Free: Contests & Raffles.
I just posted another post asking for feedback on this unit. I am looking into getting one as well.I looked online for the best deals I could find. The best one I came across was through PCNation.com. They have the 530hcx for $364, the Garmin topo program for $79, and a 2GB micro sd card for $10. Whole package for $455. Thought that was a pretty sweet deal for all three items and 3-day shipping was free.
If you want to actually load maps and not just waypoints, you will have to use Garmins Mapsource on any of their units. You can use other programs such as National Geographic's TOPO to upload waypoints or transfer waypoints from your unit to the mapping software.If your looking for good maps, Garmin does have a 24k TOPO card that they are starting to release for a lot of states. They generally come as a two state package so for Washington you also get Oregon. Only downside to these cards is that if you erase the information you are out $100.
I ended up placing my order through PCNation.com and received everything in a couple days. Wow, this thing is cool. It will definitely take me until Summer to learn everything it can do. I definitely recommend spending the extra couple bucks for the 530, as you get the compass and altimeter. Figure if you're paying that much for something like this, why not get one that does it all.
The weather Radio is by far the best reason for the 530 over the 520
I was going to buy one of these today with the topo 24k chip & pcnation did have the best price I could find. In their description of the unit they say " high sensitivity receiver NO " where as all the other web sites say yes. Is this a typo or is really just a cheaper unit without the high sensitivity. That's what your paying for over the other units is the high sensitivity, I'd hate to get the wrong thing. Any ideas ? Thanks, Mike*** Some companies call it the 530 & some the 530 hcx. But all the part #'s seem the same. I'd hate to order one & not have the high sesitivity. Those that ordered from PCnation did the 530hcx show up & what did it say in the description for receivers ? Thanks fore your help. MikeAfter more investigation the same part # 010-00564-01 goes for the 530 & it can be ordered in the 530 or 530hcx format. It looks like the PCnation calls it a 530hcx but actually a 530 without high sensitivity. Amazon . com has both side by side with 530 for $ 366 & 530hcx for $ 421. One says high sesitivity receiver & other does not. ( both same part # ) Wall mart has the 530hcx high sesitivity for $ 388 & seems the best price for that one. Anyone read all this differently. I want the high sensitivity for the area I hunt. Mike
Takes a while to redraw the screen sometimes though.
Don't waste your money on Garmin's 24k map series -- someone recently compiled a free 24k detailed garmin map file for Washington (Garmin's map format was hacked a while ago and there's some PC programs to make your own maps)...The Washington 24K FREE files can be downloaded here: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/95/I installed it on my 530hcx a couple weeks ago and so far it's working good. Takes a while to redraw the screen sometimes though.