blackpine

I too am in Southern California, and had nothing but problems with auto-routing on the PN-20. I did have the beta firmware 1.4 which others say solved all the auto-routing issues, but it did not for me. It could not handle routing a simple freeway drive of about 30 miles, with 4 or 5 turns total. It hung on calculating the route, and several others I tried. Perhaps the final 1.4 version is better, but I sent mine back and picked up the 60csx which works great. That said, you can't beat those wonderful Delorme topos and for hiking, caching etc, is a good choice.

Having gone through a similar search myself, I eventually opted for the Garmin unit. The reason was for it's superior auto routing capabilities. Having played around with a PN-20, I found it to be an easy to use and very accurate device. However, my need was more along the lines of 80-20 auto routing, and not geocaching or hiking. So I swapped the PN-20 for the 60Csx. I'm happy with my choice. I would, however, say that the Delorme topos are far superior to Garmin's. So for your application, the best choice is the PN-20, especially with current "special" pricing.

I tried a 76Csx and didn't care for it. It works great, but it is a fairly large unit. On the other hand, it does float, so that's a plus if you're on the water.

You might want to consider the Delorme PN-20. I tried one out and was impressed, but the auto routing capability is pretty much non-existant. I exchanged it for a 60csx as I do need the auto-routing feature. Once you add in the maps and memory, it's quite a bit more than the PN-20.

Haven't purchased anything from them, but this might help... http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Comp_U_Plus Not the highest rated outfit.

I must add my frustration with the PN-20 auto routing. It is mostly non-functional. I've updated my unit to 1.4 and it is still just terrible. It will not calculate a route from my home in San Diego, to a point just up the I15 freeway about 30 miles away. The routing process goes on and on, and then finally I cancel. I'm on the verge of returning this unit, nice maps, but just not happy with routing. Granted, it is more for geocaching, etc, but I hoped it would do some routing. Not so.