Which GPS unit should I buy? Totally confused!

[tonyrousos]

Hey all... New to the forum and trying to learn about the different handheld GPS units out there, but so confused on which one to buy. I'm looking for a good unit that I can use for hiking/backpacking, geocaching, fishing, and just general outdoor usage. I also want a color screen, and an electronic compass feature.

 

I have a Garmin for my car (Streetpilot C330) and have had a good experience with it, so I'm probably leaning towards a Garmin handheld. I don't know enough about the Magellans... and it looks like most people here in the forum use Garmins.

 

The units that I'm considering as candidates are: 60Csx, and the Vista HCx. I know I have read that there's some bugs with the HCx (odometer bug, and etc)... but don't know if that is really something that should stop me from getting the HCx, because I'm sure that Garmin will put out an update to fix that eventually.

 

Anyway, if anyone could give me their experienced opinions and/or recommendations, I would really appreciate it. Are there any Magellan units that I should consider? Also, I've seen that Bushnell has a unit that will also allow you to view satellite map images? Is that any good? Also, will I need to buy the Topo map software, or is the base map good enough?

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Tony

[LinXG]

Hi Tony

 

Since you've narrowed it down to either a 60Csx or Vista HCx you can't be all that confused. Garmin makes great handheld GPS's.

 

The things that are important to me before a purchase are:

 

Warranty: What is the standard warranty, can it be extended. What is the reputation of the manufacturer for after sales service and support. Will my GPS still be supported 2, 5 or 7 years from now.

 

How much will it cost me to use the GPS: How many doodads, brackets, clips, cables, cases, antennas and extra mapping software will I have to buy to actually use it for my application.

 

Try before you buy: The extra premium you pay the local dealer to hold the GPS in your hand for an afternoon has something going for it that internet sales can't match.

[eaparks]

Tony,

Both of the units you have narrowed it down to are excellent, you won't be disappointed with either one. I personally own the 60CSx, but have also used the Vista HCx. At the time I got my 60CSx the Etrex H Series was not available. Both have some advantages in my opinoin.

 

1. 60CSx bigger screen, especially helpful when autorounting (not pertinent in your situation since you already have an auto unit).

2. 60CSx buttons instead of joy stick on Vista HCx... personally I like the buttons, but I found the joystick easy to adjust to.

3. Vista HCx has a lot better battery life than the 60CSx.

4. 60CSx's screen has to be tilted at roughly a 45 degree angle upward to be able to see the screen at it's best.

5. Vista HCx's screen is brighter and easier to view. Screen viewing on 60CSx is improved by tilting unit at a 45 degree angle even when back lighting is on.

6. Vista HCx easily fits in a shirt pocket.

 

If I were buying one of these units today I'd probably buy the less expensive (Vista HCx) and put the difference toward software which you'll want regardless of which one you end up with. This is not to say that I don't like my 60CSx... I have been extremely pleased with it.

[gallet]

I know I've said it before and doubtless I'll say it again, especially as it was the deciding factor between getting the HCx over the 60CSx, and that is although the screen on the 60 is a bit larger, the resolution is a bit less so it needs to be held further away thereby virtually nullifying the extra size. I also found it ridiculous that the pages have a menu bar across the top telling you what page you are on.

 

In every test I've seen the HCx's Media Tek chipset does better than the 60's quad helix SirfStarIII although the difference is tiny.

[+dontpanic0]

I have a vista HCx, and I like it a lot, but the 60CSx is basically same functionality, so I would think you would be happy with either.

[tonyrousos]

Thanks for your replies! It sounds like the HCx might be the way to go!