Sunday, March 18, 2012

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Garmin GPSMap 60Cx Review

Gpsmap_60cx
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UPDATE 3: This model has been superseded by the Garmin GPSMAP 62.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.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx

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



More Garmin 60Cx reviews

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

Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx resources


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About Rich Owings

Rich is the owner, editor and chief bottle-washer for GPS Tracklog. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus.

Comments

  1. MAY 23 2008
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  2. Lekan Odenusi says:

    Is there a Garmin Product with Sub Metre Accuracy which also works well with GPS Pathfinder Office Software?

  3. Rich Owings says:

    No, you’re looking at surveyor grade instruments, and Garmin doesn’t make those.

  4. Greg Koelpien says:

    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?

  5. 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.

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