Does the job... | Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

eTrex Vista HCx | Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

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	• Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS Garmin Garmin, 2008 average customer review:based on 127 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Nice GPS but sub par software

I bought this GPS mainly for use while kayaking in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The GPS itself is very nice, with tons of usable features, and is an excellent value. The color screen works great, and a lot of thought went into making this fine handheld GPS. Of course the GPS is only minimally useful without the optional maps, as are almost all similar GPS units, and I have no complaints about that, but the fact is, their Inland Lakes software is not up to par, and that flaws an otherwise excellent GPS unit.

The first thing that's missing from the software is that only 1200 Minnesota lakes are included. I'll give them credit that the lakes they do include are the major ones, but they could at least provide a simple outline of most of the rest.

Another problem I have with their lake maps is that they don't show where many lakes link to each other, such as where Lake Calhoun connects with Lake of the Isles via canal in Minneapolis. This seems true of every lake that doesn't have a half mile wide connection with another, and makes exploring new lake chains more difficult, since you would have to guess whether or where there is a connection, and that is a serious flaw in the software.

The final problem I found was missing sections of rivers and creeks, including sections that connect to lakes. It's puzzling that the software wouldn't show the entire river if they show a part of it.

These flaws make me consider selling my new GPS and buying a DeLorme PN-20 which comes STANDARD with Topo USA including topographic, lake and street maps, and comes with a $100 credit for USGS Quad maps, aerial and satellite maps for about the same cost as the Garmin Vista HCx and one set of flawed optional maps. I really like my GPS unit, but the maps aren't in the same league as the GPS is, and that's not good enough. Besides, Garmin doesn't even have USGS Quads, satellite or aerial maps.

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Does the job...

This unit is not easy to use. It takes some time to get used to. Once you get used to - it is very detailed and powerful GPS. If you are outdoor person and you are not looking for fancy graphics - this is device for you. Very accurate on the road and trails. Battery last forever. You can transfer your tracks to google map or google earth with [...]. It does not come with detailed maps, be prepared to pay more. The detailed maps are not always up to date. And most important Garmin customer service is terrible!!! If you need to call them, you will spent 30 + minutes on the phone just waiting to talk to someone. This is my second Garmin unit - the first one (Garmin iQue 3600 never was working properly). With all of the downsides there is nothing better on the market right now.

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eTrex Vista HCx

Great product. It's simple to use but finding cities and other locations (not waypoints) not within your area is difficult. Other wise, a great product. Very good for geocaching, allthough it seems to jump around when near buildings. I like how it fits in one hand and how I can use that hand to press the buttons.

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Best Trail GPS

This is the best trail GPS I have owned. I have been using it for a few months now and here is what I have observed:

1. Battery power is a big one for me. This gets the 25 hours that is says it gets. I often backpack camp for a few days at a time and don't like changing batteries all the time.

2. Size is great. If you have a case with a clip you can attach this to your pack or straps and it's barely noticeable.

3. The software and programming is a plus. You can easily make waypoints with the waypoint manager software. The on board software has many features as well. I tend to use tracking a lot. Geocaching management is built in. Maps are expandable if you use topo of street maps purchased seperately and are stored either on board or on the optional sd card card that can be put in.

My recommended additions for this product:

1. Get a solid case like the case from foarm. The one that comes with it is ok but if you do a lot of bushwhacking you'll was a more protective case.

2. Get a screen protector like InvisibleShield. It's worth the investment.

3. Since this is a trail GPS, buying the Topo 2008 DVD or whatever is current from Garmin is a plus and you won't regret it.

So overall an excellent product with room for expandability and is very durable. This is a perfect companion for hikers and backpackers.

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Deep foliage, nor canyons phase the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity receiver holds a GPS signal in the toughest environments. Similar to the Vista Cx, this handheld navigator also has a bright color screen, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD card slot and automatic routing for wherever adventure takes you.With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, eTrex Vista HCx locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear - whether you're in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Vista HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most.The Vista HCx has a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even while you're standing still, and its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can even use the altimeter to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.Adding maps is easier than ever with Vista HCx's microSD card slot. Conveniently plug in optional preloaded microSD cards with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and Vista HCx provides turn-by-turn directions to your destination. The card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet.Like the rest of the eTrex series, Vista HCx is lightweight and compact - the perfect size for all your travels.

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