First, I got my new Legend H to do what I wanted. After opening the box, it took me about 3 hours (non field time) spread over 3 days (with field time) to show trails on GoogleEarth and download a data set in a free program recommended by UNH CoopExt. I never met a computer that was not stupid and have read too many instructions written by people who forget what it is like to be a real new user.
Yes the manual is not very wordy. Those who understand GPS units will probably consider it to be an adequate quick start guide. ATTENTION NEWBIES: expect to spend some time playing before really trying to use it. For example, the USB connection on an XP machine. The manual says to download software from [...] (period) and plug in the cable. On the web you then learn (or ignore) that you must download the USB drivers for Garmin products, in addition to the Legend software. And they leave out that you should reboot your XP computer after installing the drivers. I had to reread everything several times and then remember (after 45 minutes) the primary solution to every computer problem: turn everything off and back on. That did the trick, it communicated.
The most recent reviews about the Legend H helped make up my mind. The eTrek H was about $90 at Walmart. A cable to connect it to my computer's USB was going to be $15 - $20 . The Legend I got via Amazon was $116, including cable. So for $10 more I received: a higher res screen, 500 more waypoints, simple maps and area calculator and 24 mgs memory. The unadvertised surprise: it only took 2 days to get to me with free shipping!
Yes the screen is hard to read sometimes but that could be my eyes and contrast settings. As for the buttons and menu system, you will react in a crisis how you train. Moral of the story: make all your mistakes and develop your best practices while walking around a place you know, well before you really need it. I was at my budget limit, I am sure another $200 would solve those issues.
I am happy and now will start looking for some web based free instructions about tracks, marks and waypoints. Plus I am going to follow some of those other reviews about other free software products to turn my data into another learning curve.Get more detail about Garmin Legend H Handheld GPS Navigator.
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