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I'm new to this GPS stuff.

I'm looking to buy either the GPS 60cx or the GPS 76cx. Are they the newest verison in the Garmin line of this type? Is one better then the other? I want to get the best of the two ... or if another model is better please share that with me. Thank you all for you replys.

Erin

Erin, Internally both are the same. The differences are: The 60 has the buttons at the bottom, is a little smaller, has the antenna not enclosed, is nuetrally bouyant, has 64 mb card included, has cheaper retail price. The 76 has the buttons at the top, is slightly larger, has the antenna enclosed, floats, has 128mb card included, has higher retail price but has a $100 rebate until July 9. If you can, go to a store that has both and try them in YOUR hand. I have a 76CSx, Oz has the 60CSx. Both are excellant units.

Jeff T

Jeff
Thanks for the information. What extras will I need with either unit? CD's of the US, power cords, extra mb cards, you know stuff like that? Thanks again Jeff.

Erin in NY

Erin,

What are you going to do with the unit?

The USB cable powers the unit when hooked to a computer.

I have a 1gb card, others have 512mg. do NOT get an Ultra MicroSD, it will not work. Also make sure you get a MicroSD not a MiniSD. (Don't ask how I know)

City Navigator comes on DVD not CD. Just incase you do not have a DVD player in your computer.

You are going to want to get a case of some type. I have used both the Garmin case and the Ultimate GPS case. The Ultimate case has a pouch on the front for spare batteries and the Auto power cord.

I use rechargable batteries when using as a handheld but use 12V power when ever possible. Get the highest capacity AA rechargables if you go this way.

I have an Auto mount on my Polaris Ranger, and Marine mounts on my trucks. One Marine is mounted permenantly and the other is attached to a wooden cylinder the size of the cupholder in my F-350. I have 3 auto power cords, One is hardwired in the Ranger, the others are in each truck. I hate to move everything when I change trucks.

I also have an external antenna but I have found it is not necessary with the new CSx. It is leftover from my 76S.


Jeff T

Jeff ... Thanks again for all your help.

I plan on using the GPS for the car on long trips, geocaching and hiking.

I think the 76cx comes with a 128mb card ... Do I want extra cards?

I'm guessing the auto cord is an extra!?

From what you have told me ... I'm now leaning towards the 76cxs

GReat idea about the rechargeable batteries and the case ... never would have thought of those.

I appreciate all the advice you have for me.
Thanks again
Erin

If you don't go far from home (<500 mi) then the 128 should be enough. There is nothing special about the card. Get CN and see how much card you need and get another card then. You might want to wait and see if there is a Auto Nav kit out with CN 8 for the 76 series. The last kit I have seen was for the 76C which included CS rather than CN. Keep a set of alkaline batteries as backup for the rechargable.

Jeff T

If you decide to go rechargeable, be sure to spend a little extra money on a quality charger and good batteries. The Maha brand goes highly recommended on many forums/websites out there.

I'll echo Jeff's recommendation of keeping a couple alkalines on hand, just in case.

Hi Jeff

I am confused by what CS and CN are? I'm sure as soon as you tell me what they mean ... I'll say duh!

I'm just guessing ... but let's say I take a trip more then 500 miles away ... I put part one (1st 500 miles) on one card ... then part 2 (next 500 miles) on the second card?

Thanks again for helping me out. I know you are probably saying this lady doesn't know a thing about eletronics ... and you are correct. But I research well before I buy. That way I get the right thing, with the right extras.

Thanks again Jeff
Erin

CS is City Select, and CN is City Navigator. I believe Garmin in no longer going to sell newer versions of CS. and CN is is only option you will have.

See http://www.garmin.com/cartography/ontheRoad/.

As for the MicroSD card, not Ultra-II card. I have the 76CSx and it came with a 128m card, and I have just purchased a 1GB card from Amazon for $42.

For your scenario, you may be able to put the first 500 and second 500 miles on the same card. It all depends on where the map is for. If the map covers a place where there are a lot of roads and POI, then it will be bigger. If the map covers a place where there is not too populated, then the map will be small. So, it all depends.

You can look at the maps online by going to
http://www.garmin.com/cgi-bin/mapgen/we ... 0&k=1&sc=1

You can look at the size of the maps online by going to
http://www.gpscentral.ca/accessories/ma ... av8usa.htm

Hi Jeff

thanks for all your help ... I ended up getting the GPS 60csx .. it was easier to hold the 76 was just to big for my hands. So now I guess I have to get the City Navigator and the car power cord ... I ve got the upgrade in the mini card. So thanks again for all your help.

Erin