What's The Best Garmin Gps Unit?

[+GomezK]

We are upgrading units from a garmin eTrex Vista and a garmin GPSmap 76 and are going to use the money to purchase a new unit. Any suggestions on a good garmin that will do auto navigation and geocaching? We were also thinking about purchasing a garmin 18 for the laptop to go along with the new unit. Please share you comments. Number 1 on our list is the 60cs!

[Neo_Geo]

If you like the compass and altimeter featured in the Vista, then a 60CS would be a wonderful upgrade for you.

Edited August 22, 2005 by Neo_Geo

[+Team DEMP]

76CS has 2x memory of the 60CS... so you'd have to determine if the 56MB of memory for the 60 unit is enough. If it is, then I'd suggest that. If you need more (for auto travel) then the 76 unit might be a more appropriate choice.

[CenTexDodger]

Since you already use a 76, the 76cs would be a natural upgrade for you. The buttons are the same, the case is the same, and you have 115 mb of memory for maps. I love my 60cs, it is a great unit and you would be pleased with it, I am sure, but 115 mb would be nice.

Edited August 22, 2005 by CenTexDodger

[+wickedsprint]

If you like the layout of the 76 series, or more to the point DON'T dislike it, there is absolutely NO reason to get the 60 over the 76CS, the 76CS has twice the memory as well as actually having a usable basemap, plus it floats. It is a no brainer. If you ever decide to mount it to an ATV/motorcycle the mounts made for the 76 series are alot more secure as well.

[+Renegade Knight]

Best being relative here is my list in order of "Best".

 

76C

76CS (extra sensors wastes batteries.)

60C

60CS

Legend C

Vista C

GPS V.

 

In that order for both hand held and auto-routing.

It's pretty much in memory order. With better battery life over extra sensors. Flip the C and CS and the Vista and the Legend for a list in order of Price determining what's best.

[128JetSnake]

^^^^^ With someone that has hit the "reply" button over 12,000 times, their post MUST be valued. But with having the extra sensors, you could shut them off to save batteries and turn them on when needed. I've only had my 60CS for a few days and already value the battery wasting sensors.

[+Thrak]

I *LOVE* my battery wasting electronic compass! I have the 76CS and it's a great unit.

[+GomezK]

Thanks for all the help! We are going to purchase a Garmin 60cs. Can't wait to get it.

[+apersson850]

Another alternative is to stay with the old units in the woods, and get an iQue 3600 for car navigation. Then you get a PDA as well, so you can run Cachemate, and have all other cache data within easy reach.

 

Now I've not posted 12000 times, but still a few...

[+BlueDeuce]

^^^^^ With someone that has hit the "reply" button over 12,000 times, their post MUST be valued. But with having the extra sensors, you could shut them off to save batteries and turn them on when needed. I've only had my 60CS for a few days and already value the battery wasting sensors.

Having read most of his postings regarding gps units, especially Garmin, yeah I value his opinion/experience.

 

My 76cs is normally plugged into the car so batteries are a non-issue.

[+EScout]

Is there a significant/noticeable difference in satellite reception between the Legend C and 60C? Which is better, or is there a difference.

[+Miragee]

I have the Vista C and it is just as good as my friend's 60CS. I think it would be the same as the Legend C.

[+Rubberhead]

I've had my 60CS for about 17 months.

 

I'm starting to think, "boy, I wish my GPSmap 60CS had a MP3 player", or "it would be nice if it played 'Lord of the Rings' off of an SD card".

 

I guess it is a pretty complete GPS unit if I'm wishin' it had an MP3 player too.

 

PS: Yeah, Yeah, I know Lowrance units have MP3 players.

[tubemonkey]

I'm still waiting for the Legend C w/ SD card slot.

[+scottjl]

i replaced my vista (which i had for about 5 years or so) last month with a 60cs and all i'm very happy with the switch. i considered the 76cs but didn't like the screen below the buttons. ok. call me silly. didn't think i needed the 115M of ram either (and i don't). there really wasn't anything else the 76 had going for it over the 60. don't need tide prediction and the larger basemap didn't mean much since i bought cityselect anyway.

 

nice thing about garmin's web site is the easy comparison you can make between their products. just select the link from any product detail page and pick a few units to compare. btw. i paid $370 for mine from buy.com, so shop around for a good price (certainly don't pay msrp)!

 

good luck with the switch!

[+GomezK]

My 60cs is in the mail, won't get here until Monday What will I do this weekend