Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I have not used an eTrex 20x. As you can see in my post above, I use a Garmin 64. I also have a Garmin 62S, and since it is getting harder to find devices that use AA batteries, I have a 64ST that I recently bought used on Ebay to have as a backup.
I usually use my Garmin 62S for backpacking, canoeing, kayaking. I can't charge the batteries inside it like I can with the 64, so the older 62S is for backpacking and canoeing only. The 64 is the one I use on my bike because I can charge it while in use, but in a pinch can use that for any other outdoor activities too.
I recall reading that a couple Tour Divide racers this year navigated using an Etrex, not sure the model, but they had a Garmin cycling specific GPS along as a backup. I thought it was interesting that the cycling specific ones were the backups instead of primary use.
On a tour a year ago, I started to worry. Turned on my Garmin, usually takes maybe a minute to get up and going. But it kept saying it was loading favorites or maps or something for a LONG time. But finally got up and going, worked fine for rest of trip. After that scare, I might bring a spare GPS on future tours, for the weight it is a cheap insurance policy to have a spare since I already own one.
Flash memory does have a limited number of write cycles before it fails. Software is usually written to spread the wear evenly, and even to avoid segments that go bad, but that only works for so long. Usually people discard electronics before that happens, or something else goes bad first, but it's something to be aware of when relying on older electronics.