jcc123

I know it makes a big difference in loading maps on the computer but I don't know if the speed of the Colorado is slower than the regular SD card? I've loaded about 200 MB but can't tell if there is a difference or not? I thought that if someone knows already that I don't have to go and spend hours loading both with 1GB of maps to test. BTW, do you know how to delete posts? I double posted...

I just received my Colorado 300. does the speed of the SD card matter? I have both a regular 1GB card and a 2GB Ultra II card and would like to use the 1Gb card. Anyone know if it makes a difference? I tried seraching the forum but it won't allow "SD" as a search item. Kind of dumb...

I just ordered a 300 for $425 shipped.

As far as I know, Garmin made a couple updates to that series after introduction. That’s why it says V.3. I think the difference is in how many parks in each version, subsequent versions included more. I certainly hope that they sell a DEM version so that we can use it on the Colorado. These maps are much more detailed than the Topo.

Another question I have concerning the internal vs external is how fast is it to load maps into the 4GB internal memory of the 400t? Is it slow like the 60CSx??? If it's still slow like the 60CSx then I rather get the 300 and use the money saved to buy an external 4GB card. This way I can use the card in a card reader for some fast transfer of maps to memory. Finally, does it help to get an expensive and fast SD card? Even if I get one, will it be as fast as having the internal memory like the 400t?

Hey, apersson850, do you know if the 300 have the 3D elevation maps like the 400t?

Yup. Hate it. I have big fingers, and can't type on the "keyboard" without hitting the wrong key. Gimme buttons. That's a function of the key size, NOT the technology. If they were to allow for larger keys it would eliminate your objections. Since that's controlled by software, you/Garmin can change it at will. Unlike a hardware button, which if you don't like it, you're stuck with. Sure, Apple is about to release the iPhone/iTouch SDK, allowing such tweaks, but I highly doubt Garmin would open their hardware to 3rd party apps given their iron-fisted approach to map data. I wasn't talking about opening their hardware to other developers. I was talking about having a setting, for example, that allows for many size choices for the keyboard and other buttons. People will then be able to customize their units to their specs. For example, people with large hands could make their keyboards bigger so that they can type easily. The point here is that with software buttons, you can easily change things whereas with hardware buttons, you’re stuck. I’ll give you another example, imagine being able to put the most useful functions for YOU on the front page of the device. Or change the font or button sizes, colors, shapes, positions. Anything is possible when you have software buttons. If you like the button to be on the bottom of the device instead of the top? No problem, just drag it down. You want the buttons for your right hand instead of left? No problem, hit a key and the positions change. Do you get what I’m getting at? Garmin can just put it in their unit software and it's done.

I don't know if Garmin will add audio since that would compete too much with their Nuvi's. They want people to buy BOTH the car navigation AND trekking units. If they included audio, people can skip buying the auto units since they can get turn by turn directions from just their trekking. Also, audio is a battery hog.

Yup. Hate it. I have big fingers, and can't type on the "keyboard" without hitting the wrong key. Gimme buttons. That's a function of the key size, NOT the technology. If they were to allow for larger keys it would eliminate your objections. Since that's controlled by software, you/Garmin can change it at will. Unlike a hardware button, which if you don't like it, you're stuck with.

Yup. Hate it. I have big fingers, and can't type on the "keyboard" without hitting the wrong key. Gimme buttons. That's a function of the key size, NOT the technology. If they were to allow for larger keys it would eliminate your objections. Since that's controlled by software, you/Garmin can change it at will. Unlike a hardware button, which if you don't like it, you're stuck with.

Actually both. I absolutely love these touch interfaces but I can't imagine taking something that fragile outdoors and using it with heavy winter gloves in the middle of a snow storm or in the pouring rain. I also looked at the iPhone/iPod touch environmental specifications and the operating temperature ratings are from 32F-95F. Based on experiences I've had with other touch screens (Palm, PocketPC, Car GPS) I'm guessing much of that is because of the limitations of the touch screen. I spend a lot of time outside when it is less than 32F and if I leave the GPS on the dash of my car I'm sure it'll get way over 95F. In either case I'd be pretty upset if my GPS stopped working because the touch screen couldn't deal. I stand by my original statement. If you can find a touch screen that operates from 5F-158F (Garmin's operating temp), works with gloves on, is waterproof (IPX-7) and shockproof then by all means Garmin missed the boat. But I don't think that exists on a consumer grade product today. GO$Rs Touch screens have the same limitations as regular screens, no more, no less. It's true that you won't be able to use regular gloves with them but I think it's a good trade-off considering the amount of time you save having to skip to funtions or letters you want one by one. In anycase, Garmin WILL move to touch screens some day. It's a certainty because that's where the industry is moving to. So I would say get use to them cause it's coming. I only wished that they do it sooner since I adapt to tecnology more quickly than the average joe.

So basically: 300 + extra memory + Topo 2008 = 400T?

It doesn't look like the 300 has the 3D map features of the 400 series? Also, are the topo maps that come with 400t the same as the ones iin topo 2008?

I hope not. I'd like something that is a little more durable and works with gloves better than a touch screen. I have an old Palm that I take with me in the field and I hate having to take gloves on and off to finger touch or pull out a stylus. That and I notice the calibration is always off given changes in temp and crud I probably get down inside the screen sensors. As long as the Colorado's button/roller is durable and can be used with gloves (I've read some reviews that say it is) then I'm happy with what they did. 3-axis compass on the other hand was a big miss in my opinion but that's not really a deal breaker as long as the unit can take GPX files from GSAK so I can eliminate having to carry a Palm device. From what I've read so far that seems to be the case. GO$Rs Ever used an iPhone or iTouch? nuff said.

Touch screen so we don't need the big ugly button.

Hummm, are the topo maps that comes with the 400t different than the ones that we buy, Topo 2008? They almost make it sound like that it's different with the 3D stuff?

Crap, it looks like it uses a different power jack for the car than the 60 series. Looks like they want us to overspend on their expensive cables once again! Perhaps someone would do us the honor of calling Garmin and asking if the only differnce between the 300 and 400's is the pre-loaded maps?

I'm pretty sure that is an image of a real topo map. I will be at Macworld Expo in San Francisco on January 15. Garmin has a booth; I'll bring a camera and take some pictures of the Colorado...and anything else that is new on the market from Garmin. I'm getting ready to retire my 60Cx. I've had it for 23 months and it has been a real asset while hiking in the U.S. and France. Plus, it has been a good car navigation device. I'm guessing that the Colorado 400t will prove to be a good upgrade from the 60Cx. Also find out if you please if the 300 is different from the 400t only in the map supplied. I laready have Garmin's new Topo 2008 as many other here have so I don't wish to double dip.

Will the topo maps really look that good or is that a "dramatization"

That's too bad. I guess we'll have to see how Garmin's Colorado stacks up...

I can't really say that I like the design. It looks kind of retarded with everything BIG! They could have made the body smaller no? For example, what's with that dumpy handle on top?

Judging by the accessories page of the product page, I say you have the right idea. They have a wireless cadence device that will work with it, so I expect other wireless devices to be sold. http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache:90TqA...;cd=1&gl=us The other interesting thing I think is that topo maps will now show shaded relief on this device instead of just on the PC.

I'm a bit disappointed that the screen is still so small. I guess they had to do it to save on the power requirements. Still, I think they could have made it bigger. The unit looks to have a quad helix antenna? At least a short one or do you guys think that the wireless antenna?

It's actually BETTER to have the controls at the top because it allows you to hold the unit better, provided of course you design the controls so that they don't interfear with the screen. When you have the controls at the bottom which makes it dificult to hold the unit AND navigate since your palm can't actually hold the unit completely. I can't tell you how many times I almost dropped the 60CSx because I have to clinch the bottom of the unit to navigate. It looks like this design is such. As far as I can tell, if you don't have a large hands or wear gloves, holding the unit in your left hand, you can roll the jog wheel without blocking the screen.

I think Garmin has started development of their own map data. They had to now that both Navteq and Tele Atlas are no longer independent companies. I expect them to announce their product in about 5-6 years when their contract ends with Navteq.