iBuy GPS

The advancement of technology has yielded some impressive available features on newer models of cars.  For example, several new vehicles feature automotive GPS systems, a feature which not only gives you directions to your destination, but finds gas, food, hotels, and even checks movie times for you. Another newer feature is a rear view camera, which helps when you’re parallel parking or backing out of a tight location. Several vehicles also come with embedded WiFi technology, allowing the driver or passengers to connect to the internet inside the vehicle.

Though these features comes standard or are available on all kinds of newer vehicles, it is possible to implement peripheral devices into older models.  GPS units, rear view cameras, and WiFi connectivity kits are available for individual purchase from various manufacturers of car accessories.

The Garmin eTrex Vista maintains the weight (5.3 ounces) and dimensions (4.4 by 2 by 1.2) of its predecessors and is housed in the same waterproof, pocket-sized casing. The main design difference between the Summit and the Vista is color (the Vista has a metallic-silver exterior). No changes were made to the 2.1-by-1.1-inch, high-resolution, monochrome LCD, and none were needed since the map detail is amazingly clear for such a small display.

Like the Summit, the Vista sports five convenient, black rubber buttons, including two Zoom controls, Power/backlight, Find, and Pages buttons, on either side of the unit, allowing for easy one-handed operation. However, Garmin has mounted a sixth button, called the Click Stick, on the face of the Vista. This five-position joystick-like navigation key lets you scroll through the various options within each of the main pages.

You can also use the onscreen keyboard to enter search criteria. Use the Page button to view satellite information, maps, compass heading, elevation history, or a trip computer (which displays an odometer, speed, average moving time, and more). The sixth page is a Windows-like menu where you can create routes, mark waypoints, view track logs, and find local points of interest. We were particularly impressed with the extended Find function, which displays the distances (”as the crow flies”) and a heading pointer to your desired location on both the map and compass pages.