Here are a few things to know before you go shopping for an eTrex...

You'll notice that the devices in the eTrex are specified with H, HC, HCx, and sometimes Cx.

• H = high sensitivity antenna
• C = color screen
• x = expandable memory

The last one, "x," is important if you wish to install maps on your GPS, or you want to have auto-routing. The eTrex Legend HCx and Vista HCx, for example, each have a data card slot that allows you to insert a microSD card for up to 2 GB of recognizable maps or other data. Contrast this with the 24 MB of internal memory of an eTrex without a card slot, such as the Venture HC.

When you use the City Navigator NA maps, you're not required to load all of the available NA maps onto the GPS. So, if your travels are only going to include Pacific Coastal US, you can just select the various map segments that pertain to your route. However, a 2 GB microSD card is large enough to load all the CNNA maps if you choose. The card currently in my Vista HCx has CNNA maps of most of the western US and detailed topo maps of all of California. I believe this required just under 1 GB. (The topo maps take much more space).

The 24 MB internal memory of the slightly less expensive HC models isn't as versatile. To illustrate, the three map segments of CNNA that cover the Pacific route from San Francisco to Santa Barbara require over 40 MB of storage space. To load the maps for Washington, Oregon and coastal California, you need 100 MB. Now I suppose you could tote a laptop along and load smaller map segments into the HC as needed, but spending slightly more on an "x" device makes that unnecessary. Besides, Garmin states that only the eTrex HCx devices are capable of turn-by-turn routing.

You can pick up an eTrex Legend HCx on Amazon for ~$170. Other than not having the same electronic compass and barometric altimeter, it's the same as the Vista HCx which is well-liked by long distance cyclists and randonneurs. The Venture HC will still run $125. Even the very basic "yellow" or "H" model will cost near $100 and be worthless for your needs.

As for maps, Garmin City Navigator is available in three formats: (1) a download from Garmin's site, (2) a preloaded microSD card, and (3) DVD. In general, you want the DVD. The DVD format is the only one that allows you to create and manage routes/waypoints/etc on your computer and then send them to your GPS. If you read the thread Cyclebum linked, you'll see that the OP's real issues centered on his belief that he could manage routes on his computer with his preloaded microSD card. You can't. The only benefit of the preloaded card is that it can be transferred between more than one Garmin GPS. The DVD and the dowload formats must be "unlocked" to only one GPS device. What is nice about the DVD is that you can create multiple different microSD cards for different locations or interests. Also, if a microSD card should become damaged, you can just create a new one for only a few dollars.

I also like the looks and features of Garmin's GPSMAP60CSx. It's bulkier and probably not as suitable for handlebar mounting as the eTrex, but it has a larger display and buttons that appear to be easier to manipulate. It's available much below its original msrp, presumably because it's been replaced with other models.