Walking/Hiking Answers: GPS Device Lost Signals

Got an answer to the following question?

Gps Device Lost Signals

Dear go4awalk

I came across your terrific website while continuing in my quest to find a reliable GPS for hiking, and read your article about GPS's.

Perhaps you can answer a question for me. I have owned a Garmin 12CX for about 6 years, but use it very little. I have found that, unless I'm holding the &^%$%^& unit out at a 45 degree angle from my chest, that I can not maintain a signal.

I've never gotten any resolution from Garmin, and have always wondered:

a) is this GPS defective, or

b) are they all so unreliable?

It seems that no one would buy the damn things if you had to constantly hold them with arm extended out from your body; who can hike like that for 8-10 hours?

Can you give me some direction (pardon the pun) with my problem?

Thank you!

Yours,