this be my first GPS unit . while I generally avoid read the direction to anything , I decide to actually sit down and read the owner 's manual , which I find very easy to follow . after 15-20 minute I have figure all the function out . several very cool feature be : 1 -rrb- you can use the built-in digital compass even when the unit be turn off . 2 -rrb- the unit have several layer of functionality . the most basic or initial layer allow you to access the unit 's key function -lrb- altimeter , barometer , current position , etc. -rrb- by hit just one button . then , if you want to delve deeper into a particular function , you can . for example , when deal with waypoint I can keep it simple and , by push only one button , see my `` home '' waypoint -lrb- and its exact direction and distance from my present position -rrb- . but , if I want to get more complicated , I can -lrb- through a few more button -rrb- access my other waypoint , or upload\/download waypoint to\/from my computer . I use the gp with electronic USGS map program -lrb- the cd-rom verson by all Topo Maps -rrb- . at first , it take time -lrb- and a careful reading of the instruction -rrb- , but I can not imagine own a gp unit and not synch it with actual map . you can plot you course by set waypoint on the electronic map , then `` sync '' the GPS , and now you can follow the waypoint on the gp to go exactly where you need to go . I actually go on a long motorcycle ride , plug in waypoint while we be ride , and then once I get home , I could see exactly where and how far we road after I synce the gp with the map software . I can not wait to try it sail this summer . the only negative I have be that the GPS unit automatically set the clock to central standard time -lrb- where I live -rrb- , but the time do not seem to reflect daylight savings .