Chock full of features in a handheld GPS package, the Garmin
eTrex Vista
Date: |
12/09/03 |
Tackle type: |
Electronics |
Manufacturer: |
Garmin |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.33
Introduction: Just a few years ago finding your secret fishing locations
involved a map with some hand scribbled notes. Today advances in GPS navigation
allow anglers to return to the exact same spot, log their adventures in the
backcountry, and venture out into new territories without fear of getting lost.
Built for the outdoor enthusiast on the go the Garmin Vista represents the top
of the line in the company's popular eTrex series of portable GPS units.
Garmin eTrex
Vista
Specifications |
Chassis |
Plastic, Rubber |
Unit Size |
4.4 x 2.0 x 1.2 |
Weight |
5.3 oz. |
Receiver |
12 Channel |
Display Size |
2.1 x 1.1 |
Display type |
4 Level Gray LCD |
Backlit |
Yes (Single Level) |
Audible Alarms |
No |
Batt. Life |
12hr (2AA) |
Number of Waypoints |
1000 |
Built in Memory |
24MB |
Additional Memory Capable |
No |
Database & Basemap |
Americas Highway |
Additional Features |
WAAS Capability, Built in Electronic Compass, Barometric Altimeter.
Hunting/Fishing Calculator, Celestial Information, Calendar |
MSRP |
$321.41 |
Impressions: GPS units have increased in features and have become
easier to use then ever since their introduction a decade ago. I have been using
GPS units since the original Motorola models appeared on consumer shelves. In
stark comparison to those cumbersome units the Vista is exceptionally portable.
This attractive silver unit runs on 2 AA batteries and serves up a cornucopia of
information. The Garmin eTrex family is extremely popular among outdoor
enthusiasts because of the many various models, all of which include a array of
features. The entry level eTrex units feature coordinates but lack mapping
systems, mid range units include basic mapping with reduced memory capacity and
no electronic compass or altimeter, but if you are looking for a unit that has
it all, then the high end Vista eTrex is your unsurpassed choice. The Vista
combines the features of all the other five models into one familiar package.
|
Introducing
the feature rich Garmin eTrex Vista (The following are examples of just some
of the menus that can be accessed with this unit) |
The Field Test: The best way to test a GPS
is to hit the road running. We took the Vista on an interstate drive, a
backpacking trip, and a cruise on the California Delta. We opted for some
additional equipment in our tests to fully experience the Garmin offering. These
accessories included a dash mounting kit for cars/boats, a protective soft clip
case for backpacking, and additional Garmin maps.
|
Using the
included data cable, and optional MapSource discs the Vista is capable of
delivering extremely detailed fishing lake information |
Extreme Portability: Most impressive is
that Garmin was able to include all the functions of the entire eTrex family
into the Vista while still maintaining the exact same dimensions and weight
(5.3oz). This tiny unit can fit in a pocket, be strapped to a backpack, clamped
on a bike, mounted on a car dash, or bolted to a boat console. Garmin sells
various mounting kit options that all snap into the unit via it's
interchangeable battery cover backing. This system allows this single unit to be
used for a range of different vehicles and applications. Compared to competitor
units there is no other handheld GPS on the market that is able to supply so
many rich features in such a compact package.
|
With the
optional mounting kit the Vista can be mounted on your car dash or boat
console, though the screen is somewhat small for use while driving |
Design: Ergonomically the Vista is a work of art. This tiny unit
features six easy to use buttons. The entire casing is ruggedized with
additional rubber insulation. This rubber also provides a extensive seal over
the buttons helping make the unit waterproof up to IPX7 standard, which means
that the
GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30
minutes, but not continuous use. So while the Vista will survive splashes on the
boat, don't plan to go diving with anytime soon. The entire unit fits
comfortably in your hand, and there are surface ridges to help improve your grip
on the unit, even when wet. Every menu can be accessed with just one handed
operation, making it possible for you to fish or operate a vehicle while
navigating; Though it is highly recommended that you get the optional mounting
stand when driving or boating.
As far as handhelds go the 288 x 160 pixel
grayscale screen is excellent and crisp in appearance. While this unit is ultra
portable the screen is somewhat undersized for use in cars. I found myself
squinting to read the map, even when zoomed in. The reason is that when mounted
on the dash the screen is quite far away from the normal driver position, this
combined with glare makes reading the unit challenging. This unit is designed to
be portable and flexible in application, not to be a full time vehicle
navigation system, Garmin has other models that are better suited for this.
|
The Vista
features waterproof buttons and a handy navigational joystick, a feature not
found on most of the lower end eTrex models |
Mapping:
While some GPS units can be intimidating to operate at first, the Vista is
extremely painless to navigate from the first minute you turn it on. After
initial calibration, which takes less then a minute, the GPS begins to work
immediately. The GPS can be adjusted to be used lying flat or vertically
positioned, and while the Vista obviously works best on clear sunny days it also
performed well on cloudy days. I was impressed by the internal antenna and found
that it even functioned inside our office when there was no clear view of the
sky!
After the 12 channel receiver locks onto the
positions of at least 3 satellites the Vista brings up your location on a map
which can be zoomed from a map of the entire country all the way down to your
20ft surroundings. This unit does a fantastic job of holding satellites once
they have been acquired. The Vista comes with the Americas Highway basemap and
features the major highways for the entire country. Additional tracking can be
done without a map, using tracking and setting up of waypoints. Overall the
detail of the standard map is somewhat disappointing. But make use of the Garmin
MapSource CD and fill the 24MB of internal memory with your region's maps and
the Vista takes on a whole new life.
The same maps that can be used in your Garmin fish
finder GPS combos will also work in the Vista. By using the "Fishing Hot Spots"
add on disk (sold separately, or they come with Garmin Fish Finders) you can
access detailed lake information for hundreds of the most popular lakes in the
US and Canada. The information is transferred into the Vista with the included
PC interface cable. These detailed maps contain information on the shoreline,
depth contours, and even lake structure. But even without this mapping software
you can always mark your favorite fishing spots on the GPS and return to the
exact same location. This is particularly useful in large bodies of water like
the Great lakes or Oceans.
|
The Vista is
an excellent backpacker's GPS thanks to it's lightweight and durable
construction (Upper left: the optional GPS protective sleeve has a handy
belt clip) |
Capabilities: There is a abundance of
information available to you via the Vista's multiple menus and screens. In
addition to accurate mapping the Vista provides anglers with a customizable trip
computer which can track speed, avg speed, odometer, moving time, stopped time,
and much more.
I found the barometric altimeter extremely useful
when backpacking in the Yosemite High Country, and I was able to track the daily
elevation losses and gains. The Vista was able to calculate the Max elevation
that I reached, as well as generate the total ascent during the backpacking
trip. The Vista's handy digital compass also helps when you combine the
information of the GPS with field maps. The feature package that the Vista
supports right out of the box is particularly impressive.
|
The
customizable trip computer uses various windows to convey your information
in real time |
Bonus Features: As if the basic features of
the Vista weren't enough the GPS also features 4 "accessory" features to help
sweeten the pie. These include:
1) Sun & Moon: Celestial information
and sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset forecasts. This information is very
accurate and benefits anglers as they plan their days in the field.
2) Calendar: While not a substitute
for a PDA, the Vista is capable of acting as a organizer of sorts with a
complete calendar and basic note capabilities. Anglers could possibly use this
as a fishing log.
3) Area Calculation: By using
algorithms the GPS is able to make area calculations on the map to determine how
much area between destinations ahead of you, or those that have been already
traversed.
4) Hunting and Fishing Predictors:
This is a feature that is interesting and amusing, but doesn't necessarily
provide very useful data. Based on your location and date the GPS will make 2
best time, and 2 good time predictions for when hunting and fishing will be at
it's peak.
|
The digital
compass is very accurate, and good when on large bodies of water or in the
wilderness |
Limitations:
While there are not too many, the Vista is not
without flaws. While the unit is feature packed the price that you pay is a
drastically reduced battery life in comparison to the lower eTrex units. The
entry level eTrex units achieve 18-22 hours battery life while the Vista runs
out of juice every 12 hours.
To fully take advantage of the Vista's
capabilities we highly recommend using additional MapSource maps from Garmin,
but these additional discs are expensive. A set of the MetroGuide and Fishing
HotSpots will cost you over 200 dollars. The next problem is that 24MB, while
the largest in the eTrex class, is still not enough to handle a generous region
of maps. I was only able to install the maps for Northern California before I
ran out of space. Unfortunately the Vista does not make use of any additional
storage, as a small SD or compact flash would make the map storage basically
unlimited.
Finally, once high quality maps are installed you
will have access to everything from fishing marinas to McDonalds, but the Vista
is not capable of giving any step by step driving directions via mapping or text
to your destination. You will have to navigate the map yourself, and follow the
compass to your selected target.
|
The
California Delta consists of hundreds of waterways and the Vista serves as
an excellent backup solution to help navigate and mark fishing hotspots |
Price: The MSRP for this unit is 321.41,
but it is possible to buy this unit online for under 300 dollars. We wish that
for this price the unit would come with the additional mapping software, or at
least a certificate for one region. While the package is excellent, the price is
still somewhat expensive. The Vista represents the best that there is right now
for an ultra portable GPS, but newer units that feature color screens, improved
internal memory, and expandable memory systems will soon be arriving. For the
time being the Vista is reasonably priced, but before throwing down the 300 to
buy this unit, and an additional 200 for maps, you should ask yourself what are
the actual features that you really need from a GPS. If basic mapping or
coordinates is all you need an entry level eTrex will fit the bill nicely, while
costing 100-200 dollars less.
Ratings:
Garmin eTrex
Vista Ratings
(?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Nice construction and good use of rubber to
help make this small GPS unit durable and rugged. |
9 |
Performance |
The Vista performed excellently in all our
tests. Whether it was backpacking, cruising in the car, or speeding along in
the boat the Vista delivered quality mapping while tracking, and marking key
waypoints. The wealth of information available to anglers is impressive, but
the basic basemap lacks the details most anglers are looking for. Buy the
additional maps and all that changes. |
8 |
Price |
Reasonably priced for the features you are
getting, but expensive if you are just looking for basic GPS functionality.
Ask yourself what are the features you really want from your handheld GPS,
maybe a lower model will fit your requirements. But if your looking for the
most feature rich offering, this is it. |
7 |
Features |
Tons of features doesn't begin to describe the
package. Various menus allow access to very rich data. |
9 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
A lightweight GPS that fits comfortably in
your hand. This unit is along the best when it comes to easy one handed
operation |
9 |
Application |
A excellent backpacking GPS, or backup
solution for boaters or drivers. Somewhat small screen for larger vehicles. |
8 |
Total Score |
8.33 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus Minus |
J
Great durability |
L
A bit expensive |
J
Easy operation |
L
Need additional maps for detail |
J
Accurate |
L
Screen too small for vehicles |
J
Flexible applications |
|
J
Tons of information
|
|
Conclusion: Looking for a great handheld GPS chock full of features
and information? The Garmin eTrex Vista is an admirable solution. This GPS unit
brings more features into a ultra small and lightweight package then ever
before. The small screen makes it somewhat hard to read in large vehicles, where
the size of the unit makes better suited for backpacking or as a backup unit for
anglers that fish in the untamed wilderness or on large bodies of water. The
only other major downside to the unit is that you require the additional maps
for truly detailed navigation, and the unit is not capable of step by step
directions. Overall the unit is impressive and for the most part we recommend
the Garmin eTrex Vista for anglers who are looking for a GPS that will deliver
accurate performance and a full suite of additional features. If you are an
angler just looking for basic coordinates or simplified mapping with routes and
waypoints then you should consider other less pricey units, as they will deliver
the features you desire and save you a pretty penny.