Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS by Garmin
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista Cx Waterproof Hiking GPS
Digital camera Review: Garmin eTrex Vista CX
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the 4th Garmin GPS I bought - GPS 2, GPS 5, Nuvi 660 and now the Vista CX. I bought the Vista CX to replace my GPS 5 primarily for mapping my local parks via mountain biking so I could plan trips, track mileages and also to get into geocaching. The first couple of times I used it in an outer pocket of my Camelbak while riding around through the woods in late October - after most of the leaves had fallen from the trees - and it lost coverage several times ending in incomplete track logs. I then tried it clipped outside with similar results. I found it not much better than the GPS 5 for tracking. However, the display and battery life are excellent and the menus are easy to navigate through. I wound up returning the Vista CX for the 60CXs which I absolutely love. The big difference is the SiRF III chipset. I can now pick up 3 or 4 satellites inside my house and have mapped over 130 miles of trails so far. I would definitely recommend the 60CXs over the Vista CX, price notwithstanding.Digital camera Review: Garmin eTrex Vista CX Color Handheld GPS
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great little handheld GPS for hiking and geocaching. Has a micro SD card expansion slot which is perfect for upgrading the maps and using the eTrex as a USB flash drive. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars because it does lack on the getting satellite locks while inside buildings and loses satellite reception if you put it in a pocket. Other than that, if you are in the open or hiking through the trees, this is a perfect inexpensive GPS for hiking and geocaching.Digital camera Review: Garmin eTrex Vista Cx
Summary: 5 Stars
Both my wife and I were fairly new to GPS's before we bought this unit. We first used a friends when we were driving to a concert and were amazed at the technology. Then, she started using handheld GPS's for her school program and we decided that we wanted to get one for hiking. At first we were looking at fairly cheap ones since we wanted one just for hiking but after I started to look into the technology I decided that it would be best if we got one that was more like an all in one unit. I travel a fair amount for work and we would also like to have a GPS for road trips and vacations. After a couple of weeks I decided on this GPS.
Initially I purchased the Legend Cx in Canada to see if I liked this GPS. I bought that one because the Vista Cx wasn't available and because I was just looking to test the GPS to see if I liked it. It worked great so I then returned it and found the Vista Cx on Amazon for $50 cheaper than I paid for the Legend Cx. In case you don't know the Vista is the same as the Legend except the Vista has an elctronic compass and barometric altimeter. I think the electronic compass is well worth it but like I said, I paid less for the Vista since I bought it in the US. Electronics are generally 15-20% more in Canada so if you can get around shipping costs and customs clearance then buying in the US makes sense.
Anyways, we bought the Auto Navigation Kit and 2 GB memory card to go along with this and we couldn't be happier. Having this GPS has given us more reason to get out. We have plenty of places to hike where we live but a GPS just seems to add more fun to hiking. I find with geocaching it adds more purpose to your trip and also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you find the geocache.
This GPS works great on the road too with the mapping software that comes with the auto kit. I can see the GPS screen just fine on the dash of my car when I'm driving. I don't think I will ever get lost again as long as I have my GPS with me. Once I set a destination in my GPS it does the rest for me. I find when I'm travelling I want to drive around and without a GPS you're kind of stuck staying on the path that you know. With your destination set in your GPS you can take any road you like and it will re-route your trip.
If you want a GPS that you can use for everything then I would say this is definitely the one. So far I have no complaints with the unit.
Digital camera Review: Garmin in Iraq
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the e Trex Vista Cx for use in Iraq on my deployment there and have been very satisfied with it's ruggedness and ease of use. The downloads have been easy to install and the tracks from map source have been easily transfered over to google maps of the area I was working in. I am very satisfied with Garmin and it's product.Digital camera Review: Geocacher
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased the Vista CX after wanting to upgrade from my Legend. The first out caching, the unit was very eradic and took me 400' feet from the cache. After calibrating the compass, I got within 80' feet. Second cache it got within 90' of it. Garmin CS said they never heard of this but the Vista I purchased two years did the same thing. They both were returned, needless to say. If you want a great no frills GPS, stick with the Legend. Most cachers with higher end Garmins fuss about the cords being off from lower end units. Garmin just can't see to make the expensive units with many features be accurate. The Vista line keeps building on a poor platform. I am waiting on my new Magellan Explorist 500 from Amazon.