Yeah, using a dead GPS to practice micro-electronics repair is a good use of the device.

If you like the eTrex format, get the one from Sportsman’s Warehouse. When you’re in the field and you need a reliable GPS, the one you “fixed” on your garage workbench might not be the best option.

OTOH, GPS City has the Garmin GPSMAP 64s with Sensors and GLONASS for $199, which is a great price imo. It’s not an eTrex, imo it’s better. Their Garmin eTrex 10 is only $84.95, still more than the $49.99 model you have locally.

$.02