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I have used a 12XL GPS for at least 10 years. Although it does not accommodate detailed map software, it is useful for locating your position relative to your destination. I have used mine for sailing, hiking, and hot air ballooning. I purchased this unit as a replacement for my original unit when I found out that Garmin no longer services this product at the factory. Every so often, my 12XL turns itself off, because the internal battery is low on power. The unit I bought on eBay has had that internal battery replaced, so I don't expect that to be a problem for a few years. More modern GPS units I've looked at have more features, but they are far more complicated to use. The 12XL is a simple, easy to use, durable unit. Just don't expect detailed street maps. If that's what you want, look elsewhere.Read full review
While there are many new GPS models that give you more of the ole' proverbial "bang-for-your-buck" with pretty LCD features and such, this older series of Garmin is capable of what others are not. Over time I've chosen this model where durability can't be compromised. In the past,I've used this model in the service of the American Red Cross during both public service events and most importantly, disaster relief. The Garmin 12 series doesn't flinch when dropped from heights or totally submerged in water. Although battery life via the 4 internal AA batteries is limited, an adapter provides endless power from an external source. This adapter also allows interface to radio devices, such as amateur radio, which automatically transmits your position from the Garmin. Should the internal batteries go dead while in use,the user setting, specific trip data and location are not lost in a non-volatile memory. My latest Garmin purchase has already proven it's ruggedness in an unusual application. I've mounted the unit to the handlebars my off-road KTM competition via mounts made specifically for the Garmin 12 series by Ram Mount. At high speeds in an off-road environment in the vast area of the Ocala National Forrest and other competition venues, you have to know where you are at all times. Consider this unit from a trusted ebay seller. Although an older unit,this Garmin should prove basic and easy to use. All documents for the 12 are available online.Read full review
The Garmin GPS 12XL GPS Receiver is an excellent handheld GPS for the money. The manufacturer has installed many user-friendly features that make the first time buyer or the professional happy. They manufacturer has excellent customer service and many additional add-ons to make this unit an extremely versatile GPS to be used in town, on trips, hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, four wheeling or camping. Suggestion: 1. One of the best ways to protect investment is to purchase a Protective Case for this GPS. You can find a top of the in line protective case that protects while allowing full viewing and access to all the features of your GPS unit. See a variety of cases at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2 2. Purchase cable accessories that allow you to upload or download maps and data from your GPS. Purchase a 12v auto charger so that you can always keep you unit charged before heading out cross-country. Purchase quality power and data cables at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2 3. Purchase an Amplified External GPS Antenna for the unit. The internal antenna is ok but will become intermittent in high buildings, cloudy skies and stormy weather. Purchase a quality, high gain remote antenna. See specification on 28dB and 55dB GPS antenna at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2 Cheers – Fis4herRead full review
I used several of these at field jobs in South America, one in the cloud forests of Ecuador tracking bears, and again in the jungles of Peru for mapping projects and surveying work. Reliable, allows the user to set sample times when using the route function, good memory storage, and the external antenna option is a real boon when you're deep under a dense canopy. Not excellent rating because, as one reviewer mentioned, the batteries are a bit loose, and the waterproof seal is rather questionable. Over all a really good, solid product. Many field jobs, at least in South America, require the use of either the 12LX or 12CX. Decent battery-life as well. Better than their new products which fall in the same technical range.
I like everything about the Garmin GPS 12XL except the backlight and contrast. The backlight is either on or off with no options for changing the brightness like the GPS 12. It's very difficult to glance at it in the dark and see anything! Additionally, the contrast darkens the upper data layer, but at the same time leaves a somewhat cloudy looking, shaded, second layer background. Garmin should come up with a fix for this and post it on their website! Even though it is a discontinued product, it still remains one of the best GPSs, but with these two exceptions. I will probably never buy another Garmin product because of this, unless Garmin comes up with a fix. I have seven Garmin GPS units of various kinds. The three GARMIN GPS MAPS on my bass boat are ok, but do not live up to Garmin's reputation. And as for my four handhelds; The GPS 12 is excellent! The GPS 12CX is a poor excuse for a color screen because the layered colors prevent clarity of the data on screen and only one color stands out at a time. This means you can only focus on the data that is highlighted in one of the three colors. The other data goes so dim you can't see it.. The GPS 12CX also has a backlight issue similar to the GPS 12XL. I have another GPS XL (brand new out of the box with the same issues described above. I would like to get a message from Garmin addressing these issues. Otherwise, no more Garmin anything for me. Thanks for listening.Read full review
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