Garmin eTrex30X First Impressions

I'm preparing to go to the Adirondack High Peaks on Sunday and although it's not a must have, I do like to have a GPS for a little added security and lower frustration in some situations especially since I will be solo. I pulled out my old Garmin 62s and found out the micro USB connector had crapped out and I couldn't connect at all to my computer.  If I had a bunch of time, I'd probably send it in to Garmin to get it fixed, but I don't have time.  I figured I'd pick up a new one instead.  After doing some research I think I'd like an eTrex 30X.  Besides Garmin there really isn't much competition other than Delorme.
I can't stand touch screens for backcountry.  I don't know who would.  Your hands are dusty, wet, covered in gloves, etc.  But some people must since Garmin keeps pumping out new models. The eTrex and the 64s aren't touch screen.  The eTrex is the only thing you can even remotely call light weight in Garmin's lineup.  Somewhere along the line it seems noone gave Garmin's product managers the memo that people like super light weight things in the backcountry.  My old 62s is a beast and the newer 64s hasn't changed at all since that.  Honestly I think the only thing different is the processor is faster and maybe more memory.  The eTrex blows the others away in terms of weight, as well as an impressive-on-paper 25 hours operating time on batteries, compared to 16 for most others Garmin offers. On top of that, the resolution of 240x320 is twice that of the 64s ridiculously low resolution of  160x240 (what is this, 1992?).
Opening the box and taking it out, the 30X IS small, with a smaller screen compared to my 62s.  That's OK.  I transfered my old SD card with some maps on it to the 30X, fired it up and put some maps on the 30X via MapSource (screw Basecamp, it still sucks), then threw some batteries in it and turned it on.  The rear cover has a quarter turn lock on it, similar to the 62S but not with the overdesigned investment cast aluminum dovetail the 62S has - this time it's plastic for the eTrex, and I'm OK with that.  I managed to set my preferences easily enough as the controls and still confusing-as-hell to find the option you want OS is very similar to the 62s.
Putting it on my kitchen scale, the 30X is 99 grams sans betteries.  The 62S is 167 grams.  That means the 30X is only 60% the weight of the 62s..  sweet!
Well, I guess I'll see how this works practically in the next week, but so far, I think it's an improvement over my old 62s in terms of size, weight, resolution and battery life.  I'm sure Garmin could take another 1/3 of the weight out of this thing if they put their minds to it, and make the screen larger at the same time...  those two items would be on my wishlist for improvements.

Garmin Gpsmap 62S Screen Cover Replacement

     So I broke my screencover on My Garmin 62S last fall when I fell while hiking.  It was cracked but still remained waterproof.  I talked to Garmin’s terrible customer service to see if I could just get the screen cover – a small $2 piece of plastic to repair my cracked screen myself.  They told me I would have to send the whole unit in for the flat fee repair/replacement for $120 + tax + I would have to ship my unit back to them.  That would end up around $150 just to repair it.  No thanks.

     Luckily I looked around and found some dude from Russia on eBay selling a kit specifically for the Garmin 62 series to replace the screen cover.  Apparently other people have experienced this issue and the same frustration from Garmin’s customer service.  Go figure.  So I bought one.  Although for what you get it still is a bit expensive – around $30 shipped, you get a waterjet cut piece of Lexan or similar, cut to the exact profile of the 62 screen, some adhesive strips, and a screen protector.  Not too bad. 

     I didn’t really like the idea of using 4 separate strips for the adhesive, as I don’t think it would be as watertight as a one piece adhesive.  I use my GPS frequently around water and wanted maximum protection.  So I ordered for $1(including shipping!) a sheet of 3M 300LSE double sided adhesive for IPhone screens off of eBay from China as well.  It is a good OEM spec adhesive good for adhering to plastics.

     So I replaced the screen in all of about 7 minutes.  I opened the case, removing the 8 torx screws and sliding the electronics out. I used a heat gun to soften the adhesive on the cracked screen cover and took the screen cover and all the remaining bits of adhesive off.  I used the replacement screen cover to tracer and cut the300LSE adhesive sheet to the same outer profile, then placed it in the shell to trace the inside of the screen window and cut out the inside. 
   I put the adhesive on the replacement screen cover and installed it, pressing firmly in place to get maximum contact and adhesion.  Over time, and in the heat, the adhesive will adhere even better.  Then I reinstalled the electronics, reassembled the case, and lastly I cleaned the outer surface of the screen cover with rubbing alcohol and installed the screen protector using soapy water to eliminate the bubbles (this is a good trick for installing any screen protector!).  Done.  New screen and saved myself about $120, over what Garmin wanted, just to fix my cracked screen cover.  The only thing iis, it doesn't have the pretty black bezel with garmin lettering on the bottom, but I am OK with that, it is just as functional as when it was new.
 Really, Garmin and their lame repair policy can suck it... and I would encourage you to find your own replacement parts and fix your own unit, since Garmin would prefer just to replace your entire GPS instead of bothering to sell customers repair parts.