Garmin Geko 201

Jake
Reviewed: 15 March 2008

GREAT VALUE

Small and light
Waterproof
Easy to use
Battery life seems very good (although I only use it to check my position).

Buttons a bit small if I'm being really picky but then it's a small unit!

This is the only GPS that I have ever owned and I'm more than happy with it.
As noted above, I 'only' use a GPS to check my position but the ability to do this is immensely valuable as a back-up to my (ahem) almost faultless nav skills. You can get this gadget for well under £100 now and if you're a traditional (i.e. proper) navigator, it really is all you'll ever need alongside your map and compass.
Finally, as someone who is still amazed that I can find my way around using a bit of magnetised metal, it still gives me a buzz to use it. I mean, a little gadget weighing less that 100g that can tell you where you are on the Earth's surface to within a few metres? Brilliant!

Ian Waddell
Reviewed: 10 November 2007

GOOD CHECK NAV

Small, lightweight and easy to use.

Not really a weakness but as it is so small so are the buttons. making it tricky with big gloves - not much of a problem in reality.

Excellent bit of kit and well priced. Until I hear more about Satmap then this will be staying in my rucksack. As per the previous review I only use it to check grids in bad weather so battery life is not an issue.

Ben Manwaring
Reviewed: 21 October 2005

LIGHT, SMALL AND BOMBPROOF

*Small
*Light
*Tough
*Colour (honest...)

*Battery life a bit weak (mainly because unit uses AAA's to keep weight / size down)

I generally only use the GPS to find my current grid ref in really poor visibility, so 99% of the time it sits in the bottom of my sack. This lightweight unit fits the bill perfectly, and you forget that you're carrying it. The battery life is pretty short, but I never have the unit on for long periods anyway, so it doesnt really effect me. All in all it perfectly suits my needs. Picked it up for about £90 new - just look around its easy to find cheap.