Need GPS recommendation

[SMSP]

I am considering buying a Garmin 60csx GPS. I see that the newer version is the Garmin 62s and the replacement for the 60csx. From what I have read about the 60csx, it is a solid device. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that some of the new units have, but it has and does what it’s suppose to do. It is known for speed in searching/finding satellites and for keeping its signal in tree canopies, canyons, city canyons (buildings), etc… Cabela’s has it on sale for $200 and it lists elsewhere from $290-350. The main downside I have read about is the extra cost for the maps.

I have tried other GPS units and they have failed. I am in South MS and we have lots of tree canopy on the local trails. I tried a Magellan 2000 unit and returned it. It worked great out in the open and went through regular batteries in a day if used all day. I also borrowed a Magellan Explorist, which was about the same as the 2000 unit.

I also have read that around mid 2008, Garmin started shipping these models with Mediatek receivers instead of the SirfStar III receiver chips. Is this something to be concerned about? Not sure. The Garmin website does not state which receiver is used in the specs. Further searching indicates that Mediatek receiver is more sensitive and a little more accurate. Another person indicated that the Mediatek receiver didn’t perform as well around tall buildings.

Anybody have any insight into this?

SMSP

[jeepcachr]

You can't go wrong with garmin there is a reason they have the biggest marketshare.

I'd recommend going with one of the newer units that uses a USB cable interface. Serial ports are hard to find on newer PC's, are slow, and sometimes difficult to configure.

Check out http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ for free maps. The free maps for Michigan are 1/24k and are better than Garmin's expensive 1/100k paid for maps. So check the area your going to. You can also import trips from or share your trips at- http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=657465 easily with most of the newer garmins without dealing with file conversion issues.

[SMSP]

You can't go wrong with garmin there is a reason they have the biggest marketshare.

I'd recommend going with one of the newer units that uses a USB cable interface. Serial ports are hard to find on newer PC's, are slow, and sometimes difficult to configure.

Check out http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ for free maps. The free maps for Michigan are 1/24k and are better than Garmin's expensive 1/100k paid for maps. So check the area your going to. You can also import trips from or share your trips at- http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=657465 easily with most of the newer garmins without dealing with file conversion issues.

Thanks for the info.
So the Garmin 60csx has a serial connection and not a USB?

SMSP

[leaftye]

I'm pretty sure all their current units have a USB connection. Even though my Garmin has a usb connection, for some reason I prefer to take the memory card out and write the data to it directly. I think I started doing that so I wouldn't waste gps battery life while writing data.

I know you're looking for inexpensive, but I do like my Oregon 550. Of course I'd like it a whole lot better if I could take pictures without waiting forever for the maps to load.

I'll second the recommendation for gpsfiledepot.com.

[BrianLe]

If a particular GPS seems like the "right" device for you except for the serial port connection, I wouldn't let that stop you --- an inexpensive (I think less than $20) USB-to-serial adapter can be purchased to make "legacy" devices work with newer computers.
It is true, however, that a USB connection is going to be faster; not sure how big a factor that is, if you can just set up maps to download to the GPS and then go off and do something else in the meantime.

Of course I'd prefer a USB (2.0) connection, I'm just saying that, for example, if a person is on a tight budget and can get a reliable used GPS that they should be aware of the USB-to-serial adapter option.

[karo]

I just ordered the Garmin map60CSx from Cabela's. Thanks for the heads up on that deal! I have had a Gramin Geko 201 for a few years and it fit the bill for most hiking. I did get a serial to usb adapter for it last year so now it can be connected to my laptop for downloads. I might sell the Geko if anyone is interested. I guess i should put it on the for sell page tho. I will decide when the new one arrives.

[weary]

I have a Delorme pn40 and it does everything I want it to do and more. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 handheld GPS is sturdily built and waterproof; accurate, very fast at rendering maps and images; comes with loads of maps, and can download highly detailed maps from the vast online DeLorme library.

The learning curve was a little challenging and battery consumption (two double As, or rechargeable lithium) is a bit more than I would like. But
the PN 40's raw power makes it all worthwhile.

It's widely available for $300, and ocasionally can be found for as little as $218.

Weary

[leaftye]

If a particular GPS seems like the "right" device for you except for the serial port connection, I wouldn't let that stop you --- an inexpensive (I think less than $20) USB-to-serial adapter can be purchased to make "legacy" devices work with newer computers.

I need to pick up one of those adapters to give my old Vista one more shot. I can't imagine waiting for maps to upload though. I have over 2 gigs of maps on my Oregon. Fortunately the old Vista doesn't have that much memory, but if it did...over a serial port. I could probably triple crown before it finished uploading.

[SMSP]

I found a copy of the 60csx manual and the manual indicates there is a USB port on the back under a rubber cover. I have never had a serious GPS and the 60csx has a great reputation.

I read up on the Delorme and the reviews were great bout the included maps.

I will see if I can meet my needs with the maps that are included for 60csx and if not, I'll consider buying the extra SD card.

Thanks for the information, it has been helpful. For $200 bucks at Cabela's with $5 shipping and since I didnt have a Cabela's credit card, I also got $15 off this purchase. So actually, it will cost $190.

Looking forward to getting it soon.

SMSP

[karo]

SMNP, thanks for the idea about the Garmin, let me know on here when you get yours. I ordered mine Friday night, it should be here in TN sometime next week I hope. I also appreciate the link to gpsfiledepot.com. Thank You jeepcachr. I think I will try it before I go spending alot on extra maps. I also ordered a 4g microsd card for $8 with free shipping to go in my new gps. The Garmin site recommended the 4g with their new units.

[SMSP]

Mine arrived today around 12noon

SMSP

[karo]

My Garmin 60gpscx came in today also, been messing with it all day. So far I am impressed with it. It also came with a 1 GB micro sd card. I am downloading the SE map from GPSfliedepot tonight. I was not impressed with the AL and TN topo maps on there. They have a lot of gaps in their coverage, gaps in places that I frequent.

[Sly]

Probably a better way for me to phrase my question is: are there specific features I should be looking for? I notice most have different levels of built-in memory.

Shutterbug hit the nail on the head when he said the Delorme is easier to create/upload maps. That's exactly the type of info I'm looking for.

The Delorme may be a bit more detailed, but Yogi, in her planning guide, has all the Garmin maps you'll need using the Topo software
Also, there's a sticky here in the CDT forum that has all the waypoints you could possibly need. Check it out.

[SMSP]

My Garmin 60gpscx came in today also, been messing with it all day. So far I am impressed with it. It also came with a 1 GB micro sd card. I am downloading the SE map from GPSfliedepot tonight. I was not impressed with the AL and TN topo maps on there. They have a lot of gaps in their coverage, gaps in places that I frequent.

The included map isnt much as expected. I saw the SE map as well and will see what it has to offer. I may end up buying one, dont know yet.
I am happy with it as well. Came with 1GB card already installed. I can tell how much faster it is than the others I have experimented with.
Now I need to get past the learning curve.

SMSP

[karo]

SMNP
remember to check the map datum on any maps or waypoints/tracks/routes that you download and match your gps with the datum, i.e., Nad 27, WGS84, etc.

[SMSP]

Thanks for the headsup. I am new to GPS for the most part. I d/l that SE topo from gpsfiledeport.com.

Can the datum be switched on the 60csx? If so, how?
How do I check which one my 60csx set to?

I looked thru all the menus on the 60csx and couldnt find anything.

I looked over that SE topo and didnt see anthing either.

What I am missing?

Thanks,

SMSP

[SMSP]

I found the datum within Setup > Units.

Still need help with the other questions.

SMSP

[karo]

I found the datum within Setup > Units.

Still need help with the other questions.

SMSP

PM me if needed or e-mail: karofisher@bellsouth.net
and maybe between the 2 of us we can figure it out.

[kayak karl]

Garmin 450 allows imports of images

not that easy to get waypoints, but is great once its set. i don' have topo on mine, but this overlay is detailed.


REI sale

[karo]

The Garmin 60CSx is SOLD OUT, but you can still get the unit with a bundle for $219! LINK It looks like they are selling fast so if you are sure you want one, don't delay.