Editorial Review

Palm-size, lightweight, and waterproof, Garmin's eTrex Summit is a 12-channel handheld global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver. The Summit's easy-to-use menu lets you create and view waypoints, save and view track logs, calibrate the compass and altimeter, and access setup features, among others. Its trip and elevation computers calculate a range of data including direction of movement; total and average ascent and descent; current, average and maximum speeds; trip odometer--and much more. The five user buttons located on the unit's sides allow for simple single-handed operation. The eTrex Summit offers a total of20 routes to be stored, an improvement over the single route that the eTrex base model stores, as well as almost 1500 more track log points more than the entry level eTrex. Additionally the Summit offers the super useful compass and altimeter built in making it perfect to aid in traditional map and compass reading. If you plan on keeping track of every tree in the forrest then the eTrex Legend with 8MB of memory and 1,000 waypoints might be right for you.

Even in dense cloud cover or bad weather, the Summit maintains its lock on available satellites. Garmin's TracBack feature reverses your track log, helping you navigate your way back. Its graphical user interface quickly and easily identifies your marked waypoints--up to 500.

During normal operation, the Summit runs for up to 16 hours on two AA batteries and up to 22 hours when in battery-save mode. It has a built-in antenna and an external power/data connector.

Isbn: 0898865921
Sales Rank: 510071
Subjects:  1. Equipment and supplies    2. Global Positioning System    3. Navigation    4. Orienteering    5. Outdoor Life    6. Outdoor Skills    7. Outdoor recreation    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Walking   

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Stay in touch with the Kennwood TK-3100K ProTalk 1 Channel VHF radio.The Kenwood TK-3100K ProTalk 1 Channel VHF is a small and lightweight dot radiowith preprogrammed frequencies. It is a great tool to have at the job site sinceit is compatible with radios on the same frequencies as well as other makes ofjob-site dot radios. Kenwood's compact ProTalk radio also meets militarystandards for durability, so it will hold up under tough conditions. And twowatts of power give it up to a five-mile range.

In addition, the radio stores 38 user-selected squelch codes to block outunwanted interference from other users. These codes can also be used to separateconversations of various groups and eliminate confusion.

Editorial Review

Research in Motion's BlackBerry wireless handheld has been one of themost talked-about handhelds on the market recently--and the press coverage itreceived due to it being the communication gadgets of choice for Al Gore'spresidential campaign certainly didn't hurt. But thanks to its full-functionorganizer, synchronization with many popular desktop PIMs (personal informationmanagers), thumb-operated QWERTY keyboard, and, of course, wireless e-mail, theRIM 957 BlackBerry is more than just hype.

You won't receive instant wireless gratification right out of the box--you'llneed to juice up the internal rechargeable battery via the docking cradle (ACadapter included). Also, the activation process requires you to first registeronline and wait three to five business days for a confirmation e-mail.

The biggest challenges we faced, thanks to years of Palm usage, were thekeyboard and the trackwheel controller. There's no need for a stylus with theRIM 957--all text input is performed using the minikeyboard. At first we wereall thumbs, but we got the hang of it after a day's usage and could type away--evenhitting the ALT keys (which cover numbers and symbols)--like a pro. And forlonger e-mail messages, the RIM 957 is certainly easier and quicker than writingGraffiti characters with the Palm stylus.

And instead of tapping screen icons to access functions or scroll through ascreen (the RIM 957's screen is not touch sensitive), you use the trackwheel onthe right side of the device. Just roll to a desired item and press it in toselect it; this is also how you access menu items when in a list, such as theaddress book. To return to the previous screen (or get out of the menu), simplypress the Escape key below the trackwheel.

We easily synchronized the device with our Outlook contacts, to-do lists, andcalendar. The RIM 957's desktop software includes Intellisync, which cansynchronize the device with Microsoft Outlook and Schedule+, GroupWise, LotusOrganizer and Notes, Symantec ACT!, Goldmine, and Netscape.

Once out on the road, e-mailing was a breeze--we maximized our time by sendingmessages back to our office from New York taxis and while waiting for a delayedflight. With the device on, e-mail was received automatically, and we werenotified with a simple tone. You can also set the device to vibrate, which ishelpful when the RIM 957 is stored in the included belt-clip case.

The RIM 957 does have some shortcomings. There's no Web browsing, and you won'tbe able to use applications developed for the Palm OS, the predominant handheldplatform. Also, you will have to work with your company's system administratoror your ISP to receive messages from your company or other e-mail account.Finally, if you are in a rural area, you might not get any connection, as themonthly wireless service (provided through Aether Systems) is primarily focusedon larger metropolitan areas.

That said, if you're a modern-day road warrior who needs to be connected to e-mailat all times, the RIM 957 offers all the tools of a personal organizerwithout the hassle of having to jack into a modem or cell phone to get online.--Agen Schmitz

Pros:

• Wireless e-mail as easy as paging
• Typing long messages with built-in keyboard is easier than writing usingPalm Graffiti
• Full-function organizer and easy synchronization with desktop PIMs

• Not compatible with Palm OS applications
• Most rural areas won't receive service--be sure to check Aether Systems foravailability in your area
• Won't automatically connect to your company e-mail account

Editorial Review

Easy to use, quick to get started, but complex enough for the shortwave radio aficionado, the compact Sangean ATS-909 is a terrific travel radio adaptable for use anywhere in the world, receiving FM/MW, long-wave, and shortwave signals.

You can set radio frequencies using five methods, including automatically or manually through a keypad or rotary dialing. The digital clock can be fixed to local and world times and provides both an alarm and a sleep timer. You can set the radio so you can fall asleep to music and later be awakened with news, music, or the buzzing alarm. You can also set three different wake-up times, each to a different frequency.

This substantial and attractively designed unit also includes a long, retractable antenna for FM/SW and an internal antenna for good reception on medium- and long-wave bands. Tuning can be accomplished in a variety of ways; auto-tune, which scans all radio frequencies and presets your stations to the strongest signals; simple direct tuning to the desired frequency; or manual tuning with the rotary knob. The rotary tuning is quick, direct, and to us, the most effective method for finding and refining reception. An impressive internal memory holds up to 306 radio frequencies, saving you time searching.

The LCD displays the current station, frequency, local time, memory location, and the status of the alarms and all other functions. The illuminated display window can also be switched on for viewing in the dark. A small stand on the back opens to permit the radio to sit on a tabletop at the perfect angle for operation, and Sangean has included a handy list of the best times for good reception on various frequencies around the world. The carrying pouch with Velcro closures neatly fits the ATS-909 and the slim shortwave handbook, though unfortunately not the included earphones, portable shortwave reel antenna, or AC adapter. Powered by four AA batteries or the multivoltage AC adapter, the unit comes with a one-year parts-and-labor warranty. --David Greenberger

Pros:

• Multiple tuning methods
• Internal memory of 306 presets
• Includes AC adapter and external SW antenna

Cons:

• All the gear doesn't fit in the case
• Weighs nearly 2 pounds
• An intimidating number of functions for the novice