GPS Uses

[Metalrunner]

I've used a (first generation?) Garmin Etrex for many years and just bought an Etrex Vista HCX. I never use a GPS much, just mark my starting location and sometimes to figure out where I'm at or where I need to go, when hiking cross country. On occasion I will figure out some waypoints on my computer mapping software and upload those points to my GPS, before going out for a hike. My question to you is, what can I do with this new unit that I haven't done with my older unit? I bought the Vista because it was a good price and I figured I could put to use some newer technology. All comments and suggestions are encouraged.

Thanks.

[chumley]

There are a lot of "original" eTrex models.

Can you choose the one you had from this list?:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/outdoor ... il-p1.html

This is presumably the one you have now, with all it's features listed:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/outdoor ... d8703.html

[The_Eagle]

I used an Etrex legend for some time until the Rubber surrounding the unit would no longer stay put.
I reluctantly replaced it with a 450t and love the larger screen. (1.53"W x 2.55"H - 450T vs. 1.3" x 1.7" - Etrex)
The Batteries do not last as long with the 450T as they did with the Etrex, but are still typically good for about 10 hours of hiking.
Only complaints are (1) viewing the screen in bright sunlight and (2) can not hang it off the the pack and just tip it up to be able to view it.
The mount is bulletproof though. Some people don't like the touch screen after using the ETrex, but that takes very little time to get used to IMO.
The older ETrex only allowed you to load tracks with no more than 500 points. I found that to be a major PITA. That may be fixed w/ the newer models.

[Tough_Boots]

well... you get color and you can put in a memory card so that you can actually have more maps loaded. Does the original "etrex" even have map capabilities? I kinda don't think it does

[The_Eagle]

well... you get color and you can put in a memory card so that you can actually have more maps loaded. Does the original "etrex" even have map capabilities? I kinda don't think it does

I loaded TOPO maps for AZ into the one I had. Nice thing about about the 450T is that it comes pre-loaded with USA Topo maps (Not the plain 450)

[chumley]

The reason I asked which "original" etrex he had was so I can determine what he is used to.

I've had 3 different etrex models, so I have a pretty good idea of what they can or can't do.

But my current and most modern one isn't even as good as the Vista HCX he just bought. But I can still load maps onto it.

Despite my antiquated technology, somehow I apparently managed to post more tracks to HAZ last year than anybody whose name doesn't end in 'bot' ;)

So the old etrex models seem to do just fine ... depending on exactly what expectations you have of it.

[Metalrunner]

My original Etrex is an Etrex I can't even update the firmware. That said, I would be as happy as a pig in mud if I only had this model for the rest of my life. It does everything I want and more. I've never used maps on a GPS so I'm interested in how any of you use maps on your GPS.

[chumley]

For me personally, I do a lot of hiking off-trail. It is often helpful to have access to a map to verify my exact location. I'm pretty good at reading my paper map and looking at surrounding topography, but there are definitely times where it is helpful to see my exact GPS location illustrated on a map. And usually not because I need to know where I am, but because of a mental/morale boost determining where I am related to where I want to be or need to be next. This can also be solved if you have a planned route and pre-enter waypoints on your GPS, but I often don't follow a pre-planned route, so the precision of a GPS map can be helpful.

--
I also just remembered why I had to upgrade. My original eTrex was a serial connection and eventually I was unable to find a computer that had a serial port anymore. I used to bring it to work to load tracks because we had an old crappy PC here. It's nice to have a USB interface!

[SuperstitionGuy]

For me personally, I do a lot of hiking off-trail. It is often helpful to have access to a map to verify my exact location. I'm pretty good at reading my paper map and looking at surrounding topography, but there are definitely times where it is helpful to see my exact GPS location illustrated on a map. And usually not because I need to know where I am, but because of a mental/morale boost determining where I am related to where I want to be or need to be next.

I think this is called obtaining "a second opinion". ;)