Product review: Garmin MAP60CSx

The inaugural post!

Product review : Garmin MAP60CSx (with optional Freshmap 1:50000 Topographic map of NZ)

We picked up a GPS receiver before the latest trip away to help navigate the slightly less travelled routes around the country. It would have to easily be one of the most useful and coolest toys all in one. This particular GPS is a handheld unit that does all the usual things along with having a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. It has easy to use buttons instead of a touch screen and with the topographic map loaded can zoom into a very fine level of detail. The reception is brilliant. The only time it had a problem finding where we were was when we had 2km high peaks all around us. Even then it only took 10 seconds or so to pick up the location. The altimeter and compass work independently of the GPS so while it is finding satellites for a position, you still get a highly detailed map, heading and altitude.

On the toy side of the ledger, it will record the trail of where you have been, your highest speed (which naturally was 100 Kph... :) ), average speed and half a dozen other data streams that really don’t help but are cool to see. It also makes a good tour guide if you want to know what you are looking at from a boat trip or walking trail.

If you are actually trying to use the unit as a tool however, the detail will not leave you wanting. The map was excellent and the accuracy is frankly amazing. Giving your navigator (who is very talented by the way) the ability to tell you what is over the next crest before you can see it is worth every penny, especially when there isn’t really a road but there is about to be a river that you need to ford. Battery life was good (we got approximately 12 hrs per set) and it is happy on rechargeable AA’s.

Definitely money well spent and am well impressed with the design and finish. 10/10.

The Dragon