Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

Pros: Small, lots of feature, nice display, detail base map

Cons: poor reception, no memory expansion

The Bottom Line: Nice compact unit packed with lots of features, but the poor reception makes it only when you using it in an open area.

Review: I bought this unit with Magellan Meridian at the same time so I can do a side-by-side comparison. (See my review for the Magellan Meridian on this site as well).
If you wondering why I pick up the top of the line eTrex along with low end...

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,...

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Cons: Maps limited, somewhat outdated, content not supplemented easily by other vendors or net updates.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

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...

Pros: Versatile and Full Featured compact unit in rugged case

Cons: Poor screen illumination, high price mark up outside the USA

The Bottom Line: If you need the full features of the Vista, this is an excellent unit. Expensive in the UK.

Review: I bought my Vista 18 months ago at REI. Unlike many purchasers, this unit was bought for business purposes as I need to locate and map old oil well locations in places like Venezuela. The more features, the better, was my reason for selecting the...

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: With a map, this thing makes you a foolproof navigator. It's SMALL.

Cons: With map, I'm already a foolproof navigator. Sat reception, battery life are lame

The Bottom Line: Somewhat intuitive, combine it with a map for unbeatable navigation. Expect to pay through the nose for add-ons like maps and adapters.

Review: Bought this for military use, to augment the GPS I'll get when I deploy. Here's the basic features:

**About the size of a cell phone, with a 2"x1.5" black and white high res backlight (when you need it) screen.

**Has 5 buttons on...

Pros: Small, color screen, waterproof

Cons: NEED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN EXTRAS TO MAKE THE FEATURES WORK!

The Bottom Line: This would be a great GPS if it lived up to the description.

Review: According to the first sentence of the product description on Garmin s web site this unit has, automatic routing . The description goes on to tout other features, but routing is by far the biggest improvement. What the description does not describe...

Pros: Versatile unit, great accuracy.

Cons: Very small memory. Need to buy the expensive map sets.

The Bottom Line: A product design for the outdoors consumer. Give it a try and you won?t be disappointed.

Review: I ve always felt that a GPS will be an unnecessary luxury when hiking. I mean, I was always able to find my way using maps, so what could a GPS bring new. In spite of this, two years ago when Garmin came out with a promotion offering this model for...

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 Garmin eTrex Legend which I owned previously.

I bought this device second hand at around US$200 after selling away my Legend at...