Average customer rating:
- Over- priced and Over-complicated
- Garmin GPS rules. :)
- Great upgrade - very happy!
- Great GPS but................
- Functional but a design disaster
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Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Manufacturer: Garmin
ProductGroup: CE
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Product Features:
- Handheld GPS navigator with high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
- Built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for calculating direction and altitude
- MicroSD card slot; detailed basemap with lakes, highways, railroads, and more
- 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display; 1,000 waypoints with names and symbols
- Requires 2 AA batteries; measures 2.2 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
ASIN: B000PDR1LS
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Product Description
Go on an adventure! Thrill to the challenges of the wild outdoors. Get thee a shrubbery or meander in a mountainous forest. And always know where you are. With the Garmin Vista HCX, you'll never get lost. That makes the outdoor trek safer. Whether you hike, bike, or cruise, you won't lose your bearings. Built for the outdoorsman, the Garmin e-Trex Vista HCx features a high sensitivity GPS receiver, electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. Garmin has introduced a line of e-Trex units that feature a high sensitivity WAAS GPS receiver that are able to receive a signal, even under heavy tree cover. The Vista HCx has a built-in electronic compass to determine bearings while standing still, and a barometric altimeter for increased accuracy of elevation readings, to help you along on your next hunting or hiking excursion. At a tiny 4.2"H x 2.2"W x 1.2"D and only 5.6 ounces with batteries, the Vista won't weigh you down or take up too much room in your pocket or bag. Whether you are in a canyon, under heavy tree cover or in a city with tall buildings the Vista HCx will guide you along safely. Tiny Vista HCx includes the routable Americas Recreational basemap, including major highways, interstates and bigger lakes and rivers. The maps look great on the 1.3 ?x 1.7? high resolution color TFT display and it is even viewable in direct sunlight. The Vista HCx has a microSD card slot for memory cards that will accept detailed maps from Garmin's Optional MapSource software. With the Mapsource City Navigator North America software you will be able to get visual turn-by-turn guidance on this tiny wonder. Blank microSD cards are available in multiple storage sizes to hold loads of maps. Included with the Vista HCx is a USB interface cable, so map downloads are much faster than traditional handheld GPS units. Garmin has also added audible alarms for off-course, proximity waypoints, and anchor drag. The operation of the unit cou
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.
Customer Reviews:
Over- priced and Over-complicated.......2007-12-29
I bought the Garmin eTrex Vista for my solo flights thru the tooleys on my Polaris 800 in case I got...well, lost. I haven't taken it into the wild with me yet because I cannot trust it. The first review I wrote on this item was never posted, I guess that was because I didn't rate it high enough to generate any sales. I took the Vista along on an ATV trip in another state 1300 miles away. When I got home the Vista said I was still in that other state. Along Lake Superior it was basically useless. I'd give it to my young nephew to use as a toy, but then I'd feel responsible if he got lost with it. It's either too complicated (having to read the manual before every use) or I have a Le`mon. Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances. I think it's a rip.
Garmin GPS rules. :).......2007-12-28
This being my first GPS I am very happy. It has saved me twice in the forest. I am so happy with this product I got one for a friend. :)
David
Great upgrade - very happy!.......2007-12-18
This is my third eTrex GPS receiver, and each has been a worthwhile upgrade. I started with a Legend about 4 years ago, which I thought was great at the time. A couple of years ago I bought a Legend Cx, and this provided me with the added benefits of a colour screen, expandable memory, a longer battery life and, somewhat surprisingly, a significantly better receiver - I could get a good signal under tree cover, unlike before, and even a fix inside my one-storey house, despite it not having the new SirF3 chip. I was in two minds about upgrading to the HCx model, as the only gain would be an even more sensitive receiver (but a slightly poorer battery life). So, I opted to change from the Legend to the Vista to increase functionallity. I think it was a good choice because the extra sensitivity, and quicker processing speed, seems significant and worthwhile.
The main complaints about the eTrex models appear to concern the lack of a good inbuilt map, and the extra cost of the associated Garmin-specific software needed to put this right. While these may be valid criticisms, they should not come as a surprise to anybody who has done their homework. If your main interest is in street navigation, an eTrex model is not your best option; try one of the Nuvi models, if you want to stick with Garmin. This is prinicpally an outdoor device to aid hikers: light, small, robust and tells you where you are (in terms of latitude and longitude, or local grid coordinates); it's best used in conjunction with a good topographical map, rather then being something that replaces it. The inbuilt base-map (of interstates, main roads and rivers) is only there to provide a basic reference, not for detailed navigation. The functionality of the device can be greatly enhanced by buying additional maps (whose price can be comparable with the receiver itself!), but there are several different types depending on your needs: roads/towns, topographic or marine. You can preview them (free) on the Garmin cite before you buy them, to make sure that your choice meets your needs.
Great GPS but.......................2007-12-14
Garmins new H series receiver is great. Another Etrex does not work well below deck in my sailboat, the HCx works great.
I originally thought the barometric altimeter would be a total waste on a boat but as a barograph, it is excelent. The graphing barometer is a great barograph.
WARNING. In the past 10 years, all of the Garmin GPS's I have owned put out the standard NMEA 0813 data string as well as their propritory Garmin data. This unit only puts out Garmin format. This means it can not comunicate with most charting/plotting programs. After 2 days of searching, I found 'Franson GpsGate' which will translate Garmin data to the standard NMEA 0183. Except for that short comming, it is a fine GPS.
Functional but a design disaster.......2007-12-13
Be aware this product is virtually useless right out of the box. It works fine but the included map has detail down to my nearest interstate and no further. You have to buy more detailed maps to do anything useful.
The included software is ancient but functional. A lanyard is provided but you'll need a microscope and tweezers to thread it though the connection point. A belt clip is optional and the necessary AA batteries are not included. Hey Garmin, nice bit of nickel and diming!
The whole product could do with a wave of Apple's magic design wand. The unit feels like it's upside down. All the control buttons sit above the screen with the main joystick (they call it a rocker, but there's also a rocker on the left side) resting under your left thumb while the quit button is on the top right requiring two handed operation for navigating the menus.
Having said all that, it feels nice and chunky in your hand. It's surprisingly small but thick and sturdy. It does the job fine but could be oh so much easier to use.
Three stars. They lose one each for design and ease of use, or lack thereof.
UPDATE December 18th 2007 - I bought Gamin's recommended accessory National Parks Map East on CD to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. When I tried to transfer a map to the unit from my PC, I found that it cannot be done for this model. But it's a recommended $100 dollar accessory for this product!
Apparently, you can only download waypoints and trails from the CD but not the map. If you want to upgrade the map you have to buy a preloaded microSD card, except that at the time of writing the map I want is not on SD yet.
I've returned the eTrex Vista and ordered Garmin's GPSMap 60Csx.
Jeez Garmin, I really want to like your products but do you have to make me work so hard for it?
Product Description
GARMIN eTrex Vista -- This must-have outdoor and travel accessory combines a basemap of North and South America, with a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. The compass provides bearing information while you're standing still, and the altimeter determines your precise altitude. Trip computer w/ speed, distance etc. Accepts downloaded mapping data from Garmin's MapSource CD-ROMs, including Fishing Hot Spots (sold separately) Silver case for high tech look Basemap and bonus marine aids are factory pre-loaded Package includes - eTrex Vista, Marine Point Database, Basemap, PC interface cable, wrist strap, user's guide, quick reference guide Dimensions - 4.4H x 2.0W x 1.2D; weighs 5.3 ounces w/ batteries Display - 2.1H x 1.1W high contrast LCD with bright backlighting Power - 2 AA batteries (not included) Battery life - Up to 12 hours (typical use)
Amazon.com Review
Garmin's eTrex Vista GPS receiver is smaller than its popular eMaps, but far more powerful. The Vista offers more memory, more features, and more convenience than any other GPS hardware in this price range.
Don't be fooled by the product's small screen. Although smaller than the display used in products like the eMap, it has a higher resolution, letting it show more information more crisply. Small text can be difficult to read from a distance, but there are "big number" options available to make important data like your speed easy to read.
It's this configurability that makes the eTrex Vista so special.
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Map page (shown with optional MapSource topo detail). |
You can easily set it up to suit your needs, regardless of the situation. Menu choices are highlighted and confirmed with a small joystick near the top of the unit, providing an elegant interface for navigating a formidable amount of options. Our only complaint is that the joystick used to access all the product's features is offset to the left, making it nearly impossible to control using only your right hand. When the joystick is held in your left hand, however, every control is within easy reach of your left thumb, freeing your right hand to hold a flashlight, walking stick, lantern, or anything else.
This GPS unit's diminutive size and weight, not to mention its rugged design, make it an ideal hiking companion. It's waterproof in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes and is generously coated with shock-absorbing rubber. The barometric altimeter keeps a historical record of your ascents and descents, graphing elevation changes so you can easily track your progress.
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Elevation page |
The ability to store waypoints, points of interest, routes, and other information means you can blaze your own trail and always find your way back to camp.
Best of all, 24 MB of internal memory makes it possible to store an enormous amount of data from Garmin's optional MapSource CDs, turning the eTrex Vista into an interactive road atlas. The memory isn't expandable, but 24 MB is enough to store street-level data for entire states in some cases.
A serial cable is included for transferring the maps from your PC to the GPS unit, but it's terribly slow. A USB connector, sold separately, transfers data in a fraction of the time.
The eTrex Vista was very accurate in testing, especially in a car on the open road. Accuracy diminished somewhat when the device was used in heavy tree cover or a dense urban area, but not enough that you're ever going to get lost or miss an exit. Used side-by-side with an eMap, the eTrex Vista kept up in update speed while displaying even more information on the moving map than the eMap did, cementing its position as perhaps the best all-around handheld GPS unit money can buy. --T. Byrl Baker
Pros:
- Small and light without sacrificing features
- 24 MB of integrated memory stores reams of detailed maps
- High-resolution screen displays sharp text legible even at extremely small sizes
Cons:
- Can't be used one-handed when held in the right hand
- Smaller display is hard to read from a distance, as when the device is placed on a dashboard
Amazon.com Product Description
The Garmin eTrex Vista GPS receiver adds a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, the same base map as in Garmin's III+ and eMap models, and 24 MB of memory to Garmin's popular eTrex model. The altimeter displays your altitude and provides a graphic profile of your trip, while the compass provides bearing information. Housed in a silver case, this powerful 12-parallel-channel GPS receiver weighs only 5.3 ounces and measures 4.4 inches high by 2 inches wide. It literally fits in the palm of your hand. The king of the hill for memory and features, the Vista has it all and the memory to learn more. If you like the eTrex Summit, but want a lot more of everything that's useful, the Vista is second to none.
The eTrex Vista's 24 MB of memory enables you to store more types of data--from topographical maps to roadside points of interest such as campgrounds, restaurants, and hotels--with a single download from Garmin's series of MapSource CD-ROMs (sold separately). These include MetroGuide USA, U.S. Waterways and Lights, and U.S. Topography.
The built-in Americas base map displays cities, interstate highways, and U.S. exit information for North, South, and Central America. Address and business listings are displayed with data downloads. Additionally, it provides marine points of interest for lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
The eTrex Vista has a front-panel rocker switch that allows for quick and accurate map panning. You can view maps on a liquid-crystal display with a resolution of 288 by 160 pixels. The eTrex Vista is waterproof to an IPX7 standard, so it can take an accidental splash or dunk in the water and still continue to perform.
Even while operating in forest conditions, the eTrex Vista will continue to maintain a tight satellite lock. The unit can store up to 500 user waypoints with graphic icons and boasts Garmin's own TracBack feature, which will reverse your track log and help you navigate your way back home. In addition, the eTrex Vista uses animated graphics that help you identify your marked waypoints quickly and easily.
Garmin makes some of the accessories to help you integrate your GPS with your life and your priorities. Keep your GPS at the ready while protecting it from knocks and bumps with the carrying case. If you'll be on the road, you'll want to have access to the most detailed topographical maps of the United States available: the Garmin MapSource USA TOPO CD-ROM. And don't let the product's many abilities overwhelm you--train yourself in all the eTrex's ins and outs with a handy instructional video.
The Garmin eTrex Vista comes with a PC interface cable, manual, and quick reference card. It is covered by a one-year warranty.
Customer Reviews:
How about the reception?.......2007-09-23
Just used my new Vista for the first time this weekend in the Rockies, where you can easily need a working/accurate GPS.
The system gave me weak signal notes almost all weekend. I was just a mile or two off HWY 24? Not many trees. Even lower quality further in the mountains just west of Pikes Peak? Ok, I have been around, I will try to figure if it is me, but I have used GPS before and this does not seem right.
Luckily, I always terrain navigate with 1:24K maps I produce from Natl Geo, so a non-functioning GPS is not a big deal, just thought it could help. Hey, maybe I do not need a GPS?? For about $0.40 I can print my own maps.
Good, But not as good as my old gps.12.......2007-09-06
the vista is good, but in trees it looses reception fast, and not in that thick of trees, My old Garmin gps-12 eat batteries, but it never lost satelite reception, but the vista is great in open country
Hard To Read.......2007-08-23
We loved the Garmin and it helped us locate 4 caches on the first day we used it with our 10-year old grandson.
My negative - the numbers are too small and hard to read. If I bought it again, I would get a diferent version.
Check you age and your eyesight when you order the product. If you can read the telephone book in dim light you are almost OK with this model.
Good features, but screen refresh is too slow, not good for car.......2007-07-31
I had a Magellan SporTrak Map GPS before I got my Garmin eTrex Vista. I bought the Garmin because I needed an additional GPS as my two sons were constantly using my SporTrak for geocaching, and I always like to keep a GPS in my car for those times when I need a quick detour, or need help getting somewhere and I don't want to miss the turns. I had read in a number of reviews that the Garmin units were more feature-rich than the corresponding similarly priced Magellan units, so decided to get an eTrex for my car, and let the kids keep my Magellan.
Here's what I found. The features are good, 24MB of map memory compared to my Magellan's 6MB. The waypoint siteline (the line it draws between you and your destination) properly moves *with* you, instead of the Magellan's wacky fixed siteline that stays put from the moment you set a waypoint destination. Good screens, I like the fact that you can customize it so that the satellite accuracy in feet can be displayed on both the map and the navigation pointer screens (good for geocaching).
But as it turns out, this unit is completely inappropriate for use in a car. The screen is too small for use in a car, the light is way too dim, and the redraw is *way* too slow. If you scroll the screen a bit just to find out what roads are up ahead, you will wait 8 seconds (sometimes longer) just for it to repaint! The only way to avoid this long repaint time is to zoom out so that not as many detailed roads are displayed, but then that defeats the whole purpose, since you then can't see the smaller roads that you're interested in.
The items that this unit falls short on compared to my Magellan SporTrak Map are:
-Incredibly dim light, not very useful unless your eyes are 3 inches from screen
-No audible beep feature
-Very slow repainting
-Very clumsy panning (slow to move the cursor, and once you move off screen it repaints, causing a long wait).
-Small screen
In order to get the detailed maps, you still need to buy the MapSource software. I got the MapSource Metro Guide USA, it has detailed roadmaps for all of US.
The features of this unit that are superior to Magellen SporTrak:
-Waypoint siteline moves with you
-Shows satellite accuracy in feet
-Much more space for maps (24MB)
-Built-in compass, keeps you oriented even when you're not moving
-Longer battery life (12 hrs)
-Small, fits well in pocket
All in all, a good unit, but not useful for driving when you need *quick* response in order to avoid taking your eyes off the road for too long. For geocaching and hiking, I think this is a very good unit.
Not for new user or for trail riding on an ATV.......2007-07-20
I bought this for when we go trail riding on our ATVs. Although I have used GPS systems before, I am new to the eTrex. I rated it so low for a number of reasons.
The Compass is useless, unless you hold it at the exact required angle it will not read correctly. While this might work if you are hiking, it is not going to work on an ATV.
The supplied Map Software is useless. I could not even find my own street! It lacks detail, it lacks road names, it lacks place names, it is totally lacking and a waste of time.
The GPS itself is very sensitive to location/environment. It barely works on the second floor of our house. It barely works in our car. It works well when outside with a clear view of the sky.
I was unable to set any useable waypoints using the eTrex itself but did manage to set a couple using the supplied software.
The only function that I liked and that seemed to work well is the Trip Computer.
Overall, very very disappointing considering Garmin's reputation. I will be returning it and will try something else.
Product Description
You won't miss a thing when you take this rugged, lightweight, easy-to-use handheld out hiking, biking, boating or even geocaching. Pack more detail into your adventure with the eTrex Vista Cx. The eTrex Vista Cx is loaded with the same popular features found in the eTrex Vista C, including barometric altimeter, electronic compass, sunlight-readable color and advanced GPS routing capabilities - all in a waterproof design. In addition, it comes with a blank 64 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Download maps directly to the card or purchase microSD cards preloaded with MapSourceTopo and inland lake maps, BlueChart marine cartography, and City Navigator street maps. Support for English, Spanish, Portugese, and French languages. Automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest (when combined with Garmin's optional MapSource CDs) navigate you safely to your destination Longer battery life for more hours of outdoor enjoyment Mini-USB port for fast, convenient download of map data from Garmin's entire library of optional MapSource CDs using a PC Geocache Ready - Basically, geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache BlueChart compatible - MapSource BlueChart serves up the best offshore cartography around and works in seamless integration with a wide range of Garmin products WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled - WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Assures accurate readings
Amazon.com Product Description
With the Vista Cx, Garmin has updated a much-loved device with expandable memory on microSD card so you can load optional map data for your hiking, hunting and other outdoor excursions. Add to that a bright, full-color TFT display, automatic routing, and long, 20-hour battery life, and you've got a great companion for your next outdoor or boating adventure. Plus, the Vista CX adds a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass.
The main menu feature icons. View larger. |
Crisp, color display for easy map viewing. View larger. |
Altimeter display provides elevation information. View larger. |
The Vista Cx features a bright color display, electronic compass and a barometric altimeter and much more.
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You can use the Vista Cx's memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. The unit comes preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap that provides automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data. You can even get turn-by-turn directions when you're driving and an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more.
The Vista Cx's barometric altimeter system features automatic pressure trend recording while providing current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, and average and maximum ascent and descent rate. Meanwhile, the unit's electronic compass allows you to get accurate headings while standing still.
Like on all eTrex units, the primary controls are located on the side of the unit, so you can operate it with one hand. An innovative rocker switch on its face makes inputting data easy, and with it you can scroll through menus or pan the map page. Fast USB connectivity makes loading charts and maps quick and easy, while navigation instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port. Additionally, the case is water-resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes).
Another key feature of the Vista Cx is the 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions. Meanwhile, there's a large numbers option for easy viewing, as well as a dual position display mode. Lastly, the unit includes built-in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations.
If you like the features of the Vista Cx, but don't need an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, check out the Garmin eTrex Legend Cx.
What's in the Box
Vista Cx unit, 32 MB microSD card, USB interface cable, bike mount clip, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD, lanyard, owner's manual, and quick-start guide.
Customer Reviews:
Great. Love It.......2007-11-12
I love my eTrex. It works for everything. I use it for hiking, mountain biking and road biking. It will run on 2 AA batteries for a long time if you turn off the map and just run the "computer" (speed/distance) screen. I've used it on a week long bike tour and only changed batteries after about 4 days.
With the add in microSD card (mine is 1 gig) I'm able to load up almost the entire U.S. for maps.
Much better that the special Edge bike computers since this is much for versatile. But if you are just a biker and you only need about 6 hours of battery live the Edge 305 is a decent way to get GPS data from your rides. The eTrex however can get you directions and real maps which is much better than the Edge.
fancy piece of junk.......2007-11-09
Ah yes you have read all the good reviews. This thing has everything, right? Barometric pressure, altitude, expansible memory card, color screen, USB connection, etc., etc.
So what could possibly be wrong?
Hhhmmm - how about the GPS - yes, this thing is supposed to be a GPS = Global POSITIONING System, with the emphasis on global here. Thing is: Satellite reception is simply just totally erratic. With my five year old Magellan I was almost always able to get a reading. This new fancy toy - forget it! Ah, sooo many satellites and then suddenly all gone - not even beneath any trees, right on top of the equator. And then try to re-locate. How a bout half an hour to find these pretty satellites again. Or maybe two hours. Yes, I can sit down outdoors and wait all day until my GPS graces me with re-initializing. Hard Reset - no problem, but does not really help.
Buy it? Forget it!!!
I wonder if the new HCx is any better, but this unit is everything but...
certainly it is NOT a GPS!
VISTA CX.......2007-09-28
Vista CX is a very good gps with many nice features. I rate it with 4 stars because it does not keep a good signal in deep woods. Other than that it is perfect. I sent it back for the Vista HCX.
Garmin ETrex Vista Cx.......2007-08-23
The unit arrived from Amazon in a timely fashion. The documentation included with it is rather cryptic but once you figure it out the Vista Cx is fun to use. Note - it has limited functionality unless you purchase the City Navigator map set and/or the Topo map set. (It will not calculate driving routes unless you have the City Navigator map set installed.) It does do a good job of tracking where you have been and allowing you to enter waypoints. I felt much more comfortable hiking with it as I felt I could always get back to my starting point with it!
The unit worked fine for three weeks and then it "died." It would not power up - even if connected to power via the supplied USB cable. I contacted Garmin and arranged for the unit to be returned to them for replacement. One of their tech support reps was very helpful - the other was not. I explained to them that I wanted to expedite the replacement shipment as I had a camping/hiking trip scheduled in a week and wanted to have the Vista along with me. I provide them with a credit card number so that they could ship out a replacement in a timely fashion. It took 12 days to get the replacement! When asked, Garmin said - "didn't anyone tell you that the unit was on back order?" Evidently not ...
I am pleased with the Garmin product and hope that this is an isolated incident with this particular model. Note that the Vista HCx will probably be replacing the Cx (same features but includes a newer, more responsive chip set).
A great, handable and complete puckett GPS.......2007-08-23
For a road motorcycle driver, or anyone who must use it in his puckett, it's size is as great as it's reception, even with it's small screen you can always see and follow what you're looking for. I would recomend about the base for bicycles, not to use this for motorcycles cause it's vibrations turn it damaged as happened to my GPS before, a real good Legend, the blue one. I'd sugest to Garmin, if they didn't do it yet, to designe as I did for my bike, a paded stand for it in order that it absorves the motor's vibrations and keep the GPS working right, and in the fotos they show from customers, not to show the one with the GPS attached to a motorcycle's handle bar, it is only for bicycles use, without vibrations.
Product Description
The eTrex Vista combines a base map of North and South America, with a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. The compass provides bearing information while you're standing still and the altimeter determines your precise altitude. The Vista is also designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). This product will provide position accuracy to less than three meters when receiving WAAS corrections.The eTrex Vista also boasts an internal memory capacity of 24 megabytes, which allows it to accept downloaded mapping data from Garmin's MapSource CD-ROMs, including Fishing Hot Spots. A silver case gives this unit a high-tech look. New to the product design, Garmin will include marine aids to navigation in addition to the base map. These navigational aids can be pre-loaded into each unit from the factory.
Product Description
Auto navigation kit (City Select NA, full unlk, auto mount, friction mount, dash mount and 12-volt power cable)
Amazon.com Product Description
Get your Garmin eTrex Legend C or eTrex Vista C in gear with this automobile kit. The kit includes MapSource City Select North America v6, which contains rural and metropolitan maps for the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In addition to 5 million points of interest, you'll find detailed maps containing highways, interstates, business and residential roads with attributes such as turn restrictions, speed categories and other navigation features. Trip and waypoint management features let you transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks between your Garmin GPS and your PC.
The Auto Navigation Kit also includes a 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, as well as mounting hardware for your dash, a friction mount and a console mount.
What's in the Box
City Select North America software (CD-ROM) with full unlock, console mount, friction mount, dash mount and 12-volt cigarette lighter power cable
Customer Reviews:
Garmin eTrex Vixta Cx.......2007-06-03
I bought this for my eTrex Vista Cx. This kit is well worth the money. It works great when I'm on the road and I find the Vista easy to read and follow even though it is small. My wife and I plan on taking a road trip across the country and this will definitely come in handy. I also bought a 2 GB memory card and I would suggest doing the same if you're planning on using the road mapping software included with this kit. With a 2 GB memory card you can fit all of the maps on the North American CD and not have to worry about adding or deleting anything to make room.
In other reviews I had heard that this kit wouldn't work with the Vista Cx because of the memory card but this is untrue. I e-mailed Garmin before I bought this kit and they confirmed that it would work with the Vista Cx and it definitely does.
Anyways, great add-on for your compatible Garmin GPS. I highly recommend this if you plan on using the GPS for any travelling. The mapping software makes it pretty hard to ever get lost again.
No regrets.......2007-02-15
Does what it is meant to do. Surprisingly stable given than it isn't secured to the dash. The mapping software is good. It covers the whole US. I tested it against my preferred local routes and it tended to use main roads rather than short cuts. Also, one time, the route recalculation algorithm tried to send me right when it should have sent me left. I suppose this is a function of the GPS itself rather than the mapping software. To be fair, it has been pretty reliable apart from that one event.
Overall, if you have a handheld GPS and want to expand it for road trips, I think this is great. I don't regret spending the money I did on it.
Garmin Auto Navigation Kit.......2007-01-12
What a wonderful gadget to have. My husband and I have tracked our hikes while hunting, traveled all over Utah, Florida and Georgia since we purchased this kit. It has been a great asset when it comes to finding your way back in the mountains, finding hotels, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, malls, places of interest, everything and anything you can imagine... Thanks to the review of a previous buyer we learned that we could contact Garmin to get the upgraded version of the software, we contacted Garmin and within days we had the newest version of the software. The base is fantastic and it holds your GPS steady on your car's dash under normal circumstances, and by this I mean that you might have to hold it if you make any rough turns. We definitely give this navigational system a 5 star review....
Now we only have one problem. We have two cars and one color screen GPS. I have asked my husband to get me an upgraded version of his Garmin Legend CX (very convenient system to take with you anywhere), but now I want one that talks and has a bigger screen... By the way, Garmin allows you to install the software to two different units, without having to buy an additional licence to be in compliance.
Hope this review will help make your decision.
Great advantage.......2007-01-04
Wonderful mapping capabilities from the software.
The dashboard mount works wonderfully well. We are using it with the weighted mount, no physical attachment to the dashboard.
Nav Kit makes it safe & convenient.......2006-03-27
The Auto Navigation Kit made it easily viewable, included a routable City Select North America map that was upgraded for free by Garmin, and maximized the unit's use as a portable GPS. The weighted portable base keeps the unit on the dash, where you place it. The cable is plenty long enough.
I didn't give it a 5 only because I had hoped the original Vista would not need additional maps, but since it does, the Auto Nav kit completes my needs.
Product Description
Pro Power Smart and Super Fast International charger is great for either International or Local User. It comes with 4 snap-on plugs suited for 160 world locations. Its compact size allows you to keep it in your pocket or we have provided you with convenient scratch guard protector Bag for Storage and Transportation. The charger comes with FOUR 2700 AA Rechargeable Nimh Batteries that are currently the most powerful and longest lasting batteries available. Can be recharged up to a 1000 Times! Forget about your camera ever running out of power or any other electronic device charged with AA/AAA batteries. It simply makes your life and travel Simple. Full compatibility:Garmin eTrex Vista - eTrex Vista Cx - eTrex Vista HCx
Average customer rating:
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Universal Holder, Suction Cup Pedestal and Air Vent Mount Base
Manufacturer: Gilsson
ProductGroup: CE
GPS
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Handheld & PDA Accessories
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Kingston 2GB microSD Memory Card, Retail Package
Product Features:
- This deluxe kit includes a air vent bracket plus a new design windshield suction cup pedestal.
- The unique design affords the user flexibility is mounting to horizontal and vertical auto vents.
- The large suction cup is 2.75 in dia, will ensure a secure, power lock on any smooth surface
- Equipped with thick foam pads at all contact points to protect and securely retain your device.
- Adjustable arms that will hold any device between 1.5 inches and 4.5 inches in width or height.
ASIN: B000NJ7JZ2
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Product Description
Universal Windshield Suction Mount.
The rigid neck design allows the user to position the electronic device in just the right position for optimum viewing and utilization, without worry of the dreaded droop associated with most goose neck brackets.
The large suction cup is 2.75 in diameter (compare to 2.125 for Nuvi) will ensure a secure, power lock on any smooth attaching surface.
The suction process is controlled by a unique locking ratchet button positioned on the base of the unit. The suction is maintained until the lock is released using a two set process. No accidental releases.
Universal Air Vent Mount Clip Mount.
The unique design affords the user flexibility is mounting to horizontal and vertical auto vents.
The bracket incorporates a leveling support arm to ensure that the your devise is positioned correctly for ease of viewing.
Universal Holder Features:
Adjustable side frames that will hold any device measuring between 1.5 inches and 4.5 inches in width or height. Clamping feature is released by button activated ratcheting mechanism.
Independent, fully adjustable, cushioned receptacle fingers offer a spread of 3.50 inches to allow full access to power buttons SD cards, earphone plugs, power ports, external antenna ports and pop up antennas.
Foam pads at all contact points to protect and securely retain your device. Flexible, cushioned finger pads offer a full .25 inch of thickness for a secure cushioned clamp.
Two rotating legs offer flexibility for secure positioning of smaller devices but rotate to clear position to permit installation and centering of longer units.
Product Description
Adjustable Holder Features:
Adjustable side retainers adjust to six width positions to accommodate all devices between 1.75 inches and 2.5 inches in width. Simply slide device in from top and you are go to go!
Holder has bottom retaining platform to retain devise and keep it from sliding out the bottom of holder.
Universal Windshield Suction Mount:
The rigid neck design allows the user to position the electronic device in just the right position for optimum viewing and utilization, without worry of the dreaded droop associated with most goose neck brackets.
The large suction cup is 2.75 in diameter (compare to 2.125 for Nuvi) will ensure a secure, power lock on any smooth attaching surface.
The suction process is controlled by a unique locking ratchet button positioned on the base of the unit. The suction is maintained until the lock is released using a two set process. No accidental releases.
Universal Air Vent Mount Clip Mount.
The unique design affords the user flexibility is mounting to horizontal and vertical auto vents.
The bracket incorporates a leveling support arm to ensure that the your devise is positioned correctly for ease of viewing.
Product Description
Why is the Hybrid AA battery better? The Hybrid AA Battery is the next step in battery evolution. Original Alkaline batteries could only be used once and had to be thrown away. Bad for the environment, and bad for your wallet. Why throw money away? Nimh Rechargeable batteries were the solution, they could be used over and over again, but they had to be charged right out of the package, and would slowly drain even when not being used. If left sitting for a few months after being charged it would drain completely. The latest and greatest battery technological improvement, the Hybrid AA, overcomes these limitations by being ready to use right out of the package and holding it's charge up to four times as long. You can charge your batteries and they will be ready to go when you need them, no more charging immediately before use. *These batteries will work with any device that uses AA batteries, and replace any obsolete Alkaline AA or Nimh AA batteries.* COMPATIBLE w/ Garmin GPS Handheld Navigator Garmin eTrex Vista / Cx / HCx
Product Description
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.
Enjoy Clear Reception
With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, eTrex Vista HCx locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear whether youre in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Vista HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most.
Get Your Bearings
The Vista HCx has a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even while you're standing still, and its barometric altimeter 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 is easier than ever with Vista HCx's microSD card slot. Conveniently plug in optional preloaded microSD cards with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and Vista HCx provides turn-by-turn directions to your destination. The card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet.
Take It Anywhere
Like the rest of the eTrex series, Vista HCx is lightweight and compact the perfect size for all your travels.
Other Vista HCx features:
Waterproof, so it can withstand the elements or an accidental dunk in water.
Crisp 256-color, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to distinguish map
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