Garmin GPSMAP60C Review - my first GPS!! It's a Garmin GPS! Though I slept at 1am last night I couldn't sleep late through the day. Woke up around 7+am, was used to waking up at 6.40am to get to school on time for my GCE O Level exams. Decided to go to Sim Lim Square (Singapore's mega-electronics mall) to buy my GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Took the MRT down and walked 500m to it. Saw many caucasians(about 30 today) buying cameras and testing stuff. Finally found the shop and went to enquire. Got quite a good deal: S$100 off the price tag! Cost me about S$690 (US$436) Went home, downloaded the maps from malsingmaps.com and had a good time fiddling with the device. Got about 10m accuracy that day, quite a good result.
My first GPS receiver!
My own Garmin GPSMAP60C review (20 pics at bottom):
Unit casing and build:
The Garmin 60C is really well built! The manufacturer boasts that the unit is ''IPX7'', which means that it is submersible in 1 metre for 30 mins! (Of course I didn't dare challenge/test this). The unit has rubber linings all around it to protect the electronics, even the battery cover has a cute little metal locking D ring that can be turned to lock in the air. You can really feel the slight tension of a waterproof seal while locking this latch. I wouldn't worry about carrying this unit in the rain or accidentally dropping it into water, but remember to dry out the battery compartment after contact with water to prevent the battery contacts from rusting.
The size of the unit is very good, smaller than I had expected! It fits into my hand nicely, and I am able to punch in coordinates and do most things using 1 hand only. Truly a handheld GPS! The unit is slightly thick/fat. You might want to consider getting the Garmin Legend C or Vista C if you like a handphone sized outdoor cum automotive Garmin GPS receiver.
Transfer of maps to GPS receiver (GPSr):
This unit connects to the PC via USB 2.0, so loading times should be about the same as loading MP3s into a MP3 player. Indeed it took me less than 15 seconds to transfer 10MB of maps into the GPSr. I use the programme ''sendmap2.0'' (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mdipol/img2gps/) to upload the maps to my GPSr. Using the program is quick, efficient and easy. I used ''GPSMAPedit''( http://www.geopainting.com/en/ )view the GPS maps on my PC. Lets me zoom in and out on the map.
Satellite acquisition time:
Time taken for satellites to lock on was horrible indoors, over an hour in the house beside the window with not even a satellite locked. Probably due to the high rise buildings that surround my house. It was a much different story when in the open.Walked about 100m(300ft) from my house and the unit took roughly 1 minute (cold start) got a decent lock, 12m(36ft)! Quite overjoyed as this was my first time getting a position fix using my new GPS receiver. Later timings to get a position fix ranged from 15 seconds to 45 seconds, depending on location and postion of satellites in the sky and the number of GPS satellites above the horizon. I must comment that the time taken to fix is quite short, but I long for a GPS receiver that can, when powered on, immediately get a fix and be ready to navigate. Overall, the Garmin 60C locks pretty quickly.
Accuracy & performance(ability to hold lock) in urban areas/ heavy tree cover:
The average accuracy I get in urban Singapore is ranges from 9-14m(27-42ft), while being surrounded by buildings 20m(60ft) high. The best accuracy was on an elevated field with no surrounding high rise buildings was 7m(21ft). This remains my best accuracy as there is no WAAS in Singapore, sad to say it is only for the US.
The 60C, once having a position fix, rarely loses its satellite lock, except in tunnels, passing under concrete structures, or even on the roads of green city Singapore (you get 7m(21ft) trees on both sides of the road - not the skinny ones, but the mushroom shaped, leafy, branchy tropical kind eg. rain tree). At times with in heavilly built up areas with buildings up to 20 stories high, like Orchard Road and Toa Payoh, the GPSr loses its reception completely. It's hard to get another satellite fix. Under moderate tree cover (defined by me as having openings & breaks in the canopy the size of your two palms outstretched held up against the canopy), the 60C managed only to lock on to 2 satellites, not giving me real-time positioning. This is however a much improvement over older units which are confirmed not to received the slightest hint of a lock under trees.
Screen details:
The 60C delivers crisp images (though not on par with PDA screen standards) on its 256 colour TFT screen. Colours are really nice to view on the screen. The TFT thingy really helps; it enables me to see and read anything on the screen even in very bright sunlight. I just need to postion the screen in the right way. The screen is large enough, though not as large as a PDA's for me to do my usual routing and GPS stuff, but of course if there could be a unit with a larger screen it would be better.
Routing:
The 60C has routing capabilites, I was able to calculate routes within 4 seconds and the routes really improved the way I navigate the roads.
Battery life:
The 60C is an huge improvement over older units (I know I have been ranting about this, sorry), Garmin has improved the battery life on the newer models and the 60C has an advertised run time of 30hrs, typical use. I can testify to this, but must certainly add that using too much of the backlight causes the battery to drain after a while. Even then, I rarely have to change the batteries.
Issue of whether the 60C can ''float'' in water:
According to some forums, the 60C does ''semi-float'', with about half its body sticking out of the water. This is provided you use Lithium batteries. If you are worried about your GPSr sinking like a rock in water or use your GPSr around water, get the Garmin 76C, which is a handheld unit slightly larger than the 60C and can float.
Garmin's support after buying GPS:
Garmin provides excellent after sales service by providing firmware updates and fixes for your GPS via it's website. With firmware updates it enhances it products and its a major plus when comes to making decisions between buying different brands of GPSrs.
To sum it all up in a nutshell:
60C Pros:
+ Rugged and waterproof
+ Good satellite reception
+ Acquires satellites rather quickly
+ Colour screen, of good size
+ Screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight
+ Extended and longer battery life (about 30 hours).
+ Takes common AA batteries
+ Has routing capability
+ Comfortable size
+ Can connect to an external antenna
+ Compact size, can fit in larger pockets.
+ Faster processor
60C Cons:
- Does not have expandable memory (eg. SD/flash card) option
- Does not charge when connected to PC (if you are using Rechargable batteries)
- Basemap is not detailed. (You have to buy Garmin's Map CDs)
- To some the 60C is expensive.
Conclusion:
In all, the Garmin GPSMAP60C is a good deal, the best bang for the buck! The little unit boasts a nice colour screen and good satellite reception, on top of a whole lot of other things. Though I wish that when panning the map, streets and other details could be viewed real-time without waiting for the screen to reload. Hopefully there will be a better unit next time. I do not regret getting this for myself, though it may have been a bit painful on my wallet...($$$)... This unit has surpassed my expectations and has impressed me. I too recommend you to get this baby for yourself. You won't regret it. It's my first Garmin, and will certainly not be my last.
Pictures of Garmin 60C:
From Garmin:
My pictures of my GPS(Garmin GPSMAP60C):
Garmin 60C in box (front) :
Garmin 60C in box (back):
Garmin 60C in box (side):
Garmin 60C with screen protector (front):
Garmin 60C antenna close up (power button beside it):
Garmin 60C buttons (front):
Garmin 60C (back):
Garmin 60C (back with battery latch removed):
Garmin 60C MCX external antenna port (top left under weather cover on back):
Garmin 60C USB connection port (middle left below MCX port):
Garmin 60C external power connection port (top right):
Garmin 60C satellite screen:
Garmin 60C menu screen:
Garmin 60C trip computer screen:
Garmin 60C compass screen:
Garmin 60C "find" screen:
Garmin 60C map screen:
I hope I gave you an insight as to what the Garmin 60C is like. Hope that you enjoyed reading this review! The GPSMAP 60C - an excellent GPS, a work of art from Garmin, enjoyed by me and users around the world. A truly handheld Garmin GPS satellite navigation system that can be used as both an outdoor GPS and an automotive GPS. Great for geocaching too! A recommended geocaching GPS receiver.
Overall very, very happy with my buy. Got what I paid for. And some more the unit was smaller, lighter, and less bulkier than I expected. Took a walk around my estate and got the best 7m accuracy.
Got wishes and congratulations from the guys at the forum at malsingmaps.com...
About GPS satellite navigation: There are 27 GPS satellites obiting the Earth (24 operational & 3 spare), with at least 8-12 satellites hovering from one end of your horizon to the other(I normally get 12 though). 3 satellites calculate your position on the earth in terms of latitude and longitude. The 4th satellite provides your altitide. Your GPS receiver receives the data and shows it on a screen.
How GPS works: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm OR http://www.trimble.com/gps/
A GPS receiver can be used to mark a point, then allows you to track wherever you want and return to the point by telling the GPS to "track back"'. For more information about GPS, see this: http://www.garmin.com/
And btw for those who want to know why the heck I bought this and what a GPS receiver can be used for, check out this link on some funny(but true) ideas for using GPS: http://www.gpsinformation.org/dale/usegps.htm
Happy GPSing. :)
My first GPS receiver!
My own Garmin GPSMAP60C review (20 pics at bottom):
Unit casing and build:
The Garmin 60C is really well built! The manufacturer boasts that the unit is ''IPX7'', which means that it is submersible in 1 metre for 30 mins! (Of course I didn't dare challenge/test this). The unit has rubber linings all around it to protect the electronics, even the battery cover has a cute little metal locking D ring that can be turned to lock in the air. You can really feel the slight tension of a waterproof seal while locking this latch. I wouldn't worry about carrying this unit in the rain or accidentally dropping it into water, but remember to dry out the battery compartment after contact with water to prevent the battery contacts from rusting.
The size of the unit is very good, smaller than I had expected! It fits into my hand nicely, and I am able to punch in coordinates and do most things using 1 hand only. Truly a handheld GPS! The unit is slightly thick/fat. You might want to consider getting the Garmin Legend C or Vista C if you like a handphone sized outdoor cum automotive Garmin GPS receiver.
Transfer of maps to GPS receiver (GPSr):
This unit connects to the PC via USB 2.0, so loading times should be about the same as loading MP3s into a MP3 player. Indeed it took me less than 15 seconds to transfer 10MB of maps into the GPSr. I use the programme ''sendmap2.0'' (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mdipol/img2gps/) to upload the maps to my GPSr. Using the program is quick, efficient and easy. I used ''GPSMAPedit''( http://www.geopainting.com/en/ )view the GPS maps on my PC. Lets me zoom in and out on the map.
Satellite acquisition time:
Time taken for satellites to lock on was horrible indoors, over an hour in the house beside the window with not even a satellite locked. Probably due to the high rise buildings that surround my house. It was a much different story when in the open.Walked about 100m(300ft) from my house and the unit took roughly 1 minute (cold start) got a decent lock, 12m(36ft)! Quite overjoyed as this was my first time getting a position fix using my new GPS receiver. Later timings to get a position fix ranged from 15 seconds to 45 seconds, depending on location and postion of satellites in the sky and the number of GPS satellites above the horizon. I must comment that the time taken to fix is quite short, but I long for a GPS receiver that can, when powered on, immediately get a fix and be ready to navigate. Overall, the Garmin 60C locks pretty quickly.
Accuracy & performance(ability to hold lock) in urban areas/ heavy tree cover:
The average accuracy I get in urban Singapore is ranges from 9-14m(27-42ft), while being surrounded by buildings 20m(60ft) high. The best accuracy was on an elevated field with no surrounding high rise buildings was 7m(21ft). This remains my best accuracy as there is no WAAS in Singapore, sad to say it is only for the US.
The 60C, once having a position fix, rarely loses its satellite lock, except in tunnels, passing under concrete structures, or even on the roads of green city Singapore (you get 7m(21ft) trees on both sides of the road - not the skinny ones, but the mushroom shaped, leafy, branchy tropical kind eg. rain tree). At times with in heavilly built up areas with buildings up to 20 stories high, like Orchard Road and Toa Payoh, the GPSr loses its reception completely. It's hard to get another satellite fix. Under moderate tree cover (defined by me as having openings & breaks in the canopy the size of your two palms outstretched held up against the canopy), the 60C managed only to lock on to 2 satellites, not giving me real-time positioning. This is however a much improvement over older units which are confirmed not to received the slightest hint of a lock under trees.
Screen details:
The 60C delivers crisp images (though not on par with PDA screen standards) on its 256 colour TFT screen. Colours are really nice to view on the screen. The TFT thingy really helps; it enables me to see and read anything on the screen even in very bright sunlight. I just need to postion the screen in the right way. The screen is large enough, though not as large as a PDA's for me to do my usual routing and GPS stuff, but of course if there could be a unit with a larger screen it would be better.
Routing:
The 60C has routing capabilites, I was able to calculate routes within 4 seconds and the routes really improved the way I navigate the roads.
Battery life:
The 60C is an huge improvement over older units (I know I have been ranting about this, sorry), Garmin has improved the battery life on the newer models and the 60C has an advertised run time of 30hrs, typical use. I can testify to this, but must certainly add that using too much of the backlight causes the battery to drain after a while. Even then, I rarely have to change the batteries.
Issue of whether the 60C can ''float'' in water:
According to some forums, the 60C does ''semi-float'', with about half its body sticking out of the water. This is provided you use Lithium batteries. If you are worried about your GPSr sinking like a rock in water or use your GPSr around water, get the Garmin 76C, which is a handheld unit slightly larger than the 60C and can float.
Garmin's support after buying GPS:
Garmin provides excellent after sales service by providing firmware updates and fixes for your GPS via it's website. With firmware updates it enhances it products and its a major plus when comes to making decisions between buying different brands of GPSrs.
To sum it all up in a nutshell:
60C Pros:
+ Rugged and waterproof
+ Good satellite reception
+ Acquires satellites rather quickly
+ Colour screen, of good size
+ Screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight
+ Extended and longer battery life (about 30 hours).
+ Takes common AA batteries
+ Has routing capability
+ Comfortable size
+ Can connect to an external antenna
+ Compact size, can fit in larger pockets.
+ Faster processor
60C Cons:
- Does not have expandable memory (eg. SD/flash card) option
- Does not charge when connected to PC (if you are using Rechargable batteries)
- Basemap is not detailed. (You have to buy Garmin's Map CDs)
- To some the 60C is expensive.
Conclusion:
In all, the Garmin GPSMAP60C is a good deal, the best bang for the buck! The little unit boasts a nice colour screen and good satellite reception, on top of a whole lot of other things. Though I wish that when panning the map, streets and other details could be viewed real-time without waiting for the screen to reload. Hopefully there will be a better unit next time. I do not regret getting this for myself, though it may have been a bit painful on my wallet...($$$)... This unit has surpassed my expectations and has impressed me. I too recommend you to get this baby for yourself. You won't regret it. It's my first Garmin, and will certainly not be my last.
Pictures of Garmin 60C:
From Garmin:
My pictures of my GPS(Garmin GPSMAP60C):
Garmin 60C in box (front) :
Garmin 60C in box (back):
Garmin 60C in box (side):
Garmin 60C with screen protector (front):
Garmin 60C antenna close up (power button beside it):
Garmin 60C buttons (front):
Garmin 60C (back):
Garmin 60C (back with battery latch removed):
Garmin 60C MCX external antenna port (top left under weather cover on back):
Garmin 60C USB connection port (middle left below MCX port):
Garmin 60C external power connection port (top right):
Garmin 60C satellite screen:
Garmin 60C menu screen:
Garmin 60C trip computer screen:
Garmin 60C compass screen:
Garmin 60C "find" screen:
Garmin 60C map screen:
I hope I gave you an insight as to what the Garmin 60C is like. Hope that you enjoyed reading this review! The GPSMAP 60C - an excellent GPS, a work of art from Garmin, enjoyed by me and users around the world. A truly handheld Garmin GPS satellite navigation system that can be used as both an outdoor GPS and an automotive GPS. Great for geocaching too! A recommended geocaching GPS receiver.
Overall very, very happy with my buy. Got what I paid for. And some more the unit was smaller, lighter, and less bulkier than I expected. Took a walk around my estate and got the best 7m accuracy.
Got wishes and congratulations from the guys at the forum at malsingmaps.com...
About GPS satellite navigation: There are 27 GPS satellites obiting the Earth (24 operational & 3 spare), with at least 8-12 satellites hovering from one end of your horizon to the other(I normally get 12 though). 3 satellites calculate your position on the earth in terms of latitude and longitude. The 4th satellite provides your altitide. Your GPS receiver receives the data and shows it on a screen.
How GPS works: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm OR http://www.trimble.com/gps/
A GPS receiver can be used to mark a point, then allows you to track wherever you want and return to the point by telling the GPS to "track back"'. For more information about GPS, see this: http://www.garmin.com/
And btw for those who want to know why the heck I bought this and what a GPS receiver can be used for, check out this link on some funny(but true) ideas for using GPS: http://www.gpsinformation.org/dale/usegps.htm
Happy GPSing. :)
Labels: garmin 60C, gps, review
