Touring, mapping GPSR from Garmin, which to choose?

[hamilgs]

I've read the posts at some length, and noticed that there has not been a lot of traffic on the selection of a touring, mapping GPSR from Garmin in recent months. My local Craigslist has two GPS60CSX for sale at a good price (one NIB, the other good used), & I've wondered if the advice given by Fred & others has changed any since fall of 2011. If I get the 60CSX, what am I giving up for touring over the 62 series which I understand replaces the 60 series?--george

[FredHiltz]

The main change may or may not be important to you: Alasdair has successfully put waypoints of the entire TA route into an Oregon 450, which holds 2000 like the 62 series. http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=10425.0 The 60 series holds 1000 waypoints, needing a reload part way from a flash drive or a CD, as we have discussed.

Both units can hold all the maps for a cross-country ride.

Not terribly useful for cycling, but for hiking the ability to load custom maps in the 62 might be worth the extra cost.

Fred

[hamilgs]

Thanks Fred, I think there is a 60CSX in my future.

[tentwentyam]

I'm currently on the Transamerica trail and I have the entire trail loaded into my Garmin 62s  with the POI's as well (at least I think I have most of them). It's working very well, and is pretty easy to follow the straightline navigation. With an cheap SDcard I am also able to have the city navigator maps.

[hamilgs]

I ordered a Garmin Oregon 450 touch screen mapping GPSR today, and plan to add City Navigator  on DVD + some topo maps.  I'll report back after I get some time on it. I did not particularly want the camera of the 550, and the Montana series was just more than I wanted to spend, but did want the 3 axis compass & barometric altimeter thus the 450.

[geegee]

I have an eTrex but I'm saving up for a Montana 600. I like the large touch screen and the dual battery flexibility.

[hamilgs]

Oregon 450 arrived, registered with Garmin (another account user & pw, grumble, grumble) updated the S/W, and now playing with the unit.  My brother has a an eTrex, and when compared, the eTrex screen is much crisper, & easier to read under most conditions even with the backlight at brightest setting on teh 450 (indoor, outdoor sunny day in the shade)  About the only condition where the Oregon is nearly equally readable is in bright sun.  So far no too pleased with the display.

Also the touch screen is much less sensitive than my touch screen Smartphone, so I’m still learning the Oregon.  I have not yet found an adjustment for the touch screen sensitivity.