i've got a Garmin that's at least 15 years old. still works fine. i think it was just a problem with your unit. did you leave it in the hot sun on the dashboard, or get it wet? otherwise, i think you just had some bad luck.

Pete2

I have gone through 3 e-trexs. One, my cousin sent me instructions on repair, had to take it apart and resolder something. Then it worked, but very slowly,, too slow.
They do seem to have a lifespan of about 8 years.

Could also be a failure by design,also known as planned obsolesence.How can they sell you a new one if your first one keeps on working.


BOATMAN
John

All my Garmin units all work fine and show no signs of planned obsolescence. The software gets out of date and even with updated maps, my newest Nuvi works better than the older unit. But electronically, they're all good. Stuff breaks; I too carry a back-up.

Nope, no water, no excessive heat, no drops preceding the failure, right kind of batteries.

I wish there had been something that happened that I could point to and say - "That's why it happened."

I don't intend to badmouth Garmin, I've had 3 or 4 of their units over the past 20 years and never had a problem. But I do think that 6 years is the longest I've kept one - I usually sell the old ones when I upgrade.

Oh well - time to shop for another on - unfortunately it looks like the 60CSx has been discontinued so I am going to have to wade through their product line and see what's comparable.

I just treat mine a precision instrument; carefully.

I have one on hand that I bought around 1999.

My current GPS is the Garmin 62S.

I do concur with the comment about having several units in the hiking group.

Izzy is right about the cable with the older models.

Blake

www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com

From a features/outdated technology standpoint yes.

From the inherent reliability of correctly designed and manufactured electronics - no. If this is your expectation then you are being abused as a consumer.

My cellphone is 10 years old and still works. (but I'm crossing my fingers for the battery)

My laptop is 11 years old and has seen a lot more use then my GPS.

An eleven year old laptop is like a 50 year old car. My hat, sir, is off to you. The longest-lasting laptop I ever had made it to about 7. And it spent almost all of its days stationary on my desk.

Mine has lived on the arm of the couch and carried back and forth to work every day from 2002 to 2011 or so when it became a secondary system. I think I've upgraded the hdd 4-5 times.
I always buy the business grade machines, its like buying a truck instead of a cheap car, they are built to last.