Garmin eTrex Vista C Waterproof Hiking GPS by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $100.00 You Save: $329.99 (77%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista C Waterproof Hiking GPS
Digital camera Review: Fun and Practical
Summary: 5 Stars
I find computers easy to understand so this may not apply to everyone, but this GPS was easy to figure out and use. I really like the ability to interface the unit with the computer via the software. I've had some fun pulling the LL coordinates off the Google maps site (from the page properties) and plugging them into the tool.Digital camera Review: GARMIN
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently bought the Garmin eTrex Vista C and it is excellent. As with any of these portables you have some compromises. The screen is smaller than you would want, but the overall package is excellent and easily fits in a shirt pocket. The color display is very easy to read, has an excellent backlight, and contributes significantly to the ease of use for this unit.
The unit has an excellent combination of features for on and off road use. It can do on-road navigation, complete with turn-by-turn directions and sound prompts (tones) for turns. It also is feature rich in the off-road realm so you get a great package that excels in both applications.
The on-road navigation suffers a bit because of the small screen, but not so much that you won't like it. Again, the combination of features in this unit makes it a great buy for someone who is looking to use the unit on and off road, with the off-road capability being the primary application.
Digital camera Review: GREAT GPS
Summary: 4 Stars
I have owned and used a Garmin 12 for years. Unfortunately, the Garmin 12 doesn't provide any maps, so I broke down and purchased a Etrex Visa C. All I can say is WOW! What a great GPS. It took a little while to get all the features setup, and to learn how to use all these features. Then it was time for FUN!. If you are looking for a full featured GPS for outdoor use and some vehicle use, you can't go wrong with the Etrex Vista C.
Garmin makes wonderful products. However, their Customer Support SUCKS.
Digital camera Review: Garmin Vista C
Summary: 2 Stars
I recently upgraded from the Vista C from the Vista after using it for over a year. I was anxious to gain the added benefits offered by the new gps including the more detailed routing along with color screen.
I had been using the Vista successfully with my Macintosh computer using VPC and a USB to Serial adapter. It had worked wonderfully, so I expected that the new one would work equally well since I would no longer need the adapter from USB to Serial. However.....
It will no longer work with a Macintosh. The software loads and works easily using VPC as did the software for the prior version. However the USB driver provided by Garmin will not work with a Macintosh and there does not seem to be an alternative according to the technical support at Garmin.
So Macintosh users beware: Do NOT buy the Vista C as it will not work with your computer. The Vista with the serial interface to a computer will and does work very well. It is too bad that Garmin has not provided even minimal support for Macintosh. All it would take is a simple driver, but their technician says that they have no plans for producing same.
Digital camera Review: Good item but the proprietary interface is a bummer
Summary: 4 Stars
It is a nice tool for navigation. I have set marks in my driveway and place of work several times each and while they are not in exactly the same place each time, they are well within 30 feet. For me, if I need to know where I am to a higher degree of accuracy, I might want to consider what I am doing or get a new prescription for my glasses because I certainly have missed something!
One thing that GRIPES ME A LOT is that Garmin has chosen to be completely proprietary. I cannot use it with Mappoint nor can I use it with DeLorme's products. I am not a happy camper about that fact. In an age of plug and play and trying to make interfaces common between a variety of computer products, it seems shocking that a company would choose to be more proprietary and not support common interfaces. Imagine a world where each CD burner used a different interface. It is not a happy thought. I hope Garmin reconsiders their choices. I cannot imagine it will be a good business decision for them.
Beyond that complaint, if you are happy with using only Garmin products, it is a very good tool and I look forward to using it to navigate the back country of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in the near future.