Garmin eTrex Vista GPS Receiver

Garmin eTrex Vista GPS Receiver
alaScore 80

1386 reviews

May, 2013

alaTest has collected and analyzed 1386 reviews from magazines and websites. Views about the value for money and route planning are overall positive. The usability and build quality are also mentioned favorably.

memory, build quality, usability, route planning, value for money

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other GPS the Garmin eTrex Vista GPS Receiver is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 80/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 1386 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Showing 1142 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 1142 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (289)

Expert review by:

Portable Gear

 

The fully-gasketed, waterproof, high-impact, plastic-alloy Garmin eTrex Vista feels as if it belongs in your hand. Although the eTrex Vista is compact, it has a solid, balanced feel that the other devices in our roundup lack. Apparently, the device's...

Expert review by:

Garmin eTrex Vista

 

Familiar features The eTrex Vista maintains the weight (5.3 ounces) and dimensions (4.4 by 2 by 1.2) of its predecessors and is housed in the same waterproof, pocket-sized casing. The main design difference between the Summit and the Vista is color...

Lightweight; sharp screen; loads of memory.

No driving directions; expensive; additional MapSource programs are costly.

Although the eTrex Vista and its add-on programs may be a bit pricey, you will not find a more feature-packed GPS device in a smaller package.

Expert review by:

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

 

Whilst there is a lack of a touch screen and wireless transfer capability, the easy to use design of the unit makes up for these shortfalls. On balance, the eTrex Vista HCx is a solid GPS unit for any adventuring purpose and a contender for your new...

High Sensitivity ReceiverWaterproofAutomatic, turn-by-turn routingGood battery life

Requires purchase of larger MicroSD (64mb in box)

Packed with features for the part-time Geocaching enthusiast or the...

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Expert review by:

Garmin eTrex Vista H

 

The Garmin eTrex Vista H is a new, relatively low-end model in the eTrex line up. It is a monochrome unit, though it does offer an electronic compass and barometric altimeter. Step down to the Legend H and you'll even drop those two features. The Vista...

To see how the Vista H stacks up against other units, check out my Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.

Expert review by:

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...

Expert review by:

Garmin eTrex Vista Review

 

Here's what other reviewers have to say:

TOP TEN REVIEWS - EXELLENCE

Expert review by:

Garmin ETrex Vista HCX

 

Including an SD card would be a nice way to make eTrex Vista HCx stand out even more among GPS systems, but we think the geocaching capabilities and long battery life will make it a good fit for many users.

The battery life is truly impressive

This unit does not come with an SD card

This is a pretty solid choice, especially for geocachers.

Consumer review by:

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

 

GARMIN HAS SOLD ME A USELESS PAPERWEIGHT for MY birthday. THere is no amount of customer support they can provide to return my two lost days of time. What a piece of "ART" this unit is.

I have nothing good to say about the unit as it will not even START

It is a $300 paperweight purchased 120 miles form the house. Returnig it will WASTE AN ENTIRE DAY

Consumer review by:

Great and terrible for geocaching

 

I thought the Micro-SD would allow me more space to use for geocaching entries. It does not, other than for a map update. You need to carefully manage your caches on it, I discovered this recently. We did a road-trip from Tx to Fl and back. The GPS can...

I have owned this GPS for about 3 years. It is great to geocache with

THe MicroSD is only useful for a map update. It cannot be efficiently used to store extra geocache waypoints

Consumer review by:

Great product, a must have for any adventurer or driver

 

Great product. Had mine for 6 months. Its like the swiss army knife of GP'S. Has all the features like barometer, waterproof, altimeter etc just to name a few. Mine is loaded with TOPO and has every little detail about Australia (mountains lakes etc

A little hard to learn at first, screen could be a bit bigger, other than that, a must buy. If you have this and you're lost, you'll find your way out for sure

Product Specifications

Deep foliage, nor canyons phase 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. 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. 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. 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. Like the rest of the eTrex series, Vista HCx is lightweight and compact - the perfect size for all your travels.

Battery

Run Time (Up To):12hour(s)/25hour(s)

Built-in Display

Resolution:176 x 220/288 x 160

Dimensions & Weight

Depth:1.2in
Height:4.2in/4.4in
Weight:5.3oz/5.5oz
Width:2.2in/2in

GPS Software

Maps Included:North America / South America

GPS System

Connectivity:Serial/USB
DGPS:DGPS ready
GPS Functions / Services:12-hour pressure trend / Ascent/descent rate / Bearing / Electronic compass / Elevation / ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) / ETE (Estimated Time Enroute) / Heading / Local pressure / Speed / Time/date / VMG (Velocity Made Good)/Altimeter / Bearing / Electronic compass / Local pressure
Receiver:12 channel
Recommended Use:Hiking
SBAS:WAAS
Type:GPS receiver

Header

Localization:English/French
Manufacturer:Garmin
Model:Vista/Vista HCx
Packaged Quantity:1
Product Line:Garmin eTrex

Miscellaneous

Waterproof: Yes

Navigation

Routes:20/50
Tracklog Points:10000/3000
Tracks:10/20
Waypoints:1000/500
Waypoints per route:50