Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator
Customer Review: Good features, but screen refresh is too slow, not good for car
Summary: 4 Stars
I had a Magellan SporTrak Map GPS before I got my Garmin eTrex Vista. I bought the Garmin because I needed an additional GPS as my two sons were constantly using my SporTrak for geocaching, and I always like to keep a GPS in my car for those times when I need a quick detour, or need help getting somewhere and I don't want to miss the turns. I had read in a number of reviews that the Garmin units were more feature-rich than the corresponding similarly priced Magellan units, so decided to get an eTrex for my car, and let the kids keep my Magellan.
Here's what I found. The features are good, 24MB of map memory compared to my Magellan's 6MB. The waypoint siteline (the line it draws between you and your destination) properly moves *with* you, instead of the Magellan's wacky fixed siteline that stays put from the moment you set a waypoint destination. Good screens, I like the fact that you can customize it so that the satellite accuracy in feet can be displayed on both the map and the navigation pointer screens (good for geocaching).
But as it turns out, this unit is completely inappropriate for use in a car. The screen is too small for use in a car, the light is way too dim, and the redraw is *way* too slow. If you scroll the screen a bit just to find out what roads are up ahead, you will wait 8 seconds (sometimes longer) just for it to repaint! The only way to avoid this long repaint time is to zoom out so that not as many detailed roads are displayed, but then that defeats the whole purpose, since you then can't see the smaller roads that you're interested in.
The items that this unit falls short on compared to my Magellan SporTrak Map are:
-Incredibly dim light, not very useful unless your eyes are 3 inches from screen
-No audible beep feature
-Very slow repainting
-Very clumsy panning (slow to move the cursor, and once you move off screen it repaints, causing a long wait).
-Small screen
In order to get the detailed maps, you still need to buy the MapSource software. I got the MapSource Metro Guide USA, it has detailed roadmaps for all of US.
The features of this unit that are superior to Magellen SporTrak:
-Waypoint siteline moves with you
-Shows satellite accuracy in feet
-Much more space for maps (24MB)
-Built-in compass, keeps you oriented even when you're not moving
-Longer battery life (12 hrs)
-Small, fits well in pocket
All in all, a good unit, but not useful for driving when you need *quick* response in order to avoid taking your eyes off the road for too long. For geocaching and hiking, I think this is a very good unit.
Customer Review: Not for new user or for trail riding on an ATV
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this for when we go trail riding on our ATVs. Although I have used GPS systems before, I am new to the eTrex. I rated it so low for a number of reasons.
The Compass is useless, unless you hold it at the exact required angle it will not read correctly. While this might work if you are hiking, it is not going to work on an ATV.
The supplied Map Software is useless. I could not even find my own street! It lacks detail, it lacks road names, it lacks place names, it is totally lacking and a waste of time.
The GPS itself is very sensitive to location/environment. It barely works on the second floor of our house. It barely works in our car. It works well when outside with a clear view of the sky.
I was unable to set any useable waypoints using the eTrex itself but did manage to set a couple using the supplied software.
The only function that I liked and that seemed to work well is the Trip Computer.
Overall, very very disappointing considering Garmin's reputation. I will be returning it and will try something else.
Customer Review: The built-in Compass makes all the difference
Summary: 5 Stars
I specifically ordered this unit because of the built-in compass. This electronic compass allows you to stand in one place and get true readings as opposed to other models that require movement to accuratly track your location and display directions to waypoints.
Customer Review: Best all around GPS
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a member of the service, it is crucial that I know where I am in the world. I decided to purchase the Garmin eTrex Vista after much consideration of other handhelds on the market. It is one of only a couple in the $200 price range with a build in electronic compass, so you don't need to move around to get a bearing (a big plus when you're trying to sit tight, like hunting). Setting waypoints is easy, and changing pages on the fly is just a button punch away. The compact size is also a bonus (smaller than my digital camera). Along with a variable contrast display and backlight, it's even easy to read at night. Finally, the Amazon price was about $50 below MSRP. All in all, a great purchase.Customer Review: Very Good Product
Summary: 4 Stars
I think that this receiver holds up to its promise and is a very helpful tool when navigating outdoors. I have used it on the desert and on the Baja peninsula mountains and performed pretty well. There is only one thing missing, this receiver does not warn you when you are about to lose reception (I could've used some kind of "beeping" noise) and neither warns you when you've lost complete reception. This is a very serious complication when you're traveling under heavy vegetation (pine trees) or under rain, when your complete attention is absorbed by the surroundings and where to make your next move, if you are tracing a new route through an unknown path this can be really scary. Other than that it performs extremely well and for the price offered by amazon is an exceptional buy. Just one thing that I recommend is that you remember to keep track of your satellite reception, since this receiver will not notify you.