Garmin Dakota 10 information from Consumer Reports

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Garmin Dakota 10

Price range:

$170.01 - $299.99

Summary: This model has been tested by our experts.

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About - Garmin Dakota 10
The Garmin Dakota 10 is part of the GPS test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, handheld hiking GPS models like the Dakota 10 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Guidance: Guidance is based on the unit's features that aid in guiding a user on an outdoor excursion. Geocaching: Geocaching rates the system's compatibility and function related to this form of GPS-enabled treasure hunting. Score includes how a user loads the geocache location to the unit, what information is displayed (coordinates, comments, description, clues, difficulty, terrain, cache size), and the manner that geocaches are listed (name or code). Power: Power reflects battery life as measured by testing units on full brightness with power-saving modes turned off. All tests were done with alkaline AA batteries.

About - Garmin Dakota 10

The Garmin Dakota 10 is part of the GPS test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, handheld hiking GPS models like the Dakota 10 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Guidance:: Guidance is based on the unit's features that aid in guiding a user on an outdoor excursion.
Geocaching:: Geocaching rates the system's compatibility and function related to this form of GPS-enabled treasure hunting. Score includes how a user loads the geocache location to the unit, what information is displayed (coordinates, comments, description, clues, difficulty, terrain, cache size), and the manner that geocaches are listed (name or code).
Power:: Power reflects battery life as measured by testing units on full brightness with power-saving modes turned off. All tests were done with alkaline AA batteries.

About This Brand
By far the biggest selling brand, with more than 50 percent of the market. Based in Olathe, Kan., Garmin was founded in 1989, and today it has 7,000 employees. Garmin GPS navigators have consistently scored near or at the top of our ratings. In addition to portable GPS units, Garmin makes a variety of fitness training devices and products for marine and aviation use. The company announced plans to sell its own telephone with built-in navigation two years ago, but the scheduled release date has been pushed back several times.

About This Brand

By far the biggest selling brand, with more than 50 percent of the market. Based in Olathe, Kan., Garmin was founded in 1989, and today it has 7,000 employees. Garmin GPS navigators have consistently scored near or at the top of our ratings. In addition to portable GPS units, Garmin makes a variety of fitness training devices and products for marine and aviation use. The company announced plans to sell its own telephone with built-in navigation two years ago, but the scheduled release date has been pushed back several times.

Features & Specs - Garmin Dakota 10
Screen size (in.) The diagonal length of the display screen measured in inches and rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch. Screen size (in.)	2.6
Battery life (hrs.) After being fully charged, the length of time in hours that the unit remained on, while set to full brightness. Battery life (hrs.)	18
Topographic maps Indicates if the model includes more detailed maps that use contour lines to represent the three-dimensional features of a landscape. Topographic maps	No
Electronic compass Provides the added ability to indicate the direction a user is traveling when standing still or walking slowly. Electronic compass	No
More features and specs

Additional Information (The information below has been supplied by an external source.)

General Information
Manufacturer	Garmin, Ltd
Manufacturer Website Address	www.garmin.com
Product Line	Dakota
Product Model	10
Product Name	Dakota 10 Portable Navigator
Product Type	Handheld GPS Navigator

User Reviews - Garmin Dakota 10

Consumer Reports User Reviews

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Anonymous

from

Central PA

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Dakota 10

12/23/2010

Pros

Accurate

Large Screen

One Hand Control

Quick Navigation

Reliable Reception

Cons

Best Uses

Geocaching

Hiking

Comment:

Got this as a great deal from [...]. I think I got a great deal. Primary reason for purchase was hiking on Colorado Mtns. Found this device was fairly easy to set up and go. Some trial and error is needed before you go on the hike. Found the device to be easy to use and read throughout hiking. 1st trip with this was highest mountain in continental US. Worked perfectly. I found on the way down, I actually went onto a side (closed) trail and didn't realize it for about 1/4 mile. Quick Look on GPS I realized it, but not only saw where I was at, but found that I was able to save time instead of backtracking, the GPS had shown me another trail that was close, and saved me time. Although I wouldn't have gotten lost, I would have spent extra time and energy going back to the point where I left the trail. Have used this several times in GEOCACHING. Still learning, but found this device easy to use. Downside to geocaching is you cannot actively access internet and download other caches that are close. You must download all this information prior to leaving. Not a huge deal to me, but I am sure some computer techie guru will complain about this.

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