GPS Purchasing Advice Request

bigbcustom

bigbcustom

Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
1,523
I have decided that I have to have a Garmin gps 60 Csx to go with my compass and maps to bring myself into the 21st century. I can buy it at REI for $449.99, or I can get it online for $359.99. If I buy it at REI, I know that I can return it for any reason any time for the rest of my life (I wouldn't do something like return it in five years for a new model, I just used that point to illustrate REI's committment to customer service), I will get $45.00 back in my member rebate making the effective price $404.99, and I get the instant gratification of having it in my hands right now. If I buy it online, I can get it for $359.99 with free shipping and no sales tax, but who knows what the customer service would be like if I had any problems. I am trying to decide if effectively $45.00 plus tax is enough difference to make me purchase online instead of at REI. I would like opinions with reasoning behind them on this subject from anyone who would like to put one forth.

On a side note, does anybody here know if GPS's like this one take into account altitude changes when calculating distances? if you walk up one side and down the other of a steep mountain, you traveled a lot farther than the difference in co-ordinates would indicate, but does the gps take this into account, or does it just give you the linear distance covered irregardless of altitude gain and loss?

Thanks in advance,

Brian
 
The GPS will give you two measurements - vertical gain and loss, and horizontal map distance traveled. I don't know of an easy way to find total distance hiked when considering the angles, nor does anyone keep track that way.

$40 extra to buy at REI, plus you gotta pay sales tax. 7% sales tax on $449 = $31. So in effect you'd be paying $70 extra. That's considerable. If anything happens to the unit while it's under warranty, Garmin really stands behind their products and you'll have no trouble returning it to them directly.

Hope this helps,
-Bob
 
Thanks a lot for the input Bob.....I am fence sitting, but I am going to pull the trigger in the next few days so that I can get it all figured out before hiking season (I should say "comfortable" hiking season)
 
Purchased 60CSx from: http://gpsonsale.com/garmin/products/60csx.htm
when there was a $50 rebate in effect ~ sadly, I don't think it is current now.

Present price is very good, however I believe the shipping was approx. $12.00 additional. I still paid less than $350. at the time & delivery was within a week.

The 60CSx unit itself is great - I use if for geocaching.

:thumbup: I can recommend GPS On Sale - Your call.
 
I purchased a Garmin Quest2 from ABES of Maine a year ago...by far the cheapest price I could find, and very good service...may want to check them out. I believe it was abesofmaine.com.......but if you do a google search for abe's of maine you will find it quick.
 
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