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This device is very nice GPS receiver for the price. I like the reliable construction and functionality. The ergonomic layout of the control buttons and the screen size is good for hand held use, not as good for mobile use. More memory size and color display may do better job, remember this one is monochromatic with just four level of grays and have only 8mb of memory. Anyway, this do not mean that you can not use on your car, I actually do, and with the mapSource v8 map section of my living area it really do the job. Internal GPS antenna really surprise me. This device is not hard to use and can guide you better than a plain paper map. But if you are good reading paper map, both instrument make your journey more enjoyable. Do not get afraid for the obsolescence on this device, Garmin still have firmware upgrade (for free) and different compatible DVD Maps that you can easily use. Please check that you buy yours with the original cables, they have Garmin special connector. If you are a nation wide traveler buy another big memory device unless you like to upload the corresponding map section of each visited area every time. In my case, the tree zone maps of Puerto Rico fit into the 8mb memory without a problem. But this may be different on your location. I like it and you will not get disappointed with its functionality. MiltonRead full review
What's to Like: I bought this for use on the water. It works well there providing information like speed, direction, distance and path traveled. I use Google earth to come up with coordinates to put in manually to create routes. The Garmin interface software for this device is "OK". It requires a little practice to become proficient. Battery life is good approaching 10 to 12 hours. What's to dislike: This older device doesn't interface with the free Garmin Macintosh software. I sent an email to Garmin and they got back to me in a day or so letting me know not to waste my time. It does interface well with my Windows XP box. The unit doesn't come with a software disk so, you have to download the "Garmin Training" software to get what is needed to download routes and tracks etc. from the device. The purchase of a serial to usb adapter was also required (about $20- $30). It's reception under forest canopy is poor, so hiking in the forest is hit or miss. Basically you get a signal then as you hike it will be lost, then the device shuts off. Once there is a clear view of the sky you can turn it on again to get a new waypoint and you track will pick up again. I have used it in my bicycle jersey pocket for road rides (it's a little big, but not onerous) and it performs fine going in and out of shaded areas of the road. Also, the position of the device is important as it is supposed to be held vertically for best reception. Why I bought this: I opted for this specific unit because it was a marine model fully knowing that there would be limited ability and compatibility compared to newer models. This was a refurb model for $99 in mid 2009, the least expensive unit that could do what I wanted under the conditions I'd most likely be using it. What I might wish for: The base maps in this unit are poor at best, just indicating where channel markers are, but no channel edges, depths, etc. The garmin maps adding this capability are expensive. I have been researching NOAA map downloads and conversions, but haven't found an easy path and probably won't pursue it as I expect next generation devices to be able use other map formats and still be affordable.Read full review
Garmin 76 is probably my all-time favorite electronic device. It is engineered and built extremely well -- very rugged and with an excellent user interface. Although I haven't used Magellens and other brands of handheld GPS units but I have friends that own them and there way more complicated , I have used the Garmin 12XL that this is roughly modeled after. And I have used much more expensive DGPS Trimble units. Having gone over the same tracks and points with both the $8,000 Trimble unit and this $200 Garmin unit, my suggestion is not to bother with Trimble unless getting from 15 feet to 3 feet accuracy is really important to you. I use this unit for boating, and particular points. And even under cover, the Garmin 76 will generally get within about 20 feet of the actual location if you sit on the point long enough to allow the unit to average out its satellite readings (~2 minutes). (This is the only complaint I have compared to the 12XL, which has a better waypoint averaging feature.) And the "breadcrumb trail" tracks that the unit collects is great for mapping trails, etc. These tracks are generally accurate within 50 feet. There are some great third-party progams (such as "GarTrip") that allow easy uploading of GPS data into a computer. I use ArcView 3.3 GIS mapping program to handle GPS data, it works wonderfully with the Garmin 76, particularly with free third-party ArcView extensions such as "DNRGarmin." I can also upload points and tracks into the 76, but it doesn't handle as much data as the 76Map. To me the 76Map worth the extra cost, particularly because Garmin's maps aren't very detailed (1:250,000 I think), and Garmin's upload/download software is overpriced and underfeatured IMHO. The screen is a great improvement over the grainy 12XL screen, and the multiple keys work perfectly. The case is very rugged, and battery life is decent (about 4 hours with 1300 mAh NiMh rechargeable batteries). The newer Garmin 72 may be just as good -- worth a look since it may be lower priced. The 76 is supposedly a "marine" GPS and it does have helpful marine oriented features, such as tides tables and a man-overboard button. All-in-all, it is amazing what something the size of 2 cigarette packs can do!Read full review
The 76 series of Garmins are tough, waterproof, and they float. They have large screens and good antennas. They have lots of storage capacity, good accuracy, and are easy to use. I like them especially because of the large screen and the buttons are clear and marked on the front. Once you learn how to go through the menus, you won't need a manual as they are easy to use. I have used Garmin 76maps for at least 12 years now at work and on my fishing boat...I used them at work and then bought them for myself I was convinced. Garmin units work well with MapSource, ArcMap, and OziExplorer software. I don't imagine I will be buying any other type unless the GPS technology goes defunct.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76 GPS Receiver is an excellent handheld GPS for the money. The manufacturer has installed many user-friendly features that make the first time buyer or the professional happy. They manufacturer has excellent customer service and many additional add-ons to make this unit an extremely versatile GPS to be used in town, on trips, hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, four wheeling or camping. Suggestion: 1. One of the best ways to protect investment is to purchase a Protective Case for this GPS. You can find a top of the in line protective case that protects while allowing full viewing and access to all the features of your GPS unit. See a variety of cases at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2 2. Purchase cable accessories that allow you to upload or download maps and data from your GPS. Purchase a 12v auto charger so that you can always keep you unit charged before heading out cross-country. Purchase quality power and data cables at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2 3. Purchase an Amplified External GPS Antenna for the unit. The internal antenna is ok but will become intermittent in high buildings, cloudy skies and stormy weather. Purchase a quality, high gain remote antenna. See specification on 28dB and 55dB GPS antenna at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2 Cheers – Fis4herRead full review