Reviewed By: Bill on 3/12/2010 10:15:19 AM

Overall ratings: 7.1 out of 10

Pros:
Lightweight,holds up to 4GB of maps BUT see below. Is acquires a signal in impossible places and if very accurate. I like it.

Cons:
The manual is TERRIBLE and the Mapsource software manual is even worse. You need to know someone who has one to learn the ropes.

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
The memory is limited to 2025 tiles or micro maps from mapsource. On the 100K US map that uses less than 2GB of memory, so the limitation is Tiles, not GB. Backlighting needs to be on all the time. Screen nearly impossible to read under nearly all conditions. Mapsource is very, very difficult to use if you wish to combine different sources of data on to one map set. Battery life is about as advertised. Buy a belt case. The clip on the unit is worthless. The maps for Canada and US cost as much as the unit, so it is really a $500 GPS. It has fewer features than a GPSIII+ but more memory and color screen (but smaller) and longer battery life. The screen is really tiny if you use 4 data fields to navigate. GPS data and barometer never agree. I need more time to evaluate which is more accurate. The compass is less accurate than a keychain compass and must be held level to work at all. This is not a car GPS. It is a handheld, but Garmin has put a few autorouting and route directions in it, but it is not meant for that. It is in its element with topo maps off road. I wish they still made the GPSIII+ but with a color screen,4 GB of memory and super reception. THAT would be the perfect handheld.

Reviewed By: Terry Gobel on 1/15/2010 11:48:55 AM

Overall ratings: 7.0 out of 10

Pros:
Great service, prompt delivery, excellent price, wonderful item!

Reviewed By: Dod Deeds on 12/16/2009 8:21:08 AM

Overall ratings: 9.9 out of 10

Pros:
Ease of set up ease of use. My 16 yoa first GPS...This is a very user friendly GPS.

Cons:
Smaller than I anticipated. I'm used to the Garmin 60csx. I use it for work and play. His small screen took a little getting used to.

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
This is a good GPS. It has all the bells and whistles that anyone would need.

Reviewed By: Jesse on 12/13/2009 1:25:33 PM

Overall ratings: 9.7 out of 10

Pros:
Easy to use, easy to set up and easy to read. Options on the screen do not make the display busy. Great for hiking and road.

Cons:
The display could be larger but then the unit would be more bulky.

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
Great price on this unit. It is so easy to use. I wished it came with rechargable batteries and a charger for vehicle. One can invest in these but would make package more attractive with that capability. Base map could be better but it is adequate.

Reviewed By: Gary on 12/9/2009 12:15:05 AM

Overall ratings: 8.4 out of 10

Pros:
great spead of route calculation

Cons:
screen not easy to read in bright light

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
better of the gps

Reviewed By: andy on 9/24/2009 7:52:19 AM

Overall ratings: 8.4 out of 10

Pros:
Nice color screen. Has a lot of features but requires extensive use to become familiar with it's operation.

Cons:
The joy stick/track pointer/enter button combo leaves a lot to be desired. The map backlight setting is lost every time the unit is powered off. Buttons are not intuitive nor well marked. For the money, it should come with, at least, a topo map. Everything is accessed via the setup menu which similar to navigating a notebook computer with a track pointer, a real pain in the butt while walking in the woods.

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
I was interested in a unit that would keep me from getting lost in the woods and able to transfer my tracks/trails to a pc. This unit does both.

Reviewed By: Glenn Woods on 9/12/2009 9:31:27 AM

Overall ratings: 8.6 out of 10

Pros:
The accuracy of this unit is much improved over the older etrex legend. You can upload the routes and way-points and have them match up with Google Earth maps exactly.

Cons:
Should have rechargeable battery pack like modern cell phones utilize.

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
The Garmin etrex Vista allowed me to find the blazed trees that mark my property boundary in just minutes. With a little practice I should be able to navigate that boundary in the solid wooded area. To date this unit has exceeded my expectations.

Reviewed By: Justin on 6/4/2009 7:02:15 PM

Overall ratings: 9.9 out of 10

Pros:
High Sensitivity Antenna is Wonderful! Great accuracy even inside! Easy to load maps from Garmin or free sites like GPSfiledepot.com. Turn by turn directions, pocket sized, geocaching mode, electronic compass, long battery life, works with 3rd party mini USB car chargers, etc. etc.! Mac and PC capable.

Cons:
Navigating through menus and advanced features can take some getting used to, but easier than DeLorme or Magellan models. Pricey Garmin maps- go to GPSfiledepot.com for free topos!

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
Love this product- great for advanced and beginners alike. I use for geocaching, skiing, backpacking, and road navigating. Well worth the price. Though the PCNation "3 Day Fed Ex Shipping" turned into 6 days!

Reviewed By: kuamood on 2/1/2009 8:46:24 PM

Overall ratings: 8.7 out of 10

Reviewed By: gs on 10/6/2008 3:25:33 PM

Overall ratings: 7.1 out of 10

Pros:
The color screen. Nice small unit.Good battery life.

Cons:
Had to buy extra Topo software. Only has the base map on it.

Comment about Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
I had an old Garmin GPS12 before.Nice to have the color screen. Should take a few lessons on how to use all the options on it, however. Use it on atv trail rides. Bought the Topo software to go with it.Great to be able to print out where you've been riding. Just need to take more time to familiarize myself with it.