Garmin eTrex 20x Review

Our Verdict

If you've been in the market for an inexpensive handheld GPS with fantastic value, the latest GARMIN ETREX may be a perfect fit. Featured as our Best Buy award winner, this unit is lightweight (5.1 oz) and very affordable (only $200). Enjoy 25 hours of battery life, a large internal memory (3.7 GB) and all the basic functions of a handheld GPS unit. Similar to the Magellan eXplorist 510, this unit can hold up to 2,000 waypoints and 200 routes. It comes with a basic base map with the option to upload topo maps. We are also very impressed with the accuracy of this device. It utilizes both GPS and GLONASS satellite networks (with WAAS compatibility) for accuracy up to nine feet in open areas. 

This simple handheld GPS is perfect for navigating through the backcountry. It does lack some features that our higher performing models don such as wireless share technology, electronic compass, and barometric altimeter. 

We also performed navigation tests to better determine the accuracy of the units. We flagged out an area and marked a waypoint. We then walked away and had the device navigate us back. All devices navigated us back within 40 to 98 inches of our original way point. The Garmin Montana 680 proved to be most accurate while the Garmin eTrex navigated within 85 inches of the original position. Overall, the device is fast to attain a signal, but not as accurate as higher performing devices.

The exterior of the device is equipped with a simple toggle that serves as a button for direction and entering. On the right are two buttons. One is a "back" button while the other is the backlight. On the left are three buttons. One for quick menu access, and the other two for zoom in/out. This device is not equipped with a touchscreen, which makes it a great option for those who prefer buttoned devices.

5 Ways for Bootstrapped Startups to Get Through the First Year

In the eyes of an investor, a bootstrapped startup that has proven stable and successful within the first year is powerful. It not only raises confidence in the product and the leadership behind it, but also indicates that any invested money will likely not be thrown away.

Ultimately, when it comes to working with investors, it’s important to prove that a startup and the people behind it not only know how to spend money, but know how to bring in additional money.

To successfully bootstrap a company in its first year, it’s important to consider a few things:

4 Things Entrepreneurs Should Think About That May Not Be in the Business Plan

Walking away from the comfy confines of the corporate world to start our own business was not only scary but we also encountered considerable skepticism from family and friends. What about job security, room for advancement, a 401(k) and insurance, they asked. Some wrote us off as simply two naive, young women. Others thought we were crazy to walk away from everything our burgeoning corporate careers appeared to offer for a situation in which success was far from guaranteed.

We weren’t just making this decision on a wing and a prayer, though. We had identified a tremendous potential opportunity. Having recently helped several entrepreneurial friends market their new businesses, we recognized the positive impact that social media offered for brand awareness, reputation management and lead generation. We learned how to successfully target large numbers of business prospects in a cost-effective way. Once we were able to begin quantifying results and demonstrating a return on investment, we launched our own social-media-marketing agency.

4 Tests to Tell If You're Ready to Be an Entrepreneur

There are plenty of reasons for not starting a company. Odds are good that starting a company will not make you rich or famous. Only 1 in 10,000 funded startups become worth more than $1 billion, venture capitalist Mike Maples Jr. told me in a recent interview.

I am not sure how scientific that number is, but let's assume that it's close enough to indicate that starting a company is not a sure road to riches. Another reason for not starting a company is not enjoying the experience of working for a boss. Sure, there are plenty of entrepreneurs who like to determine how they spend their time and who realize that they can hold their destiny in their own hands. But the simple reality is that entrepreneurs launching their own companies take on a new -- and often a more complex set of bosses.

One of my business-school classmates has told me that he reports to his employees. Starting a company will not free you from having a boss. Bear in mind that you'll also report to your customers, investors and suppliers, too. If those two reasons for starting a company are out the window, why do it then?
Here are four reasons: