These new GPS model from Garmin are pretty much meant for people who are outdoors a lot and need a GPS to get around. There are four models in the Oregon series, one being the base model, and then the other three models all have a unique special feature.
Basically, all four of the models come with a 3-inch touchscreen, and the system is designed to be waterproof, shock resistant and survive very harsh conditions. It comes with HotFix technology, which is a feature that allows the device to remember a specific location. In addition, it comes with a microSD slot, which allows you to add more maps if you want or need.
Now, more specifically, the 400t gives full color, 3D topographical maps of the US. The 400i gives maps and details about the lakes and rivers in the States. Finally, the 400c gives maps and details about the coasts of both the US and the Bahamas. The Oregon 300 comes with maps of the whole world, and the Oregon 200 comes with simpler maps.
Garmin plans to start shipping out these GPS units sometime soon, and prices start from $480 for the Oregon 200, and it goes up to $640 for the Oregon 400.
Via [electronista]
Garmin products Rock! They have great technology and are definitely user-friendly.
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“The Oregon’s vibrant screen is responsive to the touch of your finger, yet resistant to the forces of nature,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Combining the touchscreen interface of our iconic automotive devices with the preloaded features of the acclaimed Colorado series makes this the ultimate outdoor handheld.”
Easy to learn and simple to use, the waterproof Oregon features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, preloaded mapping and a high-resolution, color 3-inch screen that reacts as users tap or drag through menus and options. On a mountain or an ocean, satellite reception is even faster than before thanks to Garmin’s new HotFix(TM) feature, which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information and can use that information to quickly calculate a position without waiting for data collection from the satellites.
The Oregon 400t gives hikers preloaded U.S. topographic maps in state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective. The Oregon 400i offers anglers shoreline details, depth contours and boat ramps for U.S. inland lakes and navigable rivers. The Oregon 400c is a saltwater specialist, providing chart coverage for the coastal U.S. and Bahamas. The Oregon 300 features a worldwide basemap with shaded relief. The Oregon 200 provides a basemap that can be easily supplemented with additional mapping or charts for your adventures on land or at sea.
Garmin knows its users have many interests, so the Oregon lets you customize five profiles — automotive, marine, recreation, fitness or geocaching — making the most beneficial features for each activity the easiest to access through quick shortcuts.
The Oregon series plays well with others, as the 400t, 400c, 400i and 300 allow for wireless exchange of tracks, waypoints and geocaches between other Oregon units and Colorado models. Each of these models is equipped with a barometric altimeter and electronic compass and is compatible with Garmin’s heart-rate monitors and speed/cadence sensors.
Geocaching is even easier with the Oregon, which quickly downloads online information for every cache, such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description, so that you don’t have to tote printouts with you. Cachers and collectors will be hunting for a limited-edition geocoin minted to commemorate the launch of the Oregon series. Oregon users can experience Wherigo(TM), the newest GPS-based activity from Groundspeak, the people who made geocaching a worldwide phenomenon. Wherigo (pronounced “where I go”) is a toolset for creating and completing adventure games, historical tours or other innovative activities in the real world.
Weighing only 6.8 ounces with 16 hours of life from two AA batteries, the Oregon has a microSD card slot that is ideal for loading additional MapSource detail. For more about the Oregon’s features, pricing and availability, go to http://www.garmin.com/ and http://www.garmin.blogs.com/.
About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN) , the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications — most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
My evaluation of the Garmin Oregon 400T indicates that the display is not that unacceptable in bright sunlight, regardless of most practical viewing angles, especially compared to other 'touch screen' GPS devices; i.e., cell phones. Unquestionably, the GPS MAP 60CSx with its backlit display is the most readable under all conditions. My Flickr Photo Page shows the results comparing the 400T with the AT&T Tilt, T-Mobile G1 and the GPS MAP 60CSx. It would be interesting to see this comparison with an iphone, which I don't have. Take a look at the Garmin Oregon User Group and feel free to join and contribute:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1074405@N24/