I would have to agree that the Garmin Etrex has spent way to much time trying to make it small and it doesn't have very good reception in tree cover as a result of it's size (no room for antenna). Small is not always better. My last GPS was a 315 and it was a great GPS with great reception but is very limited in mapping upload capability. I would go with one of the Magellan Meridian series as they offer you upgradeability and you can download topo or street maps and they get awesome reception. I selected the Magellan Meridian Platinum and it is a super GPS however the few things it offers over the Gold probably aren't that important so I would recomend the Magellan Meridian Gold.
Good luck and welcome.
Hook
--- In gpsstash@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen G Kowalchuk" wrote: > Hey everybody. > > I'm new to the sport and looking forward to getting started. I was > wondering if their were any members of the list residing in the Rochester > New York area. I plan on buying my first GPS reciever this Thursday. > Probably get the basic Garman Etrex. Any comments on this unit? > > Thanks > > Steve