I couldn't be left behind, so I was very happy to receive my new toy today. I was very surprised by it's size when I received it - it's barely bigger than my current eTrex - which is a huge plus. And the sensitivity is definitely all that.
There's a number of features that make this GPS much better than my old one...
- Charges via USB
- USB connection to computer - not proprietary connector to serial to serial to usb converter
- External antenna capable
- External antenna not typically necessary due to built-in quad-helix antenna and SiRF III chipset (awesome sensitivity)
- Huge and clear screen
- Auto-routing (with appropriate maps loaded)
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This unit might be excellent electronically, physically it is not so good.
The 'waterproof' connectors simply depend on friction-fit rubber bungs which can fall out. Far better to add silicon GREASE (NOT glue) - which is commonly used by commercial / two-way radio antenna installers - and liberally coat the holes in which the bungs fit.
The WORST part of this 'rugged' unit is the pathetic metal insert on which the unit depends for physically security. This nut is molded into the case, that is to say the circumference of the insert is the ONLY contact with the plastic.
My new unit was purchased by my employer and came with numerous included and optional extra accessories. Never one to trust standard security features I also attached the unit to a stainless steel chain, which was secured to my trousers belt, and secured the unit by 2 stainless steel 'key rings' - one through the D-handle of the battery compartment and the other through the lanyard 'pin'.
I wore the unit with the supplied belt clip - modelled after the common cell phone device - and after two weeks cycling around a large city in Indochina the unit suddenly fell off the clip. The Clip adapter and the infamous 'nut' were left in the belt and the unit left dangling on my D-I-Y security chain.
Once again Garmin has come up short. Others might be interested in buying the bicycle mount, placing the 60CSx in it and then strategically placing and tightening a stainless steel hose clamp in a location where it doesn't interfere with operation and securing it to something substantial on your body.
Better than losing when hiking or rock-climbing.
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