Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS
by Garmin
List Price:
Category: GPS or Navigation System
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: GarminBrand: Garmin
Edition: Electronics
Model: 010-00439-00
Publisher: Garmin
Studio: Garmin
Music Label: Garmin
Product features:
- Bright, full-color TFT display, automatic routing, and long, 20-hour battery life
- Powerful navigation chip for supreme accuracy
- Includes barometric altimeter and electronic compass
- MicroSD memory slot; includes 64 MB memory card
- Preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap
- Energizer L91BP-8 Lithium AA Photo Battery (8-Pack)
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries - 8 Pack
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries with Charger - 4 Pack
- Garmin eTrex Legend Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS
- Geax Arrojo Performance Wire Bead Mountain Bike Tire - 26 x 2.0 - 1021320
Digital camera reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS
Digital camera Review: ...and the birds won't eat your breadcrumb trail
Summary: 4 Stars
Despite all the annoying aspects of it I'd have to say that I'm glad I had this little toy while traveling in Costa Rica. It was nice to know that I couldn't get lost anywhere. I now have my tracks downloaded on my laptop and it's really neat to see the route I took and all the waypoints marked on the map (even the entrances to the parks).
The upsides - huge storage with the 1 gig microSD card, nice display, pocket size (not for teeny tiny pockets like the Razr but fits in standard sized front pockets), user friendly for the most part, and long battery life (AA batteries so you can easily have a spare handy if it's getting low). And it's fun to leave virtual breadcrumbs along your trail.
The downsides to this unit are numerous but I would be surprised if most are not simply limitations in the technology. To name a few - takes a loooooong time to acquire satellites when you turn on the unit and takes even longer when going to a new location (though the latter bothered me much less than the former); loses GPS signal very easily - under forest canopy, under any roof (even just at the gas station under the tiny shelter), and even in my pocket or the center of the car in fully open skies - it gets really annoying when you're walking outdoors and realize that for the last 5 minutes you've had no GPS signal because the unit was in your pocket; expensive accessories and maps, and poor detail on maps for locations not well covered (Costa Rica for example) - don't bother with the preloaded base maps, get the maps for the area you need and if there are none for that area get the world map. Also the anti-piracy stuff on the software is really annoying - it's a whole long process to unlock after installing and it's device specific.
Oh by the way, the customer service agent was really helpful when I called (though limited business hours make it not too convenient) but very slow by email.
Summary of Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS
The eTrex Vista Cx is a versatile, pocket-sized handheld mapping product ideal for both marine and outdoor use. It provides a bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and includes a 32MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Garmin preprogrammed microSD cards can be purchased, providing detail for Topo, BlueChart?, Fishing Hot Spots, Minnesota LakeMaster Promaps and European streets. The 32MB microSD card can also be loaded with data from MapSource? products like BlueChart, U.S. Topo 24K, Minnesota LakeMaster Promaps and City Navigator?. 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. The Vista Cx incorporates a barometric altimeter for extremely accurate elevation and vertical profile data. An electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still.Amazon.com Product Description With the Vista Cx, Garmin has updated a much-loved device withexpandable 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. |
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, 64 MB microSD card, USB interface cable, bike mount clip, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD, lanyard, owner's manual, and quick-start guide
GPS & Navigation
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