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Garmin has introduced the eTrex Venture Cx, an entry-level addition to the company’s eTrex Personal Navigator product line.

The eTrex Venture Cx is the least expensive eTrex handheld unit that combines expandable memory, colour TFT display, USB interface, and GPS auto-routing capabilities in a waterproof design.

‘The eTrex product line is highly regarded by adventure seekers and outdoor sportsmen because of its full features and versatility,’ said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. ‘And with the new Venture Cx, budget conscious users will no longer have to make compromises between advanced features and cost.’

Pocket sized and lightweight, the eTrex Venture Cx comes with a built-in Americas basemap (Europe on way). For greater mapping detail, you can purchase new microSD cards that are pre-loaded with BlueChart marine cartography and MapSource Topo and inland lake maps.

The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof (IPX-7) battery compartment. Users can also transfer routes and waypoints through the units’ USB connection.

Other key features of the eTrex Venture Cx include a 176x220-pixels display, battery life up to 32 hours with typical use using two AA alkaline batteries, waterproof design (submersible in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes), along with 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol (20 reversible routes, 50 points per route), 10000 point automatic track log, and 20 saved tracks (500 points each) which let you retrace your path in both directions.

The eTrex Venture Cx is expected to be available later this month and has an estimated retail price of $249 (£145). The unit ships standard with a wrist strap, owner’s manual and quick start guide.

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