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 never used a gps until I bought this one. Iused it for hunting this year in a couple of areas I never been before it worked great for what I wanted I found my way back from were I was. I also like that when we were on the hiway we could look at different exits and it has listed gas stations and other information some is limited but it gives you something to go by looking down the road. For me the price was right and works for what I use it for, I use the sunrise/sunset to plan my hunting trips accordingly,also has a hunting/fishing screen that tells you the best time of the day and the best days. Im very pleased with the unit.

I purchased this GPS to assist in my travels on and off road. I also would like to loose some weight by geocaching which for me requires a lot of walking. The Garmin GPSMAP 60C GPS Receiver came with a very basic map installed. I found that it was necessary to purchase the city streets CD in order to navigate in the cities that I want to visit that I am not familiar with. I thought that the maps included were going to be sufficient but they weren't.

I had an older "brand X"... I hated it, it was the root of so much frustration, I decided to get a new gps. I looked at several and their prices, I decided on the Garmin GPSMAP 60C GPS Receiver . I looked for the best deal and bought it off e-bay. the gps arrived quickly. I love every feature about it, it's easy on batteries, user friendly, has lots of bells and whistles of which any i will never need or use. I was disappointed that some of the games don't work properly, but that is NOT the reason I purchased it... the GPS is why I bought it. I was also disapointed in the amount of TOPO map area I can load into it, but am well pleased with the resolution.. I, like everyone else wish the screen was bigger, but then it would not be a "hand-held" model. I would buy it again if given the same choices.
Gary

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 !

this unit was the best of the Garmins I have had to date (legend, Legend CX, Vista) The display is clear and crisp and the menue is simply easy and great to use. I use it for traveling and on trips out of town. If you do not mind a tone that tells you to make a turn instead on a voice, then this is for you. The fact they are waterproof also was a huge plus. I ride my bike and cycle and use the Garmin bar clamp and it works great. The 56mb covers about two states worth of maps, and that is the most I have ever needed. But if your one of those people that travels from coast to coast, then you need the 60CX. For those of you that are boaters, you can even purchase a depth and water temp sensor for the unit and it off you go! no way your going to do that with any other unit! Save you money and buy this unit, all your doing is spending more for the new body, compair the features and you will see not much has changed if anything.

i bought it for geocaching
i like that it has its own geocaching button
and the only thing i dont like about it is that is has alot of buttons

All that I could want from this product. I Hunt in the marshes of Lake Okeechobee and I am always on the mark, Shallow water trails and the tracking ability allows me to move at nite with no trouble.

I have had this GPS about two months. Really like the color display. The antennae seems to be quicker than my previous legend model. When driving you should get the 12V adaptor and have the backlight on all the time to see it properly. I really do not have much negative to say about the unit. Very nice!!

Great price when compared with a csx, used it today in concert with the csx my wife has and could see no difference. Even like the icons better on this one than on the csx

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

Great service, quick delivery and highly recommended!!! I really liked the product and exceed my expectation.

Works great. Great deal!..........................................................................................................................................................

I BOUGHT THE NEW GPSMAP 60CS THREE WEEKS AGO AND USED IT AT GLAMIS SAND DUNES.
WE WENT ON A 8 MILE BUGGY RIDE AND IT HELPED US GET BACK TO CAMP WITH ON PROBLEMS.
IT WAS GRATE.

Excellent navigation tool. I use this for hunting, I alwys had a hard time getting back because I could noot see my markers at night. With the GPSMAP 60C there's no way I can get lost. I also recently used this to get to the hospital while I was out of town. It made it so easy to find even though I had never been in that city before.

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Great GPS very accurate but I would really consider the 60CSX because you cannot get toppo 24k on this devise due to it not having micro sd card capability.

This product was just as advertised. Although it was a refurbished item, everything was there.
Shipping to my door was incredibly fast. Ebay sellers could learn something from this seller's promptness.
I highly recommend this seller to Ebayers.
Thank you for a most pleasant deal.
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I like how it is light weight and you can carry it anywhere. It is very handy if you want to go and GeoCache, find directions, maps, and all kinds if things. I bought this so I can Geocache and if I needed a map for a city while traveling then I can use this thing for help. I would recomend this to many people that would like to Geocache or for walking in the woods and needs a compass that comes with it.

I like it alot I just wish it could have come with at lease one map. or a realy big discount on buying your fist map. you pay all this money and then you still have to spend like $90.00 for a map.
I am still playing with it so next hunting season I will be able to get the best use out of it.

Dislike--- none yet.

I bought this one for its performance in the woods.

Item was good and workin well.
But sorry... my english is littele poor. I cant explain more.
Thank you!

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VERY GOOD TRANSACTION. I HAVE NOT USED GARMIN 60 VERY MUCH I HAVE HEARD VERY GOOD REVIEWS. PURCHASE PRICE WAS FAR LESS THAN COMMERCIAL STORES NOT ON EBAY.