ETrex Vista HCx versus ETrex Venture HC: Would I be overbuying if I got the Vista?
871576
If you need to bring your laptop anyway I would just purchase the Venture. I had the same dilemma and went the the Vista because I dont want to have to keep going back to my computer to drop a set of maps for another. I do have to say at the price the vista is going for here on Amazon you really cant go wrong with that either.
1311026
It comes with Vista Business, unfortunate if you are looking to transform the system into a nice gaming laptop. But if you've got some extra spending money its alright if you want to purchase Windows 7 or something like that.
486789
The units are much, much different. As the other commenter wrote: battery life is greater in the Vista HCx. More importantly - if you do any kind of long-distance event like randonneuring - the Edge's battery is self-contained/rechargeable whereas the Vista HCx uses two AAs. (Thus, at mile 130, your Edge conks out. When the Vista does so at mile 200, you can just pop in another pair of batteries.)Also: the maps cost extra (varies, expect about 100 bucks), as does the SD memory card (under twenty) you'll use in the Vista.
1900982
I upgraded from Vista on 2 computers. it was a hands off success. Both of them work significantly better now.
1290490
Easy to be confused...they don't seem to make it obvious, but yes, Update means that you need to already have a copy. Also for your eTrex, make sure that you buy the non-NT version of City Navigator. The NT version is for the newer units.
1518206
Hi Evelyn, I suspect you'll get a lot of feedback which is great. Here's my .02. Since you haven't purchased yet I'd suggest you go with the HE. Reasoning. For only a few dollars more it comes with Bluetooth built in and is also compatible with Wi-Fi N (which the HA is not). While it's difficult to find an N system right now it may eventually catch on and you want all the web surfing speed you can get right? Bluetooth allows you to transmit music or even phone calls to a headset. If you're on a plane or just relaxing you're free of any wired connection to the computer. Yes, you can buy a little Bluetooth nub (I have one on my HA) for $20 or so but The HE has it built in. The HE processor is just a nudge faster. Reviews I've read so far indicate the additional speed isn't noticeable to the casual user but again, anytime you can get a faster processor and front end for roughly the same price give it serious consideration. And then there's the keyboard. While I haven't seen it my understanding is the HE is an improvement over the keyboard on the HA. Many users have modified the HA keyboard (it's extremely simple) but if Asus has heard the complaints about having an arrow key where the caps key 'should' be and fixed the problem then why not take advantage? The HE is also (apparently) a little slimmer and an ounce or two lighter even though battery life is improved. While I wouldn't suggest someone who's already invested in an HA dump the old machine for the new one, I'd strongly recommend someone starting from scratch give the HE a close look. Cheers
462571
If you check an independent rating site, like tomshardware.com, you'll see the E8400 has an edge on the Q6600 in just about every category of application... and it's a few bucks cheaper!
1216764
It seems that customers had complaints about both. Those two were rated a best buy by a consumer magazine that also rated the Horizon EX 68 as a best buy. I think I will stick with the Horizon since everyone rated it 5 stars.
1753952
Good website. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. I will probably go with the first one an get the software if needed. good advice. The new one looks pretty, gut I don't spend money if there isn't enough upgrade to justify the added espense.
1763058
Thanks for the info. The VSX-9040 is only $6 more. Let us know how you like it if you get it. I haven't decided yet.
2067426
"What am i getting for that charge?" You're getting ripped off. I'm a long-time TiVo user, having purchased my first Series 1 in 1999 and upgrading several times. I've suggested TiVo purchases to dozens of people over the years. Unfortunately, TiVo is seriously behind the current technology and still has a very closed ecosystem. To make up for their lack of up to date technology and closed ecosystem, they increase their service and lifetime fees. It's not a good business plan, which in part explains their stock price. For anyone with a little bit of technical know-how, it's far more cost effective to get an HTPC and TV tuner. If you are going to record OTA, most tuners will be fine. If you need a cable card, the HDHomeRun works very well. Many services on an HTPC will get you free program guide information. An HTPC is also more open, so it opens up more possibilities. It's also much more future-proof than TiVo's closed ecosystem. TiVo has a long history of not upgrading software except on the latest model in an effort to pry more money from existing TiVo subscribers through upgrades.
545042
I've had nothing but trouble updating my venture HC via my Mac. The first time I thought it was ruined, but worked with Garmin to do the boot ignore thing. I plugged it in the other day and was told there was a new firmware upgrade so I did it, stupidly. It crashed, and now I can't get back into it, no matter what I do, and no matter if I use my Mac or a PC. It's toast, and Garmin now wants $75 to fix it, even though it's their crappy firmware software that screwed it up to begin with. When it works, it's great. But if they insist on charging me $75 to fix a $116 GPS, I think I'll look elsewhere. I've had nothing but trouble updating my venture HC via my Mac. The first time I thought it was ruined, but worked with Garmin to do the boot ignore thing. I plugged it in the other day and was told there was a new firmware upgrade so I did it, stupidly. It crashed, and now I can't get back into it, no matter what I do, and no matter if I use my Mac or a PC. It's toast, and Garmin now wants $75 to fix it, even though it's their crappy firmware software that screwed it up to begin with. When it works, it's great. But if they insist on charging me $75 to fix a $116 GPS, I think I'll look... » Read More I've had nothing but trouble updating my venture HC via my Mac. The first time I thought it was ruined, but worked with Garmin to do the boot ignore thing. I plugged it in the other day and was told there was a new firmware upgrade so I did it, stupidly. It crashed, and now I can't get back into it, no matter what I do, and no matter if I use my Mac or a PC. It's toast, and Garmin now wants $75 to fix it, even though it's their crappy firmware software that screwed it up to begin with. When it works, it's great. But if they insist on charging me $75 to fix a $116 GPS, I think I'll look elsewhere. « Show Less
622620
Hello,I remember choosing between the two as well. What I found out is it was the same (tray load). Its lower price is due to the fact that it doesn't come with the Multimedia Suite, which I didn't want anyway.
1001852
I too have Windows Vista and am anxious to find out which- if any players are compatible with it. I have about decided on a Creative Zen V or plus and found one at SecureMart.com for $81.00. I hope someone can answer this for us. Ok- I kept searching and I think I will go with YES! Based on......the Vista Compatible site they listed the Creative M something or other that has 30 and 60 Gb for $299.00. I looked at the requirements and they are exactly the same as the Zen V plus. Does this make sense to anyone but me?
1521542
My Legend HCx Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator worked great in the plane as long as I was quite close to the window. A Cx might not. My GPS said we were a few thousand feet higher than the captain said we were but maybe he was wrong! It tracked very well. I could look down at a town and recognize it from the map on the gps as we flew over. Very cool!! On the ground my elevation is quite accurate with my topo maps loaded. IF you have the Vista you may need to calibrate it to the known elevation and air pressure any time the pressure changes much. I don't know this for sure as I haven't read the manual but other altimeters that use pressure need to be calibrated. My Legend HCx Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator worked great in the plane as long as I was quite close to the window. A Cx might not. My GPS said we were a few thousand feet higher than the captain said we were but maybe he was wrong! It tracked very well. I could look down at a town and recognize it from the map on the gps as we flew over. Very cool!! On the ground my elevation is quite accurate with my topo maps loaded. IF you have the Vista you may need to calibrate it to the known elevation and air pressure any time the... » Read More My Legend HCx Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator worked great in the plane as long as I was quite close to the window. A Cx might not. My GPS said we were a few thousand feet higher than the captain said we were but maybe he was wrong! It tracked very well. I could look down at a town and recognize it from the map on the gps as we flew over. Very cool!! On the ground my elevation is quite accurate with my topo maps loaded. IF you have the Vista you may need to calibrate it to the known elevation and air pressure any time the pressure changes much. I don't know this for sure as I haven't read the manual but other altimeters that use pressure need to be calibrated. « Show Less
937964
Its Vista, (bought mine in march maybe they upgraded since then) you will still need a merchant services account and the only service they interface with seamlessly is Merchant Warehouse which cripples your ability to shop around for the best rate.
232294
Not sure what this means. I have Windows 64-bit running BaseCamp, and it works fine with my Etrex 30. I'm not sure what sort of compatibility you're referring to.