PDA Reviews

The GPSMAP76CS continues the evolution of Garmin's GPSMAP line of GPS receivers. It is well-suited for walking, car navigation and casual marine use. I already own a GPSMAP76S. The major advances of the 76CS are:

(1) Color TFT screen - makes it so easy to see your maps and data; it's bright and sharp, easy to read in any light. The variable-level backlight is great in low-light situations. The night-time color scheme is pretty cool, too. You can have the receiver automatically switch between day/night color schemes at sunrise/sunset, or manually select the mode. There are several alternate color schemes for day or night-time use.

(2) Point-to-point automatic routing - works very well. There are two audio-visual prompts for each turn, one about a minute before, and again (with a different tone sequence) about 10 seconds before the turn. You can choose from several different tone sequences, but I'm happy with the defaults. The prompts display a zoomed-in view of the intersection (great for tricky interchange exits and ramps). If you miss a turn, it re-calculates your route to get you to the next point, or your destination. Generally it uses the most major roads available for routing. For areas that I know well, I may take a local road that I know will get me where I'm going sooner. When driving in unfamiliar territory, I rely on the route it calculates for the most part. Apparently, you can select variations on the routing algorithm on the "follow roads options" page: Car/Motorcycle (the one I use), Truck, Bus, Emergency, Taxi, Delivery, Pedestrian and Bicycle. I haven't tried any of the other routing options yet. Overall, I would give the routing capability 4 stars.

(3) Customizable page sequence - in my other Garmin GPS receivers, you can cycle through the main pages forwards or backwards, but you can't change the sequence. The 76CS lets you add, remove, or move individual pages within the sequence. I put the pages I use most often next to each other; I like this feature.

(4) Recent Finds page - a new feature and real time-saver when I want to go to a place that I've looked up before. I use this page so often, I added it to my main page sequence. However, I discovered you can bring up the Recent Finds page by pressing the Find button twice.

(5) More memory - 115 MB stores detailed map data from optional Mapsource CD ROM sets. I was able to load all of North Carolina and about half of South Carolina and Virginia from the North America City Select database. This is nearly 5 times the memory of the 76S!

(6) USB connection - my old 76S (with serial connection) takes the better part of an hour to load a full 24MB map set from the Mapsource CD ROMS. The USB connection on the 76CS makes loading the full 115MB much quicker. Also, loading waypoints, routes and tracks between the receiver and PC is way faster now.

Garmin periodically updates their GPS receivers' software, and you can easily download the updates from the Garmin website. They have already posted an update to the GSPMAP76CS (version 3.40 was released June 8, 2004).

Quibbles: as mentioned in another review, you can't customize the data fields display to show small data fields three-across, as you can with the 76S. Admittedly, the small data fields on the 76S are hard to read while driving; I would consider this a minor setback for the 76CS. One can still display up to 4 data fields in large or medium size as an option on several of the pages, much like the 76S.

One feature of the 76S that I like is the ability to show the name of the upcoming cross-street (when lock-on-roads is enabled). This is a useful feature when you're just cruising around an unfamiliar part of a city. At first, I thought this was missing from the new 76CS, but I discovered that when the map has guidance text turned on all the time (instead of only when the unit is actively navigating) then when not navigating, the text area displays the upcoming street name. Another great feature of the 76S which carried over to the 76CS: graphic editing of a route. When the "use map" option is selecting while editing a route, move the pointing arrow to touch a route segment. The segment then appears as a dotted line, and if you press the Enter key, acts like a tight rubber band attached to the panning arrow. One can then move the panning arrow to any other map feature (for example an intersection) and press Enter to add an intermediate route point. I've found Garmin's manuals provide a good introduction to basic operation, but may not cover all the features. However, I've found the 76CS operation to be fairly intuitive.

Now for the major gripe: to enter text or numbers, Garmin has reverted to the character matrix format (found, for example, on the Etrex Vista), where you move the cursor about a grid of letters and numbers, press Enter to select that character, then move the cursor to the next character, etc. Finally, you move the cursor to the "OK" spot on the grid and press Enter. On the 76S there's no character grid, you just cursor left to clear a field, cursor up to advance the current letter or down to move back through the character set, then cursor right to select the next character, etc. I found this method fairly intuitive and much easier to use on the fly. Hopefully, Garmin will fix this in a future software update.

As with the GPSMAP76S, the sensors are a useful feature, particularly while walking. The compass can be used for getting a bearing while standing still, and the barometric altimeter provides useful information for those of us who just have to know, "how high (or low) are we?". If you don't need these features, the GPSMAP76C should work just as well at a lower price. Garmin's GPSMAP60C / 60CS have the same color screen and similar software, but only 56 MB of memory in a smaller unit. Nearly all Garmin GPS receivers have rugged, waterproof cases, but I prefer the 76-series size and flat shape. They even float!

If you're looking for a general-purpose, easy-to-read, easy-to-use mapping GPS receiver, you need look no further than the GPSMAP76CS (or GPSMAP76C without compass and altimeter). Garmin got it right with this one!

I got the gpsmap 76cs just in time for a trip to Alaska. So far the unit is great. It acquires satellites faster than my old gpsmap 76, which is a much appreciated improvement. The new screen is great. Clearly readable without backlight in many different lighting conditions. The color is does not make the screen look washed out or illegible as with other units I have seen.

The new operating system is quite good though I have a few quibbles. The unit will not display as many data fields in certain views as the old operating system but it is also less cluttered. I have also always wondered why Garmin does not include GPS elevation as a data field choice. The lack of an SD card slot is mildly annoying but 115 mb with a USB port is a big improvement.

I would recommend this unit to anyone who is looking for a high quality color GPS. It is also worth noting the Garmin is really good about providing free updates to operating software.

I love mine because I can plug it into my Palm VIIx and update notes, my time card and other chores that I need to quickly take care of when my PDA is far away from my PC.

There are some things you need to consider when deciding between this and the more portable offerings from Palm Computing and Targus. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of this keyboard and the alternatives, then decide:

Strengths: The Genovation's typing area is well designed and solid. I didn't care for the flimsy feel of the Targus and Palm portables. It also draws zero power, ensuring that you do not drain your PDA's batteries prematurely.

Weaknesses: The Genovation keyboard is not portable in the same sense as the Targus and Palm offerings, both of which fold neatly into a package the size of your PDA. If you take notes at meetings the Genovation is much quieter - the alternatives make clacking sounds while the Genovation keyboard makes no noise. So it boils down to how much "baggage" you want to drag to the meeting, and the distraction factor of keyboard noise.

Things to consider: Genovation claims that they have a Windows CE driver for this keyboard, but that it does not work with Pocket PCs (such as the HP 54x-series, Compaq iPaq, etc.) I have an older driver disk that allowed this keyboard to work flawlessly with an HP 545, so I know it can be done. However, do not expect Genovation to support this. They also claim that this keyboard will not work with Handspring PDAs, so if you have one of those pass this keyboard up. Finally, if your Palm PDA is one of the newer models that use USB instead of serial, this keyboard will not work for you - it connects via a serial connection.

I love mine, but my needs may be different from yours. If you value ergonomics and are willing to sacrifice some portability this is a wonderful peripheral for your Palm PDA. If size does matter, then consider either the Palm or Targus keyboards, which fold into a remarkably small size.

A really nice tactile feel to the keys, with larger hands, the GOTYPE wasn't an option. This is one though keyboard, with slightly smaller key placement than a full keyboard. I use my palm as a "mini-laptop" for lots of note-taking and flash-card review. It's lightweight, yet very tough. Software is easy to set up--I was up using it in about 5 min. Couldn't be happier with this one.

Great product. Can send messages, receive e-mails anywhere in the US. Was on vacation in Wisconsin, driving between Green Bay and Madison, and got an urgent message from the office. Was able to respond in a few minutes, issue was handled and I continued my vacation. Did not have to get into long calls once I got to my hotel. Easy to use.

This module has features and capabilities no other seems to have. It's "always on" so there's no waiting and no busy signal. It can work outside the Visor! It is two-way. Lots of power and you can reliably connect from anywhere, and STAY connected because it's always ON. It uses ReFLEX technology that can retain connections anywhere in the world, so you don't have to worry about travelling. I find this to be the most reliable gadget of this type, with a lot of available software to expand capabilities as needed.

This module won a prize last night at the CTIA Wireless IT 2000.

In the consumer application category, Glenayre's @ctiveLink won with its two-way wireless messaging module which works with the Handpsring Visor Handheld computer, snapping seamlessly into the Visor Springboard tm expansion slot to wirelessly enable the powerful personal information management utilities of the handheld computer. The @ctiveLink provides users with Always @ctive -- not session-based - connectivity to ReFlex networks, whether or not it is inserted in the Visor. This means the user does not have to "log on" to the network and the module is constantly receiving messages.

I wasn't surprised at the "win" since I found it to be the best such device, myself.

If you wait in line all the time, or if you are at airports all the time, buy this card. It will occupy your time. Both games are identical to their physical counterparts and they are color as well.

Both Monopoly and Scrabble work great. I have a color PalmOS PDA and love both of them. I was afraid that the screen size would limit the functionality, but that turned out not to be the case. In fact, I think it is easier than on my PC screen programs with 4 and 16 times the number of pixels -- superior design went into implementing it on the PDA version!

My son, 9 years old, also loves playing both. Of course, he sometimes hits the "accept word" (after spell-checker flags it) when he spells words wrong just to get high points (e.g., "XJQVY"), but he usually spells them right and this helps in his vocabulary and spelling.

Monopoly is just as easy and has helped my game playing tremendously. I am not thinking about going pro, but if I were, I would certainly have this game in my arsenal.

I bought this when my kid dropped (and broke) her first handheld that she was using to stay on top of school work. The bright blue color is easy to locate amongst a pile of papers, comes with a ring that can be attached to a lanyard, and is padded enough to survive getting banged around in book bags. I'm ordering a second one for kid #2.

The best case I have Its padded for extra protection.stylish and you can hook it to your purse or belt w/the d ring and it has enough room to have a module in slot,Prism fits quite nicly.

Was the same stylus that came with my Visor. So happy with this transaction, especially since I haven't been able to find a replacement anywhere! The seller was AWESOME!

You get what you pay for. The Handspring stylus is FAR superior to the generic stylus they now offer everywhere. from the reset pen in the tip to the screwdriver in the base. It just feels betterin the hand. Like a quality product should.

This handheld PC is incredible. I've used it for about four months and I don't have any negatives. On some trips my standard battery has lasted up to 8 hours...you can get an upgrade. I've used smaller Palm-type systems, but I didn't like using a stylist pen on a screen, it's not natural for me. With the Jornada 820, if you don't like using an optional mouse or if you simply want to "go light" you can use the nice built-in touch pad. My compliments to the H-P engineering team for the ergonomics on this one, as a product designer I go enjoy picking apart bad designs, but I couldn't find any minor flaws with this equipment. It is, in my opinion, the SMALLEST package with the LARGEST built in keyboard and let's not forget the screen. Also the keyboard doesn't feel like an palm pilot add on. I enjoy the good E-mail and internet browsing performance and the easy no mess connectivity software package included in with the system. Although I will be the first to sign-up for a faster StrongArm 190 MHz RISC processor upgrade...all in all a great travel companion. It's no wonder that the Jornada 820 won in the "Best Handheld with Keyboard Product" from Mobile Computing and Communications Magazine January 2000 (See mobilecomputing website). Thanks again H-P!

I have used the Jornada 820 for about 8 months and have never regretted buying it. I also develop programs for it using VB 6.0 for CE and it works great. I keep everything on it that I'll ever need. No more paper shuffling, I have instant access to all the data for work and personal use.

I work as a business consultant and basically I spend my time traveling and out of the office. My appointments, tasks, and contacts change constantly, so its very important for me to synchronize periodically and FAST to my Outlook profile

The serial Cable does the job, but the speed is not comparable with USB Synchronization, specially if your loading a big file or an mp3 song.

Sorry not to be available to carry my USB craddle

Works great. Always need a spare. Priced right

Works just great when you want to recharge your HandSpring Visor Prism in your car when you're on the road!

Love it work's great What can I say Plug it in.buy one

If you like these screen protectors (I do, but it is a matter of preference), this package is worth it. For about $[money]more than the protectors alone, you get a leather case, 4-in-1 stylus, and cleaning wipes. The case is not bad for casual use, but you can order one or two of these kits and replace your case yearly if it takes a beating.

This is by far the best solution to get your Palm started. This kit included everything I needed. The leather case fit perfectly, the Screen protectors work great, the stylus even had a pencil built in. It also came with some cool cool software. I highly recommend and the price is GREAT!!