The GPSmap 60SX, a Garmin Handheld Device

The Garmin GPSmap60CSx is quite a device as a handheld receiver to be desired if you are the type that would want to try out such a relatively portable gadget. Not only does the GPSmap60CSx have all the features of a high-end outdoor handheld, but it has additional features of those similar devices that are found in a car navigation system to boot.

To start with, the receiver has a microchip described as its brain; this provides the bulk of its features. The microchip is supplied by SiRF, a company that specializes in advanced GPS technology. It provides high sensitivity to detect satellite signals even in urban canyons, enables fast start-up, and connects with the thousands of points-of-interest stored in the unit's database.

Just like other high-end handheld receivers, the GPSmap 60CSx has an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. It stores 1,000 waypoints, 50 reversible routes, 10,000 tracking points, and 20 saved tracks. It accepts MicroSD cards with detailed maps, has a colored screen to mention a few.

Furthermore, the gadget has automatic routing capability so that the route to a destination can follow the roads in the receiver's electronic maps. This feature, usually found only in car navigation systems, makes the GPSmap 60CSx useful for road travel. However, this usefulness is limited by the small screen size. It is next to impossible for the driver to see the screen while the receiver is positioned on the dash to pick up the satellites. And even though the GPSmap 60CSx provides a turn-by-turn list of directions to alert the user when the next turn is approaching, it does not talk to you like some car systems.

Another feature is its ability to provide an extensive list of points-of-interest (POI) which although is not quite useful if you are in the wilderness, it would however be appreciated if you are just returning from the wilderness and need to get gas, food, a hotel, or even a museum, it would assist in finding the nearest POI available.

With its ability to set the page sequence, by simply pressing the "page" button to tell the machine to show a different screen, you can either add or subtract screens that are shown by pressing the "page" button. If you have only a few favorites, you can save button presses to cycle between them. Almost any screen can be added to the page sequence list.

If you are interested in picking one, just have a look at the key specification below to be sure of what you are actually after;

Display: (WxH) 1.5" x 2.2" (3.8 x 5.6 cm)
Size: (WxHxD) 2.4" x 6.1" x 1.3" (6.1 x 15.5 x 3.3 cm)
Weight: 7.5 ounces (213g) with batteries
Battery: 2 AA batteries; 18 hours typical
Data storage: 64 MB microSD card
Environmental: Rated waterproof to IPX-7 standards
MSRP: $ 482.13