Garmin Gpsmap 60cs

November 20, 2003

The GPSMAP® 60CS and GPSMAP 60C are new all-purpose units—packed with exciting new features and delivering the kind of color that consumers want in their handheld GPS’s. These lightweight, rugged, waterproof units raise the bar to offer a 256-color, highly reflective display that provides easy viewing in almost any lighting condition. This transreflective TFT provides excellent viewing while maximizing your battery life (30 hours, typical use).

Both the GPSMAP 60CS and GPSMAP 60C are packed with extra features, including rapid automatic route calculation, an integrated outdoor calendar, a dedicated geocaching mode, and indoor/outdoor GPS games that turn the outdoors into a giant gameboard.

The GPSMAP 60CS also offers an electronic compass and barometric altimeter for highland adventures. These sensors, when combined with GPS technology, provide enhanced bearing and elevation readings.

Suggested Retail Price:

$535.70 U.S.D.

Expected Availability:

1st Quarter 2004

Check it out here

Larebel

November 20, 2003

Wow! Yet another thing I need to go buy. Q1 '04? But I want it NOW!

No mention of support for notes. What I'm thinking is some way of displaying .html files. If they could do that, we'd never need paper again, and we'd only need one device rather than 2 (a palm or ppc or something similar). Anyone know if something like this is/will be supported?

2.2k · November 20, 2003

It looks like I may finally be retiring my eTrex Vista.

RM

Edited November 20, 2003 by Rocket Man

November 20, 2003

Intresting!

I wonder whats so special about the geocaching mode. Oh well, Vistas click stick is on its last leg anyway so it could be a late Ho Ho Ho for me

November 20, 2003

Here's an article on the new unit in MobileMag. It contains a discussion of the "geocaching mode": "For hundreds of thousands of GPS users, geocaching* is a fun outdoor activity. Garmin’s 60 Series provides intuitive pages to aid geocachers in the pursuit of their "quarry." After a cache is found, these units will automatically apply a date stamp, log it in the Outdoor Calendar, and point the user to the next closest cache."

November 20, 2003

Gee that was a quick response. Thanks alphatexana!

November 20, 2003

I will buy one for sure, this should be the perfect, if not close to it gps, 56mb (getting better), autorouting, color, small and USB interface. The V might get converted to permanent truck duty and this may be my new handheld.

Edited November 20, 2003 by wickedsprint

5.3k · November 20, 2003

Someone pointed me to TigerGPS, where they have already posted prices at less than the MSRP (look at the bottom of the page).

For example, the 60CS is being offered at $419. And yes! there looks to be non-color versions, too.

Edited November 20, 2003 by embra

November 20, 2003

Here in Canada, GPS Central has added them to their online store.

GPS Central Canada

I ordered mine about 10 minutes after discovering they had been announced. Now I just need to find a way to wait until they ship in Jan/Feb.

1.4k · November 20, 2003

oh man... now I know what I want for christmas!!

1.4k · November 20, 2003

wow, this is incredible to me:

30 hours of battery life under typical-use conditions (uses two "AA" batteries)

30 hours on two AA!! And it's color!

They have some screenshots of the geocaching feature on the garmin site that's linked above.

Anyone getting their hands on a pre-release version for reviewing??

1.4k · November 20, 2003

Someone pointed me to TigerGPS, where they have already posted prices at less than the MSRP (look at the bottom of the page).

For example, the 60CS is being offered at $419. And yes! there looks to be non-color versions, too.

Anyone ever order from Tiger before? Did you have good luck?

November 20, 2003

I can't find anything about the non-color version on the Garmin website. Seems to me that might be a great price competitive option. Maybe even longer battery life?

Anyone have further details on the non-color versions?

November 20, 2003

Does the new Garmin 60C have an external antenna jack? I haven't found anything on this yet.

November 20, 2003

I have oredered from GPScity with no problems before and their price is just a bit more i believe.

1.1k · November 20, 2003

Does the new Garmin 60C have an external antenna jack? I haven't found anything on this yet.

Can't find the specific on this, but the Accesories page for that unit is showing compatibility with the 29 and 27 antennas.

FWIW...

-Dave R. in Biloxi

November 20, 2003

From the Garmin News Release

Antenna: Quad-helix with external antenna capabilities

November 20, 2003

I'm curious to see if this unit will do auto routing with the new Metroguide V4 for Canada. My V does it, but the 60CS doesn't mention that it will do auto routing with this mapset. I ordered this GPS, but will cancel it if it doesn't auto route with these maps. I asked GPS Central about it and Jo wrote to Garmin to inquire about this question....

November 20, 2003

I corresponded with Jo as well on the 60CS (which I ordered) but I didn't ask that question. I have since searched their site for more info but I can't find anything.

I believe the auto-routing works regardless of location, so Canada should work just as well as anywhere in the states, but I could be wrong.

Can you post your findings here, so that us Canadians can have this question answered? It would be appreciated.

November 20, 2003

I believe the auto-routing works regardless of location, so Canada should work just as well as anywhere in the states, but I could be wrong.

(From the Garmin web site) Faster processor, with auto routing, turn-by-turn directions, and audio alerts along city streets or trails when using MapSource® City Select® or 24K Topo software (optional software)

Unfortunately it says nothing about Metroguide software. I think it's just a mistake on Garmin's web site or an oversight....

November 20, 2003

Now thehard decision, whether or not to get the color screen??

November 20, 2003

Oh Yea, MacDaddy's gonna pony up the cash for a new one..

For Sale-Garmin Vista.........

November 21, 2003

I'm curious to see if this unit will do auto routing with the new Metroguide V4 for Canada. My V does it, but the 60CS doesn't mention that it will do auto routing with this mapset. I ordered this GPS, but will cancel it if it doesn't auto route with these maps. I asked GPS Central about it and Jo wrote to Garmin to inquire about this question....

Check out this Link to GPS Central. Scroll down to "Supplied map CD ROM" It states:

Map detail supplied on City Select and City Navigator is very similar, the CDs differ mainly in the autorouting navigation detail provided. All models can use MetroGuide Canada v4 for detailed auto-routing within Canada!

Looks like MetroGuide Canada will work for you.

Larebel

24.7k · November 21, 2003

Read the specs.

Here is what they need to add (if they haven't already.)

Waypoint proximity (I think they have that so you don't drive by a Cache on a trip!).

Cache routes. We drive routes that have caches in a specific order. Not always the closest cache from where we are. Then the "next cache" button goes to the next cache you are going to.

GPX support. Then the cache notes and all that junk are in the GPS. Might even be able to replace the PDA for caching!

Dashboard mount. It was nice having a spot for my GPS V.

Edited November 21, 2003 by Renegade Knight

2.2k · November 21, 2003

Here is what they need to add (if they haven't already.)

GPX support. Then the cache notes and all that junk are in the GPS. Might even be able to replace the PDA for caching!

Dashboard mount. It was nice having a spot for my GPS V.

I don't know if the unit will read a GPX file or not but there is some implication that it may be able to since they show a Geocaching screen with Difficulty and Terrain ratings. Also, there are several automobile mounting options on theaccessory page. RM

November 21, 2003

Hmm,,, I just ordered some of these new 60c and 60 CS units today, and as I recall there was something about not being able to support something.......not sure if it was the cityguide or the metroguide.... have to look and post more tommorow.

Yes, it is fun, I just ordered another 30 units for our store, including this new one which is already in backorder. The units will be available sometime around Christmas. The Garmin rep and I were having a lot of fun choosing them today.

I can hardly wait to get my new 60CS. As for the debate of color or no color. Give your toque a spin, no color! are you nuts? I can hardly wait to play and Geocache with it. Have to give it to the wife for a real test of caching.

November 21, 2003

Hmm,,, I just ordered some of these new 60c and 60 CS units today, and as I recall there was something about not being able to support something.......not sure if it was the cityguide or the metroguide.... have to look and post more tommorow.

Well, I would sure like to know what it doesn't support considering I just ordered one. Please remember to post your findings, Capitalpete.

2.3k · November 21, 2003

Also, there are several automobile mounting options on the acessory page.

Yes, and the automotive navigation kit is available at a cost of $216.65. What kind of car is included in that cost??

November 21, 2003

The auto kit probable contains thees things

MapSource City Select coverage of contiguous U.S. and expanded coverage for Canada, dash mount, 12V power cord

2.2k · November 21, 2003

Hmm,,, I just ordered some of these new 60c and 60 CS units today, and as I recall there was something about not being able to support something.......not sure if it was the cityguide or the metroguide.... have to look and post more tommorow.

Here are the supported Mapsource products according to Garmin:

"Accepts data from MapSource products (City Select for driving, U.S. Topo and 24K Topo for hiking, Recreation Lakes for freshwater, and BlueChart® for saltwater applications)"

November 21, 2003

Besides the price, what is the difference between the c and the cs models?

Wow this is so packed with features I wonder if it talks or can make me a sandwich while on the trail?

November 21, 2003

Besides the price, what is the difference between the c and the cs models?
Wow this is so packed with features I wonder if it talks or can make me a sandwich while on the trail?

The S in CS refers to 'Sensor'. It includes the following (which is not in the 60C):

- Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still

- Barometric sensor with automatic pressure trend recording

3.8k · November 22, 2003

I can't find anything about the non-color version on the Garmin website. Seems to me that might be a great price competitive option. Maybe even longer battery life?

Anyone have further details on the non-color versions?

Cache Creatures,

They will likely release them in order of demand. They're really pushing the color, autorouting, etc so those will be out first from what I gather. Not all will go with the high-end, so they're releasing the C, then the CS... I'd imagine we'll see the others shortly after that.

November 22, 2003

1st disappointment. It does not appear to be able to be used horizontally. I want that extra memory for use on car trips. But, if it can't lay and stay put like my Garmin V, that is disappointing.

Edited November 22, 2003 by sbukosky

November 24, 2003

I want to order a 60CS. I have had experience with GPScity who has no current mechanism for ordering this GPSr. Tiger GPS has the mechanism but I am unfamiliar with them any recommendations?

1.4k · November 24, 2003

I am unfamiliar with them any recommendations?

I have had very good experiences ordering from TigerGPS. Quick responses and always friendly. Cheers!

November 24, 2003

Oh man, I am SO glad I didn't buy an iQUE now. I knew something that would outshine the GPSV had to be in the pipe. I was guessing they would simply expand them memory on the V and add a color screen -- but this looks even better.

November 24, 2003

I wouldn't go that far, it has alot of map storage sure, but does not lend itself well to mounting in a car, wish it still used the Vs case, more a replacement for the Vista/76s than the V.

3k · November 24, 2003

Right,

I think that the StreetPilot 2610 is the ultimate replacement for the V.

November 24, 2003

Right,

I think that the StreetPilot 2610 is the ultimate replacement for the V.

I disagree. While the 2160 looks to be an amazing machine, the fact that it only works in the car is a major drawback, IMHO. With my V I can take it hiking or caching, but you can't do this with the 2160 as it does not operate on battery power.

3k · November 24, 2003

Right,

I think that the StreetPilot 2610 is the ultimate replacement for the V.

I disagree. While the 2160 looks to be an amazing machine, the fact that it only works in the car is a major drawback, IMHO. With my V I can take it hiking or caching, but you can't do this with the 2160 as it does not operate on battery power.

Oh yes very true. I've over looked that fact.

Regardless I still want one just for vehicle travel. I use my V everyday in the truck and love it. I like the idea of having a dedicated in vehicle unit such as the 2610.

I think by the time that the 60cs comes out I will be ready for one of those too.

That seems like a great all around unit whether you use the auto routing in it or not. It would also be nice if they make a handle bar mount for it as I think it would be a great addition to the ATVs.

2.9k · November 24, 2003

I prefer the Street Pilot III for driving, than the GPS V.

Heres WHY:

Street Pilot III screen: (best for night driving)

GPS V screens: (bad for night driving)

I would like garmin to come out with a feature to reverse the pixels on the GPS V, for nite driving, where you have glowing letters and numbers on a black background. I have to turn down the intensity of the GPS V's Screen so I can see the dark streets ahead while driving, for this reason, you nead a good display for nite driving. Another issue with the GPS V, is that I would need a clip on Lens for the GPS V, to make the Display larger, since I really need to watch the road, then straining to see the small screen.

I use one GPS for driving, and one for on foot, I think it's best that way.

November 24, 2003

Weird, my V has never bothered me at night, I prefer to just keep the map page active and wait for the beeps. My eyes are pretty young though. I can not get over the IIIs goofy lookes either.

November 24, 2003

My V doesn't bother me at night either, I also keep the map page active and wait for the beeps. But my eyes like the rest of me aren't as young as they use to be.

2.9k · November 24, 2003

Have to have the Backlight at full brightness to maintain good display contrast on the GPS V, but with a small car like mine(Ford Escort), and it's Dim Litted head lights and dark roads, it is hard to see the road after looking at a bright screen of the GPS V. Other people seem to have a problem with it too, and tell me to lower the backlight, but that makes the contrast very poor. I do not have an SUV with blinding headlights either.

About the GPSMAP 60CS:

I hope that I can suction cup it to the windshield, and set up it's display like the Street Pilot's in the post above, then I can keep the backlight at full intensity, and enjoy the good contrasting display, and brightly displayed info.

I wish that I could flip the polarizing screen in the GPS V's LCD display to reverse the pixels to like the Street Pilot's display. Ive seen this done on other devices, but of course only a techno-geek could do it.

November 24, 2003

Isn't the contrast itself on the V also adjustable??

November 24, 2003

I wouldn't go that far, it has alot of map storage sure, but does not lend itself well to mounting in a car, wish it still used the Vs case, more a replacement for the Vista/76s than the V.

Naaaah, the horizontal mounting isn't a big deal as far as I'm concerned.

I've been using a pocket pc mounted on my dash with Mapopolis (hooked up to my GPSV) and it works perfectly. In fact, I think I prefer having the screen oriented vertically. I'd rather see further AHEAD in the direction I'm driving rather than what's to my left and right. But that's just me.

Yep, my GPSV is going on the selling block as soon as this one hits the streets.

November 24, 2003

quitter

3k · November 24, 2003

quitter

LMAO.

I know I'm OT again but I just wanted to say that I picked up the StreetPilot 2610 today. Downloading 120MB of maps as we speak. Once thats done the wife and I are going out to dinner and I picked a place that was a little bit away so that I can test the new gps out.

Only problem now is how I'm going to sneak in the 60cs when it comes out.

November 24, 2003

I still cannot get over the looks, if it is going to be that big, I want full integration into the dash, otherwise leave modular to the smaller units. The 60CS will be good for two things, autorouting for the right seater to call turns, or for geo caching in a new city where you need the maps, hell I justuse the bearing pointer for all of mine, including the driving, makes it more challenging.

Garmin Gpsmap 60cs

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