yogazoo

Well, I'm out on the lake this week (vacation) and I'm connected via mobile device. I can't figure out how to PM with where you can order the 7xx series. So, I'm going to post it here and hopefully I'm not violating any forum rules by doing so. Preorder from: GPScity.com

I'll PM anyone who wants to know. Website promoting etc is frowned upon in the forums.

I just ordered the 700 which is available now. Should have it in hand by Tuesday. I'll try to post some vids next week.

Neil, as always, spec sheets are only half the story. If the new features are implemented well, I think the 700 series will be a hit. If not, I'll concede and yawn right along with you. It'll be a few weeks before I'm likely to get my hands on a 750. I look forward to posting what I find as soon as I get it. Matt

You could pay $150 for topo maps, or you could get topos for free - GPSfileDeopt.com

Im rather excited about the new series and Im jumping in. Have my old unit on the auction site and have a pre-order in for the 750. The Oregon line, for me, is the perfect combo of size, portability, and functionality. Others will feel different. There's no best fit for all.

"i would totally love to see a Garmin that can share data wirelessly with other devices over standard Bluetooth/wifi/etc, but i don't that will happen with this unit." Why don't you think sharing data wirelessly would happen with THIS unit when it's been a feature for years on most Garmin handhelds? Its also in the spec sheet for the 700 series.

"Comparable" to whom? I have a Commando and, in my opnion, it's not comparable in the least to any of the latest Garmin units I own. For starters the screen brightness in bright sun isn't comparable at all. Garmin easily wins the screen readability contest despite having a slightly smaller screen. I buy Garmin units for field crews for a reason. Believe me, if we could make due with everyone using their various smart-phones, or buy a $30 phone for everyone (with data plans), it would save us some $$. But for our advanced uses, heavy reliance on maps and aerial imagery, and other needs, not to mention actual tech-specs, Garmin's are still what we require both technically and practically, and probably always will. Sharing waypoint, track, photo, and map data wirelessly between units in the field is just one small example of things Garmin's do that a $30 eBay phone can't. I took the bait. Look, there are countless OTHER threads on the GPS vs Phone debate where people on both sides grind axes.

So If I'm understanding the geocaching "Live" feature, it appears as though all you have to do is pan to anywhere on the map (or use current location), hit the refresh button, and the closest 25 caches with log and notes info will download automatically and be saved to the unit. All the caches downloaded can then be refreshed live in the future, whenever you want, even in the field via Bluetooth. Pocket Query download and manual transfer is a relic of the past!? Hardly a "yawn".

We know you'll need a Bluetooth connection to your phone for this to work. Where you hike, you won't be getting weather info on your phone either, obviously. To my knowledge, cell phone data is the only mobile wireless technology that will allow you to receive weather radar and forecast. The National Weather System has county alert data that are broadcast via radio waves (see Rino 6xx series) but no radar or forecast on the screen. Weather info via satellite anywhere, anytime, would be ideal on a portable device. But it's not even possible on a phone without data connection.

The weather radar data and forecast info is received through a Bluetooth connection with your phone OR through WiFi. I often put my phone, connected to a small battery pack, in a ziplock and put it in my backpack. This way I can receive notifications and run a Live Track (and now weather) through the GPS on my pack strap. I think I'll simply use a Phone App for the weather. Rather save battery from the Bluetooth. I use my smart-phone for weather info during everyday life as well. But, when I'm hiking/hunting/geocaching, I have my GPS, not my phone, on my pack strap. I guess the usefulness of the weather data feature will largely depend on how and when you use your GPS.

"Redesigned antenna for better reception" I can't find any FCC photos of internals. I wonder what the technical details are on this redesign?

After reading more about the Oregon 7xx, the wireless geocaching feature automatically updates your logs and notes to geocaching.com and refreshes the cache log data already on the unit. No need to connect to your computer for anything geocache related.

The ability to automatically upload activity data to Garmin Connect means that you can take the 7xx for a run, hike, or bike, and keep track of your metrics on Connect without connecting to your computer or even thinking about it. If a fenix watch doesn't fit your lifestyle or pocketbook, the Oregon 7xx will pretty much do most of what the watch does in terms of exercise metrics and wireless record keeping.

The weather radar data and forecast info is received through a Bluetooth connection with your phone OR through WiFi. I often put my phone, connected to a small battery pack, in a ziplock and put it in my backpack. This way I can receive notifications and run a Live Track (and now weather) through the GPS on my pack strap.

Wireless cache uploads, Connect IQ compatibility, Doppler radar, are all new additions that sound pretty exciting to me. Not to mention a brand new interface you can select for activity based uses. Bluetooth, Wifi, notifications. Initial issues upon release seem to have gone way down (albeit not eliminated) since Garmin began focusing on beta testing before release. I know, some users experience more issues than others with existing units. And there is still a smoothing over of issues when new units are released. But, by en large, the Garmin units I own are reliable for my uses and I'm stoked on purchasing a 750.

The battery save mode doesn't effect tracklog recording on the Montana 610/680 either.

I can select "Battery Save" on my Montana 610 which turns the screen off after a set table amount of time. One thing to consider is that the Oregon 6xx has a built-in flashlight. While, on the surface, it may seem superficial but it's actually super-handy. Wish the Montana series has a built-in flashlight. I have and use both and the Oregon 6xx would be my personal go-to if I had to only take one GPS unit. It's portable, has a rail mount, and a capacative touch-screen which I like more. My two cents. Individual experiences may vary.

http://m.nasdaq.com/article/garmin-to-buy-delorme---quick-facts-20160211-00355

In Montana we're lucky enough to have a fairly robust cadastral or plat system. Every private and public land parcel has been mapped (updated monthly) according to an aliquot part legal description describe in the warranty deed or certificate of survey. The plat grid is aligned to known points called Geodetic Control Points. These points have been precisely mapped using survey grade GPS recievers and are located in various densities across the state. There are several dozen within driving distance and I've visited a few with the same curiosity as others here: just how accurate can I expect Consumer grade GPS units (Garmin) to be? The results, with WAAS, GLONASS & GPS, using averaged waypoints, suprised me. I found myself within 2-3 meters (6-9 feet) of the pin/cap on the ground marking the control point in the majority of readings. My own personal conclusions based on my results: If you give some consideration to how your GPS is positioned, are recieving 8 or more satellites with a good signal strength, allow a few minutes for the reciever to "settle", and average your position (waypoint averaging) you can achieve very good results. Waypoint averaging won't help you find a cache (would help to mark one) but as far as data collection goes it's a great tool. There are plenty of influencing factors that may negatively effect and reduce accuracy however, I'm not one to completely disregard consumer GPS uprecievers as inherently inaccurate. Give it a little thought and manage expectations based on site specific conditions. I've loaded the Montana Geodetic Control Points into a POI database that can be downloaded from GPSfiledepot. If you live in Montana or plan to visit, it might be fun to locate a point near you and experiment for yourself. Or perhaps you can check with the agency that manages geo data in your state and find out if they have something similar. Cheers!

Thanks for the impressions Malibooboo! Especially the screen update confirmation. As far as the straight line while tracklog is paused I think that's how they all work unless you stop, clear, and begin a new tracklog. So, dare I ask, is this the "Super Montana" you longed for? Maybe use it for a week and then get back with me on that. I'm on the fence. I'll have to either beg my employer for (another) one (GPS) or have a few bake sales. Like you I'm addicted to GPS units and find it hard to resist.

See photo in above post: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=334516&view=findpost&p=5532874

Since the technology is the same (resistive) I was thinking perhaps better contrast, more vivid colors, or improved touch responsiveness. Maybe it's slightly more efficient power wise? It's a mystery what the wording in the Garmin announcement was referring to. Perhaps a different serial number for the screen from the parts supplier? Maybe, just maybe, it's slightly misleading and Garmin was referring to the "updated... display" in that the display of the menu interface was updated to include the new track manager. Heck I dunno.

I think Tareed69 was referring to the wording in the official announcement from Garmin which reads, "Featuring an updated 4-inch, dual orientation, glove friendly touchscreen display".

Don't forget the interface tweaks. The new Track Manager like what the Oregon's have. Not sure what other interface tweaks will be included but my guess is not many. This update appears to simply bring the Montana series up to date with GLONASS, etc. Montana is a decent selling line and I don't think they want to mess with the formula too much. The screen is supposed to be "updated" but we'll just have to wait for a side by side to see what, if any, difference there actually is.