Pros: Accurate, large screen size, floats, waterproof, will fit in pocket, 24 megabites of space, reception
Cons: a bit bulky but it is a trade off for the large screen
The Bottom Line: Accurate, large screen size, floats, waterproof, will fit in pocket, 24 megabites of map storage, fantastic reception and will blow away any Magellan product. Would not leave home without it!
daverad's Full Review: Garmin GPS 76 Handheld GPS Receiver
I love this little GPS unit! I use it while kayaking, hiking, geocaching, fishing, hunting, riding my ATV and driving.
I purchased this unit for $379.95 on www.gpsnow.com with $6.95 dollars shipping. I choose to buy it here because of the return policy and the low price. I also purchased Metroguide here as well. This is a software that will allow you to upload maps into your unit. I would not buy this unit without doing this. The GPS is much more accurate with this installed into its memory.
I have not had any problems with the signal reception to this unit. Although, some of you might not realize (I know I didn't!) that the unit cannot be obstructed in anyway from getting a signal from the satellites. It is not like a cell phone. If you’re in a building there is no way GPS is going to work; however, this is the best reception I have ever seen on a unit. I have had no problem with tree cover in the woods. I recommend that if you are going into the woods that you start it up before entering if you have the opportunity to. This is supposed to help the unit stay in contact with the satellites.
If you are in the woods a lot I suggest getting the TOPO maps from Mapsourse. This will give you some trails and landmarks that Metroguide will not provide for you.
The unit allows you to upload 24 megabits of information to it. This is enough for about 2/3's of a region. If you have to take a trip to a different region you will have to upload the new maps and remove the old, which you can upload back to the unit at another time. I would not go with a unit with any less than 24 megabits. This amount seems to be just enough to get by.
This unit floats and is waterproof. The only thing I worry about is dropping it.
The screen size on this unit is perfect. I would NOT go any smaller. It would be too small if I mounted it in my car, ATV or a boat if I did this. My getting this size you can use this unit for all applications in my opinion.
For mounting opportunities with this unit I would purchase a mounting system through ram-mount.com. I have a mount for my ATV and my vehicle that work great!
Garmin makes a much better product than Magellan. Their software seems to be more complete and accurate. Also, their units seem to get better reception.
GPS has opened a whole new world for me. I am able to mark my favorite fishing spots, find restaurants and addresses with Mapsourse software - Metroguide, find my way out of the woods and go on adventures with friends and family trying to locate hidden caches in the city and mountains through the website www.geocaching.com. (I highly recommend trying this a few times!)
I hope this article helps! If you have any questions please email me at dradlma@yahoo.com.
UPDATE: 8/16/04
This unit is still serving me well. It has been almost TWO years!! The prices have gotten a bit better too. I would try this link:
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