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.

Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

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.

More Garmin eTrex Vista HCx reviews

• Consumer-authored eTrex Vista HCx reviews have 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.
• Foosel reviews the Vista HCx

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.
• The official Garmin eTrex Vista HCx web page.
• 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 $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
• Check the current Garmin eTrex Vista HCx price at Amazon.
• Find a great deal on the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS at REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases.
• Buy the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Expandable Color Hand Held GPS Receiver at TigerGPS.
• Get the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx for an amazing price on eBay.
• Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers

Recommended accessories:

• Garmin TOPO U.S. 2008
• Eneloop rechargeable batteries
• invisibleSHIELD screen protector
• SanDisk 2 GB MicroSD card

Related posts:

• Handheld GPS buyers guide
• GPS for hikers
• GPS for geocachers
• GPS for cyclists