Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver

Buy Cheap Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver

Buy Low Price From Here Now
GARMIN eTrex Summit HC Hand Held Receiver w/ Built in GPS Patch Antenna. New high sensitivity GPS receiver. 24 Mbyte of internal memory for storing detailed maps. WAAS enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. Built in GPS patch antenna. Display: 1.3 in W x 1.7 in H, 256 color, high resolution, transflective TFT /176 x 220 pixels.Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still. Barometric altimeter with automatic pressure trend recording. LED backlit display and keypad. Battery life: up to 32 hours typical use using two AA alkaline batteries.Includes a built in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data /USA only. 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 20 reversible routes, 50 points per route. Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more. Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off course and clock. Large numbers option for easy viewing, dual position display mode. Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more. 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks /500 points each/ let you retrace your path in both directions. Elevation computer /Summit HC/ provides current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, average and maximum ascent and descent rate. Built in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations. Fully compatible with MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. TOPO 24K, U.S. TOPO and US Inland lakes. Waterproof, IEC 60529 IPX7, /Submersible 1 meter at 30 minutes
Readmore

Technical Details

- High-Sensitivity, WAAS-Enabled GPS Receiver Provides Peak Performance In Any Environment
- Built-In Basemap Includes Lakes, Rivers, Cities, Interstates, National & State Highways, Railroads & Coastlines
- Barometric Altimeter & Electronic Compass
- Usb Compatible For High-Speed Map Downloads
- Features A 1.7-InchH X 1.3-InchW Screen With 256-Level Color Tft
See more technical details

 "Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver" 2010-03-03
By John Marcocchio
i bought this model because i needed a compass that worked when stationary and I needed an accurate altimeter. i was pleasantly surprised both with the accuracy of the compass and the altimeter.

I am based in Jamaica and was concerned when buying it about the level of detail in the base map and whether the satellite reception would give me high enough resolution. It works great.

 "Great GPS for the right price" 2009-12-01
By Jan S. Balcom
I'm quite pleased with this GPS. It's easy to use, accurate,compact, lightweight and has a very viewable screen. It can be viewed without the backlight sometimes and requires only a very low setting on the backlight when it is needed. The poor basemap is to be expected and I wanted a detailed topo anyway so got a Garmin topo map of the western coastal states.



The GPS comes with Mapsource software and the map comes with Basecamp. They perform similar functions but are different. Figuring them out will take some time to sort out. Garmin wasn't much help- said which one you use is user preference. Mapsource seems better at organizing tracks and routes, but Basecamp is much better for printing up maps.



I like having the altimeter, both for being able to more accurately measure my altitude (if I've been able to calibrate recently) and for being able to measure barometric pressure. The GPS altitude seems to be within about 30 feet and varies considerably (I live at about 1325 feet and have seen GPS altitude readings range from 1295 to 1345 feet. With the altimeter, it can detect if I've got the GPS on the floor or if I'm standing up with it. However you need to be able to calibrate it frequently at known altitudes to have reliable accuracy. If you don't want the altimeter, the Venture HC could be a good alternative.



Although I'm very satisfied with the Summit HC, unless I could get one at the price I got ($120), I think I'd go with the Vista HCX. Its superior battery life and extra memory capacity (once you buy a micro sd card) would be worth the small price differential that exists currently.

 "Great starter GPSr for Geocaching!" 2009-11-14
By Tom Niderost (Jacksonville, FL USA)
I purchased this for my sister to start Geocaching. It has the most needed basics: sensitive antenna, electronic compass, and lasts a long time on commonly available AA batteries. The internal memory has enough room for a large area of topo maps, but does not have expandable memory (the only downside with this wonderful GPSr).



All in all, an incredible bargain! It isn't a touch screen clone of an iPhone, but it gets the job done simply and reliably.

 "Garmin Summit HC: Good General purpose pocket GPS" 2009-10-04
By HNA, Soddy Daisy, TN
The HC is good for making your way through unfamiliar terrain. It's handy for marking hunting, fishing, and navigation points. Like other less expensive GPS units, the base map is very much lacking in detail. I feel that Garmin and other GPS manufacturers could provide a better base map. The owner's manual is sufficient and the unit's controls are well placed. A very serious navigator would probably be happier with a unit that has an SD slot for quickly adding more detailed maps. The 24mb internal memory of the HC isn't for the diehards. I enjoy my HC and feel it is the best under $200 pocket navigator out there for hunters,fishermen, and day hikers.

 "Great unit for the cost!" 2009-09-12
By K. Rietmann (Portage, WI)
Granted, there are better units on the market with more features, but I wasn't looking for a $600 model that could do it all. I was looking for a basic GPS unit for a gift for my husband that we could use to start geocaching. I wasn't looking to invest $600 in a unit without even knowing if my husband would enjoy geocaching... but after finding out that he does, and using this unit for many excursions into random fields and wildlife areas- we are REALLY happy with the value for such a great unit! My father has used to for geneology, to mark coordinates of gravesites. We bought the maps so we can use it on the road, too. There isn't turn by turn navigation, but again, that's not why I bought this unit. If I had wanted that, I could have spent more for a different model. But, I also didn't want to spend a lot on a unit. This does everything we want/need it to do, and for the value it has some really cool functionality. It was easy to figure out how to download the cache data into the unit. We're very happy!


Images Product

Buy Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver Now

read more “Garmin eTrex Summit HC Handheld GPS Receiver”

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator

Buy Cheap Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator

Buy Low Price From Here Now
GARMIN eTrex Legend HCx Hand Held Receiver w/ Built in GPS Patch Antenna. MicroSD card slot allows for storage of optional MapSource detail /MicroSd card not included. WAAS enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. Built in GPS patch antenna. Display: 1.3 in W x 1.7 in H, 256 color, high resolution, transflective TFT /176 x 220 pixels. LED backlit display and keypad. Battery life: up to 32 hours typical use using two AA alkaline batteries. Includes a built in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data /USA only. 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 20 reversible routes, 50 points per route. Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more. Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off course and clock. Large numbers option for easy viewing, dual position display mode. Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more. 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks /500 points each/ let you retrace your path in both directions. Built in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations. Fully compatible with MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. TOPO 24K, U.S. TOPO and US Inland lakes. Waterproof, IEC 60529 IPX7, /Submersible 1 meter at 30 minutes.
Readmore

Technical Details

- High-Sensitivity, WAAS-Enabled GPS Receiver Provides Peak Performance In Any Environment
- Lightweight, Compact & Waterproof
- Built-In Basemap With Automatic Routing Capability
- Features A 1.7-InchH X 1.3-InchW Screen With 256-Level Color Tft
- Connects To Computer'S Usb For High-Speed Map Downloads
See more technical details

 "Much improved model" 2009-09-13
By Glenn C. Martinet (new jersey)
I had previously owned an Etrex Legend (about 5-6yrs old) it was okay but had a short battery life, took a long time to locate satalittes, worked only so-so in the woods( new one works great doesn't loose satalittes). Finally the display went out so I decided to buy a new model (much better features) rather then repair the legend. I'm really glad I did eTrex Legend HCx is really great, locates satalittes fast, has great features and battery life is about 25-30 hrs. I aloo really appreciate the USB connection (instead of the serial). I use the GPS for hiking, biking and kayaking. Another plus is that it comes with a bike mount adapter that works with my old bike mount bracket.



All in all I really like this GPS

 "Feels Like the Sweet Spot Between Price & Performance" 2009-08-10
By Paul Helling (Escondido, CA USA)
I've been using the HCx Legend for about a month now and I've been very, very pleased with it. I use this unit mainly for hiking and backpacking; anywhere from well established trails in state parks to the deep back-country of southern California. This is not a unit I would suggest for use while driving. Maybe in the hands of your navigator, sitting shotgun, but this not a drivers GPS unit in my opinion. For hiking, and some casual Geocaching, it's been an excellent companion and tool.



Some of the things I really like about it are, for one, that the buttons are located on the side of the unit near the top. This becomes particularly relevant when the unit is actually in use IN your hand. Your fingers are at the top, the display is at the bottom and you can manipulate the buttons without your hand blocking the display. This may sound like a minor thing, but it's not.



Another thing I've come to appreciate is it's relatively small size and... well... "roundedness". The Legend doesn't have one of those protruding antennas which, for some reason, always seems to be a problem for me somehow; always poking something or taking up space. The Legend is small, round and "pockets" easily (yes, I'm using a noun in the verb tense, deal with it; you know what I mean).



Let's see... What else to say about this unit. Well it's got WAAS. Believe me, you want that in a GPS unit. It acquires satellites quickly and I've never been at a loss for a good, solid signal (very confidence inspiring when you're deep in the back country). The color display is nice, details are easy to read and work with. The little thing that looks like a button on the top left of the units display is actually a tiny joystick, or mouse, that you use to move the pointer on the display and/or make menu choices by pressing down (much like a mouse-click). I find this a niftier solution than using buttons or a scroll-wheel sort of thing. Battery life seems pretty good to me using either alkaline or NiMH (I prefer to use the latter) and there's a setup option where you can choose which type of battery you're using in the device since the two types of batteries have different discharge profiles. Sweet that it also accepts SD cards for additional map storage.



Regarding the use of 4GB memory cards: Previously my review stated that this unit worked with 4GB memory cards. Well, now it appears that while the unit will in fact ACCEPT a 4GB card, it will only RECOGNIZE 2GB. That's still a ton of maps but a little disappointing nonetheless. However, just to give you an idea of how many maps that is: I have 24K TOPO maps for ALL of CA, NV, UT and AZ, as well as street level maps for just over half the United States (west to east from California to around Kansas and border-to-border north to south), all loaded on a single 2GB card with around 300MB of memory remaining on the card. This is using Garmin TOPO maps and free street-level maps from gpsfiledepot dot com (an awesome source for free maps for your Garmin GPS by the way).



If you like to go geocaching this unit should get your consideration. Lots of options specifically for geocaching in particular. I can easily upload cache locations right off geocaching dot com, modify the entry if I need to, add a quick note and be off 'caching in no time.



The Legend also has a lot of cool features that are just plain sweet to have even if you don't use them every day. The only thing missing on the Legend that I can think of that some of the pricier units have is the Altimeter. The Legend has the Compass, the Tracking/Backtracking options ("bread crumbs"), the Odometer, a Proximity Alert... All the cool "bells-and-whistles" type stuff.



Map facts you should be aware of: 1) The unit ships with a VERY basic install of maps. By this I mean interstates and major through-streets and that's about it. If you want TOPO maps and/or city navigation (residential & side streets, points of interest, stuff like that) you'll have to buy, and install, Garmin map products. 2) Garmin map products are NOT cheap. You might want to research how much they get for their TOPO maps and/or City Navigator software packages if you're new to the whole GPS thing. With a little research you can also find places that offer Garmin-compatible maps that are (legally) free to download and install. The proprietary nature of GPS units and the maps they work with is not unique to Garmin either. If you go with, say, Magellan, you'll need Magellan map products; you can't "mix and match" as far as I know.



All in all I love this unit. It does it all and does it with a nice, compact form-factor. I really can't see spending more on a GPS unit. This one does so much for the price it really feels like I hit the sweet spot between price and performance.



Pro-Tip: Get a screen protector, one of those tough plastic sheets that people put on their iPods and such. The ones designed for the Microsoft Zune work well, even if a bit too small to cover the entire display, they do protect the essential part you really need protected. A set of protectors will set you back about $8 or so. That's pretty cheap insurance.



Regarding the use of 4GB memory cards. It appears that while the unit will ACCEPT a 4GB card, it will onlyr recognize 2GB. That's still a ton of maps but still a little disappointing I guess. Still, to give you an idea of how many maps that is: I have 24K TOPO maps for ALL of CA, NV, UT and AZ as well as street level maps for just over half the United States (west to east from California to around Kansas and border-to-border north to south) loaded on a 2GB card) with around 300MB left over.

 "Excellent. Amazing battery life" 2009-08-09
By Daniel A. Seveso (Arlington, TX)
I use several GPSs, in-dash, bluetooth in my older phone, my Iphone's a Magellan 315 and a Microsoft USB GPS, and I think this is among the best in terms of speed and accuracy. Its form factor makes it ideal for hiking and backpacking trips. And the best of all, it's infinite battery life.

I put two AA alkaline batteries when I got the GPS (Energizer, which are not the best in town in my opinion), and they lasted for my initial testing, the whole 4-day hiking trip and they're still going. It's amazing. In my Magellan I used almost a set of batteries per day.

I'm sorry I don't have the exact number of hours I kept it turned on, but I'm sure it was more than 24.

The details of the waypoints are very good, including the time, and other features included in the mapping software, like you can review day by day, average speed, highlight the segment you select in the map, etc.

Not rocket science by I nice GPS/Software bundle for the price.

Note that this model does NOT have altitude profile that's nor temperature reading that are features you might want to have in a new gps. However you can create the altitude profile for your track using the waypoint data.

I'm really happy with it. I would recommend it.

 "Garmin eTrex HCx has indoor GPS sensitivity" 2009-07-22
By C. Dubash (Chandler, AZ USA)
The eTrex HCx is much faster and more sensitive than older Garmin products. I can get fixes anywhere within my house; my old StreetPilot 2610 only works 1ft from a window. It is compact and lightweight. I loaded Citi Navitagator 8 on it and plan to add topo maps for the southwest. I got a 2G SD card for $6 and and loaded CitiNav maps for the entire western US and eastern seaboard using about 900M of space. Figure that the 1G left over will be enough for my topo maps. I went to the MyGarmin website and got a Citi Navigator 8.0 unlock code for an additional unit at no cost (we had purchased it earlier for our Garmin StreetPilot). I am told the new 2009 version only unlocks one unit.



The user interface is not intuitive but after reading the manual and using it a few times it gets easy. The screen though small is bright and clear and I have no problem reading it from my dashboard. The turn-by-turn navigation works well; just like a PND, except that there is no audio. I got this unit mostly for hiking and am looking forward to taking it on the trail.

 "Garmin ETREX ledgend HCX" 2009-07-05
By Hunt and fish 72
Unit works great. It even picks up satellites indoors and does not loose them once they have been quickly acquired. Much better than the regular Etrex model that loose the satellites in heavy tree canopy or indoors. Color screen is a bonus with the ability to change color to your liking. Extra micro XD card slot allows you to put maps on the unit for a better location perspective. Many other options that I don't even use.


Images Product

Buy Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator Now

read more “Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator”

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

Buy Cheap Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

Buy Low Price From Here Now
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Hand Held Receiver w/ Built in GPS Patch Antenna. MicroSD card slot allows for storage of optional MapSource detail /MicroSd card not included. WAAS enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still. Barometric altimeter with automatic pressure trend recording. Built in GPS patch antenna. Display: 1.3 in W x 1.7 in H, 256 color, high resolution, transflective TFT /176 x 220 pixels. LED backlit display and keypad. Battery life: up to 32 hours typical use using two AA alkaline batteries. Includes a built in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data /USA only. 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 20 reversible routes, 50 points per route. Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more. Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off course and clock. Large numbers option for easy viewing, dual position display mode. Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more. 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks /500 points each/ let you retrace your path in both directions. Built in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations. Fully compatible with MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. TOPO 24K, U.S. TOPO and US Inland lakes. Waterproof, IEC 60529 IPX7, /Submersible 1 meter at 30 minutes.
Readmore

Technical Details

- High-Sensitivity, WAAS-Enabled GPS Receiver Provides Peak Performance In Any Environment
- Lightweight, Compact & Waterproof
- Features A 1.7-InchH X 1.3-InchW Screen With 256-Level Color Tft
- Built-In Basemap With Automatic Routing Capability
- Connects To Computer'S Usb For High-Speed Map Downloads
See more technical details

 "Love it!" 2009-06-25
By Ed (San Francisco, CA)
I love this little GPS. It gets signal while hanging out in my backpack, ad even locks on when I'm inside. No complaints here. If it lasts as long as my (still kicking) Garmin Legend, I won't be needing a new GPS receiver any time soon!

 "Very Nice" 2009-06-24
By M. Lynch (Maryland)
I bought this to replace a Garmin GPSMAP 76. The GPSMAP screen went blank after about 2 years of pretty heavy use. I am very happy with the Vista HCx. It did have trouble on startup with orienting itself. For the first few hours it had the location several miles off. I'm not sure if it fixed itself, or if I did something to get it going, but it has been working well ever since. I am very impressed with the reception, it has no problem locking on satellites under heavy tree canopies, in the car, even indoors. The battery lasts much longer than my old GPSMAP 76. The screen is small, larger would be nice, but it is OK. I like the mini SD card. A 2G card holds a detailed road map of most of North America (MetroGuide North America).

 "great GPS" 2009-06-16
By K. Rose (Michigan)
Great GPS - good undercover of trees. Poor documentation from Garmin - the owners manual is weak!

 "I don't get it! ONE STAR not FIVE! " 2009-05-30
By Kenneth Osherow (Boston, MA)
I own a auto GPS by Garmin and I have been very happy with it so I thought this would be a good purchase as well. With the auto GPS you turn it on and off you go! This GPS device is not the same thing. Firstly, you will need to purchase TOPO maps for hiking or city maps for use in roads and residential areas. Plan on spending at least another $80-$200 for one or both which you can get at Amazon. Nothing mentions this in the on-line literature or anywhere. This GPS can be used for geocatching right out of the box as it does give your the coordinates but not much else. You will need AA batteries as this thing does not include a rechargeable batters. Also, you need to get a MicroHD card to store the maps that you purchase on. I purchased an 8GB card. When I called tech support (who were rude)they told me that an 8GB card was not compatable and I could only use a 2GB card with this unit. Nowhere is this mentioned in the provided literature, manual, or the web site. I haven't tested this but this is what the tech support woman told me with her bad attitude. By this point I had had enough of this little gizmo and I packed up my Garmin eTrex Vista HCx and back it went to Amazon who was most cooperative with the return.

 "Disappointed" 2009-05-27
By Nancy A. Busch
I am very disappointed with this purchase. It was supposed to work better than my older model but the only thing that works better is it locks onto the satillites quicker. It was supposed to work better under the trees but seems to work worse.


Images Product

Buy Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS Now

read more “Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS”