User Review: Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx
Above: The current GPSMAP 60CSx, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed December 1, 2007 by J

Rating:
Price Paid: $299

I also purchased the Topo US 2008 software. Many of this unit's buzzers and bells are only usable with the purchase of additional software which is a little expensive. If you have not purchased yet or unless you can get a really good discount, or are only interested in using the GPS in the outdoors you may want to look at competitors' models.

Garmin charges for their software and locks its city versions to only one GPS unit. If you then lose/break/or get stolen your GPS unit, have computer problems etc. you are kind of screwed and will have to not only replace your GPS but buy a new copy of the software you already own. Garmin does not do this locking crap to its Topo US 2008 version.

This unit shines in the chip set and antenna area. The processing time is really good when compared to older units and the antenna seems to always be able to get a lock on satellites. The screen is colorful and clear. The unit is pretty user friendly.

Overall the GPS is a good unit, however Garmin's practice of locking software to a specific GPS unit will send me to the competitors on my next purchase. Magellan's new units are using the same chip set and antenna as this unit so I would expect them to have all the good attributes that this unit has without having to deal with Garmin's software issues. Magellan's new GPS series are also compatible with National Geographic Topo as well as Magellan's own Map Send. I would look hard at those models if still in the market.