Whatever your outdoor activities include, from boating to geocaching, the Garmin GPSmap 60C GPS receiver has something for you. It even gives you a choice of GPS or non-GPS video games played on its advanced 256-color display. The screen not only has an improved image over older models, but its lower power drain lets batteries last up to twice as long compared to other handhelds.

Starting with an impact resistant, 2.4" W x 6.1" H x 1.3" D, waterproof case, the Garmin GPSmap 60C adds a 12-channel GPS receiver with a position accuracy of within 15 meters. When using Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) signals, its accuracy improves to within 3 meters. In addition to the built-in antenna, there's a connector for a remote antenna if conditions for satellite signal reception require it.

To monitor GPS satellite signals, the GPSmap 60C has the Satellite Status Page, one of the five main pages, or display screens. The status page shows which satellites are being received and their signal strengths. The most commonly used display is the Map Page. You can pan, and zoom in or out, to get the best combination of coverage and detail. The page shows your location and route along with optional data fields for your choice of navigation items, such as direction, elevation, or speed.

While you're heading to your destination, you might also make use of the Compass Page. This display has an image of a compass, showing both which way you're headed and the direction of your destination. There's also your choice for three or four data fields with navigation information. If four data fields aren't enough, then try the fourth main page of the Garmin GPSmap 60C. The Trip Computer Page lets you display eight types of trip data or only three data fields but with extra large numbers for easy reading at a glance.

The fifth main page of the GPSmap 60C, is the Main Menu Page. It has a listing for all the features typically used when setting up your route or for after you've reached your destination. From this page you can access the track log which records your movements. Or use the route feature to create the points for a route. Other functions to choose from include a calendar, alarm clock, calculator, stop watch, and a proximity alarm to alert you when approaching a specified waypoint. From this page you can get the sunrise and sunset times, moon phases, location of the moon and sun, and the best times for hunting and fishing, and all for any date and place.

Built into the Garmin GPSmap 60C is a basemap which includes major roads, rivers, lakes, highway exit information and cities of the world. For trips outside of the city, it may be all you need. But the receiver also has 56 MB of internal memory for storing more detailed maps, including city maps, marine charts, and topographic maps. An interface cable is included for transferring the map data from a PC to the receiver.

A specific use feature built into the GPSmap 60C is the Find key when used for geocaching. The receiver can keep your list of geocache locations and by selecting one and using the GOTO function, a route is created to the location. While you're navigating to the position, the Compass Page changes to its geocache mode and displays any additional information about the cache location. And when the cache is found, an entry is recorded on the calendar and you're given the option for seeing the next nearest cache.

Boaters also have specific features designed into the Garmin GPSmap 60C. There's a set of four alarms that can be set to warn you if your anchor drags, you get off course, travel in deep water, or get in shallow water. The first two work with the receiver alone, but the last two require connection to a sonar unit that uses the standard National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) protocol.