Garmin GPSMAP 76CSX Handheld GPS with Barometric Altimeter and Electronic Compass Reviews

• Garmin GPSmap 76CSx, Great GPS!

  
  By A7BJLQAT5821L on 2006-07-29
  UPDATE: September 4, 2008 - Still very impressed with the 76CSx unit. It has come in real handy recently shopping for a house. All my opinions stated previously are still current. One very handy feature the unit doesn't have that I wish it did was the ability to choose an alternate route while your are traveling. This can come in handy in the event there is a detour or you want to calculate a route around a traffic jam. This would create a by-pass route on-the-fly. Many street specific GPS units can do this. Although, this unit can re-route if you go off course which is something different.
  
  The '2008 City Navigator Map Update' is not much to be desired. I have not noticed any significant improvement in calculated routes or updated points of interest (POI) data over the 2007 maps release. The same errors that I have encounter initially are still there in the 2008 release(PA, NJ, NY areas). I am hesitant to purchase the 2009 update. I will probably wait until the 2010 Update.
  
  The Foarm(R) case is the best protection out there still.
  
  I am completely satisfied with this unit I have purchased & recommended other similar units by Garmin. Overall, the 76CSx is still a great unit.
  
  UPDATE: August 23, 2007 - After reading reviews about the 2008 release of the Maps I decided to get. One special note: If you buy the update DVD make sure you get the correct release. For instance, if you have previously installed City Navigator North America v8 you need City Navigator North America 2008 UPDATE. If you own City Navigator North America v8 NT you need City Navigator North America 2008 NT. Get it? I found out the hard way but Garmin came through!
  
  UPDATE: August 21, 2007 - A year has gone by and I still very much like my GPSmap 76CSx. Top notch!!! Garmin support has been great too. It's been great on on the road, on the trails and even on a plane! Whether I am walking, driving or riding my bike. Actually, there isn't much I would change on this GPS unit. The button placement you get accustomed to very quickly and the menu-page layout is genius. It's been so easy to use this GPS. Once you read what each feature does the book really isn't required anymore. Using the menus to get around to all the features and functions is easy and self-explanatory. Since my initial purchase, I have upgraded the expandable memory to 2GB (SanDisk microSD $22 on Amazon) and managed to fit the 48-states and some parts of Canada.
  
  I see that there is a 2008 version of the North American maps replacing version 8. I am reluctant to purchasing this newer version since I have found quite a few out of date points-of-interests in the v8 maps. On a positive note, using the maps I have had many successful finds.
  
  Battery life using Duracell alkaline batteries while the GPS is set to "Alkaline" will last about 12 hours. I have tried 2500mAh Energizer rechargable batteries with the GPS unit set to "NiMH" but I only seem to get about 3 hours of use out of them.
  
  Recently, I have purchased a Garmin Nuvi 350 for my father from Amazon (price was great) and he really likes it but that unit is primarily for the road. Just what he wanted. The GPSmap 76CSx is loaded with so much more for so many other uses.
  
  
  ORIGINAL review July 29, 2006 -
  Having the Foarm rubber protective case has kept the GPS looking and functioning as new. It's dropped a few times.
  I highly recommend Garmin GPSmap76CSx unit to anyone looking for a GPS unit for the road, hiking and/or boating. The numerous menus and features are very intuitive and easy to use. The hi-res color screen may be small compared to in-car GPSs but is very clear. The time for the satellite lock is relatively quick. Even while indoors, I can get a lock on at least 3 or 4 satellites. Buildings with metal roofs or concrete floors above may not get any reception. This is expected of any unit.
  
  For the road, I would highly suggest purchasing the City Navigator North American v8 Maps ($112). The map extends the features of the GPS with turn-by-turn directions, millions of points-of-interests (POI) such as fuel stations, garages, attractions, restaurants and shopping venues. You can even upload your own POIs to the unit as well. Don't be surprised if some of the route calculations it comes up with seem a bit odd. It will get you there though. If you miss your turn it re-calculates a new route very quickly. There are numerous websites that provide POI files that you can upload to your unit. You will notice that some of the pre-installed POIs may not be up to date.
  
  Unlike other handheld GPS units, the memory is expandable. I installed a 1GB microSD card ($45) in order to store vast amounts of map data or tracking that you may have done. The entire US is about 1.5GB of information. The unit comes with a blank 128MB microSD memory card that I moved to my cell phone (bonus).
  
  The sensors included are the electronic compass and barometer. Having an electronic compass allows one to determine ones (N,S,E,W) direction without moving. Many GPS units determine direction by changes in position coordinates. Therefore you must be moving. Optional sensors such has for water temperature may be plugged into the back of the unit.
  
  To protect your unit I recommend the Foarm textured, rubberized (~$20) case. The case comes with a few transparent protectors for the screen. If you don't get this case go out and at least buy some PDA screen protectors. If the protected screen gets scratched you can peel off the overlay and stick on a new one. Since the screen is a bit small and with hi-resolution you want to keep it clear. The GPS unit floats with or without the case. That can come in handy while hiking or boating.
  
  Based on all of this I would highly recommend any other Garmin unit as well.
  
  
  

• The Next Generation...

  
  By A3REK3OFONWB1Q on 2007-06-13
  Do not let the suggestion that this device is intended for marine use deter you from considering it for highway and recreational use on land. In fact, the waterproof and floating qualities of this device simply enhance its already impressive capabitities for hikers, bikers and motorized recreationists. It uses all varieties of MapSource software, providing the ability to use highway, topographic and marine maps.
  
  The removable memory allows the user to increase memory or to create memory cards with chosen mapsets preloaded. I installed a 2 GB card and have every available MapSource map east of the Mississippi loaded, including parts of the Canada, Mexican isthmus, and Carribean World Maps! No longer do I have to sit and select maps corresponding to my next trip, load them to the device. Nor do I have to load map segments on my long trips during my trip (which required I bring my PC). It's in there! It's nearly as good as the DVD method found on today's built in vehicle systems in terms of map storage.
  
  It's far better than vehicle systems in terms of features, portability, flexibility, and so on. There are no in-motion restrictions; all data can be uploaded and download with a computer; if the road is on a map, this GPS will take you there - no "road not verified mumbo-jumbo).
  
  This marks the third Garmin GPS I have purchased. It has several capabilities that take it beyond the GPS V that I own, and puts the GPS12 (though a very fine device for it's time) to shame. This unit has expandable memory, double the storage for waypoints, and over three times the track log memory. Tracks uploaded can be twice as large as the GPS V and three times as many total points.
  
  The satellite reception is astonishing - it often receives enough satellites to give me coverage even sitting at my desk in my home office!
  
  The addition of electronic compass and altimeter improve the usability and accuracy of an already impressive device. You will not regret owning one! If you already have a lesser Garmin mapping GPSr, take a look at this!
  
  

• The Cadillac of handheld GPS units

  
  By A1CHKAWX7FAOM4 on 2007-09-15
  There are times when "pretty good" isn't good enough. For me, purchasing a GPS unit represented one of those times. I wanted a handheld GPS unit that was best-in-class. My research led me to the GPSMap 76CSx. Factors that led to the decision: frankly, the reviews here; Garmin's reputation; powerful satellite locking; great variety of base- and add-on maps; expandable storage via microSD card; altimeter; compass; battery life; transreflective LCD screen. Don't underestimate the importance of the transreflective screen: one of the biggest consumers of battery power is the LCD: with the backlight on frequently, battery life drops significantly. The transreflective LCD enables you to turn off backlighting for use outdoors during the day, which significantly reduces battery draw.
  
  I like to play with a unit before reading the manual, and in playing around I have figured out the major functions/features. It's not the *most* intuitive unit, but I give it 4/5 stars on intuitiveness. The manual is not huge, but is a several-evening reading project, and that's on my soon-to-do list.
  
  Initial satellite locking is pretty quick (3-4), then acquisition of another 3-4 satellites occurs over the next several minutes. This is *indoors*, where I routinely lock 9 satellites in a townhouse. Out in the woods while hiking, I also lock and hold at least 9 satellites. The more satellites your unit can lock, the more accurate your coordinates are.
  
  I started with using just the built-in basemap, which is ... basic. The first map I added was Topo 2008 USA. While the resolution is only 100k, it adds a reasonable level of topographical detail for my uses (general light hiking), as well as non-routable local roads. (The roads appear and are labelled, but the unit cannot calculate turn-by-turn routing directions using the Topo map. For this, you must add one of the Navigator maps.)
  
  The unit is light, and battery life so far seems as promised (15-20 hours). I have not tried rechargeable batteries, but plan to do so. If they work well, fine, and if not, fine too. Alkalines are inexpensive enough bought in bulk.
  
  Downloading maps from the computer is quite a slow process, so I'm going to guess the USB is 1.1 not 2.0. I downloaded the mid-Atlantic and New England region, approximately 700k of data, which took over 45 minutes. I can't imagine loading the whole country. The Navigator maps may be smaller, since I don't believe they contain elevation data.
  
  All in all, I am very pleased with this unit. The main things a potential buyer must be aware of is the need to add: 1) a larger microSD card to store additional map data; 2) the need to purchase better topographical maps for serious outdoor use; 3) the understanding that while Topo maps show roads, they do not calculate driving routes on these roads; 4) for routable driving maps, you have to add a Navigator type map.
  
  

• Recommended

  
  By A2DVWJJEKYKD7D on 2007-01-05
  I have had the Garmin76CSX for four months now and have used it for both cross country hiking and automobile trips. It works very well. I have never lost signal walking through the woods, and I can use it in my car without an external antennae. It will lock onto satellites while I am in my house. I wouldn't go hiking or on a car trip now without it. I even take it on business trips.
  
  It is not cheap, in addition to the Garmin 76CSX, you will need to purchase a MicrosSD card (I bought a 1GB card) for storing extra map information (the built in "base map" is almost useless); the MapSource Topographical CDROM for hiking; and the MapSource City Navigator CDROM, Garmin Automotive mount, and Garmin Cigarete power cable for use in the car.
  
  The Garmin 76 does not have all the features of the GPSs designed only for in car use, but I have used it on several trips and it met all my needs. It gave accurate directions even in one-way street situations, and has been very useful finding restaurants and other points of interest near locations I have visited.
  
  You can download topo and city street maps at the same time. If you have both types of maps downloaded, the Garmin will only show the city street maps unless you hide the city street maps, in which case it will show the topo maps. Finding the menu to hide the city street maps is not obvious, I had to call tech support to find out how to do it. With a map displayed, you have to press the menu button; select Setup Map; press the Enter button; at the top of the screen select the "i" (Information) icon; press the Enter button; finally select the Hide US NorthAmerica City Streets and press the Enter button.
  
  The reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the following two items:
  
  The mapsource software doesn't run on the Apple Macintosh.
  
  The topo maps are based on very old data (over 10 years old in some areas), and don't show as much detail as I would like to see. But they are still very useful and worth buying.
  
  

• GPSMap 76CSX

  
  By A3OGLIJ8K8COCH on 2006-09-21
  This is my first GPS receiver and I do love it. I will not go into all the pros, as others have already done that. I did want to share some cons:
  1. The compass is very inaccurate, and generally useless. I have to recalibrate it before every use. It could be that my unit is bad, but I have nothing to compare it against. I would recommend the cheaper 76CX instead. The out of warranty repair cost is also $25 cheaper for the CX vs. the CSX according to the Garmin website.
  2. The SIRF receiver chip died after 4 months. I had to send the unit to Garmin for warranty repairs. I don't know if it's symptomatic of gnerally poor construction quality, or just a random occurence.
  
  
• Good GPS, Lousy Software
  By A34IC48GLL4U3Y on 2006-12-15
  The Garmin 76CSx is a very good handheld GPS unit. It is much more sensitive than a cheaper Garmin unit that I have. It's rather large - about the size of your hand, but has a nicely lit color display. Menus are easy enough to navigate, and everything seems solid. It floats in water (I tried it to be sure), and that makes it great for outdoor adventures in the rain or down the river.
  
  My only complaint with the unit is the very poor software that it comes with. It comes with "Waypoint Navigator," which has very limited city maps allowing you to do simple trip planning. You do the planning on your computer, and then download the path info using the USB port - not as convenient as car-based GPS units, but still ok. The problem is that the software has very limited detail, with many roads missing - not much more than highways really. My recommendation is to look at add on Garmin Mapsource software like the North American City Navigator or the Topographical Maps. The way they work is you pay for the CD/DVD and with them you get a code to unlock any recent updates from the Garmin website. This ensures that you get the very latest map data (as of your purchase date). If you want future updates, you have to pay Garmin to get another unlocking code.
  
  Overall a very good outdoor GPS unit! Highly recommended.
  
  Written by Arthur Bradley, author of "Process of Elimination" - a sexually charged thriller that pits a martial arts expert against a world-class sniper out to shape the next presidential electrion.
  
  Please indicate if reviews are helpful.
  
  
• Excellent piece of equipment
  By A1E3GIKIRFY5NG on 2007-03-22
  My etrex vista was nice and compact and worked fine at sea. But it was useless in the forest, just couldn't receive satellite signals, even in light tree cover.
  I read about the new 'chip' in the newer models, and wanted a unit with an external antennae.
  I got my map76csx and promptly took it on a serious hike. Performed better than I hoped for. It worked perfectly. I did use an external antennae from Gillson, and had multiple signals even in very heavy tree cover.
  At home, I can take the unit outside and get the signal, then come inside (I live in the tropics in a concrete house) and still retain my signals.
  
  BEST OF ALL..... my garmin was in a backpack along with other gear for an overnight camp, the backpack took a 230 foot fall to a rocky floor. The backpack was destroyed, my video camera, stainless steel coffe mug, tins of tuna and sardines were all mangled -literally- into balls of crumpled metal. Everything was completely destroyed....except my garmin!!
  I was delighted and shocked that it came out unscathed and turned right on.
  
  It's tougher than nails!
  
  I highly recommend the unit.
  Extreme adventurer
  
  
• Best Handheld Garmin Yet
  By A2CYDCDZ3U14IT on 2007-01-17
  I have owned GPS 12's, Etrex Legend, Foretrex 101, and GPSMAP 76. I have been pleased with them all except when in heavy tree cover. My first surprise with the GPSMap 76CSx was when I took it out of the box and turned it on and it picked up 4 satellites on the first floor of my two story house--and I wasn't near a window. Next it picked up multiple satellites through my car roof. My other Garmin's had not done either of those. So far I am impressed with (1) the number of satellites received--almost always more than 5 and frequently 9 or more where my other units would be picking up 4 or 5, (2)how quick it triangulates (receives enough data to indicate where I am), (3) with the usefulness of the electronic compass and the barometer, and (4) with how good the screen view is. I haven't gotten new maps yet, but had not trouble uploading my old Roads and Recreation maps. What a pleasure to work at USB speeds rather than RS-232 speeds! And I am delighted with the additional memory chip space for maps. I wasn't sure about this purchase when I made it, but I am delighted so far.
  
  
• Nice all around GPS unit
  By A2YMKPMKXP4F3S on 2006-11-09
  I originally purchased this item to replace my iQue 3600. I found that the iQue is not very useful for working in the woods. The 76CSx is more robust and light weight and can be used in extreme environments. I've used the unit in heavy rainfall and in cold temperatures (-40F).
  
  Pros: Powered by AA batteries, weather proof, lightweight, Garmin MapSource to track waypoints, routes, and upload maps from City Navigator, easy to navigate menus, has great satellite reception in the thickest of tree cover.
  
  Cons: No voice commands when using to navigate through busy city streets and highways, the display is a bit small to read for driving, will not fit on automount when powered with an external power supply.
  
  Overall this unit worked in a pinch when navigating streets, but I will stick with my iQue for the driving. I'll use 76CSx for all of my outdoor uses.
  
  
• Everything the occasional boater and frequent driver needs
  By A1ZXLI6VPYKP1A on 2007-03-22
  This is the third Garmin GPSMAP 76 product I've owned. I started with the GPS Map 76 with 8MB RAM a few years ago. I found having a GPS was a great convenience but also a lot of fun. You never get lost and with downloaded details like points of interest you can easily find things like a specific restaurant or hotel in a city you've never been to. As an pleasure boater, this GPS has the Navaids preloaded so navigating from point to point on a big river is a breeze. Plus it floats so if you drop it overboard there's no issue.
  
  However 8MB memory is not a lot so I upgraded a couple years later to the 76S to allow for more detailed maps to be loaded. With 24MB RAM there's enough memory to store details for about a 120 mile radius. When I needed to go somewhere new I'd down load that area instead. The 76S met my needs but I still thought a little more memory would be nice.
  
  With the 76CSX you can have as much memory as you can fit into a micro SD card. I've got one with 1GB and have the detailed info for pretty much the entire East Coast and neighboring states downloaded. Adding the color screen is a plus so now Navaids are red and green, not just labeled such. And a great improvement is the autorouting capability where you just plug in your start and end points and it routes you there automatically with turn by turn directions just like on most websites. Get too far off course and it does it over again to get you where you want from where you are at that point. One attribute I really like is the screen colors automatically change when the sun goes down so during the day it's a light screened format and at night it automatically changes to a dark screen format... very cool. Plus - it still floats!
  
  I love this new GPS and it's portability, large memory, preloaded marine Navaids, and autorouting cabilibilities make it a must-have for someone that likes to do a lot of things and where a dashboard mounted device won't work.
  
  
• No Address Map's
  By A1KGZWZ4NRGG0S on 2007-05-14
  This is a great unit,But the box and the online info is a little bit deceving, they make it look like it comes with address maps, but is dosent, you must purchase them for another 139.00 dollars. Plus the waterways maps for 199.00, buy the time your done you will have paid
  about 750.00 bucks!!!
  
  
• Satisfied User
  By A5Q8JOQ8JZN7S on 2006-09-02
  I found this device to be relatively easy and comfortable to use (one-handed, no less), and accurate to within 15' +/- under tree cover of greater than 90% mature alder and fir - once locked onto satellites under clearer overhead conditions in Seattle WA and using an external Gilsson antenna mounted atop a hat. Satellite aquisition under the trees did not happen the few times I tried. The display is excellent under sunny conditions. Downloading waypoint data into a text file was simple. I haven't used it yet under driving conditions, so I can't speak to using related features. Were it damaged or stolen, I'd buy another one without hesitation.
  
  
• disappointed for marine applications
  By A2YGEJTOPY4DV9 on 2007-07-14
  The interface feels like its 20 years old -- or developed by MS.
  
  The screen declutter options are useless resulting in a display that is covered with notes about everything you don't want to know. On a tight course, you will see nothing other than irrelevant commentary for each waypoint the program creates. I have some courses where the notes are all you can see on the screen. Let's hear it for "6ft max depth". That's the unalterable default. Per Garmin, the comments for these waypoints cannot be modified.
  
  Brilliant Garmin.
  
  For me, the controls at the top of the screen are poorly placed. Everytime you press a button you have to reach across the screen to get to it. Blocked vision and countless rub marks. Think cell phone with the key pad at the top. Another atta boy.
  
  We bought it for an emergency backup unit that I thought would be fun to have around. We've had it for 3 months now and it has yet to be turned on while on the boat.
  
  
• Great Mid level GPS.
  By AKMFW8NZ9T7R9 on 2007-01-30
  This was my fourth GPS purchase and I am very satisfied with this unit. It's not as small as the Etrex line but the color screen is bright and easy to read for my "not as young as they used to be" eyes. It is missing some of the high end tricks that my GPSMAP 276C has but it is much less bulky and seems to track satellites better with the new SiRF GPS chip. I use the handheld GPS mostly for flying on my hang glider, to record my flights and arrange for pickups with I go cross country and land out along a road. It is easy to follow your position and use tracks to see where you have been. Garmin is the gold standard for GPS among the flying crowd and we use them for flight tracking and scoring during national competitions. It is reliable, easy to use and read and the buttons are big enough to use with your flying gloves on. I also use this for hiking with TOPO maps loaded. It has never let me down but take extra batteries!
  
  
• Very satisfied.
  By A1P2W3FLNV9XOL on 2007-01-17
  I was a happy owner of a Garmin E-Map for a number of years before it finally went to "swim with the fishes," when I was fly fishing. So I had to replace it. The 76CSx is a major step forward and should satisfy anyone who is accustomed to using handheld GPS devices. The screen is bright and legible; a minor disadvantage is that when displaying data fields on the map page, they seem larger than necessary, using up space that would otherwise be available for a larger map; however, the fact that they are user-customizable is a big improvement. If turn-by-turn directions are important to you, you will need the add-on mapping products; however, I ignore turn-by-turn directions at least as often as I use them, so the directions approximated on the base map provide a better indication of travel time, etc., than the straight-line direction supported by the E-map--just use your brain when it tries to direct you across a field. In addition, waypoints stored on my PC and my old MapSource CDs (both 3.00 from 1999!) loaded very seamlessly on the GPSMap 76CSx, which was a pleasant surprise (again, not supporting turn-by-turn directions, but providing good, if dated, base map detail). Overall, this unit offers good performance and a much higher degree of customizability than the navigation systems built into cars; there are, of course, trade-offs, like a smaller screen and a less intuitive interface. But regular users will quickly find its strengths and adjust to its limitations. I highly recommend this unit to any relatively serious user of hand-held GPS for driving, boating, our outodoor recreation.
  
  
• Way too big for hiking
  By A1B3GHY8MEV3T5 on 2007-08-30
  I am returning the 76CSx and getting the eTrex Vista HCx instead. When I pulled the 76CSx from the box, I knew right away this would not work for hiking, geocaching, and biking (the main reasons I use GPS). It is simply too big. I am used to my old eTrex Vista, and the 76 just dwarfs it. I can't believe other reviews that say that the 76 fits "comfortably in my pocket." They haven't seen the eTrex series. I should have known from the product description it was too big, but sometimes it doesn't sink in until you actually see it.
  
  I have no reason to doubt the performance of the 76CSx (I didn't use the one I bought). Perhaps some applications will benefit from the larger size, boating in particular. I do think that the buttons above the screen are problematic, as well as the fact that you have to move your finger off the rocker key to hit "enter" rather than push down on the rocker.
  
  From what I can tell, the Vista HCx will be almost as good in performance to the 76CSx or 60CSX, but much smaller and lighter.
  
  
• Garmin 76Csx-" PAY at every turn"
  By A17Y5JEA05W5ST on 2007-12-10
  The 76CSX Mapping handheld is an example that sometimes small things come in big packages. For $299, you get very little, in the way of real functionality. You get only the most BASIC maps with the unit, so it is not worth much as a GPS-especially for the car- a TOMTOM one has better features for ($149.) It is usable as a car gps, but you need to buy a additional Microsd card(2 Gb- 1Gb for US maps). The included 128 Mb MicroSd is worthless, in reality. Now you must buy the map release( I had to buy the North America NT) Then the 2008 NT Update, then the unlock code. So $299 for the unit, (and then another $300 to get it to have the same functionality as the TOMTOM one for $149). The unit's manuals are VERY poor for teaching you the intended purpose- vague one- liners for definitions of keys, etc... so trying to understand the purpose of the keys is not intuitive. So overall, I would say tall on cost/promises, but low in actual value. Tech support is poor, also. I emailed tech support- got the reply 4 days later. Phone support was better, but the garmin rep gave me the wrong information, and as the result I bought software I do not need. The issue is, why should you need a different GPS in the car, and on the trail? Why can't Garmin design one unit that works well in BOTH worlds? To be able to pay Garmin for two sets of maps- Garmin- "Pay at every turn".
  
  
• Good with concerns... unit does hold water
  By A1LFEZUZN1IX2V on 2007-04-11
  I DO NOT like it. The menus are not intuitive for me. The "Topo" maps do not provide the detail i desire and have not been successful in using the National Geographic Topo with this system. I believe the basic software may need to be updated to current standards. The "flash memory" when updated erases previous data. Have had the batt compartment leak. Haven't tried the flotation yet. I am a sea kayaker and use it accordingly, so the waterproof and topo features are important to me.
  I HAVE FOUND THE UNIT LETS WATER LEAK INTO THE UNIT FOR THE DRIPS OFF MY PADDLE. NOT WHAT I EXPECTED. HAVE DOWNGRADED MY RANKING TO ONE STAR. [...]
  
  
• Happy with perfomance
  By A2EUV03V47TWXG on 2007-08-10
  I needed a portable GPS unit that could be moved between several boats, as well as have the capability to be used in the car. This was the only unit I found that gave me what I needed.
  What is good:
  -The Blue Chart maps are great for navigation on the water. This is the primary reason I bought this unit.
  -The City Navigator maps & database provide fairly accurate and up to date information
  What is bad:
  -The supplied base map is insufficient. (I knew this going in.)
  -The City Navigator maps & database costs ~$120 (and you need to buy a 2GB memory card if you want to load all of the US map data on the unit.
  -The Blue Chart map CD "contains" all the charts for the US, but you only get an unlock code for one area with your purchase. The cost of additional unlock codes add up quickly.
  
  Performance:
  Positioning, usually within 20 feet, sometimes down to 5 feet.
  Route recalculation, less than 30 secs.
  Route selection, doesn't replace local knowledge
  
  What it needs (but doesn't have)
  Larger screen
  Suction cup mounting bracket
  Speed sensitive turn notification (Current notification "beeps" are OK when you are doing 40MPH, a bit late when you are doing 80MPH)
  
  
  
• GPSMap 76CSx - Mmm Mmm Good
  By A2T8EG703I7KHR on 2007-01-09
  This is a great unit. A little large for just hiking in the woods, but I use it for travel in the car as well as on my 1-5 mile walks. This is an upgrade from a Garmin GPS 12-MAP (which has been discontinued). The color screen is clear and easy to read in the varied natural light sources I've run into so far. The size is good for use in the car and the buttons are a good size (not like those on the blackberry where you almost need a stylus to push only one button at a time.)
  Navigation in the menus is similar to the 12-Map with enhancements. The Geocache is new to me but I will be participating in geocaching with family and having fun. Haven't had a chance to explore the marine side of this unit yet.
  I agonized over which unit to buy (the Legend, the Vista or something bigger). Because most of my use is not hiking, I elected the larger unit and am glad I did. It's worth the extra dollars, it's fun, pratical, and I expect to get a lot of use out of it over the next many years.
  
  
  
• Very Pleased
  By A2V24SPBFPCMQ3 on 2007-04-10
  As a previous owner of the Magellan Maridian Marine, I had High expectations of the 76Sx. I'm pleased to say I wasn't dissapointed! Ease of setup, software instalation all worked great. The unit itself is clear for and easy to operate. Additional notes: Customer support is friendly and easy to reach without an hour of menu selections. clear english speaking represenative made it that much easier.(I contacted them pre-purchase for addional information & map information) Also noteworthy is the fact that when connected to the computer, the usb connection WILL power the 76csx. Highly reccomended!Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld GPS Navigator
  
  
• Good, basic help with directions
  By AC9VYVRIJ289L on 2007-08-13
  Not being familiar with other GPS equipment, I expected the technology to be a bit more advanced. I purchased this unit to help guide me on horseback through the mountainous national forest that surrounds my farm. Although the unit provides elevation information, the topography detail leaves much to be desired. I purchased the 2008 TOPO map software, but realized that I'm not going to get the detail I see on my computer to appear on the unit.
  
  I also wish it was a bit more intuitive to use. Bottom line, it gets me where I'm going.
  
  
• Nice GPS, Good Price
  By A36GYTOLIS4RVJ on 2007-09-04
  I'm new to using a GPS receiver unit, and frankly I'm impressed with the accuracy, quality and general overall ease of use with this hand held gps unit.
  
  some of the features it has that surprised me,
  
  parachute jump calculator, tells you where you might land based on altitude ect.. very neat feature, I'm sure an advanced parachutist would love this tool that's integrated into the gps functions of :
  compass
  altimeter (barometric)
  speed indication
  highly precision GPS location tracking
  waypoints, and automatic routing.
  
  In short. VERY COOL, as cool as a car mounted system.
  
  The only issue I had was the maps were kinda useless, all the feature are present for obviously something it doesnt come with, highly updated maps.
  
  THOSE are seperate, and about 200$ extra - but you get the car charger, and mounting system for in car navigation .. it doesnt talk, but it really doesnt need to. the map s are scrollable. and you can quickly find things like gas stations, resturants ect.. specially good if your traveling quite a bit. or even a little to a new area.
  
  I use this for GEOCACHING, it fits in my cargo pockets with ease. it's lightweight, durable, lasts a long time on 2 AA Batteries, and even has options to switch to ni-mh batteries which I happen to have layinga round the house w/ a charger unit for an old camera I used to use.
  
  the screen is color, bright. and what's neat about this unit is.. it has a day/night color change feature, .. so when it flips to nighttime, you can look around the window and say 'yep there goes the sun"
  
  it's accurate too with dates and calender info - such as moon phases.. it has that built in.
  
  there's even tide prediction as well .
  
  For marine use, it's got SOME features. but for general overall everyday use. WOW this thing is packed with features, built in applications. search system to find stuff. and it works great with geocaching.com online .loc uploads.
  
  this has 128 meg Micro SD card built in, larger memory cards are available for very low prices.. I saw 512meg microsd for about 29$
  
  the microsd cards are used to store tracks, waypoints that you add, and additional maps.
  
  I recomend this one over the 60csx, only because it's waterproof submergable, and doesnt ahve a funky antenna sticking up. that will tell people aroudn you you got a gps unit in your hand.
  
  as far as design and buttons, it's easy to use. smooth scrolling. and hihgly configurable to change sensativity ect..
  
  
  
  
• The Best
  By A1Z8HLTJW5BR0K on 2007-11-14
  OK, Let me make this easy for you: This is the best! As a defense contractor, I train fighter pilots for a dozen NATO countries. I am intimately familiar with embedded GPS/INS systems employed in modern combat aircraft, but this was my first experience with a personal handheld GPS product.
  
  Five minutes after I opened the box, the unit was on and locked on to no less than seven satellites as I sat in my living room chair. When I took it outside for my exercise walk, it locked up 12 satellites in a few seconds and gave me an accuracy of less that 10 feet- WITHOUT enabling WAAS!!
  
  Initially, I was disappointed in the accuracy of the compass function, but then I discovered that it needs to be calibrated (Duh!) Back in the day, we called this a "compass swing" and it took hours. This unit calibrated in about 30 seconds. Ain't technology wonderful?
  
  I'm just beginning to learn about all the features of the 76CSx, but geocaching here I come! By the way, I'm a retired USAF pilot over 55 years old, and I had no trouble using the owner's manual.
  
  Buy one of these. Today. That's an order!
  
  
• GPSmap 76CSX works for me.
  By AIUPZO36C654W on 2007-07-03
  I am replacing a GPSmap 76CS with the X series version. I love it. With a 1 Gig chip in it I easily fit all the maps required for a recent trip from Washington DC to Milwaukee. With the new electronics, it comes up a lot quicker and stays locked on in places where my old one would not. Another nice new feature is receiving power through the USB connection so it does not use the battery when connected to the computer. All in all a great unit.
  
  JWF
  
  
• Garmin needs to pay attention
  By ABAJZPE9AA5I1 on 2007-11-15
  The Garmin GPSMap 76 is nice, but Garmin does not seem to understand the needs of their customers. I finally decided to replace my Garmin Legend with something a bit more up-to-date. So, I bought Garmin's latest and greatest handheld GPS. Sadly, I am disappointed. The resolution is still terrible (I need glasses to read it), it is not very usable in sunlight, and the mapping database is inaccurate (my local roads and streams are mislabled). When I tried to install the MapSource maps, my God, what a difficult process! Passwords, serial numbers, model number...and the website gives incorrect instructions on finding and using this information. And, what a terrible limit on memory! I couldn't load all the maritime charts that I would need. So, I have to carry a laptop computer around with me to make my portable GPS unit work??? And, no road information is available on the unit? Or do I have to delete maritime charts if I want to see roads and topography? When you buy this unit, you get next to no information about anything; you have to buy lots of software to get detailed information such as roads, topo, or anything else. Kinda like buying a gaming system: be ready to spend heavily on software to make it work for you.
  
  Garmin and MapSource have a long way to go. I should have waited a couple of years or looked at competing GPS units.
  
  
• Nice unit
  By AYYWF79L88QSD on 2007-05-06
  Nice unit, good screen, great battery life, good barometric elevation sensor. The only thing I would change is to have it come with auto-routing maps (city navigator) rather than the auto-routing base map (horrible). Even a straight goto line would be preferable sometimes. Other than that, it can take 2G memory cards, which is a LOT of mapping; I load metroguide maps, topo maps to exhaustion (mine). Floats, supposedly, but I haven't had the..luck..to verify this.
  Satellite reception is tremendously good, a point I can't overemphasize. I haven't tried it under dense canopy, but in the urban condo canyons & whatnot it has always gotten great coverage.
  
  
• Outstanding Unit
  By A2WQTYHI4K67K5 on 2006-12-12
  I bought this to replace a GPSMAP76s that I bought in 02. I liked that unit and this new 76 is so much better. The speed acquiring sats and the ability to acquire in dense cover is great. The color makes it easier to view when there is a terrain variable..land..water..etc
  
  They added a USB port which is a good addition.
  
  You can not go wrong with this GPS.
  
  
• Locks on to satellites easily
  By A2JGPMAJQ4P8RJ on 2007-01-19
  This GPS works.I don't know much about GPS but I have used a Trex Vista infrequently for 3 years. It struggled to find satellites so the 76's ability to do so impresses me. For the price I think it should come with a detailed map of your area of interest, so I gave it 4 stars. I like the shape of the 60 series better and the screen on top. I like the ability of the 76 to float and its moisture tolerance. Expect to pay $100's for maps and you can only download Garmin maps except I have seen maps of ski areas advertized that are supposed to download to Garmin receivers. I'm convinced that expandable memory is the way to go, hence the x. I like the compass and altitude/pressure features, hence the S. I'm not convinced the color screen is a big deal.
  
  
• Highly Recommend
  By AX3TC2JMY49FF on 2007-04-14
  I spent a long time researching the various handheld options. I wanted something I could take on a hike, travel with the car and use on my boat. Purchased City Navigator NT (CD) and Blue Chart (microSD). Have since used both on a road trip and a boat trip. Both worked perfectly and were incredibly accurate. I highly recommend this GPS. I purchased the Foarm case too. The case is really tough and should do a great job protecting the unit.
  
  

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