Garmin has just announced three new 78-series, color-mapping, handheld GPS models that are designed with boaters and water-sports enthusiasts in mind. All three have a new shape (see photo), and a new screen and button layout. They have rubberized hand-grip surfaces, and are not just waterproof; they float. The new 78s weigh 7.7 ounces, and run for 20 hours on a pair of AA batteries. The 78s also have 1.7 GB of internal memory and a microSDTM card slots for easy map upgrades, including BlueChart g2 marine charts.
While designed for marine environments, these handhelds will perform well on land, with the ability to accept City Navigator maps, and the full range of topographic mapsets. Top of this series is the GPSMAP 78sc, which has a suggested price of $549, and has an electronic compass and preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts. The 78s sells for $449 also has a compass, but no pre-loaded charts. The 78 ($349) has neither compass nor pre-loaded charts.
Full specifications for the 78s as provided by Garmin:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 2.6" x 6.0" x 1.2" (6.6 x 15.2 x 3.0 cm)
Display size, WxH: 1.6" x 2.2" (4.1 x 5.6 cm); 2.6" diag (6.6 cm)
Display resolution, WxH: 160 x 240 pixels
Display type: transflective, 65-K color TFT
Weight: 7.7 oz (218.3 g) with batteries
Battery: 2 AA batteries (not included); NiMH or Lithium recommended
Battery life: 20 hours
Waterproof: yes (IPX7)
Floats: yes
High-sensitivity receiver: yes
Interface: high-speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
Basemap: yes
Ability to add maps: yes
Built-in memory: 1.7 GB
Accepts data cards: microSD card (not included)
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 2,000
Routes: 200
Track log: 10,000 points, 200 saved tracks
Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): yes (with optional mapping for detailed roads)
Electronic compass: yes (tilt-compensated, 3-axis)
Touchscreen: no
Barometric altimeter: yes
Camera: no
Geocaching-friendly: yes (paperless)
Custom maps compatible: yes
Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos): yes
Outdoor GPS games: no
Hunt/fish calendar: yes
Sun and moon information: yes
Tide tables: yes
Area calculation: yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes
Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): yes
Picture viewer: no
Garmin Connect compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): yes
