hi im a noob also...i just got my 60csx a week ago, my first unit...i will be using mine like you....mostly for hiking to determine mileage and elevation...in my newbie opinion it's very adequate for my intended uses...i just downloaded a 24k topo map of my area and it was pretty easy and has all the trails and roads i hike on
My own $0.02 worth...
60csx pro's:
Time-tested design with large base of happy owners
Good accuracy
Easy to read screen in bright conditions with no backlight
Attractive pricing
Good battery life
60csx cons:
Older, slower design
Awkward interface using cursor keys for text entry
Low resolution 8 bit screen
No support for raster imagery
No internal memory, all maps must be on card
Only one map file allowed per card
2025 map segment limit - cannot install full US Topo (6600 segments)
No pre-installed maps
Oregon pro's:
Faster chipset
Touchscreen UI is more intuitive and makes text entry easier
Much higher resolution screen with 16 bit color
Drag and drop map file naming makes management easier
User-defined profiles allow custom configuration for different uses with a few screen taps
Paperless geocaching
550 models have integrated camera and tri-axial compass
Supports raster imagery with certain Garmin products (Marine maps, GB Explorer series)
Internal memory in addition to card slot
Supports 4000 map segments
Available with pre-installed maps, including full US Topo
Oregon cons:
More expensive
Screen harder to read under some bright conditions
Shorter battery life
I have both and greatly prefer the Oregon.