Garmin eTrex Legend HCx High-Senstivity Color Mapping Handheld GPS
By: Garmin Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 23
More Information
 On: 2008-07-03
It is a great GPS, but the software maps are HORRIBLE and extremedly EXPENSIVE.
I got this GPS to be able to go hiking. I have a wife and a 14 months child. We go to the ocassional weekend hike and I dont want to get lost.
I also have a Garmin Quest, and I thought I could take advantage of the same manufacturer.
what a waste.
It is an expensive piece of technology and still you are going to need to buy paper maps and carry them with you. Garmins TOPO maps dont even show the paths in the national parks!!!!
Creating routes is a pain, as it is with all garmin products. Saving routes from tracks, which should be a one click deal is also just impossible (when are these guys going to start listening to the users?).
My car maps from Garmin (for the Quest navigator) just dont work and they never will, so I still need to take my other unit with me to get to the parking lot. That or buy an extra set of maps for garmin for even more $$$$$$. But they are a rip off. They are inacuarete, they tell you to drive trhoug private propierty, they insist that you go trhoug areas that have been closed due to construction and it is really difficult to convince tha GPS that it needs to recalculate the route avoiding that particular spot.
I have to admit tha the GPS reception is great, but for wat? Most my hikes are in state or national parks following quite well marked trails, and my other GPS unit also gets good reception even under some folliage. This extra unit is a luxury and Garmin doesnt make it worthi trying to force me to pay hundred of extra dollards in maps. How much is going to cost me each excursion? I am going to send this one back until this guys come down with the price of their Software.
 On: 2008-07-03
Either you wanna go on road or off road this is the way to go, Great maps, great load times. this thing does everything thing!!. Been doing Geo cashing for a month now and ITs pin point accurate. You can go wrong
 On: 2008-06-24
Found this unit to be very easy to use. Setup took a little time, but it gave me a chance to become familiar with the unit. You can customize it for how you are going to use it and it acquires the satellites almost as fast as you can get to the first screen. Like many others however, I found the included maps almost worthless and had to upgrade, and even those maps were not extremely detailed and not great for off trail treking. Trip planning can be done however on other mapping programs and transfered and overlapped on the Garmin.
On: 2008-06-07
This GPS is unbelievable!!!!!! I cant believe the difference the high sensitivity receiver makes. I recently was in Venice Italy and even in their narrow streets, I never lost satellite reception. You have to ask yourself if someone gives this product less than three stars do the work for a competitor.
Mark
On: 2008-05-31
I bought this unit to replace an older eTrex Legend model that I mount on my bicycle handle bar. As noted by other reviewers the HCx unit has enhanced sensitivity and very long battery life. My rechargeable AAs last at least 5 times longer than in the old unit. Also it never loses track when outside, and it will find lock in the house, something the old unit never did.
As also noted by others, the built in base map does not provide much data. Its the same map that was in the old unit. I purchased separately the pre-programed street maps on micro SD card which provides full street and point-of-interest data for the entire country. (Google search "010-10679-50" for the best deal on this essential accessory.) I didnt by Garmin software maps because I use a Macintosh and Garmin has never supported the Mac. (They now have something they call "Bobcat" which is supposedly a Mac program to allow map manipulation and transfer. I havent tried it.)
Anyway I use National Geographic TOPO! maps on my Mac and can download (eTrex to Mac) track data and plot maps of my outings and obtain elevation profiles and ride distances. Its also possible to transfer waypoints and routes both ways with TOPO!.
Another note regarding cycling; in the old unit I had to purchase a special back plate to allow it to clip to the handlebar mount. The new HCx comes with a clip that attaches to the back and allows it to slide into my old mount. (If you dont already have a bike mount kit, youll need that accessory as well.)
Another problem with the old model thats fixed in this new unit is that the batteries are securely clipped in with damping material attached to the clips. My old unit would shut down when I hit even mild bumps until I damped the battery clips with small bits of handlebar tape.
Bottom line is that Im very pleased with this device, but note that it is not complete without detailed maps. The street maps work for me; you may want other maps for other types of use.
On: 2008-05-17
I bought the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx an up grade from my eTrex Legend. Im very happy with it. Been Geocaching with it and it gets me right on the spot.
On: 2008-05-14
I needed a GPS for hiking, and this unit has work out well. It also is excellent as a GPS for auto traveling. Price was right. Fast shipping.
 On: 2008-05-02
If you are not looking to spend much then this product is for you. Keep mind do not expect much from it either. This is a classic example of you pay for what you get. The graphics and detail are so horrible you could not find your way out of a paper bag with this device.
I used it twice and returned it without hesitation. This is not the device I was expecting nor wanted. Dont waste your time and money on this product. If you must have a GPS device then save a bit longer to spend more and get something that is worth buying.
To put this in perspective this is like using an old school Nintendo compared to whats out there today. Hope this helps make your decision.
On: 2008-04-21
This is my second Garmin and I like the unit in general. The built-in maps though are beyond useless. I was on the Colorado River with this unit, and it showed me as being 400 feet off of the river. That is a pretty major error. My friends GPS showed the exact same coords but his map actually showed us as being on the River. Yes, I know I am free to spend a ton of money on add-in map data, but really the base maps should be able to recognize the CO River.
On: 2008-03-25
This is my 2nd Garmin. First was the Garmin eTrex Legend which I bought 4 years ago, and is still working! However, the newer chip used in the latest purchase boots up faster, picks up signals faster, and is much more sensitive. Tree foilage has not affected signal receival unlike the older model. It also helps with a higher memory capacity for bigger maps and the color screen is really an upgrade.
On: 2008-03-10
I was a little skeptical about the benefits of such small GPS device, but I wondered about the easiness of operation and the sharpness of the screen. I took this one fishing with me and could detail the location of all the good spots and comeback the day after. This has being a very good purchase, I am in process now of adding more memory and buy the detailed maps in Mexico.
On: 2008-03-05
I was very pleased with the Garmin Legend HCx. I am the owner of a Legend Cx (previous model) and bought this as a gift, and the "H" (for High Sensitivity) is a real improvement.
I have found using the Cx model that often when driving, if the unit is near the center of the car and away from dashboard / windows, it will lose satellite reception, even while driving in wide open areas (experienced this in two different car models). THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE HCx.
If you are looking for a GPS receiver for hiking, rowing and general navigation while traveling, like I was, I recommend this model.
On: 2008-02-25
My first GPS device but after loading the North America City Navigator I have a very portable, very powerful navigation device. Whereever I am on the road I can find just what I need. The screen is easy to see, the interface is intuitive, just one neat little package.
On: 2008-02-19
Good product so far. Basic mapping is very basic for road map/directions and the upgrade is expensive ($130) for a $200 product. Garmin instructions included in original purchase box are very basic. I would have liked more detailed directions to use this GPS. Otherwise, the product is durable, great screen color, long AA battery life. Easy to use buttons and scrolling once you get a grasp on the menus.
On: 2008-02-08
This was my first time buying a GPS and I bought the eTrex Legend HCx after trying out two other models and returning them. The Magellen Xplorist 210 and the eTrex Legend (non HCx).
At first I found the Garmin models to be a bit awkward in that the buttons and joystick are located above the display. However after some use they ended up getting more comfortable. One handed operation is a bit awkward. This was the only reason for a 4 star rating.
It was definitely worth it to upgrade to the high sensitivity model and colour display. The maps are much easier to read and reception is greatly improved when inside a vehicle. The magellen model could not get a position fix while inside my truck while the Legend HCx can get a fix while inside my apartment!
The autorouting feature is very useful and accurate, although it does not always take you along the quickest path.
All in all I am very happy with this unit. Spending a little extra on the HCx model was definitely worth it. This unit is very versatile and functions great both on the road and on the trail.
On: 2008-02-08
I found this product to all that it was advertised to be and then some. I am very happy with Garmin.
On: 2008-02-07
Let me start off by thanking Garmin for making such wonderful products and Amazon for guiding me too them. Now, on with the review. Ok after looking at various reviews for many a different kinds of gps i had narrowed it down to 2, this of the Vista HCx. Now folks lets me lay it out for you. Unless you really need the altimeter, there isnt any point of getting the Vista for the $50+ that it is. Or unless you really like unity in your products, ex. all-in-1 design. The Vista comes with a electronic compass too but lets be realistic here folks who goes out and about without a REAL metal compass. what happens if the GPS dies on you? (although that be hard with 25+ hours of battery life, hehe) anyways unless you are committed to the all in oneness or have to have the other features then this is one awesome gps, it has everything you could ever need. You will need to buy maps separate but you can find them on amazon for cheap so its all good. Either way buy this gps, dont settle for less.
On: 2008-01-18
GPS unit works excellent. I tested the accuracy and it was well within specs. Unit was delivered as promised.
On: 2007-12-22
The Legend HCx connected to the satellites from inside the house, car and the metal shed as advertised. Accuracy excellent. Definite improvement to the Legend. You will need to buy a micro flash card. The price was enhanced by $30 off when approved for Amazon credit card. Two thumbs up all round.
On: 2007-12-21
The Legend HCx connected to the satellites from inside the house, car and the metal shed as advertised. Accuracy excellent. Definite improvement to the Legend. You will need to buy a micro flash card. The price was enhanced by $30 off when approved for Amazon credit card. Two thumbs up all round.
On: 2007-11-28
This is my 5th GPS unit, and my 4th Garmin, including etrex Legend, eMap, Legend C, and now the Legend HCx.
The Legend HCx is an ok GPS, but not currently good for hiking/backpacking. It has a bug in it that makes it inaccurate at sensing your speed when you walk less than about 2mph. While usually easy to walk faster than 2mph, when youre backpacking in the woods, its often tough to average faster than that. The result is you can walk indefinitely at <2mph and this GPS will record that youve been standing still the whole time. Its odometer, moving time, and stationary time records are all incorrect when youve been traveling under 2mph.
Mainly just a pain. It does consistently give your position accurately though, so its primary purpose is fulfilled quite well.
Ive spoken with Garmin and they say theyre working on a firmware update to fix this, although no commitment date was given.
On: 2007-10-24
I am very pleased. I had an old GPS III plus, and this one is much faster, clearer, and easier to work with. Very happy with the total price being less than anywhere else.
On: 2007-10-18
This is the second mapping GPS I have owned, and it is nearly perfect for my needs. I cant believe how much better this eTrex Legend is than my old eMap unit. First, the bright color display is clear and readable in direct sunlight. My laptop wouldnt even be visible in those conditions. Battery life - there is no comparison! I havent yet changed the alkaline batteries in 4 weeks of use (modestly heavy as it is a new toy). Finally, it is so sensitive that it has never failed to get a satellite position while indoors. Again, the HCx is a major improvement over the previous model where I could lose reception inside my car with glass all around and in open countryside.
Pros: Light weight, small size, fits great in one hand.
Can be operated completely with one hand.
Display is amongst the sharpest and brightest I have ever seen.
Very intuitive and simple to use for anyone except possibly a newbie to GPS navigation.
Battery life seems endless.
Ability to map a route to a destination address entered at the unit with the City Navigator software installed - the entire U.S. and Canada detailed road maps and POI fit on a single 1 GB micro-SD flash card.
Useful in your car or outdoors for hiking, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, etc.
A true all-in-one GPS solution for a low price.
Cons: Small display compared to Nuvi series and other non-outdoor GPS units.
No voice directions - it has two types of tones to alert you to pending and imminent turns.
You need to add $120 worth of City Navigator mapping software to enable the auto-routing by address or point of interest functions.
The click-stick 5-way joystick navigation device is not the easiest thing to use to move around the maps and menus.
Overall I am very happy with my purchase and I expect to get at least 5 or 6 years of good use from this before I will be looking at replacements. Garmin quality and service has been excellent in my opinion; my eMap still works, though it will likely be relegated to a desk drawer.
On: 2007-10-17
This is the second mapping GPS I have owned, and it is nearly perfect for my needs. I cant believe how much better this eTrex Legend is than my old eMap unit. First, the bright color display is clear and readable in direct sunlight. My laptop wouldnt even be visible in those conditions. Battery life - there is no comparison! I havent yet changed the alkaline batteries in 4 weeks of use (modestly heavy as it is a new toy). Finally, it is so sensitive that it has never failed to get a satellite position while indoors. Again, the HCx is a major improvement over the previous model where I could lose reception inside my car with glass all around and in open countryside.
Pros: Light weight, small size, fits great in one hand.
Can be operated completely with one hand.
Display is amongst the sharpest and brightest I have ever seen.
Very intuitive and simple to use for anyone except possibly a newbie to GPS navigation.
Battery life seems endless.
Ability to map a route to a destination address entered at the unit with the City Navigator software installed - the entire U.S. and Canada detailed road maps and POI fit on a single 1 GB micro-SD flash card.
Useful in your car or outdoors for hiking, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, etc.
A true all-in-one GPS solution for a low price.
Cons: Small display compared to Nuvi series and other non-outdoor GPS units.
No voice directions - it has two types of tones to alert you to pending and imminent turns.
You need to add $120 worth of City Navigator mapping software to enable the auto-routing by address or point of interest functions.
The click-stick 5-way joystick navigation device is not the easiest thing to use to move around the maps and menus.
Overall I am very happy with my purchase and I expect to get at least 5 or 6 years of good use from this before I will be looking at replacements. Garmin quality and service has been excellent in my opinion; my eMap still works, though it will likely be relegated to a desk drawer.
On: 2007-09-16
Excellent and versatile GPS that I use for geocaching, driving, mountain biking, and hiking. I previously owned the Venture Cx and the display cracked due to my carelessness in the airline luggage. I upgraded to the new Legend HCx with the high sensitivity receiver and this unit significantly outperforms the older units. The new receiver fixes your location much faster and provides much better signal coverage. I noticed this as soon as I turned the Legend HCx on, as I was able to get a fix inside my house.
The expandable memory option (Cx) of the etrex series allows you to store a tremendous amount of map info. I installed the TOPO and City Navigator Mapsets for the entire state of CA and I am able to switch between mapsets. When I am on the trail, I "hide" the other mapsets and "show"/use the TOPO mapset. When driving on the road, I switch to City Navigator to get turn by turn navigation to my destination.
The only cons about the etrex series is that they have a small screen to view while driving and the menus/control button configuration are complex. I had to install my unit right on the steering column for driving. It took me awhile to learn and use all the features of the City Navigator and to switch between mapsets. But, for a pocket size all around GPS with excellent battery life, these are acceptable compromises.
|
|
