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   posted: May. 10, 2008 @ 9:46a

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Garmin eTrex Vista HCx bundle. Deal expires Sunday May 11.

This is Garmin's latest and greatest GPS for hikers and mountain bikers. Product reviews have been great, especially about the much better sensitivity than earlier Garmin handheld GPS units.

$259.99 bundle includes:
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx handheld GPS
Garmin Topo U.S. 2008 DVD-ROM
carrying case

Since the topo map software is already included in this bundle, the only accessories that a hiker or mountain biker might want are a microSD card (2GB for about $10) and a bicycle handlebar rail mount ($10). For road biking, you will also need the streets DVD (around $80). These accessories are cheaper at Amazon.com than at REI.com

The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx bundle is available in REI stores or on-line at REI.com.
3% FW CashBack is available if your order on-line, reducing the price to $252.20
Free shipping if you order from REI.com and pick up at a local REI store.

Link to REI.com

Note that the current 20% REI discount coupon is not good for GPS.
Regular price for this bundle is $350 at REI.
Prices for these items separately at Amazon.com are: $230 + $77 + $11 = $318

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   posted: May. 10, 2008 @ 10:11a

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I have one of these and it's a fantastic device at a good price.

If you get it, update it to correct an error with the backlight not resuming at the set level. It used to always come on at the lowest level after automatically shutting off, now it comes back on at the preset level.

Great sensitivity. Works even in the middle of my two story house. Use it for geocaching and on the bike trails. We also used it to determine by how many MPH my sons schoolbus was speeding... showed 38 in a 25 zone. It's cool that the altimeter shows an 8' difference by raising it from floor level to ceiling level.

Was able to add the cars (Garmin 530 model) road map to the SD card, so it now shows exactly where we are and what's around. Can also use it, awkwardly, as an automotive GPS.

Paid more than $10 for the handlebar bracket, though. Would like another, where is it $10?

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   posted: May. 10, 2008 @ 10:46a

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Thx. I'll look into that.

REI only shows the $20 version bracket for handlebar mounting.

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   posted: May. 11, 2008 @ 2:19a

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Thanks in for one. Hopefully this back order doesn't take too long.

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