Etrex vista vs 60csx

And the ponts on the 17" screen will be much smaller. Im considering getting a gps60 standard, but the garmin website doesnt explian what exactly the 'geocaching function' does. Is it just a gloryfied waypoint system, or does it store cache info and logs etc, so i can paperless cache without a PDA. It is a function for managing waypoints that include the geocaching symbol in the waypoint description. I cannot compare it to the 60CSx, but at least compared to my old MAP76S, there is a considerable loss of screen usability, due to the fact that the data fields are huge: On the 76S I could make them smaller and see three data fields would show in one narrow row.

Add to that that an additional row with huge characters is added to the screen to tell me where I am going as if I don't know , there isn't much screen left for the map. One other issue I have with my new HCx is that I can rotate through the page sequence only in one direction. On the 76S I could go either forward or backward. On the 76S, however, I could have the small data fields and the map on the same page, and I didn't NEED to rotate pages, whereas on the HCx, I need to see my data fields on a different page, but then I can't go back to the map without going through the entire page sequence first - which I have therefore reduced to a minimum 4.

I would be surprised to learn that you can't cycle through pages forward and back on the HCx. I have never heard that issue raised before. Can anyone comment on that?

Not very intuitive, but it works. DAG nabit SUCK it up people, yall are getting like the princess and the pea. Imagine not knowing where you are at all, in virgin forest When using a GPS V which has a perfectly good screen in the sunlight and shade etc.

I found the 60CS to be noticably better. I would expect the 60x versions to be at least as good. When you use the term "dull" I think it's fair to qualify it to say that "dull" is better than all prior generation GPSs.

Either that or your 60 is defective. LED backlighting vs. Flourescent backlighting makes a difference in power consumption. I have no idea what Garmin uses or if they have upgraded to LED as the newer more efficient tech. Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still. Barometric altimeter with automatic pressure trend recording. Built in GPS patch antenna.

Display: 1. LED backlit display and keypad. I don't put any data fields on my map. I use the compass page and the trip computer page to display all the data fields I need. Additionally, you can change the sequence in the page rotation. You can also add pages to the sequence. I was assuming that when I replace a 4 year old model with a new one, I get a great deal of improvement, and I indeed did. I assume you didn't comment on the lost feature to reduce the data field size, because that feature is lost to all current units.

So when I asked for workarounds, and people tell me to put the fields on another page, and then I find I cannot toggle between map and units but have to go through the whole sequence of pages, I find that the inability to go back and forth is a feature missing in the HCx that should have been included in the hands-on review.

What's the best way to divide up the real estate on the little HCx screen when hunting for a cache, in order to help you find it? There's where the 60cx series ability to navigate back and forth between pages is a big advantage I have my data fields on my compass page and leave the map screen as a full display. Pretty quick to page back and forth one click when you need more info.

I find the whole HCX vs 60cx discussion kind of funny My 60cx is coming up on two years old and if it's still holding it's own against the latest technology, I feel like a made a really good purchase when I bought mine! If I was in the market for a new GPS I would wait to see what Garmin is going to replace their aging "premier tier" of handhelds with 60 and 70 series.

I would bet that we will hear something announced at CES but I've not heard any rumours yet All Garmin would have to do is start reading and writing unlimited tracks to the card in the 60 and 70 series and I'd upgrade!!

Also, add the new receiver and a brighter hi-res screen and they'd have a real winner! Unless you wanted a substantially smaller full-featured unit that could keep a lock undercover, which many do. You make some good points - I just sold my 60cs and I must admit I loved it, would have loved the x unit even more I'm sure.

But for my uses the form factor itself was enough to go hcx - the fact that it was substantially cheaper was just a bonus. If I was in the car more than on foot I'd have gone the other way but the hcx is fine in the car to be honest. As others have said, choice is a wonderful thing. I'll go with what I have for at least two years but I am also anxious to see what garmin comes up with next. Oil and Water. The bolded statement bolded by me above indicates that you cherry picked the features you wanted.

Some car windshields do not pass satellite signals making external antennas very important. And if you're operating in the field with an older laptop with a serial connector only, it would be nice to know that before you bought a GPS. I don't want to seem like I'm piling on, but your excuses for cherry picking diminishes your otherwise good analysis by highlighting your prejudices.

Just state all the facts and let others decide. The 60csx tried, but was unable to establish a single satellite lock. Both units showed full battery strength. However, the two-hand operation is very similar to the MAP , to which I am accustomed.

I found both systems very easy to use, but the Vista felt much more natural during one-hand operation. This works great for me, because I'm right-handed and tend to use my left hand for the GPSr.

However, my wife is left-handed and prefers using her right hand for the GPSr. This meant she was covering the screen with her thumb while navigating the UI, which was a bit frustrating for her. Neither of us had a problem using the 60csx with one hand, although it would be easy to accidentally drop it while entering text.

This wasn't a problem in the store, but I could see that the 60csx would have an advantage in unfavorable reading conditions bright sunlight, rain, poor vision, etc. The brighter backlight on the Vista should help compensate under these conditions.

The smaller pixels on the Vista gave the impression of a sharper image for icons and maps, but the larger pixels on the 60csx made the text more readable.

It seemed like what I would expect from a modern GPSr. I didn't try the backlight on the 60csx. After using both units, my wife and I have a slight preference for the Vista hcx, even though the 60csx is more similar to the unit we already have. The Vista seems to be a far better value for our needs. Although there seems to be a lot of tension in this thread, I found it very useful reading before evaluating the units myself.

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Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2. Recommended Posts. Posted October 30, Conclusion: I see nothing at all that makes me prefer the 60, not a single feature. Big and bulky for no reason.

Link to comment. Regards, John. SiliconFiend Posted October 30, SiliconFiend You can test it quickly yourself--just hold it sideways and look at the signal strength, then turn it facing up and notice the change. Posted October 30, edited. I personally would miss the tide tables that are on my 60csx. Glenn W Posted October 30, Thanks for the review. Yep choice. I own both the vista hcx and 60csx and I agree that the HCX is better but only because of its superior bootup and satelite locking time, and also the battery useage Posted October 31, Forkeye Posted October 31, Apologies for the long post.

SiliconFiend Posted November 2, Posted November 2, Posted November 3, So let's really look at what has been added and what hasn't. New Facts: 1. Your observation of the two units' reported accuracy in several different orientations. Both of those are useful But that's about it.

SiliconFiend Posted November 3, Posted November 4, edited. Edited November 4, by hollyburn. QuigleyJones Posted November 4, Posted November 4, SIZE: I also like the smaller size. I'm a bit confused by this, shouldn't it be that you see more map? The rocker is better on the vista but you get used to the 60 quick.

And when your testing try entering 10 coordinates on both units. Hiker Posted November 4, Posted November 5, In the HCx, I cannot do that, so.

Posted November 6, Disclaimer: I am new to the HCx. I am probably missing something, and am open to suggestions On the quest I always have it set to avoid highways , and it always makes it take a much more interesting route.

I just want to make sure the Vista has the same features. UPSam , Nov 22, Joined: Aug 28, Oddometer: 16, Location: Plutocrat free zone. I is quite an improvement. I got it for off track hiking and hunting primarily but it works great riding also. It works inside and even in my jacket pocket riding. The screen is very small for old eyes while riding and don't need distractions with how I ride. I am not mounting it on the bike for that reason.

I am looking to mount it on my wrist over my leather jacket for quick stop and checks. I do have a sort of question on the electronic compass. Is it supposed to only function when standing still? Is it not really that accurate? It seems to do strange things if you track back and watch the pointer. The beauty of the vista is two fold: It's small enough to slip in your pocket any time, any place. And the battery life is stellar.

Put some lithium batteries in it and you won't even need a power cord. Regarding the compass, the compass feature works internally when standing still and switches to satellites when moving. It's a bit like saying I'm not buying a Porche because a Ferrari is slightly faster.

Hey, they're both easily fast enough for the job. To carry on the analogy, the old etrex range is like a Lada replace with US car that everyone ridicules. I live in the forest and walk in the mountains all the time. I have never lost a signal on my CSx in 18 months. I had a old yellow eTrex before that and it barely ever got a signal in the forest.

My track logs were a few dots and then a big gap. It had to go. I always wondered how double posts came about - and now I know. Sorry, the web site flipped out on me. Thanks a lot SidandBob for the reply. I am getting the gist that both are VERY good under dense coverage now I will inevitably be going on hikes where accurate distance data will be useful I upgraded my 60C for a Vista HCx, and for the money difference, couldnt be happier.

I like the smaller form factor, and I ordered the etrex case from Amazon and it appears that they are stocking the new cases that fit the HCx, so all in all I am a happy customer although I havnet been caching with it yet. For me the difference was size. It is easier to look inconspicuous with it and will fit in your pocket. The 60CSx is much larger but more rugged and better antenna if you are in the woods alot. I ended up going with the Vista HCx because of size. Thanks for your thoughts people.

It's positive to hear you are happy so far with your HCx also. I believe I will be going with the HCx as well. I just have to hope hope hope HOPE that the odometer issue will, in fact, be fixed with an update soon. I guess ultimatly it doesn't affect the primary function of the device Can anyone tell me how do these two units compare in terms of performance? Is there really a difference in terms of processing hardware between the two units, or is it just me?

Completely different hardware. The two chips seem to be similiar in performance, but few side-by-side comparrisons have been performed, and none that I've seen discussed refresh rate. I suggest you check the settings to make sure the power saving mode is turned off on both units, and that the level of detail shown is comparable on both models apples to apples. Glenn, you're talking about the GPS chipset, and about that I do know that both models have different electronics. I'm talking about the other hardware that makes the device But accordingly to what you said, one would expect that the Vista HCx would be faster than the 60 CSx.

I suppose that in the end it's just my impression and this isn't really an issue. Nevertheless as soon as I get the opportunity I'll do a side by side comparison in order to clear this out. I know it's been a month, but no one answered this question.

For those who may care, the answer is that neither the 60CSx nor the Vista HCx will record barometric data while powered down. I didn't need it, but it's a shame for those who did that Garmin dropped the feature in newer models.

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Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2. Recommended Posts. Posted July 16, edited. I have an old eTrex Vista and want to upgrade, but can't decide. Any thoughts? Link to comment. Posted July 16, Rhialto Posted July 16, Edited July 16, by Rhialto. You can run a side by side comparison at Garmin for features. In terms of functionality, I don't think that there are any material differences. Posted July 17, Rhialto Posted July 17, GeoBobC Posted July 17, Posted July 18, edited.

MediaTek Here are some comparement pics. Edited July 18, by freeday. Posted July 18, Rhialto Posted July 18, Posted July 19, Rhialto Posted July 19,