Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

Pros: Includes most practical features I need. Easy to learn. Has contributed significantly to my safety.

Cons: Maps limited, somewhat outdated, content not supplemented easily by other vendors or net updates.

The Bottom Line: I'm devoted. I don't like to go out without my Vista C except to work, to homes of close friends and to nearby businesses.

Review: I'm grateful I felt an urge to to try the Garmin Color Vista C after nearly abandonning the whole handheld GPS (Global Positioning Systems) endeavor. SOLID NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND BEYOND The device has been a sheer delight, far more benefits ...

Pros: Great device; fun, accurate, and easy to use.

Cons: Poor reception in deep canyons; no external antenna.

The Bottom Line: What a great device! Smart design, and lots of fun to take with you on a hike. Don't leave home (and head to the wilderness) without it.

Review: I love my eTrex Vista.

Purchase. I bought it last year (Summery 2001) when I started day-hiking in the mountains around L.A. Wanted to buy it at REI for $375, but they couldn't keep them in stock. So I had to pay $399 at a map shop, but...

Pros: 1,000 ten character waypoints, electronic compass, basemap

Cons: Battery life - carry spare batteries!

The Bottom Line: I wouldn't go out in the woods or the water without one! Buy the Vista, it is a great device.

Review: Introduction I am a big fan of GPS devices. I started out with Loran-C navigation for use on a boat back before GPS was available. I love the great outdoors and do lots of hiking, skiing, hunting & fishing. This unit is my third Garmin device. ...

Pros: Digital compass, good base map, WAAS, and LOTS of other features

Cons: Loses reception if not facing skyward.

The Bottom Line: Compact design and loads of features make this GPS receiver a winner.

Review: I have had my Vista for almost a year and I have been extremely happy with it. I bought it primarily to do geocaching, so I would consider myself a casual user. It is loaded with features, too many to talk about here in detail, but I will comment on...

Pros: built-in compass, barometer, large memory, waterproof

Cons: no cons, really!

The Bottom Line: Very happy with it. Great device for outing or in vehicle. RECOMMENDED!

Review: This review is more as comparison to G armin eTrex Legend which I owned previously. I bought this device second hand at around US$200 after selling away my Legend at the same price. Why I wanted to upgrade is just ...

Pros: 24MB, Waterproof, large backlit display, compass, trip computer, PC interface

Cons: powerup time, indoor reception

The Bottom Line: Overall, I am very happy with the Garmin Vista, and my father's Legend model with 8 MB RAM isn't bad either.

Review: When you travel as much as I do, and move from place to place, having a GPS with you can be a real timesaver.

This model is Garmin's top of the line for handheld units. It has 24 MB memory compared to the Legend's 8 MB, and a built in...

Pros: Small, feature-rich, compass, altimeter, high-quality

Cons: Black-and-white screen, MapSource Software

The Bottom Line: If you are in the market for a GPS, buy the VISTA, for the very small size and high quality, feature rich package.

Review: After doing a great deal of research before buying a new GPS I concluded that the Vista would be a very good unit. This has definitely been the case. The unit is very small, yet the screen is quite readable. The small size means that you will use it more. ...

Pros: Color, good International basemap, battery life, easy to use, fast interface, very useful features.

Cons: VERY expensive upgrading to Auto Kit or adding detailed maps. 24 MB limits Mapsource downloads.

The Bottom Line: Though this unit does not have all the features of a $500 unit, it's packed with value for its cost. One of the best GPS values out there.

Review: Sure, this may not have every feature that every person wants in a GPS, but for the price, I'd love to find a better value. I've owned a Garmin Legend (the monochrome version) for almost 4 years now. Unfortunately, when I moved to my new house about ...

Pros: Features, size, waterproof, mapping, altitude profiles, multiple tracklogs

Cons: $, battery life is short

The Bottom Line: Best "tracklog" of any GPS, loaded with features, if you have any interest in a handheld GPS you must check out the Vista!

Review: I had been researching and wishing for a GPS receiver for a couple of years. I just could not seem to justify spending that much money for something that is not essential. This Christmas my wife surprised me with a GPS, a Garmin etrex Vista!
The...

Pros: FUN, ACCURATE, EASY TO USE, COMPLETELY EXPANDABLE, SMALL, IT'S A MUST FOR BACKPACKERS.

Cons: I only have one.

The Bottom Line: Buy it. Then log onto Geocaching.com and find a whole world of GPS fun. You will get your moneys worth and then some.

Review: This product is the best thing I have ever seen. I use it for everything from driving to school in the morning to hiking in Glacier National Park. It is accurate, fun, and reliable. I would suggest getting the car accessories for it.

If you...