Garmin GPSMap 60Cx Review

The Garmin GPSMap 60Cx is an updated version of the GPSMap 60C. This new unit comes with the SiRFSTAR III chipset, which has been getting rave reviews for its fast acquisition time and solid coverage under canopy, in urban canyons and even indoors!

UPDATE: In early 2009, it appears that Garmin stopped using the SiRFstar III chipet due to a patent dispute, substituting a MediaTek (MTK) chipset. While both are high-sensitivity chipsets, Garmin is still fine-tuning the MTK firmware. The switch to this chipset has reduced one of the advantages the 60/76 C(S)x series has enjoyed over newer Garmin models.

UPDATE 2: Here’s my 2010 take on SiRFstar III and the newer chipsets.

UPDATE 3: This model has been superseded by the Garmin GPSMAP 62.

UPDATE 4: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our handheld GPS buyers guide or our Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.

The other significant upgrade is that the 60Cx no longer utilizes the unit’s built in memory for MapSource maps, but loads them to a microSD card instead (the unit comes with a 64 MB card). This means you have unlimited map storage capability, plus you can use some of the newer MapSource software that is available only on SD cards. Stepping up to the 60CSx adds a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. To see how the 60Cx stands up against other Garmin models, check out my Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.

Before we hear from others, here’s an excerpt from Amazon’s Garmin GPSMap 60Cx review:

"…The GPSMap 60Cx features the powerful SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy in all conditions.
You can use the 60Cx’s memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. The unit comes preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap that provides automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits, and tide data. There’s also a preloaded marine point database. You can even get turn-by-turn directions when you’re driving, and an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more…"

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx

Here’s what others are saying about the Garmin 60Cx:

More Garmin 60Cx reviews

• More than a dozen consumers have posted their own Garmin 60Cx reviews at Amazon.
• Fitness Gadgets reviews the Garmin 60Cx.
• Suite 101 has posted a Garmin GPSMap 60Cx review.
• BusinessWeek has posted a Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx review, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
• SingleTracks has posted a Garmin 60Cx review from a mountain biker’s perspective.
• Here’s a lengthy Garmin 60Cx review posted at Groundspeak.
• And a brief Garmin 60Cx review from ThisNext.
• Another consumer-authored review of the Garmin 60Cx.
• And a testimonial to how waterproof the 60Cx is

I’ll be posting more hands-on reviews as they show up online. Until then, here are some additional…

Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx resources

• A link to a PDF version of the GPSMap 60Cx owners manual.
• Want to see how the 60Cx stacks up against other handhelds? Use this Garmin GPS comparison tool.
• In a sign of how popular these newly released units are, there is already a Yahoo 60CSx and 60Cx message forum.
• Here is a Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx FAQ page.
• These 60CSx tips will work well on the Garmin 60Cx too.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMap 60Cx at these merchants:

• Check the GPSMap 60Cx low price at GPS Now.com.
• Get the current Garmin 60Cx price at Amazon.com.
• Check the deals on Garmin GPS receivers at REI.com.
• Get the Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx for an amazing price at eBay.

Here’s the product description from the official Garmin GPSMap 60Cx web page:

The GPSMAP 60Cx is a refreshing upgrade of the GPSMAP 60C, one of our most popular models for outdoor and marine use. This unit features a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory and a waterproof, rugged housing. The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment. Users can load map data and transfer routes and waypoints through the unit’s fast USB connection. In addition, this unit features a new, highly sensitive GPS receiver that acquires satellites faster and lets users track their location in challenging conditions, such as heavy foliage or deep canyons.

Considered the mainstay among serious outdoor enthusiasts, the GPSMAP 60Cx and GPSMAP 60CSx offer a large color TFT display and turn-by-turn routing capability. Each unit comes with a blank 64 MB microSD card. Owners of these new x-series handhelds  can also purchase new microSD cards that are pre-loaded with MapSource® Topo and inland lake maps, BlueChart® marine cartography, and City Navigator™ street maps.