Any one used a touch screen at -40?

That is why I like this forum. As I sit here in 100 degree heat, I would not have thought of the issues of using a touch screen device (like my iphone) at -40. Not only would the device need to be kept near the body (keep the LCD warm), but you will need bare fingers to use the device.


Darn smart fellow up there, I say.

Here you go: $84 bucks from Amazon, free shipping & no tax

The high sensitivity receiver is the same chip used in their higher end Etrex models. Waterproof. Fits in your palm. Weighs a few ounces. Rated for 16 hours of continuous use with alkaline AA cells, but you would get close to 24 hours with lithium AA cells.



Ironically, my Etrex Vista HCx is full color and does mapping, but is rated for 24 hours with regular AA alkaline cells. It's also selling for $40 cheaper on Amazon than when I bought it 2 or 3 years ago. It has been a fantastic and reliable tool on the trail.

I probably get around 20 hours with rechargeable AA's (Sanyo Eneloop) with my Legend HCx and thats with color and maps and such.
Hmm, anyone have one of those $84 ones? Wife wants one of the sports watches to track walking and such but if the low end GPS like that has a trip meter and logging and such it could work, then I'll just get her the bike mount too.

Same here. I have absolutely no complaints as far as battery life (or anything else really) when it comes to my Legend HCx.

Yes that's (almost) the one I have - the original etrex.
Funnily enough I paid about $80 for it the first time.

I was trying to make the point that they build the ideal device and then add all sorts of bells and whistles until it's useless. Then bring out a revolutionary new model that almost goes back to what they had originally.


I never thought maps on a GPS were any use until I saw this gadget http://www.satmap.com/about.php which includes maps with some proper detail

I have two of the basic E-Trex, and like them. You can also hook them up to a computer with a mapping program in it and download the track to the map. Or use the GPS in the car to show the current location on a lap top ( we use this while hunting ELT's).

Not me. Used my non toch screen Garmin in -40 and it worked but buttons didn't. Few minutes inside my pocket and it worked like a charm. I read somewhere that Garmin specs put their handhelds operating temp between -30 (-30 F) and 80 celcius. But I dont know if that operating range applies to their touch screen line.

Attempted to at close to -50°F. In my experience, any LCD much below 32°F isn't very usable, especially a touch. Had some equipment with LCD screens that when exposed to direct sunlight or lower temps you would be faced with a black screen.