Sunday, March 18, 2012

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Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx review

Garmin_76csx

UPDATE: The GPSMAP 76CSx has been discontinued. For current recommendations, check out our handheld GPS buyers guide or our Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.

The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx updates the Garmin GPSMAP 76CS with two major improvements. First, the 76CSx includes the  SiRFSTAR III chipset, which has been getting rave reviews for its fast acquisition time and awesome 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.

Second, the 76CSx no longer utilizes its built in memory for MapSource
maps, but loads them to a microSD card instead (the unit comes with a
128 MB card). This means you have unlimited map storage capability,
plus you can use some of the newer MapSource software like City Select Mexico.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx

One other point before we go on to other reviews — the 76CSx is identical to the 76Cx, except that this unit, the 76CSx, adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter. To see how the 76CSx stands up against other Garmin models, check out my Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.

More Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx reviews

Of all the new Garmin receivers being released in the first half of 2006, this one was the slowest to see reviews show up online. I suspect that it is not as popular as the 76CS, which offered a nice memory advantage over the 60CS. With the expandable memory in this and other x-series units, that advantage is gone, relegating this unit’s popularity to the mariner crowd (it floats!). Anyway, I’ll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other…

Garmin GPSMap 76CSx resources

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx at these merchants:


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. johnny gepeng says:

    Dear Sir,
    I’am from singapore.I received information that you sold Garmin 76 CSX
    product.and I’m interested to buy product from you. but before I place my order I want to
    ask these :
    – Could you ship my order using FedEx ?
    – Could you accept payment by credit card (I have Visa and Mastercard for payment that
    order) ?
    Please reply me soon. Thank you very much
    Best regards
    Johnny Gepenk

  2. Johnny,
    We don’t sell GPS, though you can find advertisers on our site that do.

  3. Harjeev Chadha says:

    Dear sir
    Its a wonderful site you have here. Nice and detailed description on alot of issues. Cheers to that.

    Sir, I wanted to take you opinion on the selection of what model of GPS to buy. I am confused between the 60CSX & the 76CSX. My use will primary be in the car, rallying & off-roading, biking & trekking. I will not be taking it anywhere near the water like river, marine or lakes etc. However while trekking rainfall might be an issue.
    So keeping in mind the above requirement what model of GPS do you recommend??
    All my colleagues in off-roading and rallying are using the 76CSX and swear by it, so naturally they are advising me the same. Further I am getting the 76CSX $10 cheaper than the 60CSX.
    the only difference between both the models I am able to find is that the 76CSX floats on water and the 60CSX doesn’t. Secondly I like the 60CSX better as the buttons are below the screen and the unit is more handy than the 76CSX which appears a little bulkier.
    please advise what route to take.
    Cheers

  4. The 60CSx is quite waterproof. I prefer the button placement to those of the 76CSx.

Trackbacks

  1. […] Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx review – GPS Tracklog – Apr 26, 2006 … Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx review including comparisons to similar units, links to other reviews, price comparisons, owners manual, message … […]

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