Home Handheld GPS Reviews Garmin GPSMAP 62s

Garmin GPSMAP 62s

The Garmin GPSMAP 62sThe Garmin GPSMAP 62s is the latest in Garmin GPS handheld devices, aimed to provide any traveler the practicality of having mapping capabilities plus related features at their disposal wherever they are. This device share all the best features with other Garmin devices such as Oregon and Delta, but it does have its own unique features that other travelers might prefer over the others.

Perhaps the best way to check if this model is the best GPS device for you is to have an idea of the features that are shared with other devices and also list those that are unique to it.

Features
Like the latest Oregon and Delta GPS devices, the Garmin GPSMAP 62s has a quad helix antenna that makes the device more receptive to signals. Using a highly sensitive WAAS enabled receiver, the device doesn’t miss anything. Being powered by Hot Fix technology doesn’t hurt, either. The device sports a 2.6 inch sunlight readable 65k colored screen. This makes reading on the monitor easier, even if you have to content with the glare emitted by the sun in broad daylight.

You can upload routes and record your progress through your computer. This way, you can track your progress and become aware of the routes that are waiting to be traveled or are needed to be avoided.

Battery life can last up to 20 hours just like with other state-of-the-art GPS handheld devices. It’s waterproof, just in case the device gets wet due to accidents where water is involved. As to storage, its capacity is at 2000 way points and 200 routes. That’s excellent, even in today’s standards.

Other Cool Features
This device has unique features that you don’t get from most GPS handheld devices. First, the device is preloaded with 1:100 topographic mapping. No matter how much you get turned around, you can still track where you are and where you have to go. The worldwide base map with shaded relief can come quite handy when you’re in an unknown terrain as well.

You need extra maps? You have 1.7 GB of board memory to fill up. There are many GPS maps that you can download, in case there are unchartered locations you want to visit.

The barometric altimeter is simply more advanced than the ones that you get from most GPS handheld devices. This translates to more detailed altitudinal information. Predicting the changing weather conditions and determining atmospheric pressure are also more accurate.

The device also sports a triaxis compass, which gives a more precise reading of your location, whether it’s tilted or not. So no matter how high or low the terrain is, or be it a rolling one, the device can accurately point your location and help you determine the direction you’re heading.

Of course, this model has a super responsive WIFI capability, allowing you to share routes and have access to the ones shared by other people who use a GPS device.

A Few Cons
If you’re big on touch-screen, the Garmin GPSMAP 62s is not the device for you. These are physical and rugged buttons that make the device feel a little wieldy in your hands. But that, of course, is not much of a consequence considering the many advantages this device has over others.

Conclusion
Overall, the Garmin GPSMAP 62s is a GPS device worth having. No frills here, just a high-end device that gives high-end features that certainly help you in your travels. The device can look cheap and rugged, but fortunately not to the detriment of what you can enjoy out of the device. For $349, this device is definitely worth it.