wvsky

I just checked the Garmin website and it appears that the plain 62 does not support Topo maps. I think this feature would be wanted for my use. Going to send the 62 back. Thanks for all your help.

Thanks for everyone's help! I was into CB big time back in the early to mid 70s. Had 3 radios and 3 towers. That fad lasted about 4 years for me and haven't touched one since. I will never mount any electronics on my ATV due to the terrain and the way I ride. I will keep the GPS either in my pocket or around my neck on a lanyard. I do have one more question however: Since there's no buttons on the 550T, do the options appear on the screen as soon as you touch it? And when they ARE on the screen, do they take up real estate over top of the map? (seems they'd have to) and so block what you're looking at?

I bought both units from Amazon. The second one shipped today and will arrive in a few days. It appears that the difference between the touch screen and the buttons isnt a big issue. As the largest screen possible is very important to me, I was leaning towards the touch screen if possible. The other issue was that since they're both the same price, (the touch screen being reduced drastically for a one day Christmas sale) I also assumed that I would get more usable features from the normally more expensive touch screen. I paid extra for Topo maps to be preloaded and still both units are close in price. If no one has anything really negative to say about the Oregon 550T, I think I'll go ahead and send the 62 back. Thanks for all your help!

I dont see the problem you were going to mention? Keep in mind that my unit is a Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator. Just a 62. I'm still trying to understand all the different models but it doesnt matter at this point because I will be choosing one of the two that I've bought.

In most locations I would agree, but in my area, they are still used. Anything to do with satellites are way out of my price range anyway. I'm trying to go in as cheap as possible. And before anyone says "and cheap will get you killed", I was one of the founders of "Bridge Day" where we jump off the New River Gorge bridge. I'm not overly concerned with dying... it's that WAIT that bother me.

As much as I'd like to, I wont take a chance on playing with them both and then sending one back just to have them tell me it's now a used unit and so no refund. You just cant count on all dealers being liberal with their return policies, so I want to do little more than take them out of the box and look at them. Thanks!

I appreciate that, but I've already purchased these two units, and one I will send back. And oh... I don't own a Smart Phone and probably never will. I've always been on the cutting edge of technology, but I draw the line at Smart phones, at least until they offer unlimited for $20 a month.

See, this is the kind of information that's not typically in the reviews.

I will be wearing gloves half the time, but I'd naturally take them off to operate the GPS. But the buttons vs the screen is something I'm concerned with. I mean, I cant see having any physical issues, carrying around the touch screen GPS... unless there's something I haven't thought of.

Thanks for info and the links! I had no idea.

Hello! First, let me say that I'm not into geocaching right now but some of my friends are. I may get into it later, but I have an immediate problem concerning GPS's: I will soon be going into the woods alone on a 4 wheeler to take photos. This will be something I'll be doing for several years. There is no cell service available and so as back up I'll be taking two things: A portable CB radio and a GPS. I have ordered two GPS's because the first one was regular price and something I could afford. Then, a few days later a more expensive model appeared, and at the same price as the first. The first one has arrived, the second one will arrive in a day or two. Here's what I've got: 1... a Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator. 2.... a Garmin Oregon 550T 3-Inch Handheld GPS Navigator with 3.2MP Digital Camera ( Loaded with U.S. Topographic Maps)" I've read all the reviews on both units, and like everything else, they both have their pros and cons. Since they both cost exactly the same price, I'd like your opinion on which I should keep. I will use the GPS "mostly" to find my way back from deep in the woods, and also to set waypoints so that I can return to a certain area. Since you guys probably know more about these units, with all your real time hands-on experience, I trust your opinion more than just the reviews I've read. And I also know that even here, there will probably be a difference of opinion on these two units, but I'll take all the information afforded me. Thanks!