- Runs off AA batteries, for easy replacement of batteries. (Carrying spare batteries and replacing them on the road is much cheaper and easier than carrying a spare charger, for instance)
- Anchor drag alarm, which works surprisingly well.
- mini-SD card slot, allowing 2GB of map downloads.
- Handleba Mount, for easy use on a bike
I loaded up the unit with Bluecharts v9.5 North Americas for the Virgin Islands and discovered what a rip-off that was. You literally pay $100+ for each tiny chart available to you. It was amazingly costly. The North America City Navigator package was much better ($120 for all of North America). As an aside, you do not want to buy map packages from Amazon.com, as they usually have out-of-date versions of the maps (links provided in this entry reflect where I bought mine). Maps are locked to the specific GPS unit, so you can't share maps unless you buy the maps pre-loaded into a mini-SD card. The downside of doing that is that you don't get to put together way points, etc. on your computer and then download routes to your GPS unit.
All in all, I'm pleased with this unit, and will use it on my cycling trip in Europe this year as well. Recommended.
[Update: I have a post with tips on using this unit]
[Update 2: I have a way to turn the unit into a useful touring tool, by turning on Piaw Routing]
6 comments:
If the 76CSx's bike mount is anything like my 60CSx bike mount, don't trust it. Be sure to loop the lanyard around the handlebars so when the gps pops out of the mount it doesn't hit the ground. Garmin needs to redesign their AA battery contacts as well. When riding over rough ground on my road bike, the 60CSx turns itself off sometimes (which is also an issue with the Vista Cx as well). Garmin should take a careful look at how Nintendo designed their Wiimote's AA battery compartment.
Fortunately, the 76CSx's bike mount is nothing like the 60CSx's. It's a 3 piece mount and very solid.
Now we'll just have to see if my new bike GPS tempts you into getting one of those as well... (ship, GPS, ship!)
That's very unlikely, as I think my big requirement is the AA batteries. Having an internal battery means having to carry a charger.
Excellent choice with the Garmin, i think its lording it over all the other GPSs. Actually a close reltive--the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx--made it to ConsumerSearch's top selection for 2007. More of the GPS review, whether auto or handheld.
It might be worth bookmarking the Garmin Blog as we put up to date news and product info on there very regularly.
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