Positive Reviews:Great unit, get better software | | Rating: |  | I love my Garmin 60csx. The unit is very rugged, waterproof, and the software is rock-solid. My unit has been dropped in water, rained on for several hours straight, dropped on rocks, and it just keeps going. The case is a little scuffed and scratched, but I have never seen a single glitch or hiccup. The belt clip is also very tough and perfectly designed - I clip the unit on my backpack shoulder strap so it is right there when I need it. Love it.
As for the Topo software, it is ok, but you need to purchase the TOPO 24K software for whatever region you will be hiking - big difference between the two software packages! I have used Topo 24k for RMNP hikes and BWCA trips. Both maps were extremely accurate and included lots of landmarks - pretty much every landmark that was listed on the detailed paper maps I was carrying as backup. I actually was forced to navigate for 6 days with just the GPS in the BWCA because I forgot my maps, but I didn't have any problem finding portages with the Topo 24k software. Only downside is the Topo 24k software didn't list campsites, so I had to go by memory.
The reason I am giving this package a 5 star rating is because A) the 60csx is a totally bomber unit, and B) for the price this package is a sweet deal because the Topo software is much better than the basic in-memory stuff. | | Josh the Voyageur at REI on 10/10/2008 | Do other GPS' work this well? | | Rating: | | | I know some of the newer units have more bells and whistles but this GPS just plain works great. There are many bad reviews for other units but this one rarely causes anyone to complain and now I know why. It has everything I need and seems suprisingly great on batteries so far. Is quick to pick up a signal and holds on tight even in thick woods. Works in the car but this unit is more for hiking and such, would be dangerous using too much in the car. Very easy to learn to use. I have bearly looked at the directions. It is my first GPS and I just figured it out. The included Topo map is fine. I don't know what all the fuss is with it. Is it supposed to have all the trails on it? It was easy to load into the unit. The geocache sites seem to only be compatible with Garmin units. I'm glad I went with this one. The base map has enough streets and other features to get you started. I would buy this one again. | | Habakkuk at REI on 10/10/2008 | Great GPS | | Rating: |  | | Great GPS. Very accurate, makes it easier to find those micros in geocaching. Topo map is very good in our area (Wisconsin). Have used it to print a map of hunting areas. The mapsource software is easy to use for this. I have also used it as a car navigation system in Georgia and worked well with that too. The only thing that would be better are voice commands, only beeps when a turn is ahead. I am very happy with this unit and recommend it highly. | | geopony99 at REI on 11/11/2008 | Great GPS | | Rating: | | | Good GPS. Good battery life, around 20h on a warm day with alkaline batteries. It would be nice if maps came with it and were not extra. GPS cheapset is supposed to be great but still could be better - looses signal in the mountains often. I guess I have very high expectations. Everyone should have one for ease of navigation and to make sure you don't get lost in most places. | | snowhiker at REI on 11/11/2008 | Great product so far [...] from REI | | Rating: | | | Great product as far as I can tell so far had signal within a minute inside my house. Can't wait to take on it's first journy. | | medicjimr at REI on 02/02/2009 | Great GPS device | | Rating: | | | I am upgrading from an etrex legend, so far I am happy with the 60CSx ability to hold signal | | litlrch at REI on 10/10/2008 |
| Negative Reviews:Great Unit but Terrible mapping software | | Rating: |  | | First I'd rate 60CSx unit 4 out of 5 so if you're looking at the unit just buy by itself. The Garmin Topo maps in the bundle are pretty much useless for hikers and bikers. They're great for roads and auto use. I bought the bundle for hiking and biking around the Lake Tahoe Basin but when I loaded the topo maps I found that even the basic trails aren't on the maps. Major ones like the Tahoe Rim trail and the Flume Bike trail don't exist. I ended up having to purchase Topo maps from a different company to get the detail I need. Like it’s been said in other reviews the unit is as only as good as the software you but on it. So bottom line great unit but I'd make sure you can return the Topo map software if it doesn't have the detail you need on it. | | ctahoe at REI on 06/06/2008 | durable unit, not user friendly | | Rating: |  | this is my first GPs and was a little disappointed to have to purchase addtional topos. Directions aren't clear on how to load software, download or input geocache coords.
What am I missing? | | dintymoore at REI on 11/11/2008 |
Neutral Reviews:Mac Users Beware | | Rating: |  | | If you are a Mac owner, the software included in this bundle will not work. After several calls to both REI and Garmin and attempts to use the Mac software updates from Garmin, I was unable to use the Mapsource software. I have to return, purchase the stand-alone unit, and then the Mac friendly TOPO Map separately. [...] | | Brianeff at REI on 05/05/2009 |
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