OVERVIEW:

The GPS-60C appears to us to be the new "GPS for all".  Just as the GPS-12xl in its time was a universal favorite that fitted many needs,  we think the G-60C will be the universal favorite now.  In the past,  Garmin has "segmented" the GPS market into Outdoor, Marine, Car Navigator, and Aviation.  The G-60C does a good job at Car Navigation and Outdoor applications and a passable job with marine guidance.  We think this combination will fit a lot of people's needs.   This system has more different user screen options than any unit that we have reviewed. See sample screens HERE.

The G-60C has a sunlight-readable display with 256-color transreflective TFT display.  It is also the first color screen handheld we have seen that offers a long battery life.  Garmin's claims 30 hours on just two AA alkaline cells seems to be about right for intermittent use without a backlight.  When we first looked at the screen of the G-60C indoors,  we felt the screen had to have the backlight on to be readable.  BUT.. When we took it outside in even cloudy weather,  we found the display quite bright and readable without the backlight.  This results from Garmin's mew display technology.  This product includes  automatic present-position-to-address feature  routing  and WAAS in   a small handheld GPSR similar in size to the Garmin Rino units but with a larger display (1.5" W x 2.2" H, 38mm x 56mm).  With automatic routing,  users can input the address or waypoint of a destination and the G-60C will compute a route and give turn-by-turn instructions as the route is navigated.   The GPS provides a moving cursor on the moving map showing your position on the GPSR's internal map.  As a turn approaches, the map switches to a track-up display to aid in the visualization of the needed turn.  Two warnings are sounded prior to the turn.

The G-60C DOES NOT come with any mapping software in the standard package. It is designed to work with  "CitySelect 5" (NavTech-based maps) but it will work with CityNavigator, Garmin TOPO maps,  MetroGuide 4 and 5,  World Map and various Garmin Marine maps.     MG5 uses NavTech maps but will not autoroute on the G-60C, but will on the PC.  The user can download routes and waypoints from the PC to the G-60C for routing use.   CitySelect software is similar to "CityNavigator" software furnished with the StreetPilot 2610 units.  CitySelect has the same excellent (but not perfect) maps,  but routing information has been slightly modified for the non-voice G-60C and similar models.   Using the optional (extra cost) CitySelect 5 maps, a user can install ALL (or just some) USA regions and available Canada maps into a PC computer.  Then the user selects which map subsections to load to fill all or part of the G-60C's 56 megabytes of map memory.  Memory is not expandable.  The G-60C will NOT accept memory cartridges.  Street Prices are approximately $415US.  Check Discount prices (HERE).

In the state of Georgia, 56 megs will hold 100% of Georgia plus small bits of Fl., SC, Tn, and Al.  The "map chunks" loaded do NOT need to be contiguous.    Note:  The G-60C contains a base map which contains all of the major federal and state highways of the USA and Canada.  The G-60C can perform automatic routing on the basemap as well as using either CS5/CN5 or MG4 USA maps for this purpose.  Thus,  the user can load detailed maps for (say) Atlanta and Denver.  Then have G-60C generate a route to an address in Denver from Atlanta.  The G-60C will use the CS (or MG USA) map at the beginning and end of the route and the base map along the way.  This eliminates the need to load CS (or other detailed) maps for the highway portions of most journeys. NOTE:  The basemap in the G-60C  comes in multiple versions depending on the part of the world the G-60C is sold into.  The base map CANNOT be changed and so if you <for instance> buy a USA unit and use it in Europe,  you will have to load CitySelect maps into the G-60C for all areas you intend to navigate as the USA version basemap has little detail for any part of the world except the USA and Canada.

NOTES:  This review is based on G-60C  firmware version 3.00, and current version number can be seen by holding ENTER while turning the unit  ON.  This also gives the diagnostics page.  Press PAGE multiple times brings up additional diagnostic screens. ON+PAGE clears the almanac, and ON+MENU is an erase of stored GPS calibration and waypoint information!

The G-60C does not come with a road map system in the kit as do some Garmin units.  Instead, it comes with a POI CD and software which allows upload and download of waypoints, routes and tracks.  Garmin recommends the MapSource CitySelect maps for this product.  This review is based on the use of CityNavigator maps and not CitySelect maps because CN5 maps were what we had handy.  Results <should> be identical for the two map systems.  Garmin recommends their 24K Topo product for use in OffRoad activities.  As of  February 2004,  NO software other than Garmin's MapSource CDROM Maps can be uploaded into the G-60C (All consumer GPS vendors have the same limitation for their respective units.  This includes Delorme Street Atlas 9, Microsoft Streets, and all other non-Garmin road maps.   Additional features of MapSource uploadable maps are discussed below.)

The G-60C has the ability to generate an AUTOMATIC route from your current location to another point.  The destination point can be any of:  an address, waypoint,  road intersection,  city or town,  highway exit,  Point of Interest from the internal list, or Recently Found Places.   This extremely flexible system is easy to operate and works quite well.   We see generally high quality routes generated with some that are "adequate" but not the ones we would have chosen,  but the performance we see is on a par with the best current model autonavigators we have tested.

It is  possible to generate a route internal to the G-60C from any destination other than your current location, PROVIDED you are in the Simulator mode and use the New Location feature from the Satellite Page.  It is also possible to manually generate a route by going to the route page and panning the pointer and setting a series of waypoints along your intended route.   Routes can also be generated from within MapSource and uploaded to the unit.  NOTE: Vias are not currently supported in the conventional sense. However since the60C series is intended as an outdoor unit that also auto routes, you may use this work-around.   When you create a route by defining the destination, and then auto routing to it, a simple method of inserting the via point is not available. The method that allows the use of via points is to utilize a saved route, define your destination, and any intermediate points (your vias) and then select follow road when you activate this route. It will then calculate a route using your via points.

The current routing systems available cannot know traffic conditions or detailed road conditions and so they will not always be able to take local conditions into account when generating a route. When using CitySelect or CityNavigator,  the routes are almost always in the "excellent" or  "very good" class.  (Note:  By "very good",  We mean:  The route was (almost) as good as the one we would have chosen, or the route was efficient,  direct,  and without problems,  but was not exactly the route one would have chosen for themselves being familiar with the area.)

HOW DOES THE USER INPUT A ROUTE REQUEST TO THE G-60C?  It is pretty easy,  but pictures help.   Click HERE
Note: In addition to Addresses,  you can route to POI, Intersections,  Waypoints,  Cities, Expressway Exits and Recently found places.

MANUAL ROUTE GENERATION:
Garmin supplied this solution:  Put the unit in simulator mode and then on that same satellite page press the menu button again and scroll down to new location and press enter. Then choose the option of use map and press enter on it. The next thing you will do is to move the pointer on the screen with your rocker pad to where you want the unit to think is your current location or starting point. Then press the find button on your unit and enter the destination you wish to route to.  The unit will create a route from that starting point to the destination you set it to.  Page over to the Turn-by-turn page, press MENU, and then Save Route.  One can then use Automatic Route Recalculation ON or OFF to get the desired routing instructions.

WAYPOINTS: 1000 with name and graphic symbol,  automatic display of 10 nearest and with 10 proximity waypoints.

TRACKLOGS:  The tracklog capacity is 10,000 trackpoints with 20 saved compressed tracks with 500 points each.  Allows user to retrace his steps.

ROUTES: 50 reversible routes with up to 250 points in each route plus MOB and TrackBack modes.

Tracklog resolution can be set to Auto, Time or Distance.  With WAAS, this unit is well suited for placing or recovery of Geocached objects.  It has no  trouble, with a few minutes averaging in the clear, to establish a reference point within 3 meters.

SCREEN RESOLUTION COMPARISONS:

Note: Above pictures are NOT to scale but show the different screen resolutions and presentation methods of the three models.  The pixel count of the G-60C screen is  (160 x 240 pixels) while the GPS-V is 160x256 and the eMap is 120x160 and that is reflected in the above pictures.  The actual size of the G-60C screen is 1.5 x 2.2 inches and the GPS-V screen is approximately 1.5"x 2.2" which is same as the G-III+ shown on the right with its 100x160 pixel display. ALL of the screens are about the same physical size, but our pictures from different times using different screen dump programs fail to show this.  Resolution suffers when we tried to make them all the same size as we no longer have the original images to work with.

HOW GOOD ARE THE Garmin MetroGuide CitySelect 5 and CityNavigator 5 MAPS?

One of the first thing you'll notice when looking at the maps  is the higher resolution screen of the G-60C  and the GPS-V compared with the G-III+ and others.  The CitySelect 5 and CityNavigator 5 and MetroGuide 5 maps are substantial improvements over earlier maps,  but you will still find errors and omissions in some areas.   There are even a few rural areas where the old Metroguide 4 maps have more detail and accuracy.    Overall  we rate the CS/CN (NavTech Source)  maps excellent and MG4 USA we rate as "very good".  We found that the CS5/CN5 map/data system regularly generates better routes (more like what you would do) than the MG4 USA.  However,  in cases where you do not want to "blindly follow the directions",  you can deviate on your own selected path and the G-60C will automatically recalculate the route.  In our experiences,  all three map systems would get you to your destination.  A very few times,  we did notice MG4 USA takes some strange detours,  but these were rare.

The G-60C Receiver

The new G-60C appears to have an improved receiver.  In tests,  it was generally able to pick up just as many and sometimes more than a GPS-76 that we compared it with.     (Don't read too much into this as sample to sample variations do occur.)  All GPS-5 cable accessories work with the G-60C.  The G-60C has been enhanced with additional user map memory (total=56megabytes),  WAAS operability,  a high definition daylight viewable color screen,  perpetual calendar,  fish/hunt predictor (useful?).  It also includes six electronic games  for when you get bored with GPS Unlike the GPS-V,  there is no  gas mileage calculator feature.  The G-60C has an alarm BEEPER used for alarms (8 selectable tones),  messages and turn warnings.  All of the added memory in the G-60C is internal as opposed to a removable cartridge.   Unique in the Garmin line at this time,  the G-60C comes with both a USB jack and an older style round GPS-V serial cable jack.   The G-60C receiver comes  with (only) a USB  DATA cable for loading maps and updated firmware.  The older serial port type cable is NOT included.  You WILL need the serial type cable if you want to provide external power to the unit.

There are many new menus in the G-60C to support the many new features but those familiar with the GPS-V, StreetPilot and other Garmin  units will be right at home with the operation of the G-60C.  With the G-60C  you can do the usual  route/waypoint/track  management,  (including TrackBack and MARK) plus,  the automatic address-to-address routing capability can operate to design routes INSIDE the G-60C itself.  Pressing ON plus MENU will erase all of the user data.  The GPS-60C uses FLASH memory for long term storage and thus has NO backup battery which in the past has been prone to failure.

SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY:  Testing not Complete

As with many other Garmin models, G7ToWin can be used to up/download/archive waypoints,  routes,  and tracksT  on the serial port.  This data can also be displayed on Street Atlas in a more useful manner.

Street Atlas 2004 can calculate routes, create waypoints, and upload these to the G-60C.  SA8 can download tracks (with bogus lines), but cannot download waypoints or routes.  Ozi Explorer is completely compatible with the G-60C for up/downloading/editing and archiving data.

OTHER FEATURES:

Other new features in the G-60C include a "pop up" direction screenshowing a blown up picture of the coming intersection with an arrow pointing the way to turn and a couple of BEEPS at different distances from the intersection  to warn you of the upcoming turn.  Proximity waypoints are also supported with the beep alarm.  The screen backlight can be made quite bright.  Probably among the brightest we have seen.  Running the backlight frequently or for long durations  will dramatically reduce battery life.

Our estimate of battery life in the Normal Mode for the G-60C with alkaline batteries is approximately 27 hours (continuous) based on 70ma battery draw and a 1900mah typical AA alkaline battery life at 70ma.  A "Battery Saver" mode that provides a fix every five seconds as opposed to once per second is supposed to increase battery life by about 30%; however, this mode prevents using the WAAS corrections.  We measured 68ma in both the Normal and Battery Saver modes, because lock is required for the Battery Saver mode feature to kick in.   With the backlight set to brightest, the unit draws 125ma (about 14 hours of life).  In the Indoor (no GPS lock) mode, the unit draws only 40ma and should run for 45 hours.

FEATURES of the G-60C

We are going to try something new in explaining the features of the G-60C.  The number of option screens is quite large and the some features are somewhat obscure and difficult to find.  Therefore,  we are going to show screen photos of most of the G-60C's operational screens and this will (hopefully) give a feature overview without too many words.   For this screen detail and overview,  click HERE.
The "highway display" useful for marine applications is substituted by the above pointer which can be changed from a Bearing pointer to a Course pointer.  "Bearing" is the direct direction to the next routepoint from present position.
The Course pointer calculates a fixed line from present position or a routepoint to the next routepoint.  The "To Course" command directs one immediately back to the course line.  NOTE that the Bearing pointer is not the direction of the course line which remains fixed.  Also note the TO/FROM flag which is present in an aircraft HSI.

   HOW DOES THE G-60C DIFFER FROM THE GPS-V?  (Not an exhaustive listing)
1) Daylight viewing color screen with lower current backlighting for night viewing.
2) Fixed Helix Antenna
3) There is a Trip Computer Page.
4) Lower battery drain gives about 27 hours life on just 2 alkaline AA batteries.
5) The G-60C has 8 selectable  audio BEEP for alarms,  messages,  and routing alerts.
6) The G-60C has a user programmable message for the initial Welcome Screen.
7) The G-60C has an alkaline and NiMH battery selection so "battery time to go" is more accurate.
8) The G-60C has both a USB and a Serial data cable connector.  Not all functions are available on both cables.
9) The G-60C has waypoint averaging and AREA CALCULATION.
10) The G-60C is lighter than the GPS-V and weighs only 7.6 oz. (215 g) with Alkaline batteries
11)    The G-60C has the same operating temperature range of 5ºF to 158ºF (-15ºC to 70ºC)
12) The G-60C has automatic daylight savings time and automatic time zone selection for the world. (cross check on  this.)
13) The G-60C has only TWO AA batteries, yet gets much better battery life than the GPS-V.
14) The G-60C has spring fingers on BOTH ends of each battery to reduce or eliminate battery disconnect with vibration/shock.
15) The G-60C has unique features for GeoCache users.
16) The G-60C has a quick disconnect belt hook assembly.
17)  The G-60C has 50 reversible routes, 10,000 track points with TracBack and 1000 waypoints with many new graphical icons.
18) The G-60C has up to  56 megabytes of user map memory for detailed road, topo or other maps.
19) The G-60C has six electronic games included for kids and adults alike.
20) The G-60C has no memory backup battery to fail.

CITY SELECT AND METROGUIDE  USA MAPPING PRODUCTS More Details:

The  Garmin MapSource CitySelect5/CityNavigator5 maps are high quality electronic maps using NavTech map data.  NavTech has excellent maps (the best GPS/Electronic maps we know of),  and they now offer complete USA coverage plus most of the populated areas of Canada.  European, Australian, and South African Maps are also available.   The optional MetroGuide USA covers the entire USA,  but these maps are less accurate and the routes are somewhat less likely to please as compared with the CitySelect map system.   Note:  For the purposes of discussion,  CityNavigator and CitySelect provide almost identical maps and performance.  CN5 is designed for the SP-III/26xx and CS is designed for the G-60C, iQue and the GPS-5.

The MetroGuide 4 USA maps (see MG USA FAQ for more information)  are also compatible with the G-60C and will autoroute.  HOWEVER, the latest MG5 maps DO NOT have autoroute capability.   In some rural areas,  these maps have more streets than the more expensive CitySelect and  CityNavigator maps.  See HEREfor a comparison.   Not nearly as complete as CityNavigator5 and CitySelect5,  MG USA does include an extensive listing of POIs including restaurants,  hospitals,  post offices,  lodging,  entertainment,  shopping,  emergency services,  and transportation services but these will not be as complete as CS5/CN5.  We can say that "generally" the POI data is accurately positioned on all these products,  but there are many restaurants,  hotels,  post offices,  and other POI that are conspicuous by their absence in our area and quite a few are out of position.  However,  there are a large number available and we do find the POI very useful.  MetroGuide4  USA road accuracy is judged "good"  by Jack and Joe.  CitySelect5 and CityNavigator5 we judge accuracy to be "good to excellent".  MetroGuide 5 maps are better but do not offer autorouting in the GPS.

  MetroGuide 4 USA maps are more up to date than the older MetroGuide and R&R maps.  MapSource 4.03 (or later) includes the ability to track your progress on your laptop computer when it is connected to your GPSR with the data cable.  Note:  MapSource 4.03  and later is a free update from the Garmin website for purchasers of ANY MapSource product.  MapSource MetroGuide USA will not run on MAC computers without an emulator and many are not successful even with an emulator.

MetroGuide USA was NOT designed to provide uploadable maps to the G-60C and Garmin will provide NO SUPPORT if you choose to use these maps.

The G-60C is a superior product overall.  It provides a complete Car Navigator feature and Hiking GPS features as well as a useful set of Marine navigation features. While it is not as inexpensive as the GPS-5 and some other competitors,  we think the color screen is about the best we have seen for out-in-the-sunshine use.  .  Other solutions such as the  SP2610,  SP-III,  and various handheld palm computer products (Magellan Companion and Raco Destinator for example) offer larger (and optionally color) screens but the overall feature mix in the G-60C is hard to beat for users looking for a "full featured and general purpose" handheld GPS receiver.  The G-60C is a general purpose unit equally at home hiking or on the highway and useful in casual marine applications.  The "ON ROAD" option provides good highway and road guidance with specialized screens.  The "OFF ROAD" mode provides the standard Garmin circular compass display that we like for hiking and marine use and other G-60C features make the unit quite suitable for hiking activities as well as on the highway use.

We found the battery life excellent and the longest we have seen with a color screen and especially with just two AA alkaline batteries.  We liked the higher speed CPU which results in much faster screen redraws and route recalculations as compared with the GPS-V.    We found the G-60C equally robust as compared with the GPS-V and it is rated waterproof to IPX-7.  The G-60C antenna is sturdy and the overall construction appears robust and this unit should be as waterproof as any other Garmin unit.

The GPS-60C does NOT have a rotatable screen like the GPS-V had but we like the vertical screen in the car and when we are hiking better anyway.

The GPS-60CS is essentially the same instrument as the G-60C but with a barometer and electronic compass added.  We have not tested this configuration.

WHAT DO WE NOT LIKE ABOUT THE G-60C?
There is not a lot to complain about with the G-60C.  It packs a lot of functionality in a small package.  But:
1) We wish the backlight setting did not go to zero automatically when power is turned off.
2) We wish the G-60C had a map cartridge capability.
3) For Car Navigation guidance,  the spoken cues of the SP-2610/2650 are missed.  (How quickly we are spoiled!)
4) We wish the various "page names" stayed on each of the many pages until the space was otherwise needed.  The unit has so many different pages we sometimes got confused at first as to what setup pages we were looking at.

Check latest Discount prices for the Garmin GPS-60C and 60CS HERE.

 For questions about the G-60C hardware or mapping software, eMail JOE or JACK

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