Re: Need help picking out a new Garmin.

fuzzylollipop wrote:
<snip>
Tell us what the features you want are, like multiple destination
routing, track recording, being able to do planning on a PC and upload
routes and waypoints, etc.

I need multiple destination routing, track recording, planning on PC
( Mac would be preferred )
upload routes and waypoints from PC ( Mac would be preferred ) like I
used to be able to do with the Metroguide software.
I need the trip computer ( avg moving time/speed, max speed, distance
traveled, etc)
I really liked the size of the eMap as well. A bigger screen would be
nice, but the form factor of the eMap was almost perfect.

I'm not a Mac person, Garmin has promised Mac user some software that has not materialized yet I think. In fact is is about six months overdue I thin,

You probably want to look at the eTrex Vista HCx or the GPSMAP 60Cx or 60CSx. All of those have the SiRF III chip set and the same or very similar capabilities and features. The CSx models have built in altimeters and compasses, the Cx models do not.

The 60 series probably has the form factor that is most similar to the eMap as the buttons are on the front at the bottom. The eTrex Vista has the buttons on the sides and the 76 series has them above the display.

The 60 has the antenna that sticks up on one side, the 76 is more like the eMap in shape. You can see them all here:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145

I liked the rectangular shape of the 76 series but was not certain I would like the buttons being over the display. After having used it, I'm fine with the buttons above the display. I actually even prefer it for times when I have the 76Cx in one hand and am driving a boat with the other. I feel like I've got a better grip at the center of mass, the buttons are easy to operate with my thumb, and it does not block the screen.

The "x" series models have good basemaps and you can autoroute on the basemap roads. So you are ready to navigate on major highways without any additional mapping software. For full street level and local roads detail, you'll want to add City Navigator. You may be able to use your MetroGuide mapping with a new Garmin, it won't autoroute unless it is V4.02 or earlier. Or you can "hack" the MetroGuide maps and get them to autoroute.

But you'll be able to get all the details of info you mention above and more actually. The color displays on the Cx models are bright and have good resolution.

West Marine has the 76Cx on sale for $299.99 right now, that is about as cheap as those get. I paid $309 for mine almost a year ago.

<snip>
I don't really care about mp3 playback or bluetooth hands free or
watching movies or anything like that.

That's me too. I wanted to be able to use mine everywhere and with street and highway, topo, and marine mapping and it does that very well.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)
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