Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

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: Small, Lightweight, Feature packed

Cons: Add on software is expensive and of questionable value

The Bottom Line: Best handheld I found after extensive research, and I've been very pleased with it's performance.

Review: I compared the Garmin Line with the Magellan Line - Garmin eTrex series is much smaller and lighter than equivalent Magellan (or other brand)handheld GPS receviers and the screen size is almost the same (slightly smaller in one direction)...

Pros: compact and light

Cons: tree coverage will lessen it's useage.

Review: I got it mainly for geocaching and backpacking. It's a great GPS if you're in the open with no tall buildings or canyon walls nearby.

Faults:One of the main problems I noticed right off was losing coverage within tree cover. Of course once...

Review: For Military purposes the Vista provided the needed information based on MGRS. Poor satellite reception, even in the desert. Excellent Navigation page (waypoints) and very accurate compass headings in degrees (grid to magnetic). After using 6...

Pros: USB, free software to pull screenshots into PC, Light weight, small size.

Cons: See review, I ran out of word space!

Review: I got one of the first units on the market and the software was flakey. Lots of lockups, weird operation etc. After the fourth use, the backlighting died. After a warranty repair I noticed new firmware was available that fixed most of the bugs, so I...

Pros: Small and compact. Nice digital compass. Good armor coating and intuitive menu setup.

Cons: Reception is terrible because of the lack of a quad-helix antenna

The Bottom Line: For someone in Arizona, the Vista would be fine. But for anyone who likes the woods, steer clear.

Review: I've had my Vista for about three months now - I'm not impressed. The reception is decent on a clear day where there are no trees in sight. But when any clouds or foliage are overhead, the thing can't maintain a fix half of the time. It's a shame -...

Pros: Maps, altimeter, speed measurement, timer, everything!!!!

Cons: Screen Size is a bit small, reception through trees

The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend this devise to anyone and everyone who hikes, bikes or enjoys walking for fun.

Review: My friend talked me into getting this devise. I really thought it was silly to need a devise that tracked your exact location at all times, you altitude, and speed. I was really not expecting to use this very much, but boy was I wrong.

I...

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: Reliable, functional, fits in a pocket

Cons: Not color

The Bottom Line: Unless you want to spend another $100 for the color - get this unit. It will treat you well for years to come!

Review: I bought this GPS unit a few years ago after I received some unexpected - but owed - money from my ex-wife. Since I felt it was 'free' money I decided to splurge and bought myself this GPS.

At the time I purchased the unit I worked for a...

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...