Using a handheld in automobile

[Strogenburgher]

I'm brand new to Geocaching and GPS in general for that matter. We are looking to purchase our first handheld and get started. From reading posts on this forum I take it that the eTrex series are very popular, in both price and function.

My question is, can the upper end eTrex models (Vista and VistaHCx) be used in the auto the same way the larger screen auto only models are used. Driving directions, maps etc. I realize that the screen is smaller but what else is different. While we want this for Geocaching, tha automobile directions and functions would be a bonus.

It would also make it easier to talk my wife into a higher end model like the Etex Vista HCx.

Thanks all

[+XopherN71]

There is no speech, but yes... they will give directions along with a great POI database (worth it on it's own).

 

I have the Colorado 400t with City Navigator 2009 and the combo is priceless, in fact I sold a nüvi 660 and 60CSx in order to go to one device and I have no regrets.

Edited May 9, 2008 by XopherN71

[+Hrethgir]

I have an eTrex Legend HCx, basically the same thing as the Vista, except mine doesn't have the barometric altimeter. You can buy street-level maps for it, and it will make turn-by-turn driving directions. I haven't bought any maps yet, but I do plan on it. Only thing that you might not like is that I don't believe there is any kind of audio directions, but, like I said, I don't have the maps, so I can't say for 100% that it is silent besides the beep/chime sounds it makes, but I don't see anything about audio directions, and there's no headphone jack, either (would be nice for turn-by-turn on my motorcycle).

[+TrailGators]

I'm brand new to Geocaching and GPS in general for that matter. We are looking to purchase our first handheld and get started. From reading posts on this forum I take it that the eTrex series are very popular, in both price and function.

My question is, can the upper end eTrex models (Vista and VistaHCx) be used in the auto the same way the larger screen auto only models are used. Driving directions, maps etc. I realize that the screen is smaller but what else is different. While we want this for Geocaching, tha automobile directions and functions would be a bonus.

It would also make it easier to talk my wife into a higher end model like the Etex Vista HCx.

Thanks all

The handheld Garmin Quest talks and it's a nice unit for the car.

[+Idahogreggory]

Yes. I have the Vista HCx and a nuvi 200W and I use the Vista in my Jeep all the time because of the hostile environment. Like XopherN71 said there is no voice but it beeps before the turn and give a good header across the top of the map telling you what street to turn on plus it has the same turn by turn screen as my nuvi. The only two draw backs the Vista has over the nuvi is that the screen is smaller and it is not a touch screen. If I could only afford on I would have bought the Vista since I only use the nuvi when I am on road trips. The Vista is easier to take on a plane for use in the rental car because of it's size and durability and of course it is much better for caching, hiking and hunting then the nuvi.

[+tangative]

Re: the Colorado 400t with City Nax 2009: Do you know how to turn on "transparent maps" to allow you to use the Topo and Street maps simultaneously?

[+XopherN71]

Well, it 'kind of' does it automatically... but some topo data isn't displayed, you only see the shading. I'm not aware of any other option to enable/disable.

[+Paul_Aris]

Well, it 'kind of' does it automatically... but some topo data isn't displayed, you only see the shading. I'm not aware of any other option to enable/disable.

 

I have both the Colorado 400T and the Nuvi 250W. For me if I could only have one it would be the handheld. Especially if you want to do geocaching. I use mine on the snowmobile, in the boat and hunting so a handheld is a must.

 

The colorados screen size is actually nicer than I thought when using it for a automobile GPS. I have City Navigator NT on it and it works great.

[+XopherN71]

Yeah, I found that unless you're using North Up display the screen size really isn't an issue because the height is still great and most of what you want to see is ahead of you anyway.

[DonpK]

I have a VistaHCx which I use mostly for hiking, but I also use it in the car. As others have said, it does lay out routes and give on-screen turn-by-turn instructions. However, I find the small screen and the lack of touch screen capability a significant drawback. The small screen makes it difficult see the maps and instructions. The lack of touch screen means any changes you want to make while driving must be made by using the small buttons to negotiate the menus - something that could be dangerous if you're trying to drive at the same time. You might want to let you wife try out the handheld models you're thinking of and compare them to the larger car models.

 

I like having a GPSr in the car and have thought about getting something with a wide screen (see above) like the Nuvi 200W. One thing I've noticed is that the 200W has a noticeably less sensitive touch screen than the small screen models like the 200. I'm not sure why this is.

 

Don