Garmin finally released the GPSMAP 60CS

I had been holding off for a while waiting for this to be released.

Hopefully I can get it before my trip this weekend. I will be sure to post a review if anyone is interested.

 

how much? and from where?

 

I ordered it from GPSNOW.com for a little over $400 for the unit. Their price is about the best I have seen and they have it in stock. For comparison, Amazon wants about $100 more than gpsnow. In addition to the receiver, I went with a windshield mount, city select, cigarette lighter adapter, and a a belt case for hiking.

http://gpsnow.com/gmmap60cs.htm

Amazon

 

Cool - I got the order in before closing. I should get it tomorrow </gloating>

 

I just noticed your in Va .. where abouts?

its a nice unit, but I already have the alpine nav. I was looking more for something to go off roading with, and under $200

 

Let me know how you like it... I am looking at this one and the two color maggelans that are out..

 

How do you like it? how does it compare to others? etc....

 

56 MB of memory! That is a LOT.

It looks pretty nice.

I can put the entire state of Washington in my eTrex Vista (24MB). I use MapSource Metroguide.

Adventure GPS has a good price for it too. They have great customer service.

 

It is a very nice unit. It is packed with features and easy to read. I find it much easier to view than the eTrex line. I have loaded it with both topos and metroguide maps and they are a millions times easier to read than the non-color models. It is does a good job with auto-routing and turn by turn instructions even when you change course.

I really like the feel of the unit and its design. I almost bought the 76s, but did not like the buttons being on top of the screen. That design still does not make any sense to me.

I had looked at the Magellan line, but their color screens don't get favorable reviews. They are cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

I have only had it for a weekend, but so far two thumbs up. There are some quirks, I wish you could have both topos and street maps and switch, but you can have only one type of map for an area. I worked around this limitation by using street maps in the cities and topos a little further out and loaded them all on the unit with no problem. Battery life seems ok, I think it may actual do better than the eTrex models, but don’t quote me on that yet.

I need to get out on a hike with it, but so far it does a great job in the car.

 

good deal! keep us (me) posted...

 

I'm a strong believer in NiMH rechargeables. Thomas Distributing has some good deals for them.

 

One thing I did not mention, the screen rocks outside! In direct sunlight, it is actually easier to see than when indoors. When inside it is a little dark but once you turn on the backlight it is fine. I guess it is tuned for outdoors. But then I guess you don't plan on navigating too much inside anyway

 

Can you point to point route on the gps itself, or do you have to do it on the computer and then upload the route?

 

How has it been? I'm thinking about the 60cs as well but debating between the meridian color. Leaning towards the 60cs so any info would be awesome!

Btw, does the city select come with any topo or do I need to get that topo software too?

 

I was away all last week so this is the first chance to respond. I got the chance to calibrate the altimeter to sea level while standing in the ocean down in Miami

>Can you point to point route on the gps itself, or do you have to do it on the computer and then upload the route?

Yes - you can do it on the gps as well as on the computer. It does a pretty good job of calculating and re-calculating the routes on the gps when you deviate from the intended route.

>How has it been? I'm thinking about the 60cs as well but debating between the meridian color. Leaning towards the 60cs so any info would be awesome!
Btw, does the city select come with any topo or do I need to get that topo software too?

I got a little impatient and almost bought the meridian color, but I am glad I waited. If you do some research you will find most complain about the meridian color's weak display. I like the expandable memory option and the lower price with the meridian, but I am very impressed with the screen and the amount of data that the 60CS can hold. I feel good about my decision to go with the garmin over the meridian.

You will need to buy both the topos and the city select if you want to be able to use both. Just remember that even if you load both only the most recent map will display on the gps unit (that is from Garmin). I loaded all the maps onto the computer and then can select which one I want for a specific area. I can flip between the two on screen and then load it on the gps unit.

Here is a really good review of the 60C
http://gpsinformation.net/gps60c/g60review.html

I have shown the unit to a couple of avid hunters and they were very impressed. Hell, even my wife was impressed and she usually couldn't care less about my toys and gadgets.

 

I love my garmin... they really have done their homework on their software in the unit. Extremely easy to use and I don't even have the good maps on the unit. I use my laptop for that.