Garmin 60cx or 276c

[k6uk]

Okay, I am about to buy a GPS and I'm a little torn.
I like the price of the 60CX - but I'm afraid I'll kick myself for not just getting a 276c for the larger screen.

For those of you in the know - does the 60cx make a good mobile unit? I'm guessing the smaller size will mean less vibration when hanging on my windshield than the 276c. Is the map on the 60cx pretty usable?

Ah... decisions, decisions!

-Mike

 

[asteffes]

If you're a ham and interested in APRS, get the 276C. I love the display and the versatility.

 

[articulate]

Even if you do get more vibration with the larger unit, it's easily fixed. I'll bet that if you're like the rest of us (mortal), then nearly any GPS is far more advanced than anything you can wrap your brain around. Therefore, get the big one anyway!

 

[perterra]

Only disadvantage to the 276 will be memory related. I think 256mb is as big as you can go, and it uses a proprietary memory card. Shouldnt be an issue if you plan correctly. I have a streetpilot III and its limited by the same constraints. That being said, the big screen is well worth the memory limitations it to me.

 

[SEREvince]

I'm a big fan of Garmin and have used several models extensivley. Not to shake things up, but depending on use I think there may be a couple less expensive and better models available. Especially over 276c, specifically the Ique or Nuvi series. The Ique series does it all and offers PDA capabilities, in addition some models offer Bluetooth compatability which is nice for hands free in the car. We currently use the Ique 3600 in our office and are ordering a Nuvi 360 to try out.

As for the 60cx, I haven't used it but I have 2 eTrex (Legend for the Mountain Bike and a Vista for general treking). The Vista CX does everything the 60 does and adds a compass and altimeter for the same price. The compass is actually very nice and you can use it to shoot an azimuth and travel point to point with the "Sight N Go" feature.

Just thought I'd throw my $.02 in

Cheers

Vince

 

[BajaXplorer]

If your planning to use the unit for in car navigation, you will be happier with the 276c. The bigger screen makes for quicker recognition of information and the control layout is much easier/quicker to operate while driving. The 276c also has a trip info screen which can be loaded with a number of useful data fields. I have a Vista which I use outside the truck for geocaching, etc. and a 276c that I use on the dash with a Ram mount. Before the 276c was acquired I used the Vista for navigation also, but it was very difficult to work the controls and drive. It would be nice if the 276c used a generic memory card as opposed to the Garmin card, but the cost is not enough to put me off the unit. A 512mb card is now available, but I prefer to have several smaller cards (128mb) preloaded with maps of different areas. I can load both Topo and City Select maps of most of the state on one card and switch back and forth between them depending on whether I am on pavement or offroad. The 60cx would be a lot easier/less bulky to carry around than the 276c for hiking, backpacking, etc.
BX

 

[crawler#976]

what BX said...

I've got a Vista mounted to the dash and the screen size is too small for vehicle use. The interface that works good as a hand held unit doesn't work well at arms length.

Mark

 

[k6uk]

Well... I have a feeling a 276c or variant thereof is in my future. Your input really helped me make the right choice.

By the way have you seen the new Garmin Zumo 550?

Designed specifically for Motorcycles, but many of the features may work well for offroad as well.

Anyway... thanks for the input!

 

[asteffes]

Have you looked at the 376c, which replaces the 276c in Garmin's model line? It has an integrated XM radio receiver that also receives XMWX (if you subscribe, for $100/month.) It's pricey but useful for reducing the device count in the cab if you also have a sat radio receiver.

Whether you get the 276c or a variant, definitely also get the Gillsson external antenna. It costs around $30 online (less than half what Garmin charges for their equivalent antenna) and dramatically increases signal strength. I find it especially helpful under tree cover.

 

[k6uk]

Have you looked at the 376c, which replaces the 276c in Garmin's model line? It has an integrated XM radio receiver that also receives XMWX (if you subscribe, for $100/month.) It's pricey but useful for reducing the device count in the cab if you also have a sat radio receiver.

Yes! I've been looking at all the options and trying to balance the price/performance. I'm not so sure I want the sat reciever at all - but since the price is so close it might just be worth getting the upgraded one.

But I did read on another site (forget exactly where) that the screens on the 376c are more sensitive to damage than the 276c are... perhaps this only applies to early production units.

Whether you get the 276c or a variant, definitely also get the Gillsson external antenna.

Thanks! That's good to know!

-Mike

 

[mountainpete]

Well... I have a feeling a 276c or variant thereof is in my future. Your input really helped me make the right choice.

By the way have you seen the new Garmin Zumo 550?

Designed specifically for Motorcycles, but many of the features may work well for offroad as well.

Anyway... thanks for the input!

I think this unit has some serious potential to overthrow the 376c as a top choice for someone who enjoys both motorcycles and vehicle dependant travel. Here are some of the features:

- Touch Screen
- Left hand controls
- Integrated speaker
- Vibration tested and waterproof
- Made of UV and fuel resistant plastics
- Rechargeable lith-ion battery
- Optional XM Traffic, Weather & Radio
- Bluetooth comaptiable for wireless connections to your phone.
- Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; high bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant, touch screen display
- Unit dimensions: 4.8" W x 3.9" H x 1.6" D

While it has not been officially released yet, pricing is just a hair under $1k Canadian for pre-orders.

In my opinion, if you don't have a bike though the 276c or 376c are amazing choices. It's a shame they won't make them with an SD card slot instead of the Garmin memory.

Pete

 

[asteffes]

Yes! I've been looking at all the options and trying to balance the price/performance. I'm not so sure I want the sat reciever at all - but since the price is so close it might just be worth getting the upgraded one.

But I did read on another site (forget exactly where) that the screens on the 376c are more sensitive to damage than the 276c are... perhaps this only applies to early production units.

I didn't know about the display sensitivity. I have a 276c myself, and it has been fine. I also purchased the Garmin display cover (a $12 option that cost them about $0.10 to produce that they unbelievably don't include with your $600 GPS...) to protect it during storage.

By the way, the beanbag mount they include in the car kit is fine for highway use but refuses to stay in place off-road. I would consider the RAM suction cup mount a necessity, unless you plan to fab your own solid mount for the screw-on mount included with the GPS.

 

[Desertdude]

It's a shame they won't make them with an SD card slot instead of the Garmin memory.

:iagree:

also... I wish Garmin would have made the screen a mat finish instead of glossy

other than those two things it is a smoking unit for the past year or so

 

[cshontz]

Although I'm not familiar with the technical specifics, I think the 276C is more resistant to shock, dust, moisture, etc, than most other "mobile" alternatives. A true outdoor unit, which is well-suited for off-highway vehicles.

The same thing can be said for the 60cx, but if you're going to be using it primarily in your vehicle, I would definately recommend a GPS with a larger display.