| Rating 4.0/5 from 240 reviews |
| Great unit though a little outdated now... |
| Rating: 5/5 2010-09-03 |
| I have been using this unit for hunting and motorcycling though it has recently been replaced on my motorcycle by a Garmin Nuvi. It is a great unit with lots of features and is pretty easy to use. It is outdated now as there are newer units with bigger screens and touch screens but it still does the job. |
| Don't think twice the hcx is the best gps for hiking out there. |
| Rating: 5/5 2010-08-27 |
I have hiked the Appalachian Trail and am presently hiking the PCT. This is the GPS to get. Rugged, reliable, full of features especially good battery power (use lithium). Maps are expensive but if your life depends on it this is the one.
My only disappointment is the cheap rubber strap around the unity which will
detach (use duct tape).
Fire stick AT 2008 GA -> ME. |
| Etrex Vista Review by a Newbie |
| Rating: 4/5 2010-08-27 |
Hi,
As a first time user of this or any GPS product, I find the product very useful. It is actually easy to use but the ease of use is made difficult by lack of instructions. The instructions are not very helpful for a 1st time user. Here are some comments I have on what the package lacks:
1. The GPS unit does not come with any external memory. While it only fully functions with an external memory (to store maps) in it, I would think that the manufacturer should at least include even a 32mb microSD card with it at least to store basic maps.
2. The instructions on 1st time use are not really very helpful. First of all, it does not mention clearly that you need to install an external memory (microSD) card to make it fully functional.
3. While the mapsource CD is included, it should at least have a tutorial on loading maps and guiding the user with simple functions between marking waypoints and uploading them to mapsource or loading maps to the GPS unit.
Overall, once I learned to use the unit (or at least I think I now know how to use some of its basic functions), I think this unit is very nice and useful. I plan to use it for my bike trails as well as 4x4 trails and it will fit perfectly with the intended use I plan for it.
|
| Etrex use |
| Rating: 3/5 2010-08-15 |
The price I paid Amazon was very fair but since the base map was so inadequate I had to buy a maps SD card to make it useful. That is an additional $100 so the etrex price wasn't so attractive after-all. The users manual is very poor and doesn't cover most of the features available. The etrex I have is slow and really tests ones patience. (Perhaps because of the added SD card). Most of all, the users manual is even worse than the base map that came with the instrument.
With the added SD card and a lot of patience learning how to use my Etrex it is becoming better and better at doing what I need it for. |
| My first GPS |
| Rating: 5/5 2010-08-14 |
| Very easy to use. Lots of info on the web on using it. Love being able to download traccks of hikes and import into Google Earth. |
Amazon.com Product Description
Neither deep foliage nor steep canyons will faze the rugged Garmin eTrex Vista HCx navigator. Equipped 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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
