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The Garmin eTrex Vista was my second Garmin. Against my better judgment, I decided to buy another Garmin on the advertised promise of quick satellite location and a higher sensitivity to satellite signal.

I should have stuck with my gut. This model (Vista) is no better at satellite location and maintaining the signal than its predecessor.

It should be noted however, the GPS works fine-like all I've ever used, it is more accurate in some areas (within 9 feet), than others (within 154 feet). It has an extremely strong signal in one place, and very weak (or none) in another. Like all I've ever tried, the reason behind these differences is sometimes inexplicable. Of course, I find these same inconsistencies with cellular phones as well.

While I primarily use my GPS for geocaching (www.geocaching.com), I do (try to) use it from time-to-time for directions. I would not suggest this model for anyone who is trying to get from point A to point B via automobile on a road.

However, the Garmin Vista did get me to a close enough proximity to the stashed caches that I was able to locate them 4 out of 5 times...which is my norm.

Garmin has different models for each of its GPS makes, and the Vista is no exception. I have the Vista, but there is also a Vista HCx. The HCx promises even more and sports a (256) color screen. Among the promises of the supped-up GPS are: Mapsource mapping, memory card expansion slot, and USB port. For this the HCx also has a price tag of about $100.00 more than the Vista (and $200.00 more than the basic).

The Garmin Vista would do for someone just starting in the GPS world, but I would save about $100.00 and just get the eTrex basic. The difference really isn't worth the money. Once you get a feel for how you want (and will) use your GPS, then you can revisit the selection and pick one with more of the 'bells-and-whistles' that you want and will use.

Learn more about this author, Christopher Mcgown.
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