Back then even light tree cover would sometimes trash the signal enough to lose position.
While modern GPS can get a position fix pretty quick, a cold start on standalone units can still take a while before it discovers enough satellites.
The crazy thing to me is now days my little tiny watch can do Wifi, Several Bluetooth protocols, 5G, NFC, Wireless charging and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting about. Oh and it supports a variety of global navigation satellite systems. Don't forget the high-res OLED display too. And the fact it is fully watertight.
All that while having a fairly impressive battery life.
While modern GPS can get a position fix pretty quick, a cold start on standalone units can still take a while before it discovers enough satellites.
The crazy thing to me is now days my little tiny watch can do Wifi, Several Bluetooth protocols, 5G, NFC, Wireless charging and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting about. Oh and it supports a variety of global navigation satellite systems. Don't forget the high-res OLED display too. And the fact it is fully watertight.
All that while having a fairly impressive battery life.