Sports Bar Restaurants
Of course, one of the essential things that an establishment of this type, is an ambiance. This is more famous than the food and the drinks. The atmosphere is pivotal when it comes to having a titanic time while waiting for your main course. The people playing games in the background can be instrumental in setting the mood for the location. Although the general trend in the United States is for stout conceal TV’s to dominate the bar, more and more establishments are choosing to earn a more comfortable and relaxing environment for their clientele.
Of course, the position and the type of patrons that arrive to these restaurants will also assist space the mood for the environment. In general, these types of restaurants will attract a higher echelon clientele who will near there to unwind and relax after a hard day at the office. These types of patrons will demand more than honest mountainous food; the atmosphere of the establishment will be most indispensable. The atmosphere and good service are the key factors when it comes to a sports bar doing well.
This does not mean to say that these establishments depend only on ambiance. The food that is served there will also be very instrumental in their success. This means that you will have to perform positive that your chef serves food that is compliant with the expectations of the patrons that near to the restaurant. A successful restaurant must be able to attend various dishes to its’ patrons. In addition, the restaurant should have lots of sporting games and televisions.
Buying a sports bar franchise can be the most lucrative venture a person can build. With a franchise you have a name note product in a market that is flooded with a multitude of eat and drink type places. You will have the leg up on your competition because your establishments name will be well known. Franchising also helps with the initial marketing and advertising cost normally associated with a unusual business venture. Remember, franchising is the best kept secret of the 21st Century.
Looking Forward to Changes in NFL Football Helmets
During a recent meeting between team physicians and athletic trainers of the NFL and the NCAA, Mr. Egues presented what he foresees are the changes in NFL football helmets. He estimates that these changes will take place at a rapid pace, probably in the next three to five years.
For Mr. Egues the changes in NFL football helmets will be fueled largely by technology. The football helmets five years from now will be equipped with the Sideline Response System Technology which can measure body temperature and heart rate in real time. Currently, prototypes of these revolutionary helmets are being tested in the NCAA and on several high school teams.
Mr. Egues anticipates further that the changes will go beyond than merely monitoring the condition of the players in real time. For him, these changes may very well enable manufacturers to produce helmets tailored to meet the exact needs of each player.
As exciting as the direction the changes in NFL football helmets is going, Mr. Egues regards the Sideline Response System technology with a lot of caution. He admits that the technology is still at its infancy. He emphasizes that the welfare of the most precious commodity of the league, the athletes, is still the primary concern of the research. He assures the league, team owners and the players that they will incorporate the technology in the helmets only after it has been perfected. More importantly, he admits that incorporating the latest technology for the sake of technology is not necessarily beneficial to the league and the athletes. The relevance and necessity of the technology will still have to be established before it is incorporated formally into the league’s helmet design.
Mr. Egues expressed his fear of becoming too dependent on the technology. While the Sideline Response System has the ability to measure the force the player sustains during the game, human intervention is still necessary. Mr. Egues emphasizes that the team physician will be the one to decide, based on the data from the helmet, if the player needs to be pulled-out of the game and not the Sideline Response System.
These hesitations notwithstanding, Mr. Egues remains optimistic about the impending changes in NFL football helmets and he is not alone. The manufacturers are conducting their own research on how to improve helmet safety. Mr. Egues welcomes these independent studies by manufacturers. He notes that more research can only lead to better helmet designs.
New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team – What to Watch Live Online and Their Games Schedule
This team was great and almost perfect in their defensive campaign headed by of Tedy Bruschi, a veteran in linebacker position and Mike Vrabel’s leadership, this New England Patriots will never say die.
The fans will look forward to watch online or live the New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team’s offense headed by Tom Brady, with his incredible performance; the New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team is looking forward for another great 2008 season.
New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team Schedule
Sunday Sept 7 1:00 p.m. ET Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday Sept 14 4:15 p.m. ET New York Jets
Sunday Sept 21 1:00 p.m. ET Miami Dolphins
Sunday Oct 5 4:15 p.m. ET San Francisco 49ers
Sunday Oct 12 8:15 p.m. ET San Diego Chargers
Monday Oct 19 8:30 p.m. ET Denver Broncos
Sunday Oct 26 1:00 p.m. ET St. Louis Rams
Sunday Nov 2 8:15 p.m. ET Indianapolis Colts
Sunday Nov 9 1:00 p.m. ET Buffalo Bills
Thursday Nov 16 8:15 p.m. ET New York Jets
Sunday Nov 23 1:00 p.m. ET Miami Dolphins
Sunday Nov 30 4:15 p.m. ET Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday Dec 7 8:15 p.m. ET Seattle Seahawks
Sunday Dec 14 4:15 p.m. ET Oakland Raiders
Sunday Dec 21 1:00 p.m. ET Arizona Cardinals
Sunday Dec 28 1:00 p.m. ET Buffalo Bills
This team is really looking forward to repeat and go even beyond by aiming to have a perfect no loss record for the NFL 2008 Season. They just need to put focus on their weakness, and pretty sure they’ll make it again and even beyond. In this new season, the New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team will first face the Kansas City Chiefs on September 7 followed by the New York Jets on the 14th.
With great players, veteran and tested leadership of Tedy Bruschi, plus the intensity of other players, coming with the good record last 2007 NFL season. The New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team is really looking forward for another great and challenging year? So try to watch live online if the New England Patriots 2008 NFL Team will have a repeat of their winning streak or will they even go beyond their 2007 NFL season record?
Stream Birdy the Mighty – Double Trouble Online
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Stream Birdy the Mighty – Double Trouble Online.
Movie Title: Birdy the Mighty – Double Trouble Birdy the Mighty – Double Trouble is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Birdy the Mighty – Double Trouble |
With the conclusion of Birdy the Mighty, I now realize that a lot of people are missing out on one of the better anime OVAs not being watched. This anime has everything; great animation, lovable characters, good action, and a lot of comedy. In fact, if not for the less-than-stellar dubbed track, I would have given Birdy the Mighty: Final Force a five instead of a four.
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In this the second volume of the OVA series, Birdy continues her battles against crime, and more specifically against android super warriors and a mad scientist hell bent on turning mankind into a bunch of fighting monsters. And Tsutomu has girl troubles, family troubles, and, by the end, hair troubles. Though the story isn’t complex in any way, it’s definitely funny and action-packed and makes up for a few missing plot elements and a rather unfinished ending. But still, Birdy the Mighty only follows the norm of most anime, and that is an ambiguous ending, so I can’t be too disappointed with this, especially since it tries to put somewhat of a finish to the story.
As for the bad, I can’t help but notice, once again, the oddity in voice-acting choices. Though in my last review I said I had gotten used to it, the feeling that the voices weren’t exactly right came back when I came back to the series. It’s not particularly bad, but at times the voices don’t match the characters of Birdy and Tsutomu (see my review of Double Trouble for more). U.S. Manga Corps, though, is one of smaller anime publishers out, and they aren’t exactly known for landing the well-known voice-actors found in ADV, Geneon, or Bandai productions, so it is to be expected at least.
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As for recommendations, this is definitely one of the most underrated anime around. With the exception of so-so voice acting, this anime has everything that most anime fans want in their anime. If you enjoyed Mezzo or Burst Angel, or any of the other more comedic action series out, then Birdy the Might is a great choice for you.
The only problem I had with Birdy the Mighty was the voice-acting. While it wasn’t terrible, it seemed to me that the voice actors were poorly matched to there characters, especially in the case of the main characters: Tsutomu has a rather irritating high-pitch to his voice and Birdy is low-key and somewhat bland at times. I will say that, by the end of this DVD, the voices do grow on you and really seem to come into their own. It’s just early on that the voices seem odd.
The story of Birdy the Mighty follows two characters. Tsutomu is a school student dreading his entrance exams, and Birdy is an intergalactic police officer with super strength. One night, these two meet quite by accident and Birdy kills Tsutomu. In order to save his life, though, Birdy is forced to merge herself with him. Thus, they become one, and Tsutomu is forced to help Birdy save Earth from alien drug lords, while Birdy is forced to deal with all those emotions a high school male goes through in his everyday life. Problems arise, however, when Birdy decides to take over and changes into her own body, and people are around to see, including Tsutomu friends and family.
Going along with the comedy-based story are some decent scenes of action and surprisingly good animation despite the times in which this was produced. That’s not surprising, though, considering the pedigree of the creators involved with this anime, including the director of Ninja Scroll, my favorite short on the Animatrix “The Program,” and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. What’s also amazing about this anime is that it has yet to have a real fan-base considering how good it really is. This truly is a great anime worth seeing, and I’d recommend it this volume along with the second one to fans of Ranma or FLCL (as the animation has some shades of what can be found in FLCL).
Download thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season Online
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Download thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season Online.
Movie Title: thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season |
The world has become a better place since season 2 of “thirtysomething” has been announced.
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Let us all pray Armageddon delays its’ inevitable, crushing attack.
Stream Gojira Online
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Movie Title: Gojira Gojira is available for streaming or downloading. |
This review is mainly concerned with the original, Japanese version of Gojira (not dubbed). I find that inserting Raymond Burr’s character and removing some of the original to do so takes a great deal away from this movie and what it represents.
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Godzilla rises from his long sleep due to the effects of the hydrogen bomb. With each attack, the creature becomes more bold until Tokyo suffers a devasting attack, and only a miracle can save the country from another tragic visit by this risen giant.
The love affair plays a secondary but important part in the film. Emiko has been promised in marriage to a brilliant young scientist but has fallen in love with another man. It is the old world traditions clashing with modernity. Her father is a paleontologist who is probably the only person sharing empathy with Godzilla, feeling that destroying the beast will be depriving science of its one and only chance to study a creature from the prehistoric past.
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What is often overlooked (and not really stressed in the American version) is the terrible dilemma the young scientist faces when he is begged to use his oxygen destroyer weapon against Godzilla. Only the viewing of the destruction and sadness make him realize there is only one course to take. I feel he is the most crucial and yet saddest character in the entire movie. He actually loses on a number of counts–his life’s work (he destroys his formula so it could never fall into the wrong hands), his fiancee has decided to wed another, and in true samurai-like tradition, ends his life nobly. The scene of Godzilla’s painful death at the same moment that this brave but troubled researcher ends his own is poignant in the extreme.
This film is not just about humans against an ancient monster awakened from the past. It is about the universal emotions of love, dedication and the dangers to which science can lead us. It is also about sacrifice and triumph over impossible odds.
It is important to remember that the original movie was produced not that many years after the devastation wrought on Japan by the atomic bombs. It does not take much of the imagination to see the same destroyed cities, dying and injured people and the heartache produced by an attack, whether monster or man-made, on such a massive scale. The burning buildings, high levels of radioactivity, the melting metal all conjure up the effects of the atomic bomb, and in many ways this movie is an illustration of what Japan experienced, as well as providing a cathartic effect to a nation that suffered perhaps the greatest horror of this century.
The underlying message here is that, like the oxygen destroyer, atomic weapons are the most destructive device ever invented by man. This movie, besides being a very scary monster film (it gave me nightmares when I was a little girl) is an anti-nuclear weapon vehicle which gets its message across through the characters of a enormous beast, a scientist faced with a moral decision, and a people bent on surviving. Godzilla is more then a movie; it is a social statement against any weapon that has the power to alter our world, and the people in it, forever.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the old gentleman who was encased within the Godzilla costume. A very short man playing a huge monster (he was about 5 feet tall), he was nevertheless delighted and surprised that his portrayal of the beast has continued to draw audiences even after all these years. It was an honor to meet him.
My advice is the best way to see this movie is in the original, uncut Japanese version without dubbing. I am not a big fan of dubbing anyway, and feel that since people know the story and what is being said, the language barrier disappears and the emotional impact of the film is felt on a much higher scale.
To me, this is one of the best movies produced and has stood the passing of time. It holds many lessons for those who are open to the warnings and human tragedies, both physical and emotional, that we are forced to face in a world that has advanced to the point of self-annihilation.
First Godzilla movie. Now, right there is enough reason to buy this movie, but there are many more reasons too. Special effects wise, it’s great and a treat to the eye ( especially compared to “Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster” or “Godzilla vs. Megalon” ). Effects include: puppets, suit mation, and stop motion. This is where Godzilla is still an atomic, horrifing creature that kills and not the smiling, kid freindly monster. Just Godzilla, no Minya, no Rodan, and best of all no Jet Jaguar! The american scenes with Raymond Burr kind of dull down the film which is why it only gets 4 stars, but I try to overlook the american scenes and concentrate on Godzilla’s awsome rampages through japanese cities. The footage of death and destruction in that glorious stark black and white are an awe inspiring site!
Filmed in stark black and white, this is the very best movie to start with if you want to see all the Godzilla movies. Watch all the movies in order from this 1956 film to “Godzilla vs. Destroyer” made in 1995. As you progress through the series you will find out that Godzilla turns into a totally diffrent creature and then turns back to a mean creature again.
Stream Chasing Amy: The Criterion Collection Online
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Stream Chasing Amy: The Criterion Collection Online.
Movie Title: Chasing Amy: The Criterion Collection Chasing Amy: The Criterion Collection is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Chasing Amy: The Criterion Collection |
I have a “love-hate” relationship with Romantic Comedies. I really enjoy a decent one – and a couple of examples I’d consider “decent” are When Harry Met Sally and While You Were Sleeping. I also recognize that there is probably no other movie genre that is as suitable for “date night”: It’s where men and women’s interests overlap.
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Bad Romantic Comedies can be really tedious things, and many of my pet peeves about movies come from this genre. For example, my LEAST favorite romantic comedy cliche is the moment 10 minutes before the end of the movie where our loving couple has THE “big fight” (often over nothing or something completely stupid or forgettable), followed by one of the characters tearing off to the airport just so that the OTHER partner will have the sudden revelation that they’ve *made a big mistake* and go tearing off for the airport as well – usually arriving only moments late. (With an equally cliche-filled smooching reunion that follows minutes later, before the end credits roll.)
But I digress. NONE of these horrid cliche’s fill this movie, which is full of almost believable characters and completely believable heartache.
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Kevin Smith has now created a half-dozen films, and while I would classify all of them somewhere between “watchable” and “excellent”, “Chasing Amy” remains his masterpiece to date.
Holden (Ben Affleck) and Banky (Jason Lee) are 30ish buds-since-High-School who have grown into the guy fantasy job of writing a hit comic book. They get to alternate working on “Bluntman and Chronic” with making personal appearances at fan conventions where they get paid to sign autographs.
At one of these conventions they hook up with another “graphic novelist”, Dwight Ewell’s Hooper X – who is constantly educating Holden and Banky about being black and being gay. Ewell steals all of his scenes because Hooper is a perfect mix of bravado and angst which sufficiently masks his inner conflict for being black and gay.
Hooper introduces our heroes to Alyssa Jones, portrayed in a career-making performance by Joey Lauren Adams. Alyssa is cute, funny, talented, witty and Affleck’s Holden falls for her in a big way. He interrupts his usual routine with Banky just to meet up with Alyssa before finding out at the end of the first act that Alyssa is a lesbian.
A moment to discuss the language, themes and realism of the movie. Like the Kevin Smith films that preceded it, Chasing Amy uses language that is frank and honest and uses raw street vernacular to describe many things, in particular sex. I have heard many criticisms about the story contained in Chasing Amy. Joey Lauren Adams doesn’t fit lesbian stereotypes, and among those who seem to know, it is ridiculous to consider that a lesbian might be interested in a man – even if (perhaps especially if) the man is Ben Affleck. These things must be accepted to follow the movie. Smith makes it easy. In truth, the language and the issue of homosexuality are side issues in what is essentially a truly unique Romantic Comedy.
Like Smith’s first feature Clerks (Collector’s Series) the central conflict in “Amy” concerns one character’s difficulties accepting the “history” of the other romantic interest. To say more would spoil the pleasure you would derive from enjoying the flick yourself, but it has to be stated that Smith’s resolution involves heartbreak, plenty of humor, no cliches and no airports.
If you think you might enjoy an honest romantic comedy that includes street language, frank discussions about sex and gay characters, “Chasing Amy” fills the bill exactly.
This is a truly excellent movie. It is the best View Askew production yet. It has a touching story,lots of hillarious jokes, and one of the best endings ever. This movie shows Kevin Smith can take it to the next level. He gives a realistic look at relationships in the 90’s yet still displays the adolescent humour that made his two previous films so enjoyable. There are great performances by all the main characters. Joey Lauren Adams earned a well deserved Golden Globe nomination for her work. Jason Lee won an Independent Spirit award for his role as the overprotective buddy of Ben Affleck. Ben Affleck gives his best performance so far as Holden, the man questing after Alyssa(Adams). The film also features a great soundtrack. Although none of the songs were written for the movie, each one fits the mood of the scene as if it were tailored just for that scene.
Download An American Werewolf in Paris Online
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Download An American Werewolf in Paris Online.
Movie Title: An American Werewolf in Paris An American Werewolf in Paris is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download An American Werewolf in Paris |
Being a big fan of the John Landis original I decided to give this movie a chance and sat down with some popcorn and soda and hit “play.” Moments later I was shaking my head and pondering switching to one of my favorite television shows.
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This movie is a pale imitation of the original `American Werewolf in London’ and I imagine that the director of that 1981 classic John Landis was none to pleased to be associated with this production (in the credits it refers to using characters from the original).
Right from the get-go we can tell though that whereas the original had a wicked dry streak of humor to it (one of the tracks was `Blue Moon’) this one is instead going to take a more slapstick approach.
As the movie begins we join three American friends who are on a round Europe trip taking a series of daredevil stunts. Being obviously hormone driven (they all eye-up a French girl on the train and discuss how European girls are more sophisticated), I would venture a guess they would feel quite at home in a Farrelly brothers production. Upon arrival in the French capital they sneak onto the Eiffel Tower at night and as one of them prepares to bungee jump off the top some quick thinking allows the hapless hero to save a girls life.
Left with only the girls shoe the three track down the girl down after which time they discover her deep secret.
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This may be some people’s idea of a great or fun movie. Personally though it was not mine and afterwards I did switch to watch Prue, Piper and Phoebe battle demons and warlocks.
One bright spot this movie does have is some pretty nifty werewolf effects
I cannot believe that this movie was made. Honestly, if you’re gonna do a sequal to An American Werewolf in London, get Rick Baker and John Landis back, not some no-name hacks. Don’t even bother with this movie, and don’t confuse it with it’s far superior prequal, An American Werewolf in London
Download Cast Away Online
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Download Cast Away Online.
Movie Title: Cast Away Cast Away is available for streaming or downloading. |
Disc One: CAST AWAY
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Letterboxed – Anamorphic – 1.85:1
Audio:
DTS 6.1 ES – English
Dolby Digital 6.1 EX – English
Buy,Download, Or Stream Cast Away! Click Here
Dolby Surround – English
Dolby Surround – French
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary – 1. Robert Zemeckis – Director, Don Burgess – Director of Photography, Ken Ralston – Visual Effects Supervisor, Carey Villegas – Co-Visual Effects Supervisor, Randy Thom – Sound Designer
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Disc Two: Bonus Features
Featurettes – 1. “The Making of CAST AWAY”
2. “S.T.O.P.: Surviving as a Castaway”
3. “The Island”
4. “Wilson: The Life & Death of a Hollywood Extra”
Special Effects Vignettes with Audio Commentary
Charlie Rose Interview with Tom Hanks
Trailers – 1. 2 Original Theatrical Trailers
2. 10 TV Spots
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Text/ Photo Galleries:
Stills Gallery
Storyboard Galleries
Concepual Art
Illustrations
If you were expecting another Robinson Crusoe then this movie is not for you. This movie deals with the human aspect of being removed from everything you know and having to deal with not having the familiar around to keep you comfortable. If you are looking for exciting fights with the natives and constructing amazing devices from coconut shells and bamboo then you may want to go watch Robinson Crusoe or Gilligans Island. This was, I believe, probably a very difficult movie to make and probably even harder to sell the idea to a studio. Like I said earlier this is not Robinson Crusoe and you aren’t given a lot of action to watch but what you are given is a look at just how man deals with what he’s dealt. How many times have you found yourself having a conversation with ,well yourself, when no one else is around? Now take away all that you have and all your family and friends and, for that matter everything you have, how would you deal with it? A volleyball might just become a good friend. I don’t think this movie would ever have seen the light of day if it hadn’t been brought forward by such box office powerhouses as Hanks and Zemeckis and I don’t know anyone else who could have pulled it off better than Hanks. So I recommend that you watch this movie but don’t watch it for a survivalist action adventure flick watch it for what it is, a statement on the human condition and just how one man copes with what life throws his way.
Garmin 010-00469-00 Best Prices, Compare, Reviews
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Product: Garmin 010-00469-00 Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
Compare Prices on Garmin 010-00469-00
UPDATE: September 4, 2008 – Still very impressed with the 76CSx unit. It has come in real handy recently shopping for a house. All my opinions stated previously are still current. One very handy feature the unit doesn’t have that I wish it did was the ability to choose an alternate route while your are traveling. This can come in handy in the event there is a detour or you want to calculate a route around a traffic jam. This would create a by-pass route on-the-fly. Many street specific GPS units can do this. Although, this unit can re-route if you go off course which is something different.
The ‘2008 City Navigator Map Update’ is not much to be desired. I have not noticed any significant improvement in calculated routes or updated points of interest (POI) data over the 2007 maps release. The same errors that I have encounter initially are still there in the 2008 release(PA, NJ, NY areas). I am hesitant to purchase the 2009 update. I will probably wait until the 2010 Update.
The Foarm(R) case is the best protection out there still.
I am completely satisfied with this unit I have purchased & recommended other similar units by Garmin. Overall, the 76CSx is still a great unit.
UPDATE: August 23, 2007 – After reading reviews about the 2008 release of the Maps I decided to get. One special note: If you buy the update DVD make sure you get the correct release. For instance, if you have previously installed City Navigator North America v8 you need City Navigator North America 2008 UPDATE. If you own City Navigator North America v8 NT you need City Navigator North America 2008 NT. Get it? I found out the hard way but Garmin came through!
UPDATE: August 21, 2007 – A year has gone by and I still very much like my GPSmap 76CSx. Top notch!!! Garmin support has been great too. It’s been great on on the road, on the trails and even on a plane! Whether I am walking, driving or riding my bike. Actually, there isn’t much I would change on this GPS unit. The button placement you get accustomed to very quickly and the menu-page layout is genius. It’s been so easy to use this GPS. Once you read what each feature does the book really isn’t required anymore. Using the menus to get around to all the features and functions is easy and self-explanatory. Since my initial purchase, I have upgraded the expandable memory to 2GB (SanDisk microSD $22 on Amazon) and managed to fit the 48-states and some parts of Canada.
I see that there is a 2008 version of the North American maps replacing version 8. I am reluctant to purchasing this newer version since I have found quite a few out of date points-of-interests in the v8 maps. On a positive note, using the maps I have had many successful finds.
Battery life using Duracell alkaline batteries while the GPS is set to “Alkaline” will last about 12 hours. I have tried 2500mAh Energizer rechargable batteries with the GPS unit set to “NiMH” but I only seem to get about 3 hours of use out of them.
Recently, I have purchased a Garmin Nuvi 350 for my father from Amazon (price was great) and he really likes it but that unit is primarily for the road. Just what he wanted. The GPSmap 76CSx is loaded with so much more for so many other uses.
ORIGINAL review July 29, 2006 –
Having the Foarm rubber protective case has kept the GPS looking and functioning as new. It’s dropped a few times.
I highly recommend Garmin GPSmap76CSx unit to anyone looking for a GPS unit for the road, hiking and/or boating. The numerous menus and features are very intuitive and easy to use. The hi-res color screen may be small compared to in-car GPSs but is very clear. The time for the satellite lock is relatively quick. Even while indoors, I can get a lock on at least 3 or 4 satellites. Buildings with metal roofs or concrete floors above may not get any reception. This is expected of any unit.
For the road, I would highly suggest purchasing the City Navigator North American v8 Maps ($112). The map extends the features of the GPS with turn-by-turn directions, millions of points-of-interests (POI) such as fuel stations, garages, attractions, restaurants and shopping venues. You can even upload your own POIs to the unit as well. Don’t be surprised if some of the route calculations it comes up with seem a bit odd. It will get you there though. If you miss your turn it re-calculates a new route very quickly. There are numerous websites that provide POI files that you can upload to your unit. You will notice that some of the pre-installed POIs may not be up to date.
Unlike other handheld GPS units, the memory is expandable. I installed a 1GB microSD card ($45) in order to store vast amounts of map data or tracking that you may have done. The entire US is about 1.5GB of information. The unit comes with a blank 128MB microSD memory card that I moved to my cell phone (bonus).
The sensors included are the electronic compass and barometer. Having an electronic compass allows one to determine ones (N,S,E,W) direction without moving. Many GPS units determine direction by changes in position coordinates. Therefore you must be moving. Optional sensors such has for water temperature may be plugged into the back of the unit.
To protect your unit I recommend the Foarm textured, rubberized (~$20) case. The case comes with a few transparent protectors for the screen. If you don’t get this case go out and at least buy some PDA screen protectors. If the protected screen gets scratched you can peel off the overlay and stick on a new one. Since the screen is a bit small and with hi-resolution you want to keep it clear. The GPS unit floats with or without the case. That can come in handy while hiking or boating.
Based on all of this I would highly recommend any other Garmin unit as well.
There are times when “pretty good” isn’t good enough. For me, purchasing a GPS unit represented one of those times. I wanted a handheld GPS unit that was best-in-class. My research led me to the GPSMap 76CSx. Factors that led to the decision: frankly, the reviews here; Garmin’s reputation; powerful satellite locking; great variety of base- and add-on maps; expandable storage via microSD card; altimeter; compass; battery life; transreflective LCD screen. Don’t underestimate the importance of the transreflective screen: one of the biggest consumers of battery power is the LCD: with the backlight on frequently, battery life drops significantly. The transreflective LCD enables you to turn off backlighting for use outdoors during the day, which significantly reduces battery draw.
I like to play with a unit before reading the manual, and in playing around I have figured out the major functions/features. It’s not the *most* intuitive unit, but I give it 4/5 stars on intuitiveness. The manual is not huge, but is a several-evening reading project, and that’s on my soon-to-do list.
Initial satellite locking is pretty quick (3-4), then acquisition of another 3-4 satellites occurs over the next several minutes. This is *indoors*, where I routinely lock 9 satellites in a townhouse. Out in the woods while hiking, I also lock and hold at least 9 satellites. The more satellites your unit can lock, the more accurate your coordinates are.
I started with using just the built-in basemap, which is … basic. The first map I added was Topo 2008 USA. While the resolution is only 100k, it adds a reasonable level of topographical detail for my uses (general light hiking), as well as non-routable local roads. (The roads appear and are labelled, but the unit cannot calculate turn-by-turn routing directions using the Topo map. For this, you must add one of the Navigator maps.)
The unit is light, and battery life so far seems as promised (15-20 hours). I have not tried rechargeable batteries, but plan to do so. If they work well, fine, and if not, fine too. Alkalines are inexpensive enough bought in bulk.
Downloading maps from the computer is quite a slow process, so I’m going to guess the USB is 1.1 not 2.0. I downloaded the mid-Atlantic and New England region, approximately 700k of data, which took over 45 minutes. I can’t imagine loading the whole country. The Navigator maps may be smaller, since I don’t believe they contain elevation data.
All in all, I am very pleased with this unit. The main things a potential buyer must be aware of is the need to add: 1) a larger microSD card to store additional map data; 2) the need to purchase better topographical maps for serious outdoor use; 3) the understanding that while Topo maps show roads, they do not calculate driving routes on these roads; 4) for routable driving maps, you have to add a Navigator type map.
Do not let the suggestion that this device is intended for marine use deter you from considering it for highway and recreational use on land. In fact, the waterproof and floating qualities of this device simply enhance its already impressive capabitities for hikers, bikers and motorized recreationists. It uses all varieties of MapSource software, providing the ability to use highway, topographic and marine maps.
The removable memory allows the user to increase memory or to create memory cards with chosen mapsets preloaded. I installed a 2 GB card and have every available MapSource map east of the Mississippi loaded, including parts of the Canada, Mexican isthmus, and Carribean World Maps! No longer do I have to sit and select maps corresponding to my next trip, load them to the device. Nor do I have to load map segments on my long trips during my trip (which required I bring my PC). It’s in there! It’s nearly as good as the DVD method found on today’s built in vehicle systems in terms of map storage.
It’s far better than vehicle systems in terms of features, portability, flexibility, and so on. There are no in-motion restrictions; all data can be uploaded and download with a computer; if the road is on a map, this GPS will take you there – no “road not verified mumbo-jumbo).
This marks the third Garmin GPS I have purchased. It has several capabilities that take it beyond the GPS V that I own, and puts the GPS12 (though a very fine device for it’s time) to shame. This unit has expandable memory, double the storage for waypoints, and over three times the track log memory. Tracks uploaded can be twice as large as the GPS V and three times as many total points.
The satellite reception is astonishing – it often receives enough satellites to give me coverage even sitting at my desk in my home office!
The addition of electronic compass and altimeter improve the usability and accuracy of an already impressive device. You will not regret owning one! If you already have a lesser Garmin mapping GPSr, take a look at this!