Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
eTrex LEGEND C Cx HCx Worth Buying? Thu May 07, 2009 6:37 am
Hi!
I'm considering investing to my first GPS unit. At first, I was planning to spend money for Oregon 200, but if I consider the price, my needs and it's problems pointed out in reviews...it looks like it's not the right one for me.
I need a GPS for my trips in Czech republic (on foot and bike) and my travelling in Japan. I found out, there are free maps of Japan on the internet, so I would like to put them in.
The most suitable seems to be eTrex Legend than. But I found out there are three versions - C (starting from $139), Cx (from $149) and HCx (from $225).
I don't know much about differences, but it seems that C lacks microSD reader and High-sensitivity receiver, Cx just High-sensitivity receiver, while HCx has both...is that right?
As I want to install new maps, I'll probably need the microSD reader (as 24 MB of internal memory doesn't look enough in C). What about High-sensitivity receiver, how helpful is that?
And what about the overall image of eTrex Legend, is it still worth buying, is there something I should be aware of?
Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 5242 Location: New Jersey
Thu May 07, 2009 11:53 am
I used to have a Legend C, and it was a fine unit in its day. But I would stay away from it now. The receiver is really not up to current standards; you will have lots of problems with reception in difficult areas, like under tree cover or around big buildings. The 24MB of internal memory is pretty laughable by today's standards where 2GB of flash memory only costs a few bucks. The Cx adds a storage card, but still has the same reception issues.
Have not used the Hcx, but gather it is fine. Personally I did not like the tiny joystick control on any of these models, but that's a personal preference. I would not rule out the Oregon 200 at all. I have an Oregon and like it far better than any of the other Garmin handhelds I've used. You can find it on sale are a good price often. The GPSMap 60csx would be the other one to look at. It's a bit larger than the Legend series, but has a more solid feeling and uses the SiRFStar chipset which people hold in high regard. I have one of these too, but prefer the Oregon myself.
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
Thu May 07, 2009 4:13 pm
Thank you for reply
I read complaints about the screen at sunlight and slow receiving from start at Oregon series...and if I consider price about $350, it's a bit too much for a newbie. The GPSMap 60csx is a bit too bulky for my needs...
Joined: 07 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
Thu May 07, 2009 5:18 pm
I'm thinking of buying an Oregon 200—I currently have an eTrex Vista Cx and it's been great. Though an older model, reception has almost never been an issue for me except under REALLY dense tree cover or down in DEEP canyons.
BUT...I'm geoencoding all my photos now...which means I need time data in my track logs...and the only Garmin handhelds that do NOT strip time data from saved tracks are the Oregon and Colorado models.
I'm curious about any negative comments on the Oregon. Can anyone post a link to a review?
Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 604 Location: east coast
Thu May 07, 2009 5:23 pm
SWriverstone wrote:
I'm curious about any negative comments on the Oregon. Can anyone post a link to a review?
Scott
Google is your friend. There's about eleventy billion reviews on ALL GPS units on these here internets. But, because typing Garmin Oregon review is pretty hard, here's one.
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
Thu May 07, 2009 5:48 pm
airgunner23 wrote:
Another vote for the 60CSx. Just got one and I love it! Too bulky?
Did you see it next to eTrex series? It's not huge, but it's bigger than I would like to carry...eTrex looks like it can fit into the pocket of my jeans ,) I believe it has better chipset, but I didn't read any serious complaints about eTrex HCx as well...and for the sam display it like 30% smaller and lighter...
SWriverstone wrote:
I'm thinking of buying an Oregon 200—I currently have an eTrex Vista Cx and it's been great. Though an older model, reception has almost never been an issue for me except under REALLY dense tree cover or down in DEEP canyons.
So..as for my needs (family trip, riding bike, climbing mountains) would you still recommend it? Is it easy to add even not original maps?
Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 604 Location: east coast
Thu May 07, 2009 7:03 pm
Metsn wrote:
So..as for my needs (family trip, riding bike, climbing mountains) would you still recommend it? Is it easy to add even not original maps?
First, let me say I've never even seen an Oregon in person but, after extensive research and reading user reviews, I decided against it. Maybe there are some good units out there, but there were WAAAY too many complaints about its accuracy and being able to read the screen outdoors. That two huge FAIL points in my book, all the pretty graphics and touchscreen aside as, for me, that stuff isn't needed.
Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 604 Location: east coast
Thu May 07, 2009 7:14 pm
Metsn wrote:
Did you see it next to eTrex series? It's not huge, but it's bigger than I would like to carry...eTrex looks like it can fit into the pocket of my jeans ,) I believe it has better chipset, but I didn't read any serious complaints about eTrex HCx as well...and for the sam display it like 30% smaller and lighter...
The 60CSx has a bigger diagonal screen measurement. 2.6 inches versus 2.14 inches for the eTrex. All I could find for the eTrex was 1.3 x 1.7 inches, so a little Pythagorean math got me the diagonal. Even looking at the pictures, you can see the eTrex screen is more "boxy" than the taller 60CSx screen.
Joined: 07 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
Thu May 07, 2009 9:23 pm
I've been using the eTrex Vista Cx primarily for long-distance motorcycle riding. Over the past three years, it's worked flawlessly. I've never had trouble seeing the screen, although I would add that if bright sunlight is falling directly on the screen, you WILL have trouble seeing ANY GPS screen—there's no "magic screen" that will prevent washout in blinding-bright light. I found that 90% of the time (or more) I had no trouble seeing the eTrex Vista's screen.
And for as "primitive" as the Vista Cx's reception is supposed to be (compared to the HCx) the only times I ever lost a signal was under incredibly dense forest canopy or down in deep canyons (which were no more than 5% of the time).
Accuracy has been as good as Garmin gets too.
My only minor complaint about the whole Vista line is that they're a pain to use with gloves on! (e.g. motorcycling) I got used to it, but I'd rather get something w/bigger touchscreen buttons.
Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 5242 Location: New Jersey
Fri May 08, 2009 2:44 am
I don't know, maybe my Legend C had a different chipset than your Vista cx? I would frequently lose signal under moderate tree cover. I hiked extensively with it for several years and reception was very spotty.
This is quite a contrast to any modern unit on the market today. It's pretty rare to lose signal at all with the newer chipsets in my experience.
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
Fri May 08, 2009 7:33 am
SWriverstone wrote:
I've been using the eTrex Vista Cx primarily for long-distance motorcycle riding...
Thank you a lot for your experiences...I shouldn't have problem with gloves on bike
airgunner23 wrote:
First, let me say I've never even seen an Oregon in person but, after extensive research and reading user reviews, I decided against it. Maybe there are some good units out there, but there were WAAAY too many complaints about its accuracy and being able to read the screen outdoors. That two huge FAIL points in my book, all the pretty graphics and touchscreen aside as, for me, that stuff isn't needed.
Yep, I just read article about new Oregon 550...it seems that Garmin knows about the screen complains and trying to do something with that. That's why the 400 is now on sale. When they'll solve the screen problem (hey, I can read my notebook screen under direct sunlight without problem!), it'll be very nice unit. Maybe when the 3th generation will come out, I'll think about it, but for now, eTrex HCx sounds better
I just hope it'll be much better than GPS chip in the mobile phones, because it seems I have to buy new one as well and many new ones have the GPS capabilities....
One more question...I guess not, but why not to ask...if I'll connect Legend HCx to the notebook through USB, will the computer recognize it as a GPS and I would be able to use e.g. Google maps with that?
From the Setup Menu, select Interface
The available interace format is Garmin - the proprietary format used to exchange waypoint, track and map data with a computer.
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
Fri May 08, 2009 3:56 pm
Boyd wrote:
Does Google maps work with a GPS?
Sorry I meant Google Earth. Any software with GPS capabilities, like Garmin Mobile PC as well. So it's probably not possible...that's a bit pity, it would be awesome feature...but they probably want us to spend more money for another GPS unit just for notebook....
Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 5242 Location: New Jersey
Fri May 08, 2009 4:50 pm
[quote="Metsn"]
Boyd wrote:
that's a bit pity, it would be awesome feature...but they probably want us to spend more money for another GPS unit just for notebook....
Looks like they have intentionally left that feature off the entry level models. But you don't really need a separate unit for your laptop, you just need a handheld which supports that feature. The GPSMap 60 series can do it, so can the Oregon and Colorado.
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
Fri May 08, 2009 5:03 pm
Boyd wrote:
Looks like they have intentionally left that feature off the entry level models. But you don't really need a separate unit for your laptop, you just need a handheld which supports that feature. The GPSMap 60 series can do it, so can the Oregon and Colorado.
Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 5242 Location: New Jersey
Fri May 08, 2009 5:44 pm
You can learn a lot about the different models by downloading the user manuals. You will find a link to them on the product page for each model on Garmin's website.
Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 604 Location: east coast
Fri May 08, 2009 5:49 pm
Boyd wrote:
You can learn a lot about the different models by downloading the user manuals. You will find a link to them on the product page for each model on Garmin's website.
Yup. Amazing what that rare and unique thing known as a Google search can do...
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Czech rep. / Japan
Fri May 08, 2009 6:38 pm
Boyd wrote:
You can learn a lot about the different models by downloading the user manuals. You will find a link to them on the product page for each model on Garmin's website.
Yep, I'll probably spend one nice evening with Garmin manual and a bottle of whisky
airgunner23 wrote:
Yup. Amazing what that rare and unique thing known as a Google search can do...
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Even looking at the pictures, you can see the eTrex screen is more "boxy" than the taller 60CSx screen.