Garmin Geko 201 Handheld GPS

Map page. View larger.

Compass display. View larger.

The Geko 201 packs easy-to-use GPS navigation into an affordable, handheld device. View larger.

The Garmin Geko 201 has five keys located on the front of the unit for easy one-hand use that allows the user to quickly access all of the unit's functions. The Geko 201 has a 64 x 100 pixel, high-contrast display for easy viewing and is powered by only two AA batteries (not included) that can run for up to 12 hours. In addition, the Geko 201 boasts an upcoming-turn feature that alerts the user of the next turn within 15 seconds by bending the compass arrow in the direction of the next waypoint.

Not just a regular navigational aid, the Garmin Geko 201 also includes four fun, interactive games that transform the great outdoors into a virtual board game. Enjoy a good workout while chasing a virtual lizard in Geko Smak, match symbols in a grid version of Memory Race, navigate to reference points without crossing one's trail in Nibbons, and collect symbols along a path in Virtual Maze.

Designed with the user in mind, this Garmin GPS unit weighs a light 3.1 ounces with batteries, and measures a pocket-size 1.9 by 0.96 by 3.9 inches (W by D by H). The Geko 201 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, meaning it can be submerged down to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, and is rugged enough to endure the most trying use. And the Geko 201 provides that most critical of benefits--peace of mind. With the Geko 201 you will always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And since you will always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do--explore the outdoors.

What's in the Box
Geko 201 GPS receiver and manual.

Product Description
Gekos are the smallest and lightest waterproof GPS units on the market - inexpensive, with sleek designs and simple operating systems.With its distinctive canopy-green case, the powerful Geko 201 allows more waypoint and route storage, as well as available PC and external power connectivity, and built-in WAAS capability. In addition, the Geko 201 boasts a user-configurable trip computer, 10,000 trackpoints, a new upcoming-turn feature, as well as PanTrack and TracBack.The Geko 201 also includes four fun, interactive games that transform the great outdoors into a virtual board game. Enjoy a good workout while chasing a virtual lizard in Geko Smak, match symbols in a grid version of Memory Race, navigate to reference points without crossing one's trail in Nibbons, and collect symbols along a path in Virtua Maze.

First, the Geko 201 is a serious GPS receiver. It features WAAS differential correction; memory for 500 waypoints, twenty routes, a whopping 10,000 track points and ten saved tracks; and it connects to external power or to your PC for data transfer with an optional cable. It floats. The array of five buttons is easy to use. The screen is tiny, but it's not that hard to read. Menu choices allow configuration of the data screens to your liking. The back is rubberized, so you can lay it on your dashboard (where it works quite well) and not have it slide around. Using only two AAA batteries, the unit is light as well as small enough to fit in a shirt pocket (but the limited power supply may be an issue for some as explained below). The Geko also has four built-in arcade games, a novelty to emphasize that GPS can be fun.

The Geko doesn't show base maps but is adept at recording points and lines (keeping track of where you've been, locations you want to remember and where you'd like to go). If you want a GPS unit to use primarily for hiking or recording locations, the absence of base maps isn't that significant. Fact is that the base maps in many GPS units don't provide enough detail to be of much use at a close-in scale unless you can download more features from a CD. If you need map detail, a Geko easily connects to a PDA or laptop computer to display your location in navigation programs or even projected on aerial photos.

The Geko utilizes a built-in "patch" antenna (a square plate inside the unit, located under the lizard logo). I found the antenna remarkably sensitive when the unit is held correctly. It works best in a horizontal orientation, the top edge of the unit pointed to the horizon. That way the antenna can look up to the sky. Hang it around your neck on a lanyard, though, and the reception will drop. (Note: Unlike receivers with a patch antenna, GPS units like the Garmin 72 and 76 series using a quadrifilar helix antenna should be operated with the top edge pointed skyward.)

As an experiment, I took both a big Garmin GPSMAP 76S and the Geko 201 on a hike through a forest area. I wanted to see if the Geko could perform as well and hold a track in a wooded situation. After the hike I downloaded the data with a freeware mapping program (USAPhotoMaps) to overlay the GPS tracks on a TerraServer aerial photo. That's the best way to visualize where you've been. To my surprise the tracks and waypoints recorded by the two units were nearly identical. The Geko had no problem holding a signal in the test, even while I walked through a crowded pine plantation.

On the downside, Geko's rather feeble power supply - two AAA batteries - disappoints me. Garmin claims that two AAA alkaline batteries can last up to twelve hours (on battery saver mode). For economy, however, I use NiMH rechargeable batteries. I know that NiMH power cells don't last as long as alkaline, but the duration was far shorter than I expected - only 40 minutes set on standard mode in 32 F March weather. At 60 F (~16 C) the Geko ran just two hours on fresh NiMH batteries. It operated five and a half hours in battery saver mode with NiMH batteries on the warm dashboard of my car. It's also peculiar that the Geko manual extols lithium batteries for cold weather use and long life when nobody manufactures AAA lithium batteries. Only AA-cell batteries from Energizer are available in a lithium formulation. They can operate to -40 F and last four times longer than alkaline batteries, but sadly do not fit a Geko.

Although you may rely on a more complex GPS for serious tasks, having a miniature Geko tucked in your pocket or bag could be handy. If you toss the Geko to your kids in the back seat to play arcade games en route to your destination, however, the batteries could be dead by the time you arrive. You might prefer a recreational GPS unit using AA batteries for extended outdoor activities, but a Geko is a good buy for educational, casual or backup use.


How do they make something so good, so tiny?!?!   May 25, 2003
Mr. P. R. Allen (Belfast, Ireland)
46 out of 47 found this review helpful

Let's start with the downsides:-

1. Battery life is about 6 hours, so make sure you bring a few spares on long hauls.

2. Doesn't float. Not a nig negative for me, but may be for you.

3. That's it. Yes, it has no maps, but it doesn't need them - this ain't aimed at those users. You may as well say it has no marine or flight addons.....same thing - it's aimed at hikers/runners/cyclists/hobbyists.

Upsides? Lots!

1. Size - It is TINY. It's smaller and lighter than my mobile phone.

2. Waterproof. Tested it, true, it is. Water got into the batter compartment, and it didn't affect operation. Weird.

3. Trackpoints - 10000. Yes, Ten thousand.

4. Although its a budget model, it doesn't scrimp on other basic features - 20 route or 125 legs, 10 saved tracks, 500 waypoints, its plenty for anyone.

5. WAAS. Not used in the UK yet, but next year.

6. PC Connectivity - allows me to use my Ozi Explorer to upload/download pretty much everything.

7. Ease of use.... I was up and running in literally no time.

8. Speed - acquired satellites pretty damned quickly.

9. Feel - Feels damned good in the hand - buttons/screen well placed, feel good. Some have mentioned an on button problem, I don't see it myself.

10. Trip Computer - nice for runners/cyclists. Lots of configuration available to the user too.

11. Colour - you ain't gonna lose this gadget in a hurry....

12. Price - At 120 including VAT (UK) it's pretty amazing value.

Summary - for a hiker etc, it does the job extremely well, especially if you use it with a PC. As far as I'm concerned, there are no decent competitors on the market - all others fall short in some way.

10/10. Easily.


Excellent (and tiny) GPS   April 14, 2003
ichor (PacNW, USA)
33 out of 35 found this review helpful

This little GPS, while not having any removeable memory nor a large bank of memory, does VERY well with what it does have. It easily stored a 6 hour hike in it's memory, with less than half the memory used. For street mapping, it has a connection for a computer -- And coupled with Delorme Street Atlas USA, is a high-end solution for in car navigation. (Requires the cables and a serial/USB converter, which are reasonably priced and excellently assembled at the pfranc project.) The eTrex cable/converter is the same for this Geko.

The battery life isn't really a negative -- ten to twelve hours of operation is just fine, and you can replace low batteries without losing information, so nothing is hurting there. Overall, the price for this unit makes this unit an excellent purchase. Only complaint is that the color is a bit ugly -- And the stretch holster offered by Garmin doesn't do anything for its appearance either.


Excellent choice for back packers, but may have a fatal flaw   April 2, 2003
Bill's reviews (Virginia, United States)
25 out of 29 found this review helpful

At first glance, the Gecko 201 seems to be an excellent choice for a back packer's navigation system. The super compact size and light weight were among the primary reasons I chose it. It's very easy to use and it seems to be a good value based on price and features.

It should be noted that it's low cost comes at the expense of even the most rudimentary accessory. It has nary a belt clip and the manuals are the only accessories it comes with.

As much as I like the unit however, it may have a fatal flaw. The power on button is not protected and is very easily activated. Someone tossing it in a day pack or back pack pocket may find the batteries drained when they next get it out.

If I were Garmin, I would design a mechanism to disable accidental powering on of the unit. Absent this oversite, I would have rated it 5 stars as a back packer's GPS in this price range.


Everything a trekker, climber or mountain biker needs   June 24, 2003
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

This is an excellent, economical piece of gear for trekkers, climbers and mountain bikers. Competent wilderness travelers will already have a paper topographic map and compass, and this little GPS is a great navigational supplement. I have found that the Geko 201 works well even under tree cover on the side of a large mountain. I've used the Geko 201 to pinpoint my position (in conjunction with a USGS topo map) while hiking cross-country, and I've used the route feature with pre-programmed waypoints to navigate cross-country solely by GPS. My experience indicates that you will run the batteries down quickly if you navigate solely with the Geko 201, but the unit supplements traditional navigation very well. I think the Geko 201 has everything that a wilderness traveler needs, assuming previous experience in traditional map/compass navigation. Besides, more expensive GPS units with the capability to upload software packages are for specialist professions or those who need a toy to fiddle with, not for serious wilderness travelers. Go with the lightweight Geko 201 and save room in your pack for stuff you really need, like food!!! By the way, after reading other reviews of the Geko 201 I was concerned the unit might turn itself on and off in my pocket or pack (on-off button is not protected), but it hasn't happened.