Garmin GPS 72 Handheld GPS Navigator

If Garmin would allow the customizable display to include the date-time format line available on the Satellite page on the Navigation page, this unit would be perfect. As it stands, I can toggle to the Satellite page if I need to know pretty easily, so otherwise, I'm good to go. I did find a Garmin unit that can do this, but I would have spent twice the money.

The unit is simple to understand out of the box even for a GPS novice like myself. The manual is laid out well and, with a bit of practice, complete functionality should be easy. The black body blends into the dash and the screen size is perfect for me. I can see myself marking Waypoints this Christmas for the best neighborhood light displays so I can find them again next year.

I like it. I like it a lot.


Best value for money   March 17, 2003
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Extremely satisfied. Largest screen for the money. Pages are customizable and easy to read/customizable text size. User friendly interface. Excellent reception by just putting the unit on the dashboard. External antenna not needed.


Everything Except The Map   March 3, 2003
G. S. Goldberg (Tucson, AZ)
65 out of 67 found this review helpful

The Garmin GPS 72 is the lowest priced model that has all the basic (non-mapping) features I was looking for. It is waterproof and floats. It has WAAS capability, which means it is accurate to about 10 feet. Where I live I haven't been able to use WAAS, but it still accurate to about 16-20 feet. Close enough. It has a quadrifilar antenna, which is supposed to work better under dense forests. It also means the unit works better when you hold it vertically instead of horizontally. The display is 120X160 pixels, which wouldn't be that great for a unit with mapping capability, is sharp and clear enough to use even while driving (though try to keep your eyes on the road). While it doesn't have a built in base map, it does have the locations of cities worldwide with a population of more than 200,000. For hiking, geocaching and finding your way back to your car, it's more than adequate. It has some cool features, like the estimated time you will arrive at your destination and it allows you to customize what information gets displayed on the screen. It looks and feels solid and professional (a little stripped down, but this is supposed to be a base model).
Yes, it would be nice if it had mapping capability, could connect to an external antenna, included a pc cable and had an electronic compass, but all this really isn't necesssary. It will tell you want direction for are going, but you have to be moving. If you stand in the same spot and turn around, it won't update your direction. Is that important? I carry a compass in addition to my gps. You're always supposed to have back up navigation, anyway. Battery life is around 12-15 hours if you use it continuously, but it saves all your information even you take the batteries out. The size is bigger than an e-trex, but it still fits in a jacket pocket. The buttons were all on the front and easy to use. It would be nice if it were a little smaller, but for the price, it was what I needed, no more and no less. Remember, if you want a GPS unit mainly for driving, pay the extra money and get one with mapping capability.