November 15, 1999

Garmin® Gives New Meaning to the Term "Handheld GPS" with eTrex®

GPS innovator redefines portable design with introduction of its smallest handheld ever – the eTrex

OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin International, the industry leader in GPS design, announces yet another first in the manufacturing of electronic navigation equipment for the marine and outdoor recreation market. Garmin has unveiled the eTrex -- the most compact handheld GPS receiver on the market.

"This product is truly a small wonder," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "We've taken the best features of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver and put it into a six ounce package that is only four inches high and two inches wide. This unit will literally fit in the palm of your hand."

Besides its small size, mariners and outdoorsmen will likely notice the sleek design of the eTrex. All buttons are located on either side of the unit, allowing for simple, one-handed operation that won't obstruct your view of the display. In fact, the eTrex features only five operator buttons for the ultimate in user-friendly design. Thanks to its bright yellow case, the eTrex will be hard to misplace and easy to find in any boat or backpack. The eTrex is completely waterproof so it can take an accidental splash or dunk in the water and still continue to perform well.

Inside the eTrex, you will find the proven performance of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver that will run for 22 hours on just two AA batteries. No need to worry about dense tree canopy with this unit, the eTrex will continue to maintain a tight satellite lock even while operating in forest-like conditions. The eTrex will store up to 500 user waypoints with graphic icons and boasts Garmin's exclusive TracBack® feature that will reverse your track log and help you navigate your way back home. In addition, the eTrex uses animated graphics that will help you identify your marked waypoints quickly and easily.

Specific features of the eTrex include:

• Small compact design; unit weighs a mere 5.3 ounces and measures 4.4"Hx2.0"Wx1.2"D
• Runs for 22 hours on two AA batteries
• Buttons located on both sides of the unit for simple one-handed operation
• 12 parallel channel receiver; differential ready
• Stores up to 500 waypoints
• TracBack function navigates your way home
• Waterproof construction, to IPX7 immersion standards
• Backlit display for use in poor lighting conditions
• Built-in patch antenna

In addition to its impressive list of features, the eTrex will carry a low price that will fit into any mariner's or outdoor adventurer's budget. The eTrex will be available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $145 and will be sold standard with a lanyard and owner's manual. The eTrex will be available in December 1999.