Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Customer Review: So Far So Good
Summary: 5 Stars
I haven't had any freeze-ups or lock-ups with my unit. I wanted the high sensitivity, the mass storage capability, and I thought the compass would be nice. So the Vista HCx fit the bill. Everything has worked as expected. I know the compass is a small feature, but I really like it, and my wife will like it when trying to tell me where to go. Occasionally, I can even get satellite signal in my office at work, which is like a cement basement with no windows. I knew that the mapping software was going to cost extra, so that wasn't a surprise. I recently found some legit and legal free road maps that work on this device though. The free maps won't offer nearly as much as City Navigator does, but it will work until I want to spend another $100. Cloudmade offers OSM maps in the img format. Create a folder on your MicroSD card called Garmin, download the map into the folder, then rename the map "gmapsupp.img" Then load the MicroSD card back in. I think doing it this way only allows for one map at a time. I don't know much about computers and have a mac so this was the easiest way for me to do it. It does take some playing around with to get used to all of the features. But I bought this as a toy not as something I need, so it's fun. This manual is pretty useless, but I have heard that some of the other manuals for different models that you can find online are much better. If I start experiencing lock-ups I will definitely add to my review.Customer Review: Research paid off - A great GPS
Summary: 5 Stars
This unit is everything I thought it would be after doing a good bit of research.
It is compact, easy to operate, has a super clear screen (although not huge), and great backlight allowing it to be read easily.
I have been using it for geocaching for the last few weeks, and so far the signal reception has been incredible. I have always had plenty of satellite reception even while laying the unit in my lap or or the dash while driving. It usually gets me within 6-10 feet of the cache I am looking for.
The unit is fairly intuitive, and is highly customizable. Plus it comes with Garmin's respected support (I know it sounds like a commercial, but if you check around, Garmin is rated really high on the their customer service).
The screen is not oversized for driving use, but it will provide mapping directions once Mapsource maps are purchased seperately. You may also want to get a microSD card (2GB) to hold any maps you may want to load. I got mine from Amazon for around $25.
Comes with everything you need to get going. The click stick control works very well. The side buttons are a little firm, but I guess that is due to the material around them which allows the unit to be be waterproof/resistant. The software is very customizable and you can change many things about the unit's operation.
All in all, I am very happy with this purchase.
Customer Review: Best Trail GPS
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: Good
Summary: 5 Stars
I tend to get lost in the 3500 acres of woods I hunt in now as I have only been hunting there for two years and I have yet to learn all the landmarks. Not an issue for stand hunting, but when I just want to mess around, I don't wanna loose my way.
This unit has a great signal...much better than my old legend, sometimes a little too good it seems. Works very well in the woods though in heavy tree cover, and thats what I wanted it for, also the tracks function is great and has let me create some of my own maps of my hunting area. The electronic compass works well also and fills the gap when you stop moving...which is what its intended for I think. I no longer fear that I will get lost as this unit is rock solid, but I do still take a good old magnetic compass just in case this unit dies an untimely death.
I am now learning my hunting area quickly without fear of getting lost, even with heavy tree cover and for that in itself this is worth every penny and gets my 5 stars.
I feel this should be mentioned...I am playing with opensource mapping software now and again, and while it takes a little more work due to the now proprietary usb output of this gps (my legend output a standard NMEA serial protocol) with the help of gpsgate from franson this new gps is able to do what I want in that respect also.
Customer Review: Garmin eTrex Vista HCX
Summary: 5 Stars
When I purchased this unit at Amazon the price was $199.00. The shipment arrived on time via USPS which took about 9 days with the super saver shipping option. I prefer UPS and choose to use UPS from now on. This GPS worked as advertised. No problems so far. I was able to download free NorthAmerica City Navigator NT from a torrent site, but I also ordered and received the latest microSD card for the unit with the same city maps preloaded. The version of map I got for free was not current. I tried to find topo maps for free somewhere on the net, but have been unable to do so. The unit seems to be accurate to within 13 feet as described by technical specifications of the unit. The battery life seems to be amazing which was an important purchasing decision point for me. The backlight is very good and the color display although small is very good. I have used it on some hikes so far and a short camping trip. I also have used it in a vehicle to help me find restaurants in an unfamiliar city. Worked great! This unit tells you when to turn in advance and is accurate to within a couple seconds with its turn commands. I did a lot or shopping before deciding on this particular model. The other acceptable model for my needs was the Garmin 60csx, but costs about $100 more than this Vista HCX. Not worth it in my opinion.