(From GPSFix)


The long run of Garmin’s GPSMAP 60csx may finally be over. A user on the Groundspeak boards posted scanned images from a RadioWorld flyer of the new Garmin GPSMAP 62 which presumably is a replacement for the aging but trusted GPSMAP 60 series. Yesterday I asked an REI employee about the new GPSMAP models and she confirmed that the GPSMAP 62 would be available from REI in early July and the GPSMAP 78 could be available as early as next week.

The RadioWorld images reveal a hard-key design similar to the 60csx and that familiar nub seems to indicate a quad helix antenna that 60csx owners love so much. The rest of the specs are similar to the GPSMAP 78:

3 different models: GPSMAP 62 ($350 CA), GPSMAP 62 S ($450 CA), GPSMAP 62 STC ($550 CA)
waterproof
65k color 2.6″ screen
micro SD slot
500MB of built in memory
paperless geocaching
3-axis compass and barometric altimeter (S and ST only)
built in 100k topos (ST and STC only)

550$ hm? they didn't win me with that price for the Oregon or the Colorado..

Problem is - The 60CsX has stayed with me for over 2 years now (and hence has the Military classification "Indestructable") - So hopefully It will hold out a few more years for the price to go down!

Time to start saving pennies........I've been saying for over a year I wanted a 60 that would do paperless caching.....

Garmin 62s

It's now listed on the Garmin site. Interesting, though the 's' model does wireless transfers, there's no mention of it doing Wherigo. I must be a diehard 60 fan though, I don't like the fact they changed the back so that it looks more like the rear of the Oregons and Colorado's. Hopefully that increases water resistance issues though.....

I was hoping that the rear would be the same for mounting purposes too though, seems that everyone already spends a fortune in mounting hardware.

Here's a handy dandy chart - and no wherigo's on the 62

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=143&compareProduct=26875&compareProduct=14903&compareProduct=63801&compareProduct=310

Couldn't do wherigo's on my 60 either, and can't say I really lost much sleep over it.

ya me neither. Great idea for technology, but money is too tight to consider the 550$ upgrade so I can get a few choose-your-own-adventure geocaches

Here's a nice side by side comparison of some of the Garmins. (The new 62 in the centre)
(The 62's are now shipping)


More images in this thread... http://www.garniak.pl/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8524

Anyone come across a screen protector for the 62s yet? I have it on my desk at home but am scared to take it anywhere. Last year on vacation in Bancroft I scratched the screen of my 60cx when I fell near on "Rocks with a view" GC1GR61.

I am going to try to find it again this year, and hopefully won't come home with a damaged screen on my 62s. The device cost so much money.. I am almost scared to take it with me anywhere. I have considered modifying my Oregon case (cutting a small hole for the antena) to fit the 62s and cover my investment.

Chances are they will be a short time before becoming available, best bets would be GPScity or GPScentral though. Many around here use packing tape, though a severe scratch/fall would go through that, but also would go through a screen protector too.

I took a fall along the escarpment shortly after receiving a replacement 60 last year, gouged the screen, and sheared off the 'out' button to boot. Sometimes there is going to be damage when one is out playing, it happens!!

I slightly modified my Oregon case (it's not uglier). The inside clip that holds the device is the same (Thanks Garmin!) and the case closes almost perfectly, I believe this is because it is a poorly cut hole, I will make it pretty when I have time.

The antenna, sticks out a little but but the cut hole is snug enought that dirt won't likely get inside and the screen is safe (so long as it's closed when I fall on my face at Rocks with a view!)

edited, since the photo was removed. I tested the snug fit, and tumbled down a steep incline in the mud on Monday, everything worked as it should, and the case protected my investment.

I understand that it depends on which model of 62 to determine if it will do wireless transfers from unit to unit, but I haven't seen anything to say if it will create field notes to upload for logging in caches? I may have missed it, but does anyone know whether it does or not for sure?

The shared wireless is available on the 62S and the 62ST. (Page 18 of the manual)

Field notes are available too, so you can upload your finds.


Ref: http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/GPSMAP62_OwnersManual.pdf
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?s=&showtopic=255515&view=findpost&p=4412001


Graham.
FC

Here's a link for a cheap bike mount for an Oregon or Colorado. If I'm to believe the past posts, the mounting hardware should be the same for the new Map series. I just bought one and it came to less than $20C(for an O-550). It's rock solid.
[url]http://cgi.ebay.ca/Bike-Mount-Garmin-Dakota-20-Oregon-450-450t-550-550t_W0QQitemZ380192722215QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5885408d27
[/url]
Its through E-Bay and doesn't show the correct mount but its a very solid mount. This new GPSr sounds very interesting, but I'm not sure I could convince my wife that I NEED another GPS that does less than the one I have(O-550), but I'm interested in the quad helix antenna!

just read an interesting blurb in popular mechanics about it - Turns out it transmits your position as well (if you set it up) so you can see where other geocachers in the area are, and supposedly track/hunt/stalk them down. Nifty!

Juicepig..

I haven't been able to verify your comment on tracking other 62's do you know how this works? I would set it up if I could. Thanks.

nope! If you have one, feel free to srop it off at my place and i will have a look

It was just a small blub in the magazine, I havent had a lot of exposure to it

I would gladly let you try/play with my GPS if you lived even remotely close to me. One of us will have to move before this happens though.

Good thing for the distance buffer.....likely safer for your GPS that way...... right piggy?

I agree, it is probably safer. I am still waiting for a zagg screen protector for my new toy.

Ya, think you might need a 1/2 inch steel safe. That might work a bit better.

I have insurance, I also have blind faith in people. If you're in the area and want to give it a go... I'll hand it off.