Charlie,
I've been using Garmin GPS'es for the past 4+ years and my original GPS 12 MAP is still working perfectly after 4 years, however my first Etrex Vista started behaving odd after only 15 months of use and I got it replaced for free.
However now after just 18 months the replacement Garmin Vista started showing exactly the same problems, screen showing horizontal black stripes or vertical fast moving lines and no maps detail or just blanking out and the joystick not reacting anymore.
As you perhaps can guess I'm not happy :grumpy: and expressed that feeling to Garmin and I'm waiting for their reply. I don't fancy paying an $125 for a factory overhaul knowing that after another 15-18 months it will probably start showing the same problems again.
All the talk about mean time before failure etc is bullsh.t both times my GPS was used for less then 1200 hours and it wasn't dropped, used in the rain, dropped in water or anything else.
Right now until I hear from Garmin I would personally advise you not to get an Garmin and go for a Magellan. My first GPS was an Magellan and it's still going strong after 6+ years.
Best Scouting wishes,
Bagheera
