Garmin eTrex Vista HCx review
The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is the flagship model in Garmin's new eTrex H series line. The successor to the popular Vista Cx, the Vista HCx adds a high-sensitivity MediaTek chipset and has a faster processor as well, which will give you faster map scrolling and screen redraws.
Like the Vista Cx, the HCx sports a bright, sunlight-readable color screen, a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, and a micro-SD card slot for loading topo or highway maps.
A great backcountry device, the Vista HCx also autoroutes, so you can add City Navigator maps and a mount, and use it for turn-by-turn routing in your car. The button layout may make it a little awkward for this purpose though; a better, but slightly larger, dual use choice might be the Garmin 60CSx.
Stepping down one level to the Legend HCx, you lose the barometric altimeter and electronic compass.
Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx
The first hands-on Garmin eTrex Vista HCx reviews are showing up at Groundspeak (the Geocaching.com message board) where early reports are quite positive. A couple of minor bugs have been reported but overall, it sounds like a great unit.
More Garmin eTrex Vista HCx reviews
- The first consumer-authored eTrex Vista HCx review has been posted at GPS Now.
- Folks at Amazon are also posting Garmin eTrex Vista HCx reviews
.
- GPSInformation.org has posted a typically thorough Garmin eTrex Vista HCx review.
- And consumer-written Garmin Vista HCx reviews have been posted at CNet.
- A geocacher has posted a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx review.
- Here is a German and English language review of the Garmin Vista HCx.
- MTB Guru has posted a comparison of the Vista Cx and HCx.
- Good Life Cyclist reviews the Vista HCx from a biker's perspective.
- Lone Locust has also posted a Garmin Vista HCx review.
I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other...
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx resources
- A PDF version of the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx owners manual.
- Want to see how the Vista HCx compares to other units? Use this Garmin GPS comparison tool.
- I haven't found any message forums dedicated solely to the eTrex H series, but there is a UseNet Garmin message board and a good Garmin forum at GPSInformation.net.
- Check out my Legend HCx review for a more detailed look at the eTrex interface.
Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx at these merchants:
- Find the low price on a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $399. Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
- Check the current Garmin eTrex Vista HCx
price at Amazon.
- Buy the
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Expandable Color Hand Held GPS Receiver
at TigerGPS.
- Find a great deal on the
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS
at REI.com, where quite a few consumer reviews are posted as well.
- Buy the
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Portable Navigator
from TheNerds.net.
- Get the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx for an amazing price on eBay.
From the official Garmin eTrex Vista HCx web page:
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 you’re 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 details — plus, it looks fantastic
- Fast USB computer connection so you can transfer waypoints and other data to your computer
eTrex Vista HCx: Lock onto the great outdoors.
Recommended accessories:
- Garmin TOPO U.S. 2008
- Eneloop rechargeable batteries
- invisibleSHIELD screen protector
- SanDisk 2 GB MicroSD card
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