Instruction: Answer the given question using the supporting document.

Input:
Question: Does this unit have a compass?
Document: This unit does not have the electronic compass which I like on the other Garmin models. For some other purposes it is probably useful.
(Serious note: Never count on a GPS unit alone. Always bring along a hard-copy map and a compass, take along extra water and clothing, and tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back!)
No wonder it was cheaper! Anyway, I'm still very happy with the Legend and the only difference, that I can tell, is the Legend doesn't have the Barometric Altimeter or the Electronic Compass (which means you don't have to be moving to get a reading). Four stars instead of five only because it seems the Legend Hcx doesn't find satellites as quickly as the Vista Hcx ... but that just may be my particular unit. On the positive side, when I called Garmin and explained my story, they gave me another unlock code for my City Navigator NT 2008.
I have an older version of TOPO software (designed for Windows 95!) that has better maps and better mapping features.The quality of the mapping software is so poor that I am reluctant to spend ~$100 to upgrade to the 24k maps for this unit - Garmin makes absolutely no guarantee of user satisfaction.The total experience of using the handheld unit, the desktop software, and navigating with the unit is poor. If you are planning on using this unit as a navigational aid, I recommend that you take a map and compass with you.
The only thing missing on the Legend that I can think of that some of the pricier units have is the Altimeter. The Legend has the Compass, the Tracking/Backtracking options ("bread crumbs"), the Odometer, a Proximity Alert...  All the cool "bells-and-whistles" type stuff.Map facts you should be aware of:  1) The unit ships with a VERY basic install of maps. By this I mean interstates and major through-streets and that's about it. If you want TOPO maps and/or city navigation (residential & side streets, points of interest, stuff like that) you'll have to buy, and install, Garmin map products.
It lacked the electronic compass which I missed but walking a few steps in any direction gives you a proper heading.
I like it. I kinda wish I had sprung the extra $ to get the Vista to get the digital compass. If you are not moving, you can not really tell the direction. Other than that, I very pleased. Easy to see at night as well as bright light. Button function takes a some practice and coordination, but not too bad once you get use to it.
I have only used this GPS five times and it is pretty easy to use. It works great even in thick foliage. It doesn't have the compass or altimiter like the Vista which would be nice but is not an absolute necessity. The Garmin maps are a little spendy but compared to other maping software Garmins is very detailed. Overall this product is great.
The Vista comes with a electronic compass too but lets be realistic here folks who goes out and about without a REAL metal compass. what happens if the GPS dies on you? (although that be hard with 25+ hours of battery life, hehe) anyways unless you are committed to the all in oneness or have to have the other features then this is one awesome gps, it has everything you could ever need. You will need to buy maps separate but you can find them on amazon for cheap so its all good.
I tested my new Garmin eTrex Legend HCx on a remote biking trail in West Virginia. Forget about cell phone service. You can't get cell phone service anywhere on the 80 mile trail. About 10 miles on the trail I stopped and turned on the eTrex. It not only showed my location along the river but also showed the interstate was within a few miles to the east and a county road up ahead leading out of the gorge. The compass was great also! I am familiar with the trial and was not lost but just wanted to see if the eTrex was worth the price.
Answer: Yes it does and it's very easy to use.  The unit is about as simple as any you will find and not being a computer savy person that's why I bought the original Legend 10 years ago and then upgraded to this one a year ago for the color screen and microchip features.