Garmin GPSMAP 60C GPS Receiver

The 60 series in the Garmin GPSMap line is probably the best among the all-around GPS receiver products, and the 60C is a great represetiative of that line. This device is one of the few I've seen with a color LCD display that looks just as clear and easy to read in direct sunlight as it is in total darkness with the backlight turned on. Most other devices with color LCD screens will only look good either in sunlight or in darkness; kudos to Garmin for figuring out how to make a color screen the right way.

The unit is also very solid in construction. True to Garmin's traditions, this unit is rugged and can take a beating without being worse for wear. Signal reception is also very solid.

Some important things to note about the 60C:

The GPSMap60C is the the entry-level "base" color model, one step above the lowest-rung GPSMap60 (which has a B&W screen). To put this in perspective, the 60 line also includes the 60CS (which adds a barometric altimeter and magnetic compass), and then the entire line is duplicated again, adding an x suffice (60Cx, 60CSx). The "x" models permit you to expand the unit's available memory for maps using microSD Flash Memory, which is a quantumn leap ahead in that the "x" units because you can add up to the current 1GB of RAM in available in the microSD format. Imagine loading an entire half of the U.S.'s map data into the GPS unit, instead of just a state or two!

So why the pontification about all the other models in this line, when the review is supposed to be about the 60C? The reason is so that you can make sure you're making the right choice. It's important to realize the 60C is not expandable: you are limited to the 56MB of RAM that is internal to the unit. This isn't such a bad thing, considering I have loaded the entirety of the state of New Jersey and New York City onto this unit using Garmin's MetroGuide USA. Considering that NJ has probably the most dense and most extensive network of roads for the square footage covered, that's not an easy feat. By contrast, I loaded the entire state of Texas into the same unit, and still had room for Louisiana, parts of Oklahoma and all of New Mexico before the memory filled up. So rest assured; the memory is plenty for now.

On the other hand, you might be like me and travel very frequently, and would like to load half the country or more into your GPS receiver without having to frequently connect to your desktop computer to load up the appropriate maps before you pass through the regions of interest. If that's you, then you MAY be better suited by an "x" model and a high capacity (512MB or 1GB) microSD card.

The other issue to be concerned about is the feature set. The 60C lacks the barometric altimeter and electronic compass found in the 60CS. For some users, this MAY be important, as a strict GPS receiver does not know what direction it's *facing*; rather it only knows the direction it is moving towards. If you are standing still or not moving fast enough for the unit to ascertain a direction of movement, then the 60C will not be able to provide an accurate direction for you, while the 60CS will just use the built-in magnetic compass and point you in the right direction. On the other hand, the 60CS magnetic compass is useless in situations where the device is surrounded by certain metals (like when mounted inside a car).

Bottom line: a great unit for beginners on a tight budget.

I bought the Garmin GPSMAP 60C about 3 years ago and can’t imagine traveling without it now. Its features include:

Sunlight-readable display with 256-color transreflective TFT display (1.5" W x 2.2" H; 2.6" diagonally); color operating system with new look-and-feel

Faster processor, with auto routing, turn-by-turn directions, and audio alerts along city streets or trails when using MapSource® City Select® or 24K Topo software (optional software)

56 MB of internal memory for storing map detail

Permanent user data storage

Each day’s best hunting and fishing times—along with sunrise/sunset times—on the integrated Outdoor Calendar

Special geocaching navigation mode

Geolocation games, such as Virtual Maze, Nibbons, Geko™ Smak, and Memory Race

Fast map transfer, with support for both USB and serial port interfaces; navigation instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port

Detailed basemap with general map data, including highways, major roads, river, lakes, and borders

Dedicated "mark", "page", "enter", "quit", "menu", "find", and "zoom out/in" buttons; four-position rocker pad

2.4" x 6.1" x 1.3" (W x H x D) unit dimensions

Weighs 5.4 ounces (without batteries), 7.5 ounces (with batteries)

WAASGPS receiver with accuracy to 10 feet in North America; built-in quad-helix antenna for better satellite reception

30 hours of battery life under typical-use conditions (uses two "AA" batteries)

Multi-platform navigation for easy navigation in a car or boat, or on foot

Accepts data from MapSource products (City Select for driving, U.S. Topo and 24K Topo for hiking, Recreation Lakes for freshwater, and BlueChart® for saltwater applications)

Waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes)

50 reversible routes, 10,000 track points with tracBack® technology (navigate to any track point on the displayed map), and 1000 waypoints with additional graphical icons for location identification

Proximity alerts for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity waypoint; built-in alarm clock

User-configurable track-line color, waypoint projection, display color scheme, large-numbers option, audio tones, and pages (turn on/off main pages or change the sequence in which they appear)

trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more

My own observations:

You “have” to get the optional Mapsource mapping software to use all the great features of the unit.

The GPSMAP 60C technology has been supplanted by newer GPS chipset (SiRF) that has great sensitivity. These newer models (i.e., Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx) are much better at getting a satellite fix under tree canopy’s and in urban settings with many tall buildings. Don't pay full price for this older GPSMAP 60C unit.

The screen is great in direct sunlight or at night when backlit. If you are in shade it is more difficult to see.

The unit is very rugged and can take a beating. I use it with the automotive mount and like it for travel. It does not have “voice directions” like some specific auto models, but is a general use type of unit.

It has about 56 megs of internal storage. In my case it holds about 1/3 of California’s Mapsource map info – all the roads, Points of Interest with address, phone info and so. Great convenience tocall onthe road

A great product, the screen is small, the display is difficult to read, and you don't get a whole lot by buying a brand name product. I must say that I was not impressed with this unit and ended up reselling it to a more needy user. I went out and bought a Magellan eXplorist XL with a bigger screen and faster GPS refresh. I want a GPS, not a game. And this unit came with like 5-6 games on it. It's a GPS, not a GameBoy. I was not impressed. www.dbcpyrotechnics.com

To include 60CX in the title of this product is simpy dishonest as its intend is to lead people into thinking they buy th new 60CX while in fact it is the old, phase out 60C !
The 60C lacks memory, is not sensitive engough to work in forest or dense vegetation. The price difference with the 60CX (that I use since may this year) makes the purchase of a 60C totally worthless !!!!
This add comes regularly and it can't be a mistake, so BEWARE !

The Garmin GPSMAP 60C GPS Receiver is an excellent handheld GPS for the money. The manufacturer has installed many user-friendly features that make the first time buyer or the professional happy. They manufacturer has excellent customer service and many additional add-ons to make this unit an extremely versatile GPS to be used in town, on trips, hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, four wheeling or camping.
Suggestion:
1. One of the best ways to protect investment is to purchase a Protective Case for this GPS. You can find a top of the in line protective case that protects while allowing full viewing and access to all the features of your GPS unit. See a variety of cases at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER​1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2
2. Purchase cable accessories that allow you to upload or download maps and data from your GPS. Purchase a 12v auto charger so that you can always keep you unit charged before heading out cross-country. Purchase quality power and data cables at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER​1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2
3. Purchase an Amplified External GPS Antenna for the unit. The internal antenna is ok but will become intermittent in high buildings, cloudy skies and stormy weather. Purchase a quality, high gain remote antenna. See specification on 28dB and 55dB GPS antenna at:
http://stores.ebay.com/FI​S4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2

Cheers – Fis4her