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However, I just recently learned that you can save the "timestamps" also in the saved track log if you save to the microSD card. To setup saving to the data card, simply go to:Main Menu -> Tracks -> Setup -> Data Card Setup. I've had my eTrex Vista Cx for several years now and have been quite happy with it. This is great for organizing your tracks and geotagging later. Check 'Log track to data card' and you're set.This device also has useful features for sailing (proximity change/drift alert when anchored) and I just saw "skydiving" too thanks to it's altimeter. I use it for hiking, sailing, and now soon geotagging photos. Normally the saved track logs are condensed to save space - and so they remove the timestamps for each point.
You should be able to get it for just over $100, but will probably need to purchase an additional SD chip ($100) to get the street maps; then you also get turn-by-turn driving directions. I got mine for free through my bank's reward program. My other Garmin unit also had this problem, which can only be solved by switching off and on again.
It is certainly a handy and rugged unit. The correct sequence of buttons to push for entering the menus is a little illogical and difficult to remember. I have used this unit a lot over the last two years, both for geocaching and for driving and have generally found it very good.
More seriously, the map a tendence to get "stuck", especially when you switch from driving to walking. All in all, a very good unit for the price, I think. However, the screen is quite small and the enter button is awkward to operate, especially for right-handed people, as it is located on the left on the unit.
If you hold it in your right hand to push it with your thumb you will be covering the map.
So this unit was more of an amusement than something that could come in handy. They told me how to reset it. Sometimes it seemed like it was working, other times not. And no matter what I did, it wouldn't fix itself. Then I would scan parts of it every time I took this GPS outdoors with me. But I never heard from them. It was still under warranty. Yes, I did my homework.
Then I called and got put on hold too long with my cellphone. I emailed Garmin again. Do I send it back to them. I wrote back and said that didn't work, so what now. The problems got worse. I read a bazillion reviews on this item prior to purchasing it, and almost all reviews were positive. So I'm thinking mine was a lemon. Or maybe I should say NO customer service.
I followed the procedure exactly, several times. This time they finally answered me. It wouldn't pick up more than one satellite near Lake Superior. The worst I have ever had.
Lousy customer service. I was going to give it to my young nephew, but I didn't want to be responsible if he got lost somewhere with it. But Garmin never answered my emailings again. I read and re-read the manual a dozen times.
That didn't work either. And when I got home to Utah, the Vista said I was still in Minnesota. I emailed Garmin for advice. I took it out of state on an ATV trip.
Same result. I have experience with another Garmin unit and loved it so I'll try getting another model. I purchased this for geocaching. So I just sent it back to Amazon. Maybe this was just a lemon. When I tried connecting to a computer it just wouldn't work. Tried several machines.
The only reason I did not rate it a 4 is the Garmin MapSource Topo U.S. After installing the Topo U.S. I received the GPS sooner than estimated and it has performed up to my expectations. 2008 did not come with it, but I knew that when I purchased it. it will be a solid 5. It powers up quickly and after using it for over a month it has been accurate over the trails in both distance and elevations. I definitely recommend it.
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