Garmin GPS GPSMap 76

GARMIN MAP 76 reviewed in INDIA....
After reading reviews and original user experiences on the web, i finally got my hands on a Garmin GPS MAP 76.I decided to put it under test against its low end siblings Garmin GPS 12 and GPS 12 Xl.The entire test was carried out with WAAS disabled in and around the outskirts of Mumbai,India. The Map76 locks in with the satellites much faster than the more popular GPS 12 and 12xl,also it does not lose lock that easily as compared to the siblings.This was observed when travelling at an average speed of 40 kmph along the state and national highways around Mumbai. The map76 proved much more efficient for dynamic location using GARTRIP, when connected to a laptop via a nine pin serial data cable.The unit needs to be held absolutely vertical all the time for best performance(says so in the manual also), so i suggest u get a car mount if u wanna drive around with it. I was however a little disappointed with its performance under canopy cover, where GPS 12Xl winds hands over.Donno why.....but thats the way it is. GPS 12 gives a 24 hour battery life with 4 AA batteries, wheras the MAP 76 requires only 2 AA’s and gives 16 hour battery life with all the extra features and better a much better display. It wins hands down for the amazing ease of navigability, comfort and user friendliness, and it better be cause u are paying 350USD for it.(actually i paid a lot more....needed it quick...Dire circumstances :)..) If cost is not a major constraint...GPSMAP 76 is your answer, otherwise if all u need is co-ordinates,it would be best to stick to GPS 12(approx 200 USD), more than worth its shelf price.

GARMIN MAP 76 reviewed in INDIA....
After reading reviews and original user experiences on the web, i finally got my hands on a Garmin GPS MAP 76.I decided to put it under test against its low end siblings Garmin GPS 12 and GPS 12 Xl.The entire test was carried out with WAAS disabled in and around the outskirts of Mumbai,India. The Map76 locks in with the satellites much faster than the more popular GPS 12 and 12xl,also it does not lose lock that easily as compared to the siblings.This was observed when travelling at an average speed of 40 kmph along the state and national highways around Mumbai. The map76 proved much more efficient for dynamic location using GARTRIP, when connected to a laptop via a nine pin serial data cable.The unit needs to be held absolutely vertical all the time for best performance(says so in the manual also), so i suggest u get a car mount if u wanna drive around with it. I was however a little disappointed with its performance under canopy cover, where GPS 12Xl winds hands over.Donno why.....but thats the way it is. GPS 12 gives a 24 hour battery life with 4 AA batteries, wheras the MAP 76 requires only 2 AA’s and gives 16 hour battery life with all the extra features and better a much better display. It wins hands down for the amazing ease of navigability, comfort and user friendliness, and it better be cause u are paying 350USD for it.(actually i paid a lot more....needed it quick...Dire circumstances :)..) If cost is not a major constraint...GPSMAP 76 is your answer, otherwise if all u need is co-ordinates,it would be best to stick to GPS 12(approx 200 USD), more than worth its shelf price.