Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
by Garmin
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Category: GPS or Navigation System
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: GarminBrand: Garmin
Edition: Electronics
Platform: Not Machine Specific
Model: 010-00630-00
Publisher: Garmin
Studio: Garmin
Music Label: Garmin
Product features:
- High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver provides peak performance in any environment
- Lightweight, compact and waterproof
- Features a 1.7-inch X 1.3-inch screen with 256-level color TFT
- Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
- USB connection for high-speed map downloads
- Case Logic GPSS-1 Neoprene sport GPS Case (Red)
- Case Logic GPSS-1 Neoprene sport GPS Case (Dark Blue)
- Case Logic GPSP-4 Professional GPS Case for 3.5- and 4.3-Inch GPS Navigators
- Case Logic GPSS-4 Professional GPS Travel Kit (Dark Blue)
- Mizmi G11000 GPS Dash Mount
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Customer Review: Good Buy
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my first entry into the GPS market. I asked around at work, and "Garmin" was the name a few folks recommended. I was looking for something that would be great for hiking and off road experience, but I also wanted something that I could use on long car trips to help navigate unfamiliar places.
The Garmin website makes research very easy. I compared feature differences between their different handheld mapping units, and this one seemed to provide all the features I needed without going overboard.
I have purchased the following upgrades:
1. City Navigator NT -- worth the investment to make your handheld street worthy.
2. Topographical maps -- again, worth the investment for hiking.
3. Suction cup mount -- illegal in my state, but largely unenforced. If you install it correctly, it's better than the friction mount. I've heard others complain that it frequently falls off, but I've had it for several months and have moved it around to find the right sweet spot, and it has never fallen off once.
4. Friction mount -- irritatingly, you have to purchase the dash mount in order to get the swivelling head that makes it work... But just in case... (note the legality issue of the suction cup mount)
5. InvisibleShield screen protector -- the screen can easily be scratched, and this non-garmin product is a great way to protect it long term (also available through Amazon, or direct).
6. Sanyo Eneloop Rechargeable batteries -- they work well and don't lose a charge when sitting unused. They're even ready to use right out the the package with a full charge.
With the added functionality of my upgrades and preloaded features, here are just some of the features that I've enjoyed:
1. Geocaching mode -- if you haven't tried it, you must! Works like a charm!
2. High sensitivity receiver -- this is nothing short of incredible. The fact that I can get a signal inside a building and under tree cover is amazing. Sometimes my signal bounces around a little (20 to 30ft), but it's a hundred times better than not having one at all.
3. Tracking -- I love to see where I've been, and it also makes it easy to navigate back out when you don't know where you are.
4. Turn-by-turn directions -- it doesn't talk to you, but it does beep at you when there's an upcoming instruction.
5. Waterproof -- Let's face it, if you use it outside, you're going to get rained on, or you'll spill something on it. I've used it in a downpour, and it was protected.
6. Point-of-interest search -- You can easily find stores, gasoline, lodging, hospitals, exits, truck stops....
7. Compass and Altimeter -- you do need to calibrate them frequently, but still worth the money to have them.
8. Waypoint Manager -- this is software that comes with the unit that you load on your PC. You can use it to create routes, waypoints, and map packages that you want to load onto your unit. So if you travel frequently to a particular area, you can "store" your own regional specific data on your PC that you can transfer to your GPS when you actually need it. I also use it as a backup for my unit. Bottom line -- all electronics eventually fail, so backup, backup, backup.
Little things that annoy me:
1. Turn-by-turn directions aren't always the best route that I would choose, but they still get you there. (Mapping feature)
2. When recalculating, it seems insistent on getting you back on the route that it originally planned for you. (Mapping feature) I say that you should still always have a paper map as a backup.
3. Backlight setting resets after powering off even though it's set to "on" in the setup menu. A small annoyance that I've gotten used to.
A few weeks ago, I actually had a failure of my unit. Shortly after I backed up all my data to Waypoint Manager, I was loading waypoints directly to my unit from geocaching.com, and my unit turned off. For some reason, whenever it was connected to my computer, it wouldn't turn on or stay on. Garmin technical support was amazing. Someone picked up within a minute. He was friendly, helpful and patient in working out my problem, and then created an RMA and put a rush on it when I asked for it. I'm one of those pesky customers who calls frequently to ask for status, and again, I got someone on the phone immediately every time, and everyone was helpful, and they overnighted my replacement once my failed unit was received. Since I work in customer service myself, I strongly appreciate good customer service when I get it (which is actually quite rare).
In summary, this is a full feature-rich product, with a few recommended upgrades, and when something goes wrong, Garmin's customer service makes you glad you bought a Garmin...
Description of Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze 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.Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze 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.
 Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. |
 Crisp 256-color, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to distinguish map details. |
 Perfect for geocaching. |
Lock Onto the Great Outdoors
Enjoy Clear Reception
With a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, the unit locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear: whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Vista HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most.
Get Your Bearings
The Vista HCx also includes a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even when you're standing still, along with a barometric altimeter that 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.
Expand Your Memory
Adding maps to the Vista HCx is easier than ever thanks to the device's microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and the Vista HCx will provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Plus, the card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you needn't worry about it getting wet.
Intuitive Control
Besides appreciating its small size, users will also be happy with the Vista HCx's unique button layout, with five buttons located on either side of the unit. The benefits of this design are twofold: First, the Vista HCx is a breeze to operate with just one hand, and, second, with the buttons on both sides of the unit, the bulk of the front is dedicated to the 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display. This makes it easy to distinguish map details regardless of the time of day.
Comprehensive Basemap
The Vista HCx basemap, meanwhile, contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines--in short, a host of helpful details for your outdoor adventures.
Additional Features
Other details include an IPX7 waterproof housing, 1,000 waypoints with names and graphic symbols, a built-in patch antenna, a USB interface, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode. The Vista HCx, which runs for up to 25 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), measures 2.2 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
eTrex Vista HCx, basemap, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software, USB cable, wrist strap, quick start guide, user's manual.
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