Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx
Our Analysis:
Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx seems to be the obvious choice for both outdoor lovers and motorists. It is the perfect companion for different kinds of terrains and conditions due to its ability to provide positioning at an instant. With 122 customers giving it 5 stars and another 63 a good 4 stars, the overall 4 star rating is more than impressive. One satisfied customer quoted “ In a word, I consider this unit to be: exceptional. It meets or exceeds its advertised functionality and my expectations. “ With a host of perfect and near-perfect reviews, the Garmin Vista Hcx is the ideal companion for all outdoor, nature and travel needs.
Garmin’s Etrex Vista Hcx is a firm favorite among outdoor users. However, it is also favored by motorists. It is suitable for all forms of terrain including steep canyons, high mountains, tall buildings, windy forest trails, Interstates and more. It is robust and strongly built to withstand all kinds of conditions and to provide accurate navigation at an instant.The majority of users adore it for its small, light-weight but compact GPS system by one of the leaders in the industry. It’s antenna is highly sensitive and allows for quick and accurate positioning of homes and buildings. In addition, extra features such as the compass and barometric altimeter makes this a complete companion and adventure tool.
The ability to toggle between different maps and terrains can come in handy for well-traveled adventurers who stop at nothing to get their adrenaline rush. In addition to the current maps, users can easily upload any new maps in the future. Navigation of the Etrex Vista Hcx is easy. The menu is easy to use and is also easily customizable according to the user’s preferences. The display, with its bright colors, is easy on huge and easy on the eyes. The direct sunlight does not even interfere with the display which is an added advantage.
With every new product released by Garmin, it would come across as if the manufacturer is out to reinvent and outdo itself. This is exactly how the Vista Hcx comes across as. The WAAS-enabled GPS receiver is highly sensitive. It is ideal for those who intend to obtain their position on while on the move at an instant. The Etrex Vista Hcx flawlessly gives out accurate position regardless of the weather conditions and terrain. It is the perfect companion to obtain position at places such as wide-open seas, mountain tops, roofs of tall buildings, deep forest trails and deep valley gorges or along the Interstates.
In addition, the barometric altimeter also comes in handy to keep track of the altitude as well as used to make weather predictions. What’s great about the Vista Hcx is that its antenna is highly-sensitive. It can accurately give the location of your current position in an instant. The electronic compass which comes pre-built is also a handy feature since it is able to provide the user with the bearing location.
The Vista Hcx comes with a basemap that is elaborate and comprehensive. It is intended for all-rounded outdoor terrain use and contains maps of railroads, lakes, cities, rivers, coastlines, national and state highways to act as a complete adventure tool and companion. The waterproof microSD card slot means that adding and downloading additional maps in the future is entirely possible and and convenient. Even without the upgraded maps, the basemap contained is impressive and often overwhelms those that are not prepared for that amount of information at their fingertips in a device as light and as compact as this. This is of course, in addition to The Vista’s ability to still integrate old maps from previous models.
The navigation can be switched between different map sets such as between Topo US and City Navigator North America. In addition to it, users are able to use a single microSD card for the same map rather than to purchase 2 separate cards. What this means is, it leads to huge savings over the long run. The menu is helpful and allows for easy navigation. Along with the wide, bright and colorful screen, the display is as good as it can get. In addition to the pre-set menu, customization and personalization is entirely possible. It can be set the to suit the user’s functions and conditions of use.
The Vista HCX operates on 2 AA-sized batteries. Lithium batteries are the best for this purpose and is expected to last for several hours. Having mentioned this, the settings for batteries have to be correct. If it is not set to show the proper batteries used, it will give out the impression that the device is running on low battery. Therefore, ensure that the batteries used matches the setting of the battery used. The Etrex Vista Hcx has long been favored by those who enjoy being in the outdoors and adventure-filled outings.
It proves to be a light, compact yet highly-sensitive and dependable receiver to give pinpoint location in a flash. In addition to the base map contained, any future changes to the existing maps or any new introductions can easily be downloaded. All in, this is the ideal companion for those who enjoy activities such as rock-climbing, hiking, water-rafting, 4WD excursions and other activities along the lines.
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Display Size: 2 inches
- Native Resolution: 176×220
- Battery Average Life: 25 Hours
- MP3 player
- Lightweight, compact and waterproof
- Features a 1.7-inch X 1.3-inch screen with 256-level color TFT
- Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
- eTrex Vista HCx
- basemap
- MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software
- USB cable
- wrist strap
- quick start guide
- user’s manual