Garmin GPS18x USB (010-00321-31)

The GPS18x USB is a genuine high-sensitivity GPS sensor. It has converted my Windows 8 tablet into a superb navigator with performance equal to current model hand-held GPS units. I tried two other smaller less expensive USB devices, but they were much slower to find satellites and would give totally wrong readings quite often when used in my car. With the GPS18x I'm back on the road again! The unit is very well built, and can be used outdoors. With the lead supplied and magnetic back, it can be placed on the roof of the car for a better signal. The price of the ruggedness is a fairly large size - 60mm diameter.

I bought this to replace my Etrex as a GPS for a laptop based mapping system. Works with XP and Windows 7 after manually loading drivers. Works very well in heavy forest areas with no trace of wandering. Only used it for 1 weekend so far. In short I cant fault this device.

Compared to my old (SiRF Star) GPS Mouse the Garmin is as solid as a rock. According to the specs, it has a Storage Temp of 90 C (compared to 80 C for my GPS Mouse) so it should be happier travelling on my dashboard (I try to keep a white cloth over it anyway). My old GPS Mouse 'died' (started taking longer and LONGER to get an accurate position) so hopefully I'll have this Garmin for the long haul. I was a bit apprehensive at first as this Garmin does not output NMEA data. However, I didn't need to but, I've found that it really makes sense to use the (Windows) downloadable 'GpsGate Client'. This allowed me to share the Garmin over multiple applications. And it also outputs NMEA data. I've found the Garmin gets an accurate fix very quickly, even under my worst conditions (light forest and significant cloud cover). (Actually always within its specified Acquisition Times which was often not the case with my GPS Mouse.) In all other respects it does what it says on the box.

No problems fast.

The Garmin GPS18-USB combines a GPS built into the GPS' antenna with USB connective. Time delay from power up to acquiring the current almanac, is a little long by today's ultra fast standards, but good for its day. It's a reliable GPS. I mainly use the GPS18-USB with Oziexplorer these days. I have been using Oziexplorer since 1998. I have recently purchased a 2nd GPS18-USB. Note: USB in general, is a poor form of connection when used for mobile operations.