The Garmin GPSMap 60Cx
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UPDATE 3: This model has been superseded by the Garmin GPSMAP 62.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.
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
- 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.
- The official Garmin GPSMap 60Cx web page.
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
- Check the deals on Garmin
GPS receivers at REI.com.
- Get the Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx for an amazing price at eBay.
About Rich Owings
MAY 23 2008
DEAR SIRS:
WE ARE PRODUCT COMPANY REMARKETER, WHOLESALER AND RETAILER.
WE NEED THE BEST PRICE FOR OUR CLIENT. WE ARE INTERESTED IN RECEIVE THE QUOTATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
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3 GPS GARMIN 60CX WITH BELT CLIP,USB CABLE, OWNERS MANUAL ,ORIGINAL SOFTWARE AN EXTRA MEMORY CARD OF 64 MB,QUICK STAR GUIDE, MAP SOURCE TRIP CD ROM,
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Is there a Garmin Product with Sub Metre Accuracy which also works well with GPS Pathfinder Office Software?
No, you’re looking at surveyor grade instruments, and Garmin doesn’t make those.
I own a 60Cx which I bought mainly for geocaching. At a recent event, a friend was showing off her new 62, which seems to mimic the 60Cx fairly closely, but has more advanced software, especially for paperless geocaching. We were pondering if there’s a technological reason Garmin couldn’t update the operating system of the 60Cx to add more features, such as paperless geocaching and other features, or is the internal hardware so different, a OS upgrade isn’t feasable?
Well, GPS receivers are just computers, and the 60 series was first introduced in 2005: http://www8.garmin.com/pressroom/outdoor/010505b.html
Aside from upgrading the receiver chips and adding a color screen, the 60csx is still basically the same. So I think it’s the same situation as trying to run the newest software on a computer from 2005 – it will be too slow, won’t support the graphics and won’t have enough memory. I’m sure it would be possible to make improvements in the 60csx firmware, but I doubt that Garmin would want to invest the effort…. especially when they can sell you a new one.
I have a 60csx also, and it’s still great for certain things, but it’s really showing its age.
Thanks Boyd. That sounds about right. I doubt that it could support the new interface.