G'Day Adrian,
I use a Garmin E-Trex (the base model) and I also use OziExplorer on my laptop and PC.
I'm very happy with the E-Trex. It is light, simple and robust and performs all the basic functions very well. It doesn't have in-built maps, but the E-Trex versions higher in the range do. The E-Trex has a reputation for not finding satellites under tree cover, where the more expensive GPS's might. This purely depends on signal sensitivity and the degree of canopy cover. I haven't found this to be a big problem to me. While I have noticed it can have difficulty finding satellites when you turn it on under trees, it does well to hold onto signals while moving through trees. So look at sensitivity specs before you buy, if this is critical to you. The E-Trex runs on AAs and 2 AA Duracells will give you better than 22 hours operating time. The screen is easily readable in bright sunlight and there is a backlight for night use.
As for Ozi-Explorer... it's great. Arguably the best $150 bucks you'll spend (if you are into GPS and mapping activities) and it's an aussie product. gpsoz.com.au also sell a disk of topo maps covering NSW for just $30. Oziexplorer will let you view where you've been, save waypoints and tracks (a plot of where you have been) and up load them to the GPS, etc. Ozi-Explorer will talk to most if not all GPS's.
Al.
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