Looking for an affordable handheld?

[Monkeyevil]

I really like my Garmin eTrex Legend Cx.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=327

The color screen is easily readable in bright sunlight, shade, or at night. It has expandable memory, and like all the eTrex series it's waterproof.

So far the routing feature on it has worked great. It's not a large unit, so if your mostly looking for a GPS for in car navigation, maybe look elsewhere.

I use mine mostly for hiking, mountain biking, trail riding, geocaching, and boating. It works fine in the car as well, just doesn't see much time there

If you want to save a little $$ you can go with the Venture CX
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=410

Besides the color of the case it's identical to the Legend. It does not come bundled with a memory card, or the PC cable. Both of which are available on eBay. And since the Legend Cx only comes with a 64 MB card; you would upgrade that anyway.

One thing I don't like about the eTrex series is the patch antenna. In tree cover signal loss can sometimes be a problem. The antenna is a lot better in the CX that it was in the black and white eTrex... but it's still not as good as the antenna in the GPSMAP 60 series.

Also note that Garmin just came out with the eTrex HC & HCx (x = expandable memory) line. They have a brand new antenna that is supposed to be better than the ones in the Cx and comparable to the 60 series. Time will tell i guess.

Because of the new eTex line, the price of the eTrex C, and Cx line is dropping fast. You can get a brand new Venture Cx for $175 shipped now.

Hope this helps

[ScOoTeR]

The reception of the 60CSx is incredible - full tree cover and you still get a strong signal, plus it has a port for an external antenna. :)

[Monkeyevil]

Originally Posted by ScOoTeR

The reception of the 60CSx is incredible - full tree cover and you still get a strong signal, plus it has a port for an external antenna. :)

If I didn't want a smaller GPS i would be all over the 60CSx. It's a VERY nice unit.

[MozMan68]

Originally Posted by Monkeyevil

If I didn't want a smaller GPS i would be all over the 60CSx. It's a VERY nice unit.

What about the 76CSx??

Garmin site shows it as the same price...barely bigger...all the same features and it floats.

I'm regretting getting the Vista Cx now....it hasn't tracked very well on the trails...gets very annoying. I want the better antenna.

[Roadhouse]

Originally Posted by MozMan68

What about the 76CSx??

Garmin site shows it as the same price...barely bigger...all the same features and it floats.

I'm regretting getting the Vista Cx now....it hasn't tracked very well on the trails...gets very annoying. I want the better antenna.

I just ordered a 76csx Wednesday from Target.com. Hopefully its in soon. Almost same price as the 60csx...twice the memory and a larger screen.

With my wife employee discount and a $40 off gift card she had for her Target Visa we only paid $290 for it. Much cheaper than I found anywhere else.

[gmcpower98]

For you ebay folks......
A good seller is named "gpsgeek".
look him up for high quality cables
and assy.