Garmin Veterans Please Help

[I am the Tony]

Ok, wise ones. I want to get either an eTrex legend or a eTrex Vista. Is the additional 16 MB of memory, electronic compass and altimeter worth the extra coin for the Vista? Or should I not worry about those features? I'm very new with the sport and I want to purchase a receiver today if possible but I don't know enough to determine if I should shell out the extra cash for the above mentioned features. Any ideas, feedback or insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tony

[+Blaidd-Drwg]

Let me start by saying that I don't own a Legend. I do own a 12, a couple of yellows, a Vista and a 60cs. In these days of falling prices, I suspect you can get a vista for just a few dollars more than the legend. The added memory is nice, and I really like the compass feature. So my vote is to go for the vista.

[+briansnat]

The electronic compass is nice to have, but not essential. The altimeter is more of a curiosity thing. The additonal map memory is key. If you are planning on adding Mapsource maps, the 24 megs will come in very handy.

 

I startd with a Legend and upgraded to a Vista and was glad I did.

Edited March 29, 2005 by briansnat

[+nmbobster]

I have a 76CS, before that I used a GPS V and a GPS III+. The electronic compass is seemless and you do not realize how cool it is until you go back to a unit that does not have one. Then you realize how much you really do use the compass. If you ever start loading maps the extra memory will be way handy.

[+VirginiaJim]

I own a Vista and a GPSMAP 76S. I enjoy the electronic compass as well. I don't think you can ever have too much memory. The extra features are not a must for geocaching, but I would spring for the Vista.

[+Milbank]

If your going to be using it in area's with lot of heavy tree cover get the vista.

[I am the Tony]

You guys rock, thanks for the speedy reply. I hadn't thought about adding maps so thanks for the info. The Vista it is!

[+briansnat]

If your going to be using it in area's with lot of heavy tree cover get the vista.

Why? Same antenna and virtually the same processor.

 

Edit: Oh, for the compass.

Edited March 29, 2005 by briansnat

[+Renegade Knight]

I went back to one without a compass and don't miss it.

 

In your shoes I'd get the vista for one reason. Memory. With 24mb I can hold most of my normal caching area in both City Select and Topo maps. It's not quite enough RAM but it's better than the Legends amount.

 

You will get used to the compass.

[+New England n00b]

Using Mapsource Topo in my 8 MB Legend, I can load part of southern NH and some of northern MA. When I upgrade, more memory is going to be the deciding factor. Other mapping packages require a lot more memory, from what I understand.

 

I, too, would go for the Vista if I had the spare dough.

[+welch]

If you got the money go for the bigger memory. Having it and not using it all (often) is better than trying to figure out what area of detailed map to leave out later on.

[+Robespierre]

I've been able to cache with family groups, and assorted units....they will all get you there. But, once I saved enough $ I bought the Vista for the electronic compass, and now I have some extra maps in it too.

[+Talio]

Vista is my weapon of choice and I've never had a single problem with it. I really don't see why you'd need something nicer.

 

Talio.