Garmin Dakota?

[+Maingray]

Saw this at : http://www.gpsreview.net/garmin-dakota/

 

 

"There are strong indications that Garmin will soon add a new series to their handheld GPS lineup. Bass Pro Shops was displaying a page for a product called the “Garmin Dakota 20; with an associated screenshot that looked similar to the current Garmin Oregon series. The page has since been pulled from their website. Similarly, GPS City in Canada has a page on their website where the product SKU is listed as “DAKOTA10″.

 

The tiny picture to the right is the only photo we’ve been able to obtain so far… but we’ll keep looking around. Wink These independent sightings would seem to confirm that a Garmin Dakota 10 and a Garmin Dakota 20 are soon to be on their way. Few other details are available, the product description at Bass Pro Shops only said this:

 

High-sensitivity GPS features a 2.6” touch screen. Features: 2.6" touch screen Built-in basemap 850 MB internal memory

 

This is somewhat strange as the Oregon is generally described as having a 3" touch screen. Nonetheless, it looks like the Oregon will soon gain a sibling in the Garmin Dakota."

 

Let's see!

[+Maingray]

from twitter: @Rickloft New Garmin Dakota gps hit my desk. Very cool little gps. Very easy to use packed full of features and will be at a great price point

[NordicMan]

The cheaper price is probably Garmin's goal.. personally I think the Oregon's are waay too pricey!! $$$$$$$

[+DENelson83]

Looks like the Dakota series will be just like the Oregon series, but without the sensors (mag compass, pressure altimeter).

[MtnHermit]

Looks like the Dakota series will be just like the Oregon series, but without the sensors (mag compass, pressure altimeter).

You just described an Oregon 200.

 

My guess it's an eTrex replacement with all the usual features at all the usual price points and it uses the new Mediatek MT3329 chip

[ryguyMN]

I hope the Dakota is still a ways off from release. The latest Oregon firmware has been in beta testing for some time and the Colorado hasn't seen any updates in over 6 months. I'm no genius, but get your current products right before releasing new models. Yes, I know Garmin wants to make some money, but pissing off your current customer base is going to leave you with nothing. No customers = No profit. Look at the mess Magellan got itself into.

 

"Those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat"

Edited June 11, 2009 by ryguyMN

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

My best guess is that this will be announced at, or just ahead of, the Outdoor Retailer trade show (July 21-24).

[+BetaMan]

I LOVE the name "Dakota'. Sounds more cool than "Oregon". However, I love my Oregon and won't be changing to a Dakota unless it has a much better chipset in it, with more accuracy and works under tree cover.

[+coggins]

My guess it's an eTrex replacement with all the usual features at all the usual price points and it uses the new Mediatek MT3329 chip

I don't think that they are going to replace the eTrex with it just like they didn't replace the GPSMAP 60CSx with the Colorado. They have recently come out with an updated eTrex Vista H and eTrex Legend H. The Dakota will most likely fill the gap between the eTrex/GPSMAP handhelds and the CO/OR lines, marketed to those that feel that the CO/OR are too pricey.

[+Maingray]

I like the celery sticks wallpaper.

[yogazoo]

Speculation:

 

Dakota20 - $349 - Sensors (compass, barometer)

Dakota10 - $249 - No sensors

 

Just a wild guess based on current knowledge.

Edited June 11, 2009 by yogazoo

[+Maingray]

Yes, Dakota 20 was listed on the Bass Pro shop as $349.99.

 

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=garmin+da...db061a,e8bf6612

[MtnHermit]

My guess it's an eTrex replacement with all the usual features at all the usual price points and it uses the new Mediatek MT3329 chip

I don't think that they are going to replace the eTrex with it just like they didn't replace the GPSMAP 60CSx with the Colorado. They have recently come out with an updated eTrex Vista H and eTrex Legend H. The Dakota will most likely fill the gap between the eTrex/GPSMAP handhelds and the CO/OR lines, marketed to those that feel that the CO/OR are too pricey.

I think you're right. Garmin never ceases to amaze me with the shear number of models, many at stratospheric price points.

 

My conjecture was as much based on the fact the recent models have at last solved the loose rubber band of all eTrex's. In looking at my eTrex's design, I became convinced that glue is/was never the answer. Only a fundamental redesign was ever going to solve the problem. The CO, OR and now the Dakota should never have the loose rubber problem.

 

Also, we see with Nuvi how inexpensively, not to be confused with cheap, a GPS can be manufactured. They often retail for ~$100 w/battery and maps. The only part of a hand held more expensive is the structure to maintain water resistance. Otherwise the manufacturing cost ought to be lower than a Nuvi.

[+StarBrand]

Yes, Dakota 20 was listed on the Bass Pro shop as $349.99.

 

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=garmin+da...db061a,e8bf6612

So much for a full featured yet low cost alternative.

[yogazoo]

Speculation:

 

Dakota20 - $349 - Sensors (compass, barometer)

Dakota10 - $249 - No sensors

 

Just a wild guess based on current knowledge.

 

WOW, I was seriously just guessing based on current pricing of comparable units. Darn I'm good!!.

[+StarBrand]

Yes, Dakota 20 was listed on the Bass Pro shop as $349.99.

 

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=garmin+da...db061a,e8bf6612

So much for a full featured yet low cost alternative.

[NordicMan]

Yes, Dakota 20 was listed on the Bass Pro shop as $349.99.

 

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=garmin+da...db061a,e8bf6612

 

Ok so for the same price at that site the Dakota 20 is competing against the new Lowrance Endura Safari.. that should be a fun battle to see who comes out on top

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

Also, we see with Nuvi how inexpensively, not to be confused with cheap, a GPS can be manufactured. They often retail for ~$100 w/battery and maps. The only part of a hand held more expensive is the structure to maintain water resistance. Otherwise the manufacturing cost ought to be lower than a Nuvi.

 

Don't forget the economies of scale. There are many, many times as many nuvis sold as there are handhelds.

[MtnHermit]

Also, we see with Nuvi how inexpensively, not to be confused with cheap, a GPS can be manufactured. They often retail for ~$100 w/battery and maps. The only part of a hand held more expensive is the structure to maintain water resistance. Otherwise the manufacturing cost ought to be lower than a Nuvi.

Don't forget the economies of scale. There are many, many times as many nuvis sold as there are handhelds.

Sure, but can you quantify the economies of scale? I can't.

 

It's my belief that once past a certain minimum number of units the economies drop off. Also, a Nuvi and an Oregon both use the same STM Cartesio, they benefit each other. The lowest cost OR 200 retails for ~$350 whereas the lowest cost Nuvi is ~$100. The OR has no maps, no batteries, no 12V cord, no window mount . . . go figure.

 

To me the difference is competition, not cost. Garmin has essentially no handheld competition whereas Nuvi has Tom Tom and Mio plus a dozen other players.

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

I agree. A large part of this is them charging what the market will bear.

[Clan Riffster]

But will it run Wherigo cartridges?

[+Tequila]

But will it run Wherigo cartridges?

 

I know you asked that question in jest but the answer might be very telling as to whether Garmin has given up on Wherigo.

[+benh57]

~~

Edited June 13, 2009 by benh57

[Clan Riffster]

I know you asked that question in jest but the answer might be very telling as to whether Garmin has given up on Wherigo.

I was not jesting. The screen shot did not include the Wherigo icon, which made me curious.

At that price, (as compared to the other Wherigo compatable units they sell), it would make a good entry level Wherigo device.

Since they currently have 11 devices which will play Wherigo cartridges, I doubt having this questioned answered will demonstrate Garmin's stance one way or the other.

Edited June 13, 2009 by Clan Riffster

[+Road Rabbit]

I know you asked that question in jest but the answer might be very telling as to whether Garmin has given up on Wherigo.

I was not jesting. The screen shot did not include the Wherigo icon, which made me curious.

At that price, (as compared to the other Wherigo compatable units they sell), it would make a good entry level Wherigo device.

Since they currently have 11 devices which will play Wherigo cartridges, I doubt having this questioned answered will demonstrate Garmin's stance one way or the other.

I see you already noticed the lack of the Wherigo icon. Ignore my comment on the SCGA forum.

[Clan Riffster]

I see you already noticed the lack of the Wherigo icon. Ignore my comment on the SCGA forum.

Yeah, I'm trying to avoid putting too much into my observation. I don't want to jump to any incorrect conclusions.

The Garmin website screen shots from several of the Oregons and Colrados don't include the Wherigo icon either.

[NordicMan]

I see you already noticed the lack of the Wherigo icon. Ignore my comment on the SCGA forum.

Yeah, I'm trying to avoid putting too much into my observation. I don't want to jump to any incorrect conclusions.

The Garmin website screen shots from several of the Oregons and Colrados don't include the Wherigo icon either.

 

I can see from that screenshot above there appears to be more "pages" of icons waiting to be scrolled to using those left-right buttons.. Don't rule out Wherigo just yet,, it might just not appear on the primary icon screen.

[+Tequila]

I am a big fan of Wherigo's ( I have 15 published and 6 more in the hopper).

 

However, when you look at the total number of Wherigo's in North America, it it pretty small. So it would be easy to understand if Garmin abandoned it. But I sure hope not.

 

I love that idea of an event around building cartridges. Let us know how it goes.

[+GadgetMonster]

I went from the Oregon to the PN-40 but the pn40 has not been the most user friendly so I am very glad to see Garmin working on something else, I just hope the rumors are true that it is a new outdoor hiking unit, and not a biking unit.

[+GadgetMonster]

Bump! Anyone heard anything?

[MtnHermit]

Bump! Anyone heard anything?

Me thinks you need to re-read Rich's post. He has a better idea than most.

[+GadgetMonster]

Yeah, i saw that page, i was hoping for updates.

[Maximus XX!V]

I doubt it is a new edge since it shows a geocaching icon. The Edge units are pretty basic as far as functionality goes.

[+GadgetMonster]

That's a good point. I'm surprised about the name also since the other units were named after 1 state and this one is named 'dakota'. I wonder if that means anything?

[+briansnat]

I'm waiting for the Garmin New Jersey

[+StaticTank]

I know you asked that question in jest but the answer might be very telling as to whether Garmin has given up on Wherigo.

I was not jesting. The screen shot did not include the Wherigo icon, which made me curious.

At that price, (as compared to the other Wherigo compatable units they sell), it would make a good entry level Wherigo device.

Since they currently have 11 devices which will play Wherigo cartridges, I doubt having this questioned answered will demonstrate Garmin's stance one way or the other.

 

The screen shot only shows one page of icons. If you notice the arrows at the bottom you can scroll to other pages with more icons. I believe that each profile on the Oregon can be customized to show only icons you want. I doubt Wherigo will be abandoned.

 

StaticTank

[yogazoo]

I'm waiting for the Garmin New Jersey

 

I've got this feeling you'll be waiting a loooong time.

[+g-o-cashers]

More information on the Dakota today:

 

http://www.gpsfix.net/garmin-dakota-leaks-continue/

[+GadgetMonster]

Interesting.....i'm wondering if I should cancel my dell order of a Oregon 300 and wait to see what the online price of the dakota 20 will be offering screen-wise.

[+g-o-cashers]

If the prices shown in the link above (which are in CAD) are any indication the 20 will be around $300 and the 10 will be about $250.

[+GadgetMonster]

too late, my oregon shipped......the biggest concern with the Dakota is the lower screen resolution and smaller screen....they would have to have significantly improved he display for me to consider it.

[rafke74]

Chances are the display will be brighter, exactly due to the lower res.

If battery live will be better than the Oregon too (should think so), I think I will have found my Vista Cx replacement. I'm quite reluctant upgrading my Cx by a two years old HCx...

Let's wait and see.

[+Dryphter]

Dakota looks like a winner to me - well depends on the pricing too I guess. I'll possibly grab one after the first few updates just to see what level of support it will get. I like my 60csx, but wouldn't mind a touchscreen GPS.