Should I get an etrex legend or a vista?

I have found a deal on a garmin etrex legend that comes with mapsource metroguide USA version 5 for $125 and also a garmin etrex Vista for $125 I am torn between the one with the electronic compass and more memory and the one with the map software included. I plan to use it for geocaching, hunting, and some boating|||Those are pretty good deals.


I am assuming that these are the older greyscale units (no initials after the names).





If you check the price of the maps (even if that is an older version) you will find that you are really paying very little for the Legend.





I have two Vistas, my old one is the grayscale version and my new one is an HCx. I find the magnetic compass is almost useless for my use.


If you are moving, the gps will measure the change in your position to give you your direction. The compass only actually comes into use when you are stopped or nearly stopped.





The memory issue depends on how often you want to change the maps in your GPS or how big of an area that you want.





In my old Vista, with Metro V6, I was able to get about most of Minnesota or Wisconsin loaded. With the new x version, the maps are stored in a microSD card and it can hold the entire US and Canada (with more map detail) in 1 gig of memory.


With the Legend you will get significantly less area loaded.





The other new features that will cost you more money are:


H - a much more sensitive receiver. If you are in deep woods it will give you a more stable signal.


C - color display. More useful since the newer maps have many more items cluttering up the display. Color makes it easier to sort them out.