handheld gps units

I have several GPS for different uses. The most professional one is a Raytheon Chartplotter 630 on my motoryacht. The E-Trex Summit I bought to use for trekking and to mark the GPS location on dive trips with dive operators. They are VERY reluctant to reveal the GPS dive location. I found no difference in accuracy to other GPS. What is completely amazing is the sync time until all satellites are mapped and its ability to work by partly covered satellite horizons. The E-trex Summit syncs in about 15-30 seconds for normal use. The larger units all need 5-15 minutes!!! I have already ordered another one as backup for my boat. Two AA batteries or NiMh cells will run for more than 24 hours. The GPS III+ needs 4-5 times the batteries! The digital compass and barometric pressure/level display are very practical features and very accurate. This is not just a toy.

Well, its not really a toy... but who cares? Anyways I first got this becuase it was the cheapest GPS on the market (around $$$). I thougt this product would really be bad because right after I bought it I learned it had no mapping abilites! But then I got it and I have three words: This is cool! Although I use it more as a real GPS for my long haul bike trips, but just a ride around the neighborhood is cool. It is SO light and small and I love the automatic BARO pressure (See, when you're a pilot you have to adjust the altimeter barometer pressure manually - Also note: I don't use this for aviation). But, I don't like how it chews up batteries!

I use it when I go sking, so I see how fast I can go, I use it for biking, so I can tell how far I have gone. I can be in the middle of my two story house and still get a signal (It takes about 10 minutes though) Outside it will pick up a signal in under 30secconds. Its Great!

Pro-Easy to use
-Lots of info
-Can be used for rec/work
-Very accurate

Con-Sucks up batteries fast