I have the etrex and I like it very much but............I will probably buy a vista before too long. I like the idea of being able to download topo maps and more importantly the digital compass. If your GPS won't pick up a signal it will still give you a compass bearing with which to walk out on. With the Vista the digital compass will keep you on that specific bearing so you don't have to have a compass in your other hand. The digital compass alone makes it a much nicer unit. JMO