simpsonslv

Got my 550 yesterday ($429 and 1 day with Amazon Prime - amazing!). Haven't been out with it yet - will cache this weekend to try it out and will report. JessJoe, I had a Colorado 400t and returned it for the Oregon. Personally, I didn't like the rocker wheel and for the money I was spending felt that I ought to have the touchscreen. From what I have read, the accuracy on the Oregon is a bit better than the Colorado, but I have no definite proof. It did lead me to within 10 ft. of the caches I was looking for, though neither were under heavy tree cover.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts... Still waiting on more info on the 450, but now see Amazon has the 550 at $429 (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Oregon-Handheld-Navigator-Digital/dp/B0029LL5IY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1264438010&sr=8-4) and seriously thinking about it. Has anyone yet seen the 450? Is it worth waiting? Thanks!

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I was looking at the Dakota 20 and then they released the 450 which seems to have everything the Dakota does in a larger format and presumably the easier to read screen. The free maps I was unaware of - thanks for that tip. Seems I can save a bit by skipping the reloaded topo.

I am an intermediate Geocacher (out on the weekends with the family) and am looking to buy my first GPS. I have used Garmin and been very happy with them so am focused on their Oregon line. I have 2 questions: 1. How crucial are Topo maps (ex. 400 vs. 400t or 450 vs. 450t)? I was going to go with a t model, but wondering whether it's more than I need? Particularly with Garmin releasing the satellite imagery download package, do I need the topo? 2. 450 vs. 400? While I had focused on the 450 due to the 3 axis compass, with prices coming down on the 400 I am now thinking about it. Will I be sorry later if I don't go with the 450? Your thoughts are appreciated as I close in on this decision. Thanks, simpsonslv