GPS Information.net Forum >

Sanyo Eneloop 2000 mAh in my Vista HCx ran about 24 hours continuous before shut-down. Disabling WAAS showed no significant change in battery life in my admittedly small sample set.

For comparison, the 76CSx ran about 18 hours. Compass off and microSD in place for both tests.

Added 2007.08.21;
A 76C ran for about 26 hours on identical batteries.

Same batteries, with a Legend HCx, I've been able to squeeze just a little more that 24 hours, even with the WAAS option on.. Only about 16 hours, though on a Venture HC....

I really think Garmin went all-out on making these versions battery savy.

I picked-up on Eneloops from a past podcast of "Podcacher", and I've been a devotee of them since. A friend picked-up a set on my recommendation, as well as the Venture HC, when he was looking for a GPS he could plot out a area for forest fires, with the forestry service.. He hasn't used it much, but it still maintains a charge even with the slow trickle the GPS uses during down time.

I haven't run into any other battery, Even Sanyo's own label, that maintain a charge like the Eneloops. (you would think? same company, but orange label.. 2500MHa.) they can't hold a charge on their own less than 3 days.. Even worse in a GPS. less than 8 hours, then PHHHHT!

I own 8 pairs of eneloops. (yes, 16 total 12 AA and 4 AAA ) I keep most of my GPS & digital camera equipment powered with them. The ONLY device that eats them alive, is the AAA pack for two magellan Explorist GPSrs. (400 & 500. the 400, is a little more battery savy, but the 500 is brutal! I stick to their stock LIon pack.)

Stephen

For comparison, the 76CSx ran about 18 hours. Compass off and microSD in place for both tests.