Great display and features but, where did all the mapping detail go?

This is my second Garmin. The first one I wore out was an eTrex Legend. The screen was starting to go out on it after a few thousand miles of use and abuse, so I was eager to replace it with a new color model.

The 76CSx has some really neat features. Besides the display being gorgeous, it automatically switches to a darker night time color mode after sunset on any particular day. The altimeter is really cool as well. It tracks elevation changes along your trail. I primarily use the GPS on the water, so I am especially fond of the anchor alarm, tidal information and moon phases.

I have noticed that Garmin has decided to hold back on the mapping included with this unit. The marine navigational marker locations are not as accurate as they were on the old unit. Also, this new unit seems to have significantly less detailed street and highway information as the Legend did. I am guessing this is a strategy to increase sales revenue through target marketing on mapping software.

Nonetheless, it is definitely worth the $370.00 July '07 price I paid for it. I will just have to ante up and purchase the Blue Chart Americas software (which requires purchasing individual unlock codes for each map section, kudos to their sales and marketing genius) so I can find my way home in the dark.