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UPDATE: Here’s my hands on review of the Garmin GPSMAP 64s. Garmin has announced the GPSMAP 64 series, updating the 62 series (of which the 62s is currently my go-to handheld). Let’s dive right into the improvements…

GLONASS

First up is GLONASS support, which should allow for improved accuracy, especially in northerly latitudes and urban canyons. Garmin says that with GLONASS you’ll average 20% faster satellite lock than with GPS alone.

Smart iPhone connectivity

Sorry Android users, this one is only for folks toting an iPhone 4s+. If that’s you, you can expect smart notifications, bringing you texts, emails and alerts, right to the screen of your 64s or 64st.

Not only that but it also allows you to use the Garmin Connect mobile app to share your location with family and friends via LiveTrack , at least as long as you’re within cell phone range.

Preloaded geocaches

This one is a bit of a surprise; not that they’d include 250,000 preloaded caches but that they’d come from geocaching.com rather than Garmin’s own OpenCaching site. Maybe these guys have all made up!

BirdsEye included

The 64s and 64st models will come with a one-year subscription to BirdsEye satellite imagery

Optional rechargeable battery

While the 64 series can use standard AA batteries, an optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack is also available.

Models, pricing and availability

There are three models being released, the 64, 64s and 64st. The base model Garmin GPSMAP 64 lists for $299.99.

The GPSMAP 64s adds a tri-axial compass, barometric altimeter, wireless connectivity for smart notifications and a one-year subscription to BirdsEye aerial imagery. It will list for $399.99.

The GPSMAP 64st adds preloaded 1:100,000 scale topo maps of the US and will list for $499.99.

The 64 series is expected to be available later this month.

UPDATE: Here’s the full news release.

What do you think? Will you be ponying up for one of these?