UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our handheld GPS buyers guide or our Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.
The Garmin eTrex Vista Cx updates the very popular eTrex Vista C, adding expandable memory via a micro-SD card, which will provide plenty of room for optional highway and/or topo maps. This is a nice compact unit, ideal for use in the great outdoors and for navigating city streets.
updates the very popular
This receiver is identical to the Legend Cx, except that the Vista Cx adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.
Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex Vista Cx
The only caution I want to provide is that, like all members of the eTrex x-series, the Vista Cx does not include the hot new SiRFstar III chipset. For that (in a unit with comparable features) you'll have to step up to the GPSMAP 60CSx. Of course, you'll pay a price for that in several ways — a less compact unit, shorter battery life and a $160 difference in the suggested retail price.
Before we hear from others, here is an excerpt from Amazon's Garmin eTrex Vista Cx review:
|
|
"…You can use the Vista Cx's memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. The unit comes preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap that provides automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data. You can even get turn-by-turn directions when you're driving and an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more…"
More Garmin eTrex Vista Cx reviews
- Garmin Vista Cx reviews are starting to show up at Amazon.
- Trailspace.com reviews the Vista Cx.
I'll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other helpful resources:
- A PDF version of the eTrex Vista Cx owners manual.
- Want to see how the Vista Cx stacks up against other units? Try this Garmin handheld GPS comparison tool.
- There is an active eTrex Legend / Vista message forum at Yahoo.
- Here is a Garmin eTrex Vista Cx FAQ page.
Compare prices on the Garmin eTrex Vista Cx at these merchants:
- Find the low price for a Vista Cx at GPS Now.com, 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 eTrex Vista Cx price at Amazon.com.
- Find the Garmin eTrex Vista Cx for an amazing price at eBay.
- Check the deals on Garmin GPS receivers at REI.com.
From the official Garmin eTrex Vista Cx web page:
Pack more detail into your adventure with the eTrex Vista Cx and eTrex Legend ® Cx. Garmin has added removable memory to these pocket handhelds, making it easy to pack light and add maps on the go.
The eTrex Vista Cx is loaded with the same popular features found in the eTrex Vista C, including barometric altimeter, electronic compass, sunlight-readable color and advanced GPS routing capabilities — all in a waterproof design. In addition, it comes with a blank 32 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Download maps directly to the card or purchase microSD cards preloaded with MapSource® Topo and inland lake maps, BlueChart® marine cartography, and City Navigator™ street maps.
eTrex Vista Cx's features make it a mainstay among outdoor enthusiasts:
- 32 MB microSD card for MapSource data gives you the versatility of adding highly detailed maps
- Barometric altimeter provides extremely accurate elevation for hikers and climbers
- Electronic compass so you can get a heading when standing still
- 256-color, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to distinguish map details and see where you’re going
- Support for English, Spanish, Portugese, and French languages.
- Automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest (when combined with Garmin’s optional MapSource® CDs) navigate you safely to your destination
- Longer battery life for more hours of outdoor enjoyment
- Mini-USB port for fast, convenient download of map data from Garmin’s entire library of optional MapSource CDs using a PC
You won’t miss a thing when you take this rugged, lightweight, easy-to-use handheld out hiking, biking, boating or even geocaching.
Recommended accessories:
- Garmin TOPO U.S. 2008
- Eneloop rechargeable batteries
- invisibleSHIELD screen protector
- SanDisk 2 GB MicroSD card
Related posts:
About Rich Owings
I would like to use the maps I created with MapInfo and Geomedia on Garmin Etrex Legend. Is there a way to do it?
I would like to use the maps I created with MapInfo and Geomedia on Garmin Etrex Legend. Is there a way to do it?
I would like to use the maps I created with MapInfo and Geomedia on Garmin Etrex Legend. Is there a way to do it?
Sonny, If they are vector files (http://gpstracklog.com/2005/12/can_i_put_any_b.html), theoretically, you can convert them. Having said that, there are definitely ways to convert MapInfo files; some are covered in my book (http://www.makeyourownmaps.com). I’m not familiar with GeoMedia or any programs that convert its file format, which I assume is GWS.
I gave a Vista Cx to a friend for Christmas…
now, here is my questins…
In order to “View Hunt and Fish” best times , good times ……..
Do you need GPS on ?
How far into the future are these times good ?
Thanks,
bradley moore
Bradley,
I’m not sure how you could do it with the GPS off. As far as how far in the future? I just checked out the times on my 60CSx for December 28, 2099!
As far as this unit’s lack of the SiRF star III hardware is concerned, it’s a non-issue. I also have a Nuvi 350 and it uses the above chipset, but its acquisition times are the same as the Vista Cx. Not only this, but in urban jungle conditions, the Nuvi 350 has the same problems acquiring satellites as the Vista Cx.
Both units are able to acquire signals inside my home with little or no problem. The only advantage, as far as the navigation ability is concerned, is that the Nuvi has better maps than the Vista Cx built-in. This can always be upgraded, of course.
David,
Interesting comments. Thanks for posting.
I can see a world of difference between my 60CS and 60CSx. I understand that the eTrex line did get an upgrade in its antenna with the x-series line, even if it didn’t get the SiRF III chipset. Have you compared your nuvi and Vista Cx under canopy? I’m curious to hear if there are differences there.
Hi,
I bought the Garmin Etrex Vista CX for my husband for Christmas. Neither of us have any experience with GPS but are very keen to learn. He would like to use the unit when he goes on a hiking trip in the Lakes. However, when he tries to register and set up the unit (we bought it with Europe mapping) via the internet it is asking for a MAP SOURCE code which niether of us can see anywhere. I have contacted Garmin ages ago but they have not replied.
Can anybody help us with how to set it up, do you know was a code supposed to have come with the unit?
Sorry to be such a layman but we really don’t have a clue and he is keen to use it.
Many thanks for any help gratefully appreciated.
It sounds like your maps are locked. The unlock code is usually on a slip of paper that came with the unit. I would contact Garmin again. Their customer service is usually very good.
I’m not familiar with the UK softweare. Are these topo or highway maps?
Hi,
Thanks for your response. There was no slip of paper with the unit – I thought that there must be something missing but at least you’ve confirmed that thanks.
They are topo maps and highway maps.
Thanks again, I will keep trying Garmin.
Hi
I have an older Garmin eTrex Vista – the one with the monochrome display and the serial data cable. I have moved to Belgium from Singapore and have trouble with the unit powering off. I have WAAS enabled and I have Garmin selected as the data interface option.
Does anyone have any ideas? I use the unit in Normal mode, track log on and set to auto and wrap. Is WAAS causing problems becuase of the lack of line of sight with the WAAS satellites?
Thanks – Bruce
Bruce,
If my memory serves me correctly, the eTrex line has a problem with the batteries coming loose. Some people have solved this with a little cardboard shim in the battery case for some extra pressure. I’m wondering if it could be as simple as that.
Richard – thanks for the tip. I will give that a try. I have just updated to software version 3.7 and everything else looks in good condition.
I am off to the USA next week for work and will go mountain biking in Colorado next weekend so I can test it out there. I also have my Edge 205 which is great on the bike. But I do like the elevation plot on the eTrex. I will keep you updated with progress.
Cheers – Bruce
Are there any “plug-in” software for the Legend Cx available providing:
- A page that graphically show a “car speedometer” (needle)
- An “old-fashioned” page showing LAT/LONG and time with large digits
(now I only wind LAT/LONG in the satellite page)
Regards,
JH, Norway
JH-
There are no plugins that I know of — wouldn’t that be great though?. And while I don’t know of any way to get a speedometer, you can get the lat/long and time in large digits. On the Trip Computer screen, choose Big Numbers. Then, choose Change Data Fields and select Location (lat/lon) and Time of Day.
is there any way co converto MapInfo files (maps) so you can load them to a Garmin gps ?
You can convert MapInfo files and show them on a Garmin mapping GPS like the Vista Cx. This is all covered in my book, GPS Mapping – Make Your Own Maps. OziExplorer can convert MIF files to shapefiles. If it is a simple line file you can just convert the shapefile to a track file then. If it’s more complex, like contour lines, there are ways to do that too. I believe this can all be done with freeware, shareware or the trial version of programs.
I will be getting a GPS for an upcoming trip to Brazil. Because I may not have an opportunity to recharge, I like the 32 hour battery life listed for Etrex Vista CX. But because I will be in the rainforest I like the SiRF Star III chipset for reception which is on the GPSMAP 60CSx. Which do you suggest? Do both come with South America Maps? Do you have any alternative suggestions?
Go with the SiRFstar III. When are you going? An eTrex series with SiRFstar III is due out as early as mid-July (http://gpstracklog.com/2007/05/new_garmin_etre.html), but the battery life is rated at only 25 hours. The only South American maps installed on it will be a very general basemap. Garmin has a City Navigator Brazil map package, but it only covers a limited area. You can use the map viewer on their website to see if their WorldMap is any better.
I have an etrex vista. When I create a route on the pc with mapsource using waypoints, the route displays on top of the streets.
When I transfer it to the gps, though, the route dispalys as straight lines between the waypoints.
Is it possible to make the route line up with the streets on the etrex vista?
Thanks,
Wendell
Wendell,
Since you can route along streets in MapSource, I’m assuming you have City Navigator or City Select. And if you can see those streets on your Vista, you must have transferred the maps to your Vista. Which leaves us with menu options as the likely culprit.
I don’t currently own an eTrex, but according to the manual, there should be a Follow Roads option on the Routing Setup page. Please let me know if that takes care of it.
Thanks for the reply Rich. Yes, I have transferred maps to the etrex.
The only similar option I could find is the “lock on road” option that makes the navigation triangle icon stay on the streets.
It just seems like the route should display on top of the streets on the gps if it does on the pc, but maybe that’s a limitation of a lower end gps.
Regards,
Wendell
Hi,
I have the etrex Vista Cx. Can you tell me if I can download/upload memory maps onto this?
Thanks,
Mash
Mash,
You can’t use the Memory Map brand. You have to use Garmin maps or a custom map designed to be used on a Garmin. Garmin maps are listed here: http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/
HTH