Garmin’s new ‘X’ models; What does ‘X’ add? Is SiRF good?

[hogrod]

@Team Deejay wrote:

Before you buy this, you should also consider the 60Cx, which does all the good things of the CSx without the internal compass (or barometric altimeter). Usually this is around $50 cheaper. I tried a CSx and decided the internal compass was too finicky for me, requiring that the GPS be held at a specific angle and requiring frequent recalibrations (if you ever see anyone spinning in circles while holding a GPS parallel to the ground, they are calibrating their compass). I have found the regular GPS altitude readings to be within 20 feet of posted altitudes, so I don’t really see the point of the barometric altimeter for any application.

Additionally, no matter where you buy it, Garmin is offering a $50 rebate on the 60CSx and 60Cx (as well as the etrex Xs). here is a link to the coupon:

http://www.garmin.com/whatsNew/currentpromotions/pdfs/gpsmap60_etrex_series.pdf

I completely agree with Team Deejay, I opted for the 60cx and haven’t had any regrets. I read around online before my purchase and noticed most complaints were dealing with the sensors, also I had a chance to use a 60csx a few days before I ordered the 60cx…. I thought the sensors sucked(my opinion, other will probably disagree).
I bought a Magellan I wasn’t happy with and after about a month of having it I returned it to http://www.tigergps.com/ where I bought it, then ordered the 60cx. They accepted my return no questions asked…. I have bought from them 4 or 5 times and never had a problem.

[Team Deejay]

One other tip: While all the online sellers mentioned above (and many others) are authorized Garmin dealers, no one selling on Ebay is authorized. That means that you will not be able to use the rebate coupon, and quite possibly there may be some issues with your warranty. While I do buy all sorts of stuff on Ebay (especially GPS cables), I would be careful buying a new GPS from there. Garmin’s stated policy is that “grey market” and “online auction” units are not covered under warranty. I almost had a chance to test this policy, but fortunately the Ebay guy took the defective unit back (and I was out the shipping costs).

[ThatGuy]

@Team Deejay wrote:

no one selling on Ebay is authorized.

Actually, fantasysailing states in their auctions that they are authorized. (i.e. item 170016344644)

[Team Deejay]

@ThatGuy wrote:

@Team Deejay wrote:

no one selling on Ebay is authorized.

Actually, fantasysailing states in their auctions that they are authorized. (i.e. item 170016344644)

OK, I stated that incorrectly. I should have said no one selling on Ebay using an auction is authorized. The “Buy it now only” vendors are basically regular online merchants who don’t have their own website. I didn’t see on that listing that they were authorized, but they are promising a “dealer receipt” so it is certainly possible that they are authorized or serving as a front for an authorized dealer.

On the other hand, here is a quote from the Garmin FAQ: http://www.garmin.com/support/faqs/faq.jsp?faq=607

Q. Does Garmin have any authorized dealers on eBay or any other online auction site?
A. Garmin does not have any authorized dealers that sell new products directly on online auction sites. Any purchases made through online auction sites are on a ?buyer beware? basis. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Online auction confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification and Garmin will not replace any missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.

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