Garmin GPSMAP 76Cx Handheld GPS

This is a great GPS. Yes there are better on the market but this one does everything I need it to with a good price. This is an upgrade from a Garmin 120. I looked at all the newer units on line (Oregon, Colorado etc...) and this one does everything I need it to. Yes it is bigger. I actually like that. Here is why:I use this primarily for kayaking and canoeing YEAR AROUND. The larger buttons on top of the unit are much easier to push with a gloved finger. This allows you to push down and not have to pick up the unit to push side buttons. Large COLOR display! This screen can be seen in all conditions of light. The back light works good as well. Single button function. Since this unit is geared toward marine use there is a button for "man over board" which marks the location and sets all navigation aids to get you back to that point where someone fell in. There is also a single button to mark a waypoint...nice when your paddling in rough conditons.Battery life is pretty good, still on the same set of batteries and I use it 3-5hours a week. I am using an older version of the map software but it still has the ability to pull up the tide info from various markers in Long Island Sound.This unit picks up the satalites quick! My buddy has an Oregon model and mine usually has 3D nav in less than a minute where his oregon takes 2-3 and more if he used it in say Cape Cod then uses it in the Sound.(More than 200 mile difference in location)I wouldn't recommend this model for hiking, too big and bulky, but for my purposes on a 17 foot kayak or 16 ft canoe...no issuesSo, is there better, probably. But if your not concerned about size, you like the buttons on top with an easy display, this is your model. I certainly couldn't be happier with this product. I hope this helps you make your decision.

There was still green corrosion contents inside the battery compartment, hoping it didnt go further inside the electical n slowly corrode it.

Having used a huge number of GPS units over many years, I must say that the 76CX is very good.Pro'sRemovable memory (now up to 1GB)Can be powered from 2 AA cells for a long time.Nice Color Screen, no back light needed daytimeWater resistantNo easy to break off partsCan be powered from USB connection!Memory Cards(Micro SD) can be written to outside of unitDoes a good job routing for automobile useHas marine and geocaching functions as well as hiking stuff like track logs etc.fair pricingLots of optionally available mapsGarmin support is good including firmware updates that add functionality.Cons:Screen could be largerRequires purchase of maps for street level(but this keeps price down, for people who aren't driving with it)Even with car kit unit doesn't talk at all("turn right next" or more recent auto units that pronounce street names)like the NUVI units do.That said this and the 60 series are the only GPS units that you can drive with as well as use for hiking/boating/geocaching that work really well. The Magellan units that support both Meridian and Explorist are not nearlly as nice from a hardware, software and firmware point of view.I will keep this unit until Garmin comes out with one that talks and pronounces street names as well as all the other functions that the 76 has. Would have also cosidered the 60CX but the price of the 76CX was better with the rebate offered this month.

rugged and reliable with real time differential correction. I wish they still made these

Before buying read all the review comments about problems installing maps. I ordered this unit a month ago and still can't use it. The map that comes with shows little more detail than Interstate highways. So, I ordered what I thought was City Navigator NT map software from Amazon but it was an update and could not be installed unless I already owned the software. Garmin agreed for an additional $30 (in addition to the $70 paid for the update) to exchange the update for the actual City Navigator NT and promised that I would receive the replacement in 4 days after receipt of my return. I received it 18 days after I sent them the update by Priority Mail. Now, when I try to install the software, the unlock code does not work. Nothing on the web page instructs how to do so if there are problems. I'm calling on the Friday before Labor Day, and they are closed through the weekend. So, no possibility of using it for Labor Day travels. I had also wanted to use this unit for hiking but consider the option of installing topo maps to be impossible. The unit satellite system works very well, but unless you are prepared to go through the expense of buying a different mapping software for every use and go through the complications of getting them installed, it's basically a nice (and expensive) paperweight that shows your coordinates.

this technology is outdated now because touch screen technology has taken over. the menu options and user friendliness of this unit are restricted by buttons and features of the unit that inhibit smooth flowing use of it. it serves its purpose but i wish i had gone with the newer touch screen technology.

This is a great handheld GPS. My old Garmin 12 finally woreout after 15 years and I bought the 76 and it is as easy to operate and has so many more features. It uses half the batteries and has color. The only down side is it that it is a little larger, but that makes for a larger screen.