator is the availability of detailed instructions on Russian language, which describes not only the main technical characteristics, but also the nuances use.

Main technical characteristics

The main characteristics of the device are given on the official website of the company. For simplicity, they are tabulated:

Installing Maps on the Garmin eTrex20x and Waypoints

The device is capable of recording up to 200 routes into the internal memory and simultaneously setting up to 2000 route points. The capacity of the track log offered to the user is sufficient to record up to 10,000 points. The procedure for loading new maps is no different from other models of the company.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

"Out of the box" the device is supplied with a set of maps of Russia, which are distinguished by high accuracy of information display. Some inconsistencies can be detected when downloading new maps or those created by users on their own.

The image formats used by the instrument are Garmin's proprietary .img when the user uploads vector images, or .kmz for raster maps.

The procedure for downloading and installing vector images does not cause any difficulties for the user. With raster images, difficulties can arise, which are often associated with the procedure for converting an image into a format understandable to the device - .kmz. Despite this, all maps are displayed as correctly as possible and provide reliable information about the location of objects and terrain features.

Description of technical characteristics of the Garmin eTrex20x navigator (according to the instruction manual)

Design and appearance

Unlike previous devices of the company, this gadget has received some changes in appearance and design. This led to the fact that the navigator began to fit better in the hand. It has become smaller in size and has acquired the same thickness along the entire length of the body.

The navigator began to resemble a "brick" with slightly rounded edges. The navigation mini-joystick has retained its usual place - on the front panel, but now it has changed its location, moving to the right, which will be convenient for right-handers. All ends of the device have rubberized inserts. The same material is used for the back cover, except for the cover for the battery compartment.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

the use of the technology of general coating with rubber inserts allowed to solve the problem of peeling off the protection, which was relevant for the previous versions of the company's navigators.

The result of the transformation was the external solidity of the structure, which ensures reliability during operation. There are special ribbed projections on the edges of the device, which are needed for a better "grip".

The number of end buttons remained the same - 5 pieces. The marking is applied with paint, and there are special indentations for blind pressing only on the on / off button. The buttons of the device have become smoother, but have retained the same distance between themselves.

The lower edge is equipped with a carabiner for attaching a strap, which is made of plastic. Despite the apparent fragility of the material, the eyelet has a significant thickness, which provides a margin of safety. The back panel has a microUSB connector, which is necessary for connecting the navigator to a computer, which is covered with a rubber cap for safety and reliability. A similar form of protection is used for the housing fixing screws, of which there are only six.

The back cover covering the battery compartment is removable. It also has a proprietary mount, which has ample opportunities for placing the navigator. There is a slot for installing a memory card under the batteries.

The body is assembled very soundly. When trying to squeeze the device, there are no squeaks or backlashes. Each model has a difference in color. Garmin eTrex20x navigator is made in dark brown color.

Display

A transreflective TFT matrix is ​​used as a screen, which displays up to 65,000 colors. The image is colored. Display settings offer different color schemes and day / night setting. The screen resolution is 176x220 pixels, which is not revolutionary by modern standards, but sufficient for a similar device with a diagonal size of 2.2 inches. There is a built-in anti-aliasing function, which ensures that there is no angularity and good readability of fonts and maps. You can also set the screen backlight timeout.

Working with satellites

Garmin's devices in this series are considered the first such devices to receive simultaneous GPS and GLONASS support. If the gadget is used on the territory of the Russian Federation, due to the presence of a national navigation system, it takes 20% less time to search for satellites and determine the location of a person.

IMPORTANT!

With the simultaneous use of both systems, data acquisition from 24 additional satellites becomes available.

The time to search for satellites in cold start mode in the absence of interference is a few seconds. If conditions deteriorate, then the navigator (according to reviews of real buyers) takes up to 30 seconds to connect to all available satellites. The simultaneous use of two search systems allows you to speed up the time of finding a satellite and improves the quality of laying a route and determining coordinates.

Interface

Switching on the navigator is carried out by pressing the corresponding key. In just a few seconds, the main menu opens, which is decorated in the traditional style of the company. A distinctive feature is the presence of large elements. It looks great on a small screen.

The menu is designed in a looped format for easy navigation. After reaching the last point, the user automatically jumps to the beginning. The main menu is the only default desktop. If desired, the user has the ability to expand their number by adding the most frequently used ones. There is also support for interchangeable profiles:

• tourist;
• automobile;
• for geocaches.

The settings for each profile are saved, which is necessary when switching between presets. It is possible to customize the display of the main menu. The Russian language in the interface is available immediately upon startup. In total, the device has 25 language settings.

Contents of delivery

The device comes in a quality box made of thick glossy cardboard. The sides are painted with natural landscapes, which serves to emphasize the purpose of the device - to be irreplaceable helpers when walking in the fresh air. Each box contains the following kit:

• the device itself;
• USB cable required to connect to a PC;
• documentation.

The latest firmware version installed in the device is 2.40. An update is also available on the official website of the manufacturer in the form of version 2.60. The Garmin eTrex20x device comes with a set of maps of Russia published by Navikom.

The disadvantage is the lack of an installation disk for the computer. All necessary utilities and drivers are proposed to be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website. Also, unlike the earlier series of navigators, the Garmin eTrex20x does not come with a strap, which will need to be purchased separately.

Where to download maps for Garmin eTrex20x

A serious flaw of the manufacturer is the lack of a faster USB 2.0 format in the device. This results in a long download time for maps after downloading. You can download maps on specialized forums or the official website of the company. It is better to choose the .img format. After uploading such a picture, you just need to place it in the Garmin folder, after which the map will be available. Using a proprietary format does not require preliminary preparation of images or their collection into a single file if they are downloaded from different sources.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

if a map of the same area from different performers is selected, then switching between different images is available through the settings.

Raster maps require preliminary preparation for correct understanding by the navigator. This can be done using specialized software or the GoogleEarth service. Most of the tips on the internet on how to properly download maps with the .kmz extension are geared towards enthusiasts and people who are "friends" with a computer, so it is better to stay on a verified official format.

Download instruction in Russian for Garmin eTrex20x

Despite the presence of detailed operating instructions in the kit, sometimes it becomes necessary to obtain this file in electronic format. You can download the instruction on the official website, where it is available in .pdf format. You can also try looking at specialized forums where navigators or devices from a particular manufacturer are discussed.

Navigator Garmin eTrex20x: customer reviews

slavka000, Russia:

“Advantages: reliable case, support for memory cards, support for both GPS and GLONASS, as well as ease of use.

Disadvantages: small and not very high-quality display.

Overall impression: my personal guide. "

Read more on otzovik:http://otzovik.com/review_955631.html

Sterhus, Voronezh:

“Advantages: vitality.

Disadvantages: it won't let you get lost, but no more.

Overall impression: not bad, but I do not recommend it. "

Read more on otzovik:https://otzovik.com/review_5563427.html

Roman Demchenko, Cherepovets:

“Advantages: comfortable orientation.

Disadvantages: no.

Overall impression: a faithful assistant in the campaign! ".

Read more on otzovik:https://otzovik.com/review_5194455.html

Where to buy the Garmin eTrex20x navigator

The most profitable will be the purchase of the device through online stores, since in this case the value of various markups, which retail retailers “sin”, will be reduced. If making purchases via the Internet seems unsafe, then it is quite possible to buy a gadget in ordinary electronics stores, or specializing in the distribution of goods for outdoor activities, hunting and fishing. The cost of the device starts at 8,000 rubles. in online stores and reaches 11,500 rubles in retail chains.

Bottom Line: Advantages and Disadvantages

Purchasing a device is a good choice for people with active lifestyles who want to always find the right route. The Garmin eTrex20x is a budget navigator that's compact, rugged for extreme conditions and easy to use. Additionally, it is suggested to watch a video review of the device.