Revered as the Cadillac of handheld GPS devices out on the market, with a high sensitivity antenna, rugged build and advanced utilities, Garmin’s 60CSx gives you all that you need, and then some.
We picked up Garmin’s 60CSx to give it a thorough test drive. Loaded with only a base map of major highways, freeways and interstates, it was necessary to purchase more detailed maps to be able to utilize many of the features this device boasts. Although it is possible to use the system with out the maps, the map feature comes to life when you are able to add new map data to the system.
We picked up two different mapping products: 1) City Navigator North America v8 and Topo 2008. Although this review is for the physical device, I was a little disappointed in the lack of topographical detail in the Topo maps, as it only provided information similar to the NGS 100K maps. Garmin does provide 24K maps, but only for major national parks, and not for the forest and wilderness areas where I live.
Back to the 60CSx. The map data was very easy to load to the device, including adding routing data and personalized way points. On three road trips, the auto navigation features on the device performed pretty well, in my opinion. Even making a change in my path, the device quickly identified my intention and re-calculated the route and my estimated time of reaching my destination.
On the trail, the 60CSx keeps track of where you have been. One of our Scouting activities, we took the Scouts on a horseback tour in the Superstition Wilderness. Utilizing the track back feature, we were able to easily follow the same trail out back to where we parked the vehicles. Later, I was able to upload the track data back to the laptop, and identify how far and mapped where we had traveled that day.
The 60CSx is an excellent tool for Geocaching. One of the plus features of the 60CSx is the added electronic compass. For quickly finding your find, the electronic compass makes locating the cache so much easier, as the pointer will direct you effortlessly to the correct coordinates, even with only the default base map loaded.
The 60CSx comes standard with both a USB connection port and a Serial connection port. With the device connected via USB, National Geo graphic’s TOPO! instantly recognized the GPS. Microsoft Streets and Trips, however, did not, as it required communication to only happen via a non-provided serial cable. After purchasing the serial cable, MS Streets and Trips worked perfectly with the device in native NMEA communication format.
One drawback to the 60CSx is the inability to recharge any rechargeable batteries in the device.
I did have an opportunity to contrast the 60CSx with Garmin’s 76CSx. The two devices are almost identical in features. The on difference in the software was that there was a setting on the 76CSx for lithium batteries. Both devices has setting for alkaline and NiMH batteries, and neither can charge batteries. on the physical side, the buttons at the top of the 76CXs I found to be a little impeding from a natural feel. I am used to using my Palm Treo with the keypad below the screen, so the 60CSx feels natural to me. The 76CSx also has the antenna on the inside of the outer case … but the function is still the same. The 76CSx is also slightly larger than the 60CSx. For my uses, the 76CSx’s size made it more cumbersome to take on a backpacking trip. Other than these differences, these devices operated identically function for function.
If you choose to pick one up, I would recommend several accessories:
First, get a thin film screen protector and protective case. At the price this device runs, the one thing that will make you feel sick is when the acrylic screen cover gets scratched. Protect the investment, and it will last a long time for you.
The second item, spend the money and get a quality made windshield mount for when you use the device in your car. I picked up a RAM Mount for the 60CSx on a popular auction site for $40. Well work the investment. Made out of cast aluminum, and a locking suction cup, I’d probably break my windscreen before the suction would disengage prematurely.
The third item would be a vehicle power adapter. For long road trips, this is a must, as the batteries will not last that long. If you choose to use a Serial Data Cable with MS Streets and Trips, you can find a combo cable that will take care of power and the data in one cable. (my problem was I forgot to plug in my laptop into the inverter, so my 60CSx continued to work while after two hours, my laptop shut down. Bummer!)
Last, not really necessary, but a nice thing to have, pick up a 55dB gain antenna. Make sure you measure what cable length you need prior to ordering. If you want to see full reception from all satellites, this antenna will do the job perfectly.
I highly recommend the 60CSx, with it’s ease of use, comfortable size, and powerful features, it definitely holds up to the ranking as the Cadillac of handheld GPS devices.
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