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The Garmin Oregon 300 or the 400t? Or wait for the next version?


Mr_Blond3

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I have a few questions that hopefully some wily GPS veteran(s) can help me out with....

 

I am looking for a dual purpose GPS for hiking/backcountry/mountain biking and geocaching. After reading lots of reviews and opinions I have come to some conclusions:

 

Hiking etc - accuracy:

60csx > Oregon > Colorado

 

Geocaching (paperless)

Oregon > Colorado > 60csx

 

Geocaching (accuracy)

60csx > Oregon > Colorado

 

So in just these small rankings, the Oregon might be a valid choice as it is new, so we would hope that Garmin will be working to fix some of it's shortcomings. While the 60csx is a solid unit I believe the Oregon is the future.

 

So armed with these facts, as a matter of opinion with the veterans out there, do we wait for the next version of the Oregon to come out, or do we bite the bullet and hope for "firmware" fixes in the current editions?

 

On another note, I can't find any differences between the 300 or the 400 series besides the pre-loaded texture maps on the i,c, and t versions. Can anyone confirm that that is indeed the case, and as a Canadian, do I REALLY need US Topo on my unit? Did Garmin release a CDN version 400t with Canadian Topo installed (I can't find any source to that effect, for Oregon or the Colorado)?

 

Another thing I cannot find any info on that may be a difference between the two is the Built-in Memory. The 300 is stated at 850MB while the units in the 400 series simply state yes. Can anybody confirm the actual built-in memory on the Oregon 400's?

 

Thank you in advance for any insight or opinions that anyone can share....

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If you think you might be upgrading if the playing field changes any more you might want to consider resale value. Right now we know that the CO will probably have a poor resale value given the steep discounts that are happening on it. The 60cs - probably a good resale value? The Oregon may also have a good resale value, but time will tell.

 

I am very bad at predicting these things so take my first guesses with a big grain of salt.

 

My OR 400t had over a gig free, just like my CO 400t (though I don't remember the exact numbers).

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You know, they were saying the same thing about the GPS60CSX when it came out. The nay sayers were all putting it down and the rest of us just kept plugging along with it and all of Garmin’s fixes. And look at it now, one of the most popular and widely used handhelds ever made. Garmin is a good company; they take care of their units and their customers! Hang in there! :blink:

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Re:

On another note, I can't find any differences between the 300 or the 400 series besides the pre-loaded texture maps on the i,c, and t versions. Can anyone confirm that that is indeed the case, and as a Canadian, do I REALLY need US Topo on my unit? Did Garmin release a CDN version 400t with Canadian Topo installed (I can't find any source to that effect, for Oregon or the Colorado)?

 

The Oregon is only available with topo for the US (the 400t). The 300 has the same hardware, so when topo is available for it in Canada you can buy it (the topo mapping) then. It's different than the existing Topo Canada, which doesn't have a DEM - Digital Elevation Model - which allows the 3D oblique views of the landscape. If you aren't using it in the US then the 400t is a waste of money. Do people really care about resale value for a gps? If you're that concerned about value get an eTrex.

 

- Paul

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Re:

On another note, I can't find any differences between the 300 or the 400 series besides the pre-loaded texture maps on the i,c, and t versions.

The memory available should be different. The 300 is listed on the Garmin web site as having 850MB free, the 400t not only has the full topo maps loaded, but it has more than 1GB free on top of that. The CO 400t was the same way with memory and I was able to load all of City Navigator NA NT in addition to the built-in topo maps and have both available in complete form using only the built-in memory on my CO. I am sure I'll be able to do the same on my OR 400t when I get around to it (have to return the CO first)...

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Thank you for all the insight above....very helpful!

 

The memory available should be different. The 300 is listed on the Garmin web site as having 850MB free, the 400t not only has the full topo maps loaded, but it has more than 1GB free on top of that. The CO 400t was the same way with memory and I was able to load all of City Navigator NA NT in addition to the built-in topo maps and have both available in complete form using only the built-in memory on my CO. I am sure I'll be able to do the same on my OR 400t when I get around to it (have to return the CO first)...

So it seems if you are not from the US, you may be forced to buy the unit with a mapset you don't really need in order to get the unit with more memory....

 

I guess I'll have to hike/visit the States more often.... :blink:

 

I have fired an e-mail off to Garmin for clarification.

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From what I understand the units are identical other than the loaded maps....I asked this very question on other web sites and a store clerk and all confirmed this was true...

Not true - the amount of internal memory is vastly different. The 400t has maps plus an additional 1GB free, the 300 has no maps and only 850MB free.

 

As the OP said - the included maps are not useful for him (I would have thought that they'd have localized versions with topo of various areas, but maybe they only have localized street map versions of the Nuvis?), but even if you ignore the included maps the 400t still has more free memory (though 150MB for an added $100 hardly seems worth it when you can buy 2GB microSD cards for a song right now...)

 

If you can delete the topo maps from the Garmin (there is a 2.7GB file called gmapprom.img when you get it - are those just the topo maps?) then you'd have most of 4GB free on the unit. Again, probably not worth the $100 premium given the price of microSD cards...

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I am looking for a dual purpose GPS for hiking/backcountry/mountain biking and geocaching. After reading lots of reviews and opinions I have come to some conclusions:

 

Hiking etc - accuracy:

60csx > Oregon > Colorado

 

Geocaching (paperless)

Oregon > Colorado > 60csx

 

Geocaching (accuracy)

60csx > Oregon > Colorado

One aspect you don't mention is battery life, important for backpacking, not so for geocaching.

 

Battery Life

Vista/Legend/Venture Cx > Vista/Legend HCx > 60/76CSx > Colorado > Oregon

 

I say this because I just came back from a 3-day BP where my Venture Cx was on whenever I was moving. It showed 18-miles and 17-hours on the odometer, and the battery meter still showed full. 2-2700mAH Powerex's, well used.

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One aspect you don't mention is battery life, important for backpacking, not so for geocaching.

 

Battery Life

Vista/Legend/Venture Cx > Vista/Legend HCx > 60/76CSx > Colorado > Oregon

 

I say this because I just came back from a 3-day BP where my Venture Cx was on whenever I was moving. It showed 18-miles and 17-hours on the odometer, and the battery meter still showed full. 2-2700mAH Powerex's, well used.

Great point.....@ ? / 25 hrs / 18 hrs / 15 hrs / 16 hrs (as per Garmin.com)

 

It is definitely something to consider. I suppose it's a tradeoff for the technology. I'm already in the habit of always bringing along some extra power, so hopefully I'll be ok.

Edited by Mr_Blond3
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Re:

On another note, I can't find any differences between the 300 or the 400 series besides the pre-loaded texture maps on the i,c, and t versions. Can anyone confirm that that is indeed the case, and as a Canadian, do I REALLY need US Topo on my unit? Did Garmin release a CDN version 400t with Canadian Topo installed (I can't find any source to that effect, for Oregon or the Colorado)?

 

I'm not sure if there is a Canadian version. However, I recently used a US Colorado 400t in Canada. While topo contours and other features (roads, streams, etc) are absent, the 400t does have low resolution terrain shading throughout the country. By low resolution, I mean that when you zoom in less than 5km (on the Most detail setting), the level of detail does not improve. In contrast, in the states there is an additional level of terrain shading detail that becomes visible at 0.8 mi (1.2 km).

 

So, unless you need the extra space on the internal memory (and why would you since you can just install an SD card) or you really like that terrain shading, or you plan to visit the US, I really don't see any need for you to pay more for the 400t.

 

Here's a sample screenshot that I took while caching north of Banff, AB. The preloaded topo is layered below City Navigator 2008, which has the roads and lakes.

 

cf896aae-06fe-4e9d-9166-4412d69c931c.jpg

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I am looking for a dual purpose GPS for hiking/backcountry/mountain biking and geocaching. After reading lots of reviews and opinions I have come to some conclusions:

 

Hiking etc - accuracy:

60csx > Oregon > Colorado

 

Geocaching (paperless)

Oregon > Colorado > 60csx

 

Geocaching (accuracy)

60csx > Oregon > Colorado

 

 

I just ordered a Colorado 300 from REI ($339).

 

So the new fixes in the current upgrades havent fixed accuracy any? Thats a big concern of mine, cuz i bought a 400t when they first came out and was shocked to see how off the cursor was on my 400. FIgured those issues would be fixed by now. Anyone?

 

Thanks.

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There is a huge amount of confusions over this "accuracy" question....

 

The Colorado IS more sensitive than the Oregon.... AND is just as sensitive as a 60csx...... Anyone saying the Oregon is more sensitive has not properly reviewed the factual data.

 

As to "accuracy", they are all the same. Accuracy and sensitivity are different animals and are talked about incorrectly so often around here as to drive someone nuts.

 

The PROBLEM is a rare error in location calculation that occurs with the Colorados and the Legend/Vista HCX units since GPS firmware 2.60 was released. It is not "really" an "accuracy" problem.

 

As to whether the Oregon is "better" for caching than a Colorado, it is a PERSONAL choice... It is NOT cut and dry. I've used both and prefer the Colorado interface.

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There is a huge amount of confusions over this "accuracy" question....

 

The Colorado IS more sensitive than the Oregon.... AND is just as sensitive as a 60csx...... Anyone saying the Oregon is more sensitive has not properly reviewed the factual data.

 

As to "accuracy", they are all the same. Accuracy and sensitivity are different animals and are talked about incorrectly so often around here as to drive someone nuts.

 

The PROBLEM is a rare error in location calculation that occurs with the Colorados and the Legend/Vista HCX units since GPS firmware 2.60 was released. It is not "really" an "accuracy" problem.

 

As to whether the Oregon is "better" for caching than a Colorado, it is a PERSONAL choice... It is NOT cut and dry. I've used both and prefer the Colorado interface.

 

I, too, like the Colorado a lot. I liked the feel and the rocker. I bought a Nuvi 200 and i definitely miss my 60cx and Colorado. I sold those mid summer.

 

I remember you being a colorado owner...... how you liking it? What are the improvements I'd notice as a novice from back in February 08 to now? Thanks, mate!

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Well, I guess here is the definitive word on the differences between the 300 and the 400, straight from Garmin:

 

My original e-mail:

Subject: Built in memory specs

 

Message Body:

I cannot find any reference to the "Built-in Memory" spec on the Oregon

400 series of GPS. The Oregon 300 states it as 850 MB but on all 3 types

of 400 it just states "yes". So they have Built-in Memory, but I'd like

to know just how much. Are the 300 and 400 series the exact same unit

with the only difference being the installed texture maps? Thank you in

advance for all of your help...

 

And the Reply:

Dear ,

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

 

The Oregon 400 units offer 1GB of internal memory. The only difference

between the 300 and the 400 series aside from the internal memory

capacity is the fact the the 400 series come with pre-loaded maps.

 

If you should have any further questions or concerns, please feel free

to contact us.

 

With Best Regards,

 

Shawn V

Product Support Specialist

2nd Shift Outdoor/Fitness Team

Garmin International

913-397-8200

800-800-1020

913-397-8282 (fax) Att: Shawn V

So there you have it...

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With all the issues with the Garmins as of late I am inclined to wait for the new Delorme PN-40 and I have been a Garmin user for 6 plus years. http://blog.delorme.com/2008/06/25/announc...arthmate-pn-40/

 

Sounds wonderful, but for us Canadians, they are pretty much useless, they do not have Canadian maps, and according to another thread, they are not coming anytime in the near future. :lol:

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Well, I guess here is the definitive word on the differences between the 300 and the 400, straight from Garmin:

 

My original e-mail:

Subject: Built in memory specs

 

Message Body:

I cannot find any reference to the "Built-in Memory" spec on the Oregon

400 series of GPS. The Oregon 300 states it as 850 MB but on all 3 types

of 400 it just states "yes". So they have Built-in Memory, but I'd like

to know just how much. Are the 300 and 400 series the exact same unit

with the only difference being the installed texture maps? Thank you in

advance for all of your help...

 

And the Reply:

Dear ,

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

 

The Oregon 400 units offer 1GB of internal memory. The only difference

between the 300 and the 400 series aside from the internal memory

capacity is the fact the the 400 series come with pre-loaded maps.

 

If you should have any further questions or concerns, please feel free

to contact us.

 

With Best Regards,

 

Shawn V

Product Support Specialist

2nd Shift Outdoor/Fitness Team

Garmin International

913-397-8200

800-800-1020

913-397-8282 (fax) Att: Shawn V

So there you have it...

 

EXCELLENT! Now I can buy a Oregon 300 without hesitation! /Kalle

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