Overall this is a great device - Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld GPS

I'm not sure Why the other guy's device went wonky like that but mine has worked fine so far. I can send messages where my phone cannot. And while it does say that it needs clear sky you can get it out in some light brush. So far every time I have tried to send a message it has gone through and I have received all of mine back and it is good for navigation but you should still know the basics with a compass and map.