Garmin���s new 276C is hard to miss. Even in bright sunlight its 3.75-inch diagonal, backlit, color TFT display stands out. It���s the same technology that was once available only in larger displays. Designed for marine and on-highway use, the compact, handheld waterproof 276C is packed with all the features of a mainframe but is incredibly user friendly.

Even if you have never used a Garmin GPS you will be comfortable with the 276C after a few minutes. Garmin���s logic seems second nature. Getting lost on the keypad is not a problem as you can cycle forward and back using the PAGE and QUIT keys. Zoom IN and OUT and use the arrow keypad for navigating around the chart and filling alphanumeric data fields. The chart page can be displayed with or without data and set with either "north up," "track up," or "course up". There's a traditional compass page, a highway page, a navigation data page, and a route page. The NAV/MOB notes a man overboard position on the chart and navigates to it, or, allows you to navigate to a selected point. A position can also be entered, simply by using the ENTER/MARK key.

The 276C���s high-resolution allows the use of menu icons. Pushing the MENU key twice switches from page specific menus (nav, chart, etc.) to a graphic sidebar with page tabs. Headings include "POINTS","TRACK", "ROUTE" and a "CELESTIAL" icon that accesses tidal information, sun and moon phase and hunting/fishing predictions. Pushing the FIND key accesses a search page, which is helpful when locating nearby tide stations, nav aids, services, etc. This sort of information can also be accessed by selecting icons on the chart.

Holding the PAGE key brings up the "automotive" mode which features a road map and dedicated on-highway screen pages including a trip computer page and a route page. For highway use, the auto navigation kit is a worthwhile investment. It those who do not travel long distances on the highway or from chart region to chart region, BlueCharts preloaded on Garmin Data Cards are available. The Data Cards eliminate the hassle of downloading charts from a PC.

BlueCharts offer excellent coverage and include multi-color contours and soundings, as well as desired course lines. Still, it is always wise to review the charts available for your cruising area before investing in a chart plotter.Waypoint and route data fields are easily edited and large enough to handle sensible location descriptions. The 276C can store 3,000 waypoints and 50 reversible routes. These can be backed up on a PC. The CD BlueChart software includes a chart viewer and data editing capability.

The 276C���s 12-channel receiver acquires satellites and displays a position in less than a minute. While an external antenna is offered, in most cases the 276C has no trouble acquiring satellite data beneath a bimini top, or, on the dash of the car.

Garmin suggests that accuracy in US waters is within 15 meters, or, within 3-5 meters with DGPS (differential GPS) and WAAS (wide area augmentation system) activated.With detail set at "MOST," the screen re-paints while zooming and is virtually instantaneous. The 276C���s rechargeable lithium ion battery will keep you online for 5 ��� 15 hours depending on usage. A 110v AC charger is included and the data/power connector can be fitted with a 12 VDC plug or wired directly to a 12 VDC source.

The 276C offers a lot in a little package and is priced accordingly, considering its features and capability it���s a good value. Contact: Garmin International, (800) 800-1020; www.garmin.com.