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Etrex Legend CX versus GPSmap 60CX

Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 at 21:14

MartyB

Anyone know much about these two Garmin GPSs?
I have been comparing the two, the specs seem similar except the Etrex is smaller, runs for longer on batteries and is about $200 cheaper.
Obviously the 60 must have some good points I am missing or Garmin would never sell any.
Basically can anyone tell me what advantages the 60 has that I am mising to justify spending the extra $200.
Is it more accurate or durable or what?

from Marty.
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AnswerID: 202447   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 07:03

Kumunara (NT) replied:

Marty

The following information is from www.gpsoz.com.au. The GPS 60 is $130 more but remember you get what you pay for.

The decision is yours but I would go for the GPS 60 is my options were limited to there two models.

GPS 60 - A$329 inc GST and free delivery

Large sunlight-readable, four-level grayscale display with bright LED backlight
Special Geocaching Navigation Mode.
Trip Computer: current speed, average speed, resetable maximum speed, trip timer and distance.
500 waypoints with name and graphic symbol, 10 nearest (automatic) and 10 proximity.
50 reversible routes of up to 50 waypoints
Best Hunting and Fishing Times.
Battery Life: 2 AA's (included) up to 30 hours.
12 channel GPS receiver. External antenna option
Waterproof to IPX7 standard
Area calculation

In the Box:

PC/USB Interface cable
Trip & Waypoint Manager software on CD.
Lanyard (wrist strap)
Belt Clip
Owners Manual
Quick Start guide

eTrex - A$199 inc GST and free delivery

Operating buttons on both sides allow more room for display screen on the front.
Trip Computer: current speed, average speed, sunrise/sunset time, resetable maximum speed, trip timer and distance.
Tracks: Automatic track log; 10 saved tracks lets you retrace your path in both directions.
500 waypoints with name and graphic symbol.
1 route of up to 50 waypoints.
Battery Life: 22 hours, using 2 AA Batteries.
12 channel Differential-ready GPS receiver.
Waterproof case to IPX7 standard.
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Reply 1 of 3
FollowupID: 462017   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 09:29

Member - Andrew (QLD) posted:

I think the OP is comparing a Legend Cx and a GPSMAP 60Cx......way different specs to the old yellow basemodel etrex and the yellow GPS 60 :-)

Andrew

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AnswerID: 202464   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 07:56

Member - Andrew (QLD) replied:

The major difference, hence the prices, is that the 60Cx has a SiRFstar III chipset whereas the Legend Cx doesn't. These new chipsets are much better, especially in maintaining a satellite fix where previously unavailable.

The legend will have better battery life due to it not using the power hungry SiRF III chipset.

The other feature differences noteworthy of the 60Cx include the variable voltage range (8-36V v's 4.2-5.5v), and the external antannae capability of the 60Cx. These features by themselves can be worthy of the upgrade in some cases.

To compare the two models accurately go to " target="EOF" class="lbg">www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp and tick the required boxes for the models you want to compare. This will bring up a table comparing the two models fairly.

Whilst there is nothing technically wrong with the etrex models, as they will still give your position in most normal situations, I would suggest that you buy the better model with a SiRF III chipset if you can afford to in the first place.

Andrew

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Reply 2 of 3
AnswerID: 202599   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 16:32

MartyB replied:

Thanks for the replies, see if I got this right.
If you want a GPS with good features (sunlight readable colour screen, ability to load maps, memory expandable) with average satellite reception buy the Etrex.
But if you want extra accuracy through better receiver & external aerial then get the GPSmap 60.

from Marty.
Reply 3 of 3
FollowupID: 462151   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 17:14

Member - Andrew (QLD) posted:

I don't know if i'd go so far as to say "sunlight readable" colour screens, as most screens seem to struggle in direct sunlight. :-)

Remember the etrex is actually a "family" of GPS's with both mapping versions and non-mapping versions. Only the "x" versions of the Garmin handhelds have expandable memory (via mini-SD cards). Not all of the etrex's can accept maps per se.

Remember also that both GPS's will work just as well in areas having a clear view of the sky......though to throw in another factor, the patch antannae of the etrex (and 76) series is sometimes better/worse than the quad-helix antannae of the 60 series, depending on surrounding environment.

Andrew

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FollowUp 1 of 9
FollowupID: 462250   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 22:00

MartyB posted:

Thanks Andrew,
Sunlight readable are Garmin's words not mine.
I currently use a GPS 76, I would definately describe it's screen as sunlight unreadable. Very annoying especially when driving wearing sunnies.
I ordered the Legend CX today from Johhny Appleseed.
The GPS 76 was accurate enough for my use (4WD & Geocache). If the Legend screen is easier to read in the sunlight I will be happy.

I don't suppose you know much about any mapping I can load without paying Garmin's price.

from Marty.
FollowUp 2 of 9
FollowupID: 462289   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 05:14

Big Woody posted:

Hi MartyB,

I have had a my Garmin GPS Map60CS for about 3 years now and I can assure you the colour screen is amazing in the sunlight.
Mine gets used for hiking, motorbikes and 4wding in the bush generally using the T4A mapset. On highway runs I use Garmin's Metroguide but mine has mostly been used in the yacht for long distance sailing using the Garmin Bluecharts. When sailing day or night even with such a small screen I can see clearly the charts from about 5 feet away on the other side of the cockpit and have been amazed at the accuracy when navigating through the reef.

After using this unit so much for 3 years, if I were to buy another unit now I would by the 60 again. The only other model I would consider if I wanted a fixed unit inside the Landcruiser would be the 276C but for now I like the 60 as it is tough, waterproof, portable and has a heap of other features that I use regularly that most other units do not have.

Good luck with your decision.

Brett
FollowUp 3 of 9
FollowupID: 462292   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 05:58

Member - Andrew (QLD) posted:

Marty,

Try the Tracks4Australia mapset available as a free version from www.gpsoz.com.au/tracks4australia/ (~39mb file). There is also a commercial/pro version available for $50 IIRC.........both better than the basemap :-)

Andrew

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FollowUp 4 of 9
FollowupID: 462326   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 07:58

MartyB posted:

Thanks for the replies, I have just downloaded the Tracks4Australia file. Now off to check the mail, hopefully the new toy will have arrived.

Marty
FollowUp 5 of 9
FollowupID: 462352   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 09:40

Member - Andrew (QLD) posted:

From experience, your new toy will always arrive AFTER the weekend you want to try it out......

Andrew

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FollowUp 6 of 9
FollowupID: 462396   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 13:44

MartyB posted:

Hi Andrew,
Yahoo the new toy arrived.
I have installed Tracks4Australia and have applied to join their forum.
At the moment I am trying to work out how to load a map into the GPS.
A bit more beating my head against the wall should help then I will hopefully work it out.

from Marty.
FollowUp 7 of 9
FollowupID: 462412   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 14:42

Member - Andrew (QLD) posted:

must be a postal mistake :-)

There should be instructions on how to load the mapset, however they are a bit harder to understand if you haven't used mapsource etc before.

Have fun with your new toy....

Andrew

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FollowUp 8 of 9
FollowupID: 462425   Submitted: Friday, Nov 03, 2006 at 15:19

MartyB posted:

Yahoo,
I did it.
I now have all the Eastern Australia loaded.
Now I have to go somewhere & try it out. That's my excuse anyway.

from Marty.
FollowUp 9 of 9

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