Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx review

The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx updates the Garmin GPSMAP 76CS with two major improvements. First, the 76CSx includes the  SiRFSTAR III chipset, which has been getting rave reviews for its fast acquisition time and awesome coverage under canopy, in urban canyons and even indoors! Second, the 76CSx no longer utilizes its built in memory for MapSource maps, but loads them to a microSD card instead (the unit comes with a 128 MB card). This means you have unlimited map storage capability, plus you can use some of the newer MapSource software like City Select Mexico.

One other point before we go on to other reviews -- the 76CSx is identical to the 76Cx, except that this unit, the 76CSx, adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx

Before we hear from others, here’s what the editors at Amazon have to say in their Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx review:

"Aimed squarely at boaters and marine users, the Garmin GPSMap 76CSx is packed with features that seasoned mariners crave. The 7.6-ounce 76CSx now features an insanely accurate, high-sensitivity GPS receiver by SiRF that tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons. Plus, you get a bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 128 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Add all that to the 76CSx's integrated barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and you've got a highly capable unit. Simply put, the 76CSx is ready to take you anywhere on the water. Landlubbers will find much to like about this unit, too, as it packs great GPS mapping capabilities into a compact device..."

More Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx reviews

• Consumer-written Garmin 76CSx reviews are being posted at GPS Now.
• Here's a Garmin 76CSx review that calls it "My hands-down favorite GPS device for outdoor and marine use."
• Backpacker magazine has posted a video review of the Garmin 76CSx.
• One reader was so happy that he wrote into the official Garmin blog with a brief GPSMAP 76CSx review, recounting his geocaching exploits with it.
• Garmin 76CSx reviews have also been posted by consumers at Amazon.
• A reader at TrailSpace.com has posted their own Garmin 76CSx review.
• Piaw's blog reviews the Garmin GPSMap 76CSx.

Of all the new Garmin receivers being released in the first half of 2006, this one was the slowest to see reviews show up online. I suspect that it is not as popular as the 76CS, which offered a nice memory advantage over the 60CS. With the expandable memory in this and other x-series units, that advantage is gone, relegating this unit's popularity to the mariner crowd (it floats!). Anyway, I'll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other helpful resources:

• A PDF version of the Garmin GPSMAP 76 CSx owners manual.
• There is even a Yahoo message forum devoted to the 76CSx, 76CS and 76C.
• Want to see how the 76CSx stacks up against other handhelds? Use this Garmin GPS comparison tool.
• Here is a Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx FAQ page.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx at these merchants:

• Find the low price on a Garmin 76CSx at GPSNow.com.
• Check the current Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx price at Amazon.com.
• Buy the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx Expandable Color Hand Held GPS Receiver NEW LOW PRICE at TigerGPS.
• Check out the deal on a Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx GPS at REI.com
• Get a great price on the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx Portable Navigator at TheNerds.net.
• Find the Garmin GPSMap 76CSx at amazing prices at eBay.

Product description from the official Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx web page:

The GPSMAP 76CSx is a refreshing upgrade of the GPSMAP 76CS, one of our most popular models for outdoor and marine use. This unit features a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory and a waterproof, rugged housing. The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment. Users can load map data and transfer routes and waypoints through the unit’s fast USB connection. In addition, this unit features a new, highly sensitive GPS receiver that acquires satellites faster and lets users track their location in challenging conditions, such as heavy foliage or deep canyons. The GPSMAP 76CSx also incorporates a barometric altimeter for extremely accurate elevation data and an electronic compass that displays an accurate heading while standing still. Considered the mainstay among serious outdoor enthusiasts, the GPSMAP 76CSx and GPSMAP 76Cx offer a large color TFT display and turn-by-turn routing capability. These units also float when dropped in the water. Each unit comes with a blank 128 MB microSD card. Owners of these new x-series handhelds can also purchase new microSD cards that are pre-loaded with MapSource® Topo and inland lake maps, BlueChart® marine cartography, and City Navigator™ street maps.

Recommended accessories:

• Garmin TOPO U.S. 2008
• Eneloop rechargeable batteries
• invisibleSHIELD screen protector
• SanDisk 2 GB MicroSD card

Related posts:

• Handheld GPS buyers guide
• GPS for hikers
• GPS for geocachers
• GPS for cyclists

Comments

[johnny gepeng]

Dear Sir,
I'am from singapore.I received information that you sold Garmin 76 CSX
product.and I'm interested to buy product from you. but before I place my order I want to

ask these :
- Could you ship my order using FedEx ?
- Could you accept payment by credit card (I have Visa and Mastercard for payment that

order) ?
Please reply me soon. Thank you very much

Best regards

Johnny Gepenk

[Rich Owings]

Johnny,

We don't sell GPS, though you can find advertisers on our site that do.