Thanks Russ. I've heard nothing but good things about the 60CSX in this and other forums, sounds worth a try.

Be glad it's not a comparable Magellan model. I've seen folks who bought a Magellan, ran into all the problems you just mentioned, only sometimes they couldn't even get anything near full functionality out of their units because the software was so crappy.

No brand is perfect but based on all the feedback I've heard, nothing comes close to Garmin.

There is a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE difference between the older GPS chipsets and the new high sensitivity chipsets used by Garmin (and others).

Its really quite stunning. Quick locks and they can lock in with a very limited view of the sky - I've been able to get locks in the middle of the lower floor of my house!!

What sold me was being inside an REI toward the back of the store under a solid roof and getting a lock. The only glass was at the front of the store about 20-25 yards. Not only did it lock but the location was close enough to call correct.

D'OH! I just remembered this morning while rustling through the center console in my car, I found the USB GPS receiver that came with Streets and Maps, and it uses the same chipset as the 60CSx, so until it proves otherwise I'll use that (with laptop) instead of getting a new $285 GPS. It had my mean elevation in my driveway correct, we'll see how it does with different places.

+1. I have one of the older eTrex models and reception stinks in any conditions where I actually needed it. Mine got carried about twice and then left in a drawer. I have a couple of much newer Garmin GPS units and they should be embarrassed to wear the same name as the old one. Even my Garmin Nuvi 750 with no external antenna routinely gets a lock from inside my house. Any type of terrain or trees made my old eTrex worthless.

Impressive. I guess I'm so sour on Garmin I just don't want to give them any more money. Fool me once, and all that.

But I definitely need a new one. I might start looking around. CSX, you all say...

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Bringing this one back to discuss an incident with my 60CSx. On a trip to the east coast and it died. Not dead dead, just wouldn't receive any GPS sat signals. . . Hmmm. Emailed Garmin and they sent me to a menu I hadn't seen before that was showing software version 0.00 . . . Hmmm again.

20 minutes later I'd updated all the system software from Garmin's website using their Updater. When I took it outside I soon had lock on seven satellites with two more being processed -- working great again. I have no explanation for why it dumped software, but it was an easy fix.

Was your GPS satellite user fee paid and up-to-date?

Just kidding. Wow, rarely does it seem like a GPS problem can be fixed with a software update. Congratulations!