15 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
Wait until alternatives are available.
Date of Review: May 11, 2005
The Bottom Line: Better than nothing, but deeply flawed.
This review pertains to my experiences using the case with the eTrex Vista C in particular, as I understand that its form factor is slightly different than the other Vista models (even though Garmin says this case is also for the Vista C).
The case is made of Neoprene, thicker on the back than the other parts, with a rubberized coating on parts of the bottom, sides and top flap. The top flap also has a small strip of reflective tape, and Velcro that attaches inside the back of the case. The GPS's display is viewed through a clear plastic window in the case, and cutouts allow access to the buttons on the sides and front. On the back, the case has an integrated belt clip and lanyard loop.
While looking for cases, I found a third-party manufacturer that made one for the eTrex line, but they specifically stated that it didn't fit the Vista C, and a model that did was about six weeks away. As a result, I bought this model, Garmin's, in order to protect my GPS. I have not, however, had a favorable experience.
For one, this case doesn't fit the Vista C very well (I don't know if it fits the other models any better). The case interferes with the two lower buttons on either side of the GPS, even somewhat overlapping them, and just barely clears the toggle button on the front. The plastic window is too small for the display: a portion of the screen on either side is obscured. Combine that with the plastic's high reflectivity, and the GPS screen can be difficult to see. If I use the unit indoors (when I am transferring waypoints with my computer, for example), I have to remove the GPS from the case to see the screen. I emailed Garmin about this problem, and they simply admitted that yes, the opaque portion did indeed cover part of the screen.
Further, I discovered that the case affords protection that is imperfect at best. One day, I had the GPS attached to my belt via the integrated clip. This clip is irksome: it seems to simply be a piece of vinyl-coated formed metal, and it attaches to a belt by basically being forced on. This does not, however, prevent it from coming off easily. Too easily. Walking to my car, I took my keys from my pocket; this caused the GPS to pop off my belt and fall onto the pavement. Since approximately the top half of the case on the left and right thirds is totally open, that portion of the GPS is unprotected. As a result, my week-old Vista C was dinged up from the impact. So much for having a protective case. Just this past week, I went somewhere and I realized that my GPS was missing. Fortunately, I found the unit in my car: again, the belt clip had simply slid off. I would prefer a hinged clip that would completely hook around the belt.
I am waiting for the third-party case to come out; Garmin's offering is insufficient.
