Garmin Launches the Latest in Marine Handheld GPS

March 13, 2001

"GPS 76 and GPSMAP 76 give mariners two great navigation options with WAAS capabilities"

Olathe, Kan. - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), a leading manufacturer of navigation, communication and information electronics, announces two products that will give mariners everything they’re looking for in a handheld GPS - introducing the GPS 76 and GPSMAP 76.

Designed with the mariner in mind, the GPS 76 and GPSMAP 76 build upon Garmin's current line of handheld GPS products, by offering enhanced features like high-resolution displays and increased internal memory. Both units feature a built-in quad helix antenna, for superior reception. The GPS 76 and GPSMAP 76 are also compatible with the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), a technology designed to improve the accuracy of GPS positioning.

"We are thrilled to offer WAAS capability in a handheld GPS receiver," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "With the addition of WAAS in these two products, customers will see GPS accuracy improved to about three meters. For mariners who may encounter heavy fog during a trip, this type of accuracy would be extremely useful in helping them navigate their way home."

The GPS 76 comes equipped with an internal memory storage capacity of one megabyte, perfect for downloading points of interest detail from Garmin's line of MapSource® CD-ROMs. The unit is also pre-loaded with a built-in database of major cities and nautical navaids such as lights, buoys, sound signals and day beacons. The GPSMAP 76 has an internal memory capacity of eight megabytes. In addition, it comes with a built-in basemap of cities, coastlines, lakes, rivers, interstates and interstate exit information and a database of nautical navaids.

While the internal features of the GPS 76 and GPSMAP 76 are impressive, it's the outside of these two products that will really have mariners taking notice. An extra-large display measuring 1.6"W x 2.2"H gives users a clear view of information, while a waterproof case means these units will keep working well even amid a constant saltwater spray. Even more amazing, both units will actually float if accidentally dropped in the water.

Specific features of the GPS 76 and GPSMAP 76 include:

One megabyte of internal memory capacity and a built-in database of nautical navaids, tide data and major cities - GPS 76
Eight megabytes of internal memory capacity and a built-in basemap of major cities, coastlines, nautical navaids, lakes, rivers, interstates and tide data - GPSMAP 76
WAAS capable for greater GPS accuracy
Compatible with MapSource line of CD-ROMs
Waterproof case that meets IPX7 standards and floats when in the water
Large, high-resolution display with 180x240 pixels
Built-in celestial tables with best times to fish and hunt
Dedicated man overboard function
Stores 500 waypoints
Operates for 16 hours on two AA batteries

The GPS 76 will carry a suggested retail price of $250.00, while the GPSMAP 76 will have a suggested retail price of $399. Both units are expected to be available in April 2001 and will ship standard with a PC interface cable, wrist strap, user’s manual, and quick reference guide.