Garmin GPS 12 Handheld GPS Receiver

I won a Buy It Now auction posted by FUNKOMART. I made immediate payment and was sent a thank you letter by the seller. Shortly thereafter I received another letter from the seller asking for more money. The seller claimed he had made a mistake on the purchase price even though he had multiple opportunties to review his listing or even revise it after posting. I immediately contacted Trust and Safety to let them handle the matter. I never responded to the seller's request for more money, which he eventually lied about in feedback he posted to my account saying I had agreed to $100, his request for more money only asked for $40. After about three weeks of emails going back and forth with several people at Ebay they unregistered the seller for a few days and then he was back in business. Ebay considers the matter closed. Paypal was no help since the seller issued an unwanted refund. I found he had pulled the same scheme on another buyer who also received a refund. I even gave them proof that the seller was buying from himself under another account and posting feedback both ways, a clear violation of Ebay policy. I was told there was not enough evidence, if I found it why could'nt Ebay. In the end I found out the real reason why Ebay was of such little help. They want me to pay $30 for Safe Harbor to mediate the deal. I think this is bait and switch on the part of the seller and Ebay. I have written it off too lesson learned. Never trust anyone on Ebay, especially those that work for Ebay, they are not willing to enforce their own rules. I am sure that since this review of the product does not meet Ebay's expectation it will never see the light of day. Maybe someone at Ebay can CALL me and explain the critically poor service I received and why this seller is still in business when I have not received my product.

I am a Mountaineer for Fresno County Search and Rescue and this thing trumps all the junk and mumbo jumbo of every new reciever. At one time these were Standard NAVY SAR Issue and here is why: I was in Evloution Creek on Search at 10,350 ft it was like 65 degrees and the water was swift and wetsuit cold. I dropped my Garmin 12 like 3 feet into the water, it hit a bunch of granite and just then the Helicopter needed my position for pick-up—So I picked it out of the water, wiped the screen, and read my UTM to the pilot. That is the definition of reliablity!

This thing ROCKS! Old, basic, simple, and life savingly reliable.

I bought this GPS as a backup and some primary flying. I tested it this last weekend and it works great. It's the best insurance for a private pilot. Could replace just about every critical instrument in the event of an electrical outage.

We enjoy geocaching and this GPS works well.

It is very accurate, and fun to use. We have had fun taking other family members out geocaching and they have enjoyed it as well.

We would recommend this GPS unit for geocaching.

Bought the GPS receiver several months ago and have been learning about geocaching with my son. Fortunately my son had his for several months and understood all of the fine points of the GPS systems. You have to remember, when deciding to purchase any GPS, you will need more than just the GPS itself. Remember that if you want to do it right, you will need back-up batteries (hopefully, you remembered to purchase rechargeable type with charger); also, don't forget computer interface equipment. I purchased the interface equipment and later discovered my computer had USB ports. The interface cable was equipment with a different kind of computer lead (not the USB type); so, I had to go to Radio Shack and pay an additional $35 for an interface to the interface cable. Finally works for my computer connection. Now for the final chapter. I attempted to download the internet coordinates and learned that I needed to have the correct program. Fortunately, my son was able to assist me with my dilema and now all works right. Time to set the record straight; after spending about 200 dollars more than the initial purchase I am ready to pursue geocaching. Geocaching is a fun reacreational sport and the Garmin GPS 12 Receiver is a great tool for beginners. Hopefully, I will use it for enjoying life. Take care

LOSTESO

I was looking for a GPS unit that was relativly inexpensive but yet let me have the ability to store numerous way points. I use the unit primarly for deer hunting. Going to stands in the dark, nearest access points to retreive a deer, and getting back to base when your unfamiliar with the area. The Garmin 12 fit these requirements perfectly. The unit is easy to use and provides the basic gps service. A good entry level unit for anyone to start with before deciding if you want or need a more complex and expensive unit.

I have bought this fantastic gps cause when i'm flying in the desert with the helicoper this is the best gps of ever.is an high quality precision item.

I’ve been using a Garmin 12 for several years to do archaeological field work. It’s easy to use, and the software seamlessly integrates into the MacGPS Pro software I use for mapping. The track logs function is especially valuable, since I can use it to retrace and map my survey routes for my reports. Ironically, I liked my Garmin 12 so much, I bought one on eBay as a spare, and it arrived just as I lost my original in thick bush in northern Alberta.

If you are looking for a Geocaching GPS unit, this is the one for you. Simple - easy to read - great compass to guide the way! My first purchase of this unit was at a local pawn shop for geocaching, and this thing works with some great accuracy! Heavy tree cover seems to throw it off sometime when looking for a signal under these conditions. But for comparison, a friend of mine purchased a Garmin eTrex Legend, and it work flawless with the exception of heavy tree cover. Then it perform as well as the GPS 12. I have since purchased three more GPS 12's after going through the purchase of a couple of other units, for family purposes. Now, all relatives have one for the same purpose and are enjoying these units!
*(Likes)* - *Easy navigation through the menus. A day's time seems to be enough adjustment to start getting the hang of it. *Tough - the case exterior seems hardy enough to take a sustained drop. I have dropped mine a couple of times in the woods not seeming to phase it at all. No, haven't dropped in on cement yet. *Rocker Menu - This seems easier to use than the UP-DOWN choice menus types. The rocker menu pad seems easier to use than some of the other units.
*(Dislikes)* - *Eats batteries. Seems that half a day's use eats a set of 4 batteries pretty fast. Keep rechargeables! *Funky cable connector. Seems like they would have perfected a USB instead of a 9 Pin seriel. Hey! Look at when the thing was manufactured! Oh well, still.....*
All in all....Unit gets a 8 out of 10 rating on my scale. Cost, simplicity, and ruggedness all lean the scales in it's favor.
Also out of other brands of GPS units, Garmin seems to favor me.

The GPS 12's rugged, waterproof case features military-tough construction, and its rocker keypad design provides true one-hand operation that keeps you on the move—day or night, rain or shine. It also features 500 available waypoints and 1024 track log points, nine proximity waypoints to mark and steer clear of dangerous areas, the GPS 12 also boasts a position averaging feature which displays a value that reflects the estimated accuracy of your averaged position.

This simplistic GPS is by far one of the best available. I have owned and operated many GPS units, including some of the latest available. This particular unit is one of the fastest and most accurate I have owned. This is the second GPS 12 I have owned and unless I find another in several years this unit has been discontinued. For back country operation it is superior, though without internal mapping, this is a orienteering essential tool.

I bought this for my brother since his old one sank in the Atlantic, its a very easy to use simple GPS unit. It has very good battery life probably due to the basic display. Its really good if your just using it to find your way back home, or just simple waypoints, I don't think the software is robust enough for complicated routes , then you should go with a Garmin 76. Its a very tough case , and hardy display and buttons. Its just and all around good GPS.

This is the only GPS unit that I have ever owned and/or used, so I don't have anything to compare it to. However, I can say that this particular unit is very easy to operate and seems to perform just great in all kind of rugged conditions & terrain.

What I want out of a GPS is some very basic functions - most notably the ability to create waypoints and then navigate to these waypoints. This GPS handles that task very nicely. Also, the screen is fairly large (in my opinion) for a hand-held unit and I can actually read what's on the screen. My buddy has a newer unit that is so small I can never read what is on the display.

The only thing that I wish this GPS unit had is a built-in compass. I have seen other GPS units with a built-in compass, which is a very nice feature. This one doesn't have that feature so I have to use the GPS unit along with my own hand-held compass.

The garmin 12 is a very rubust, accurate gps unit. I have owned one for many years. It does not have maps, but you can tranfer waypoints from a pc via cable.

This older style gps is still sought out by many people, including myself. I bought one several years ago and my older brother talked me out of it. He took it to Antartica where he said many of the workers use this model for geo-caching. I replaced it with an etrex, but I really missed the bigger screen and better map definition, so I bought another one on e bay.Easy to use,fast satellite acquisition, and durable. The only fly in the ointment is it's not easy on batteries. I'll deal with that.

This unit was everrthung the seller said it was. I have a friend that has one and the reaction time with the satelites is almost perfect. I've had other units before and could never zero out on my waypoints. I have no problems with this unit.

They answer every question I could have; transaction was very smooth and fast. The product was received in same condition as described. No doubt about it I will recommend this seller to everybody.

what i like about the garmin gps is that it tells me every thing from where i have been to where im going and how cool the design is. it fits juist right in with my gear when im hunting or just on scouting observations. if any one is deciding to get a garmin any would do as long as it is in good to great working condition. the one i bought was from someone who was honest because when i recieved it there was not one blemish or scraches on the unit. it was like the guy never used it so it was real plus. in conclusion this thing is over all awsome.

I BOUGHT THIS GPS AS I AM GOING HUNTING IN A NEW AREA. THE TERRAIN IS VERY RUGGED MOUNTAINS AND THE SKY IS OFTEN VERY OVERCAST THIS TIME OF YEAR AND WE OFTEN END UP OUT AFTER DARK IN OUR SEARCH FOR ELK. SO FAR I HAVE JUST PLAYED WITH THE GPS AROUND TOWN. IT PROVIDES MORE INFO THAN I EXPECTED WHICH IS A BONUS. I HAVE NEVER USED ONE BEFORE AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. I MAY END UP BUYING A MORE ADVANCED UNIT THIS NEXT YEAR AS IT IS KIND OF FUN TO USE. I DOWNLOADED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT CAN BE A LITTLE CONFUSING AT TIMES. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF STEPS TO GO THROUGH AT TIMES TO GET THE INFO YOU WANT. THE BACKLIGHTING IS A LITTLE WEAK AND SHORT LIVED, BUT THAT MAY BE AN ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM ON MY PART. I AM OVERALL VERY SATISFIED WITH THE UNIT.

Still one of the best models out there, and you can't get anything better for the current selling price. Bought this one as a replacement for one I lost.
It's older, but I haven't had any problems with it. Doesn't have Maps, but for general outdoor/offroad use its great. Great first GPSr for GeoCaching.
Accuracy diminishes in heavy vegetation, if this is a problem then check out a newer model.

I use Microsoft Streets & Trips and DeLorme Street Atlas to make the routes and then transfer them to my GPS. When traveling I use it on the car, and I haven't got lost yet!

Garmin GPS 12 GPS Receiver according to everyone who has one including my husband has nothing but praise on this handheld unit. The pricing is right and it works great. You can't go wrong with a quality piece of equipment like this whether it's for sailing, hiking... whatever!

I recently decided to purchase a GPS for our family camper. I purchased and returned 2 GPS units, the Rand Mcnally Palm V GPS and the Laptop GPS. The Palm V gps worked functionally, but would not turn off. It also was very sensitive to tree cover and positioning in the car. At times I could not get a fix. It would not work at all in the camper. Then I bought Laptop gps with the Streetfinder software. The positon and heading would drift all over the place, and the signal strength indicators would drift up and down no matter where the gps was placed. I have to say that the Street finder display was great on the laptop. My bet is that they do not have a good Quality assurance program due to the low pricing