Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator Review
September 14th, 2009
Magellan Meridian vs. Garmin eTrex: I bought the Meridian Platinum and the Garmin Vista to do a technical comparison. They are both great units with similar price and features. I also tested the next level down: Meridian Gold and the Garmin Legend with similar results. Here’s my take:
If small size and high resolution are important to you, buy the Garmin.
If you prefer a larger screen, larger buttons, a floating unit, or something that can be viewed beyond an armslength away, get the Magellan. If you require reading glasses, avoid the Garmin.
Here is a list of specific comments:
- Size: Garmin fits easily in a shirt pocket. Magellan is 114% larger by volume and is better suited for a fanny pack or large coat pocket.
- Weight: Magellan is 51% heavier.
- Display: Magellan display is 66% larger, viewable beyond an arm’s length. Garmin not viewable beyond an arm’s length.
- Pixels: Garmin has over twice as many pixels.
- Resolution: With the smaller display and higher pixel count, the Garmin screen resolution is about four times greater.
- Both are waterproof. Magellan floats…Garmin doesn’t.
- Reception: Magellan had slightly better reception, probably due to larger internal antenna.
- Screen protection: Magellan has a raised frame around display to help prevent scratches, but it also collects lots of dust on the screen as a result.
- Maps/waypoints: Low resolution for the Magellan made small map features difficult to discern. Garmin much easier to read with a large variety of highly detailed map symbols/icons.
- Features: Similar for both, but the Magellan had a few extras I liked: audible alerts for turns, a “windshield” navigation view with waypoints drawn in the “distance”, a “speedometer” view with dial, sun and moon location displayed on the compass dial.
- Buttons/knobs: Garmin’s buttons are all on the sides and are very small. You won’t be able to operate them with gloves. I like the little joystick for the left thumb very much, but folks with clumsy hands will not. Magellan’s buttons are large, easy, and labelled.
- Magnetic compass: Garmin must be held flat for this feature. Magellan’s compass works in any position. (With motion, separate heading indicator works at any orientation on both units.)
- Battery life and accuracy: About the same for both.
- PC cable/DC car adapter: Garmin slides onto the back. Magellan has an awkward screw-in device.
- Mapping Memory: Garmin has 24 MB ready for upload from mapping software (sold separately). Magellan requires additional memory card…
- Owner’s Manual: Garmin provides complete owner’s manual. Magellan only provides a quick-start manual. Complete manual is electronic and divided into two files.
- User interface: I found the Garmin software and menus to be slightly more intuitive.
Result: I wanted a small unit for outdoor activities and occasional automobile travel. I like small, high-precision devices with lots of detail. I kept the Garmin.
I also ordered the car dash mount, DC auto adapter, belt carry case, and MapSource MetroGuide USA CD. I have been very pleased with each of them.
To check price or purchase Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator.
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Posted in Cycling GPS | Tags: Compass Dial, Detailed Map, Etrex Gps, Fanny Pack, Garmin Etrex, Garmin Etrex Vista, Garmin Gps, Garmin Legend, Garmin Vista, Gps Magellan, Gps Navigator, Internal Antenna, Knobs, Magellan Meridian, Meridian Gold, Navigation View, Reading Glasses, Speedometer, Sun And Moon, Technical Comparison
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