The three devices feature the same fundamental hardware, including a 2.6-inch 65K color transflective display (non-touch sensitive) running at 160×240 with 8 control buttons and a 4-way navigation button in the middle. The 62 series does not float but it is waterproof to the IPX7 standard and quite rugged. The unit is 2.4×6.3×1.4-inches and weighs 9.2 ounces (with two AA batteries). There is 1.7GB of internal storage. It is expandable via microSD on the 62s and 62st, but not the 62. The external connection on the 62 is handled by USB while the other two models get high-speed USB.
The GPSMAP 62 is very similar to the 62s, but there are reasons why lots of people will be making the upgrade. Past the expandable storage and high-speed USB connection (both of which are quite attractive) the 62s gets a tilt-compensated, 3-axis electronic compass (the 62 does not have a compass), a barimetric altimeter, wireless and unit-to-unit transfer with other Garmin devices. Also the highlight color on the front of the device is red-orange, as opposed the 62’s yellow. The 62st is the same as the 62s but includes extra maps (100k topographic data for the continental U.S. and a relief-shaded worldwide basemap) and has a light grey highlight color.
Garmin’s main in-house competition for the GPSMAP 62 series are the Oregon models. These move to a larger, touch-enabled display and the top models (550 and 550t) have a built-in 3.2MP digital camera.
For this review our loaner unit was the entry-level GPSMAP 62, a enthusiast device that’s great for hunters, mappers, geocachers, and hikers. It also has profiles for automotive and marine use, so it’s one GPS device that can handle just about all your location-based activities. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it will excel at all activities–for example text input isn’t great and the small display means it’s not great on the dashboard–but this is a versatile device. At $350 it seems pretty reasonably priced given its similarities to the higher-end models and the performance that the 62 series offers (as far as the antenna, accuracy, and GPS chip set go, it is the same as the 62s/62st).
The 62’s hardware is definitely what people would expect from a higher-end handheld outdoors device. It’s rugged, with no obviously breakable parts, and nothing that can fall off and be lost. The USB port is sealed behind a flap, as is the MCX antenna connection, the battery compartment locks closed, and the device is rubberized so it’s easy to grip. The device doesn’t generate any heat and it’s large with rounded edges, so it’s comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
Overall the hardware is a bit bulky but it definitely accomplishes all its goals. I would have loved to test out the carabiner clip, but the device is great to hold onto and small enough to fit in a pants pocket or one of the water bottle pockets in my bag. On the back there is a mount which can be used to attach the unit to a carabiner or belt clip (neither of these are included). This is the same mount used on Garmin’s Oregon series. The bottom holds a pass-through for attaching a lanyard.
The controls are simple rubberized buttons placed around a 4-way nav. For people new to the GPSMAP series it will take some time to figure out when you want to hit the Page button and when you want to use Find, but in a matter of hours you’ll have it completely figured out. The device isn’t as intuitive as it could be, but ultimately it is easy to use. While the menu system looks clunky actions are quick so you never have to wait for the unit to complete a task. With some trial-and-error (and menu customizations) you’ll be able to do everything you want and probably some cool new stuff you didn’t even think about trying.
The 2.6-inch 65K color transflective display looks a lot better in person than it sounds on paper. At 160×240 the resolution might seem really low but this does help make it easy on the eyes–plus if you want more resolution there is always the Oregon series. The display is sunlight-readable, you generally just need to put it at an angle in order to get the best possible picture to come through. It is backlit, so it works at night as well.
GPS performance is a complex issue, so I’ll be looking at it from the perspective of a typical end user. First off, I’d note that if you haven’t used a product at this level, you are in for a surprise. Basic (sub-$200) GPS devices and mobile phones do the job well enough, but once you are at the level of the quad-helix antenna and SiRFstar chipset (the chipset model has not officially been announced) things take a noticeable step up. The 62 quickly makes a connection and sets its position–usually under a minute–and it works in a number of places where a lesser device might have problems, such as under a tree canopy or inside near a window. Outside it’s quite accurate, with almost no wandering and less interference from tall structures than much of the competition.
Posted in: Gadget,GPS
