PC will not "See" Garmin Etrex Vista

Do you have a Smartphone? If you do there are several "Apps" that will use it's Built in GPS to automatically create a Track and then tag a series of images automatically

I have had good results with Geotag Photos Pro for iPhone and Android you have to set the timings for when to take a GPS reading and then just carry the phone with you. Of course if you are a landscape photographer, where you are often stationary at one site for a good period, It may be simpler to use something like the Map module in Adobe Lightroom, or even Google Maps to tag images, but where you are walking the app is much better set the "granularity" to a few seconds and the accuracy should be enough for anyone The app has a wide range of time settings, and can also create tracks for publishing, there is a PC component so you can simply perform the tagging at home

Do you have a Smartphone? If you do there are several "Apps" that will use it's Built in GPS to automatically create a Track and then tag a series of images automatically

I have had good results with Geotag Photos Pro for iPhone and Android you have to set the timings for when to take a GPS reading and then just carry the phone with you. Of course if you are a landscape photographer, where you are often stationary at one site for a good period, It may be simpler to use something like the Map module in Adobe Lightroom, or even Google Maps to tag images, but where you are walking the app is much better set the "granularity" to a few seconds and the accuracy should be enough for anyone The app has a wide range of time settings, and can also create tracks for publishing, there is a PC component so you can simply perform the tagging at home

No the only thing a contract gives you in reality is an ability to make and receive calls/Texts etc. The wifi on the phone will work at home for transferring the data to the PC app and the GPS is an always on service - you may not see the map when travelling as I believe this is obtained over the Cellular Network,[to be honest my phone when I'm out and about is in my pocket], but the GPS points should be saved without a problem - There is a free version (for android at least), so you should be able to give it a trial to see if it meets your needs

I change my phone at least every two years, as it comes with the contract which renews every two years.

I have only ever have one break due to a fall from a good height and that still worked as far as I could see, I currently have my last two phones which are in fully working order and normally kept charged. I only keep them for my Son and Daughter, who find themselves without a phone fairly regularly Either lost or damaged by being sat on

If you really want to sync your device you might try looking for an old computer to use it on. I don't know if it the sync would work with XP. You can check with the garmin forum on that.I would look for a 98 computer since that is what's listed. Look for one that says it has a serial port and stay away from any that say that they are for parts. I would also check with the forum to see if they know of a work around to use it on Windows 7 using USB.