Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Review

Date: January 14, 2008

Although the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx has been out for a couple of years now, they recently dropped in price quite a bit so I decided to buy one. This GPS unit is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who will be spending time in varied weather conditions or heavy tree cover as it’s enclosed in a durable casing and is waterproof (although it does not float). In addition, the built in antenna ensures the tracking is more accurate and I’ve found this works well in dense forests on rainy days.

Using the menus on the 60CSx takes some time to get used to but after playing around for a few hours, it becomes very intuitive. The user can easily setup Waypoints, which then can be used to calculate routes between various locations. The 60CSx also includes an electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, and a large clear screen that can be set at different lighting levels to make it visible in dark or bright conditions. Garmin also makes a 60Cx which does not include the electronic compass or the altimeter.

The 60CSx comes with a 64MB MicroSD Flash memory card for storing data, which makes it easy to additional memory, a USB cable, belt clip, and the MapSource software that is used for transferring waypoints and tracking logs between the unit and your computer. Two AA-batteries power the unit but are not included,

Garmin has been known for making high quality GPS units and the 60CSx does not disappoint. The only down side is that it only comes with basic maps and you have to purchase additional city maps or topographical maps for over $100 each. Without these maps, the device is much more limited in its functionality. However, the Garmin 60CSx is a great, sturdy unit that provides accurate information, perfect for that outdoors person who wants to map where they have been.