Garmin GPSMAP 76 opinions? [Archive]

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1TallTXn

12-04-2006, 04:46 PM

I'm seriously looking at picking up a GPS here soon and was wondering what ya'lls opinions on these units.

being a button freak, I naturally want to go to the 76CSx for the expandable memory and compass and barometer, but would the CS, Cx, or S be enough for me?

I'm wanting to use it on the bike but I would also take it with me for cage trips and backpacking/canoing trips.

I know this isn't going to be nearly as useful on the bike as some of their other more car/bike oriented units, but I can't swing one of those and some thing for outdoor, non-powered use.

so what do ya'll think?

mhutch

12-04-2006, 05:24 PM

I have the CS and like it alot. The screen is a bit small but not so small that it is unusable or even irratating. There is more than enough storage space for maps and I have loaded it up before with most of NM, AZ, CO and some of UT. There are more features in it than I will ever use or want to use.

1TallTXn

12-04-2006, 05:40 PM

thought of another question, hows the detail on the basemap?

Tx White Knight

12-04-2006, 09:02 PM

The detail is ok but can be a bit hard to see on the small screen, I have GPSMAP76, it is grey scale and I can not follow it on the bike. Want to feel like a dope, get lost using a GPS "LOL"

Just my 2 pennies worth

BTW I think there is another thread on here for someone selling a 76 with color??

1TallTXn

12-04-2006, 09:22 PM

Thanks for the opinion.

Bushwacker has a GPSMAP 76CS for sale in the classifieds on here.
I think that would work just fine for me, but I can't swing a GPS right now. too many other bills to get paid before I splurge on another toy.

mhutch

12-05-2006, 06:42 PM

thought of another question, hows the detail on the basemap?

Basemap will get you freeways and state highways and some major roads. Not really that useful for finding the fun stuff. You will have to have somebodies map software.

Tx Rider

12-07-2006, 03:14 PM

I couldn't imagine getting one without the expandable memory myself.

The basemaps are useless for more than main highway riding, and you could probably get by without memory expansion if your not going too far.

If you need to load topo maps I would think the memory would be really nice.

I use expanded memory cards always as I usually load up both street maps and topo maps for wherever I go, and do a lot of backroads and dual sporting. The topo maps aren't nearly as memory friendly as the street maps.

I did read something about garmin getting the street maps a lot more compressed and a lot smaller memory footprint this year though. Dunno what models can use the new maps though.

bushwhacker

12-07-2006, 04:04 PM

I did read something about garmin getting the street maps a lot more compressed and a lot smaller memory footprint this year though. Dunno what models can use the new maps though.

When the new Metro Guide came out I was one of the first to buy and install.

What a disappointment.

The way they kept the memory down is to take most of the roads off the map.

The old Metro Guide has pretty much the same level of detail as Topo for rural and back roads. Sometimes you have to be zoomed in a little further to see them but they are all there. The new Metro Guide doesn't have near the same level of detail.

Maybe the average Metro Guide user doesnt need it or maybe they figure without it there they will sell more Topo maps. What ever the reason do not waste your money. Find someone with the old version.

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swallack

12-08-2006, 06:22 AM

I have a 76CX & got the street level detailed DVD for North America (City Navigator, North American edition). I use a 512MB micro-SD card & it holds about 1/3 - 1/2 of the US depending on which zones I load. Garmin didn't certify it, but some folks have said they use a 1GB card & load the whole US (said it's about 7-800MB).

I have it mounted on my handlebars using some RAM Mount stuff & it works great.

Tx Rider

12-08-2006, 02:04 PM