From Sokratz
Overall this is a very good GPSs for those who want more features than the lower end eTrex series. The target audience for this device is likely the intermediate use. However, for the price, the VistaC provides better features that will improve the experience.
Positive:
1) Electronic Compass. The electronic compass is a must have in my mind. Yes, the others work just fine but require movement. I've had great luck finding caches more quickly than others in the group simply because I could get close, stop, find the exact direction and move to it. I likely won't by a GPSr without one now. The compass in the Vista doesn't seem to need to be calibrated as often as the one in the VistaC. However, my VistaC is used about 500% more than the Vista, which is likely a factor.
2) I like that I can load more detailed maps. It's very nice to see the updated roadways, trails, and such. However, there is no support for turn-by-turn navigation.
3) As far as black and white screens go the Vista has a very nice, readable, screen. At night or in dark areas, using the backlight keeps the readability very high. Just don't ever look at one of the eTrex color units and you won't know what your missing.
Negative:
1) Although you can upload more detailed maps, the Vista only has one mode of navigation - off-road, direct, line-of-site, as the crow flies. It would be much better if it were able to do “follow-the-roadsâ€? navigation. (I guess I've been spoiled with the VistaC's capability in this area).
2) Screen refresh time is slow. It takes a while to redraw the maps - sometimes too long and I've already passed the road I wanted to turn on. This little issue only affects the map page. All other pages are just fine. It might also have something to do with the extra map data that has been loaded.
3) The Vista is only partially “Geocaching Ready.â€? Meaning it supports the “Closed Cacheâ€? and “Open Cacheâ€? icons for waypoints but it does not include the feature of automatically changing to the “Open Cacheâ€? when you find a geocache and it does not add an entry to the calendar.
Also check out this comparison:
Magellan 210, SporTrak and Garmin Vista