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Garmin eTrex Vista HCx review

Etrex_vista_hcx

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

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

Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx at these merchants:

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 BearingsVistahcxlfacing

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.

VistahcxscreenshotTake 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:

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