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roln 20s
08-24-2006, 08:55 PM
I've been looking at some GPSs, don't really need one but just think it woul dbe a "nice to have." Decided on a 'mapping' GPS, originally wanted to stay within $200. I have now found the Garmin eTrex Venture CX at $207 and now with an additional $50 rebate. Mapping, expandable memory, topo ready ($100 for US), already has map of the Colorado River lakes (including Powell).
Anyone have this? Experience with these type GPSs? Any feedback is good. I just want a small handheld, nothing hard mounted.
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVenturecx/
Thanks in advance.
Roln 20s

lakewake
08-24-2006, 09:00 PM
I don't know that model. I have a BMW NavII on my BMW K1200LT. It is made by Garmin and is flawless. On the BMW touring forum all you hear is great things about Garmin and their customer service and support. My software also has ports,rivers,marinas etc pre programmed. It is very convenient. The mapping software is very easy to work with as well. Good luck.

Jyruiz
08-24-2006, 09:09 PM
That is a real good GPS, my buddy has one and gets a lot of use out of it.

Jordy
08-24-2006, 09:11 PM
I've got a couple Garmin handhelds. One was beat to death in my backpack going back and forth across the dunes. The other one left here in the glove box of another boat. Can't go wrong with any of the Garmin handhelds from what I've seen, unless you don't like the max speed number. :D :D :D
I've heard that just makes trips to Larry's happen that much faster. ;)

roln 20s
08-24-2006, 10:34 PM
Thanks guys- seems like a great unit and at $157, a can't pass up deal :)
Anyone else-- keep the comments coming.
Roln 20s

OCMerrill
08-25-2006, 05:20 AM
I also have an etrex. It has worked well over the past two years. Get a cig adapter bucause they eat batteries. In clear sky they warm up fast as well(find sat's quickly)
I use a large suction cup mount and mostly in my Jeep but it is allot of fun to take to the river.
Warning though as it can be a speed ego buster. When ever I hear "My Boat will go 90 mph" I pull it out and say "Care to wager" :)

duffster
08-25-2006, 05:22 AM
If you ever go to Lake Powell GPS is a must.

Cas
08-25-2006, 06:22 AM
I think Sleekcrafter here on the boards sells GPS units. You might want to get ahold of him also.

STV_Keith
08-25-2006, 06:53 AM
As I said elsewhere, get a refurb Garmin GPS V deluxe from Ebay for around $150 w/1yr warranty. That was originally a $500 unit. Mapping, auto-routing, 19mb internal memory, etc.

socalmoney
08-25-2006, 07:48 AM
Is the rebate store specific because buy.com has that model for $136.99
http://www.buy.com/prod/Garmin_Etrex_Venture_GPS/q/loc/101/90049123.html
If you can send in for another 50 off, your price would be below 100 bucks.

redi4fun
08-25-2006, 09:34 AM
Anybody know what are the differences between the venture cx and the legend cx. I looked at the website but someone explain it in laymans terms.
Thanks

cxr133
08-25-2006, 09:41 AM
Anybody know what are the differences between the venture cx and the legend cx. I looked at the website but someone explain it in laymans terms.
Thanks
legend CX comes with a 64mb microSD card

redi4fun
08-25-2006, 09:46 AM
THAT"S IT.
What would you use the sd card for?

redi4fun
08-25-2006, 09:50 AM
It looks like the venture cx does not have a mini-usb port. Is this really needed or are the preloaded maps good enough for coverage of the states.
I am just trying to figure out if I use the USB port and the CD card that the legend comes with that the venture does not have.

Jesster
08-25-2006, 01:30 PM
Bump, Keep this going I would like to purchase one and so far this has been good info.

redi4fun
08-25-2006, 02:09 PM
Bump, Keep this going I would like to purchase one and so far this has been good info.
Which one are you looking to buy? I found the venture and legend cx super cheap.

gsb_77_xl
08-25-2006, 04:06 PM
I have an etrex legend and It is absolutley awesome for what I use it for. It has a basic map in it from the factory that shows all of the major highways, and has saved me alot of time in traffic jams on unfamiliar stretches of interstate by showing my position and other roads around it. You can purchase cd's from Garmin that have topo maps and inner city maps.
If you get one you may also want to check out geocaching.com, it is a high tech game of hide and seek. It sounds stupid but it is actually a pretty cool way to waste a weekend or any other free time you may or may not have.
When I bought my Legend over 5 years ago they were $299, now You can get one for about $150. Oh yeah they are waterproof too, good for the boat.

cc239badlands
08-26-2006, 09:22 PM
I have the etrex- vista and it works great.

Brian
08-26-2006, 10:03 PM
I've got a couple Garmin handhelds. One was beat to death in my backpack going back and forth across the dunes. The other one left here in the glove box of another boat. Can't go wrong with any of the Garmin handhelds from what I've seen, unless you don't like the max speed number. :D :D :D
I've heard that just makes trips to Larry's happen that much faster. ;)
That better not have been directed at me there Mr. Whacka Boy... ;)
In fact my GPS III+ once told me the Cheetah did 120 at Saguaro. Gotta love several billion dollars worth of the government's finest technology! :D
Roln, I have a GPS III+ and a GPS MAP 76, and both work very well. I also have the "Road & Rec" CD in case you would like to demo it.
:cool:

beyondhelpin
08-27-2006, 10:46 AM
Just bought a etrex vista cx at 30 minutes before getting on ***boat atbuy.com (http://www.buy.com) . They have a $15 new customer bonus also. Payed $279 -$15 = $264. There is also a $50 rebate. So $214. Also bought a 1 gid mini SD card for $32 with a $14 rebate. $18 for a 1 gig mini SD. Over all less than $235 for all. No shipping on any of this! Pretty damn good I thought.

Jesster
08-28-2006, 11:21 PM
Pretty much just did what beyondhelpin did. Just picked up the E-trex Venture Cx on buy.com for 144.00 thats after the 15.00 new customer discount and the 50.00 rebate. I also picked up a 1GB miniSD card for it for same price as beyond after the rebates. I just finished getting the Citynavigator, Recreational Lakes and U.S. Topo.
Thanks guys this turned out to be a very helpful thread. I think I'm ready to go.
If anybody needs anything let me know. :crossx: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Jesster
08-29-2006, 03:32 PM
Walmart has the eTrex Venture Cx for 198 - the 50.00 rebate thats a pretty good price too. Rebate expires day after tomorrow.

cxr133
09-05-2006, 10:40 AM
bump to the top for a question...
what about the Garmin 60C are they comparable??

Jesster
09-06-2006, 08:40 AM
That is a nice unit the main difference being that the memory is not expandable. You have 56MB of internal memory and thats it. If you just want to use it for lake use that much mem is fine its probably enough mem to put CA, AZ, and NV in, but Im not sure. If you step up to the 60CX then you get expandable memory, difference is about 60 bucks. It looks like it would be easier to use than my etrex Venture because of the D pad.