Archive for January, 2005
Review: Garmin 12XL GPS
I purchased my first GPS in April 2001 when I was over in Australia for a friend’s wedding. I wanted to get a GPS primarily to learn about its application for Civil Defence and Emergency Management, but I had also heard about this thing called geocaching on Slashdot.
My first play with it was on the back deck of the Manly Ferry sailing from town out to my friend’s place near Manly. It was very cool when it locked onto the satellites and I got my first lat/long reading and a velocity 
The key points that sold me on the 12XL were twofold. First, it was a model that I could connect to a computer, and secondly I could connect and external antenna to the unit.
Key Stats: -
- Dimensions (HxWxD) : 148x54x31mm
- Weight : 270 grams
- Screen (HxV) : 38mm x 56mm
- Pixels (HxV) : 64 x 100, Black and White
- Waypoints : 500
- Tracklog Points : 1024
- Routes : 20
- Waypoints per Route : 30
The 12XL is a simple yet powerful GPS unit. The screen is medium sized, but has a low resolution by todays standards, so it is not capable nor suitable for uploading maps to. It does the job for displaying waypoints and tracklogs though.
It is one of the best performing handheld GPS units when it comes to retaining satellite lock under tree canopy where other units, such as the Garmin eTrex will have reduced or no signal.
These days however, the 12XL has been knocked down the specification ladder by newer, faster, cheaper and more powerful units. It would make a great unit for getting started when picked up secondhand however!
Pros: -
- Great battery life from 4AA’s
- External antenna connector
- Very good reception under bush canopy relative to other handheld units
- Software Version 4.58 works very well
- Can connect to computer via serial port
Cons: -
- Small screen and resolution relative to newer units
- Some units have a problem with the memory battery failing and having to be replaced
- Older software versions not as good
Related Links: -
- GPS 12 XL on Garmin’s website