Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator
by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $65.00 You Save: $234.99 (78%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: GPS or Navigation System See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator
Customer Review: Well-polished, major update of the classic Etrex
Summary: 5 Stars
I had a trusty eTrex Summit which I used for bicycling and hiking. I read about the new Vista version, and decided "why not?" since I liked the idea of having maps as well. After two weeks of using the new Vista, I am totally convinced that Garmin has surpassed its already wonderful design. The eTrex Vista not only has surprisingly useful mapping, but the entire operating system has been updated significantly, making this tool very powerful and very easy to use. A dozen small touches make you appreciate the refinements.. things like customizable information displays (on a bicycle I care about average moving speed. When hiking, I may care more about estimated time of arrival. When geocaching ...I care about distance to the secret treasure. ) The new Vista lets you customize the display to show just what you want. You can have a small font with many readouts, or a large font with fewer. The satellite page now tells you clearly the number and strength of each satellite, which helps you find the best spot for a start reading. And the map! I was surprised at how well it worked... I worried a lot that it would be hard to control, but the new addition of a small joystick works WONDERFULLY and makes it easy to control. [This same joystick makes navigating information displays easier too.] It is a perfect size and comfortable to use.I give the Vista an enthusiastic "thumbs up". The...price seems a little high at first, but after using this gem, I have to say its worth even more. Garmin has made one of the coolest electronic gizmos I've ever used.. and I own one!
Customer Review: Went with the Vista and glad I did
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a novice at GPS so didn't know where to start in shopping. I asked around but not that many people have these type of units. I read all the reviews and did side by side comparisons as best I could. I wanted a device to go Geocaching so was looking for rugged, handheld, and easy to read. I chose the Vista model by Garmin and I have been well pleased. It was easy to learn, handy to use and I had my son using the device in a short time.
I used it on a 1200 mile trip and found the maps and information included with the unit to take care of our travel needs. We especially liked the services at exit feature for our travel along the interstates.
I was impressed with what these devices can do and how convenient they are to use. I ordered the cigarette lighter/serial attachment and it works fine. I also got the carrying case but I doubt that we'll continue to use it as it is hard to read thru the plastic window. We used the belt clip that is attached to the carrying case but usually let the case dangle when the device was in use. I bought a small pouch for carrying our cords, the device, and batteries. I would recommend this model to anyone wanting to get around and discover the fun of this way of travel.
I read the complaints about left handed positioning but didn't find that to be a problem. I also read about tree cover being a problem for blocking satellites. We would simply look for a small opening in the trees and could usually pick up 3-4 satellites.
I appreciated shopping at Amazon and the help that they could give with these reviews.
Customer Review: Works great in Southern & Central California
Summary: 5 Stars
Based on the mix reviews I read on Amazon, I decided to purchase a Vista with the intention to return it if it doesn't live up to my expectation.This is thoughts after a 3 days backpacking trip:
We visited Little Lakes Valley near Mammoth Lakes in central California. I uploaded trial topo map from Garmin's MapSource to the GPS unit which was really easy to do.
The first day there was completely overcast but the GPS worked fine. It was a bit slow tracking the satellites (maybe 1-2 minutes) and I would say the accuracy is within feets. For instance, when I approach a fork in the trail, the pointer indicated where I was on the fork just as I arrived at the spot. The 2nd and 3rd day were clear and this GPS was ready to navigate within 30 seconds! Mapsource is very accurate ( as far as this particular trail is concerned). What a great way to backpack. I had the comfort of knowing exactly where I am. I simply love this product. Well designed. Easy to learn UI. I spent less than 1 hour going over the literature and was very comfortable navigating around the different menues. The irony is: I am returning this GPS afteral. The reason: I am picking up the Rino 120 by Garmin. At least Vista gave me the confidence that Garmin makes quality product.
The basic road map preloaded in the GPS is adequate. It displays most of the main roads and freeway exits in Los Angeles area. I did experienced some problem while strolling in areas with dense tree. But this GPS is for outdoor use so this doesn't concerne me a whole lot.
Customer Review: Great unit hampered by lack of external antenna port
Summary: 2 Stars
This is a solid unit loaded with features. Some people will find the design of the unit, which is made to be held in the left hand, awkward to master. (I was told by Garman this was done because if you were hiking with it in your right hand and fell, you would be most likely to try to use your right hand to break your fall - and the gps would be crushed.)Clearly the major failing of this unit is that the interal antenna is only marginal, and it has no provision to add an external antenna. A big problem if you plan to use the unit anywhere there are lots of tall buildings, a moderate tree canopy, or in the car.
A frustrating limitation to an otherwise excellent unit.
Because of the limited antenna, my expereince is that it will often loose your track, which will make the units calculation of average speed, and your path, innacurate. (If the unit looses satelite reception, it will simply assume a direct line from the last reception point to when the reception is receieved again.
I should note that because of the hampered antenna reception, you are often forced to walk with the unit in your hand, with the antenna pointing up, to maintain satelite reception, as opposed to clipping the unit on your belt.
It does have a hunger for batteries - particularly if you use the backlit display. I always travel with an extra set.
Again, a solid unit - hampered by a poor antenna. If you are looking at this unit, I'd suggest looking at the GSMAP76S instead.
It has the features of the Visa with an external antenna port.
Customer Review: Garmin takes a giant leap forward
Summary: 4 Stars
Garmin has outdone themselves with the eTrex line of GPS. I've used the GPS III Plus by Garmin, which used to be their top of the line for outdoor/personal use. Now, with the eTrex line of GPS available, the III Plus pales in comparison. I have a Vista and have found few drawbacks to the unit. The most prominent being battery life. I highly recommend the cigarette lighter adapter if you plan on using the unit in a vehicle. Also, if you plan to use it at night, take a flashlight along and don't use the backlighting on the eTrex. By doing these thing you will extend the battery life considerably. The only other negative is that maps tend to eat up the memory. But with 24 MB it has the most of the eTrex line and should be plenty for even powerusers. As for positives on the Vista I can't say enough! The size is very manageable, much more so than the older models. Satellite acquisition and tracking are right on. I've used the Vista several times in my vehicle with the unit sitting on the console and picked up several satellites. I've used it in severely stormy weather with completely overcast skies and was able to track my position. This also proved to be an excellent test of the unit's weatherproofing! The inclusion of other technologies, such as the WAAS capability, Loran TD position format and built in electronic compass truly defines the Vista as a leader of GPS units. I could go on but the best way to find out how well the Vista works, is to buy one and try it yourself! Enjoy!