Garmin 64s - first looks

[pablo]

The 64s is available at the usual places. I took the plunge and plan to take it out tomorrow for a spin. Looks exactly like a 62s, boots up faster, takes all the old data with no problem - has 4Gb memory built in so some of us might be able to get by without additional memory. The SD slot that hides under the batteries is rotated 90 degrees from the 62s. Takes the same clip hardware.

I think the fit of the case is better, doesn't squeak like a 62s when you squeeze it. 62s on the right, 64s on the left in the following photos.

Definitely have more satellites to chose from with GLONASS.

Micro sd slot.

[BrianEdwards]

Congrats on the new purchase. Now you can wear three GPS

I will say from experience that GLONASS makes a surprisingly large difference at times. While down at the upper falls on the SF Clackamas River, my Rhino 530HCX could not aquire a signal, but my iPhone 4s picked it up in less then a minute.

[Eric Peterson]

More satellites!

Weird that Garmin didn't at least change the color of the unit though.

And btw, I know where you live now too

[Lumpy]

I'm very interested in how long a set of batteries lasts and if it can use rechargeables.

[pablo]

I'm very interested in how long a set of batteries lasts and if it can use rechargeables.

Garmin sells a rechargeable battery pack for this unit and you can recharge the pack while it is in the unit. Of course they recommend you use their rechargeable battery pack only - otherwise the world ends. I've been using Sanyo Eneloop 2500mAh NiMh batteries in my 62s and I've tested them to ~12 hours (as a day hiker I'm seldom out that long and I recharge after every use so I always have fresh batteries in the unit - I won't try charging them in the 64s). I'll be testing battery life of my rechargeables on the 64s my next trip out and report back. I suspect battery life is not going to be as good as the 62s as, from what I've read, GLONASS takes additional juice over just using GPS (I think Garmin recommends turning off GLONASS and use GPS only when in flat, unobstructed areas to conserve battery life).

--Paul

[pablo]

More satellites!

Weird that Garmin didn't at least change the color of the unit though.

And btw, I know where you live now too

Only if you are patient enough to type in all those numbers...

My 64s is pining for mapset 3.0, is it out there and I don't know where to look?

--Paul

[Lumpy]

Thanks Paul. I'm anxious to know what you find out.

[Eric Peterson]

My 64s is pining for mapset 3.0, is it out there and I don't know where to look?

--Paul

Working it up as I type this, hope to be done today as long as it stays rainy and I don't run out the door
for a hike

[Eric Peterson]

Just had a massive failure, lost a lot of data while working on the new version. Digging out from a backup
and adding things back, so there is a delay now, sorry...

[pablo]

Just had a massive failure, lost a lot of data while working on the new version. Digging out from a backup
and adding things back, so there is a delay now, sorry...

Bummer, it can wait, you should go for a hike instead...