great GPS device, disappointing mapping
As this is my first GPS unit, I have little to compare it to. My search for a GPS unit took six months, and, like other reviewers, I kept coming back to Garmin.
Being impatient with slow technology the 'x' feature which allows faster satelite acquisition was important to me. This appears to work well. I've found the screen to be good in almost all lighting situations, and the menu system is adequate - I can find most functions, even as a new operator, within a few passes through the menu list.
Alas, mapping seems to be the biggest concern amongst other users, and I have found it to be lacking as well. The basic road mapping is just that - basic. But that is usually sufficient for cross country driving. I wonder, though, how accurate the internal mapping is. I have been on several roads where it appeared we were 200 ft or more off the road, and my boat's "position" while on a lake seemed to be on dry land. While still sufficient for basic navigation, it is a bit disconcerting.
To improve the detail of the mapping, I bought the Topo maps, which brags it provides detailed elevation, all the roads, and a few other details. Indeed, it is a pleasure to ride down the road and see a major power line on the map, and then see it on the landscape. But for hiking in complex areas with poor trail marking, the elevation detail may be insufficient for a clear understanding of your surroundings. Still, an experienced trail walker should have no problems in most situations. while much more accurate than the basic mapping (the position symbol is more often on the road/lake), my own neighborhood has streets that are more than 8 years old that are not reflected on the topo maps. Inquiring about updates, I was only given a URL to sign up for notification should it ever happen. For the price, I would expect more.
All of this wouldn't be so bad except the the Garmin units will handle only their own format of mapping, effectively cutting out the competition.
For whatever it's worth, I've heard good things from sailing publications about the blue water maps, and most reviews about GPS mapping suggest the Garmin city maps are at least typical - not great, but on par with other vendors.
The bottom line: I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better handheld GPS unit than the Garmin 76CSx. But if flexibility with mapping vendors is important, you may want to consider something else. As for me, it does what I need albeit not as well, due to the maps, as I'd like. But for now, I don't think there is anythings on the market, yet, that can outperform this unit.Read full review
