garmin dakota 20

[+iclight0]

has anybody heard anything on the dakota, it seems just like a cheaper version of the oregon. any input on the unit. thanks iclight0

[curiosityfarmer]

Try the following link: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=30926 ... You can't buy it pre-loaded with topographic maps, but it does seem to be able to accept Garmin's 24k Topo. It does have paperless geocaching ability, but does not have the functionality for outdoor GPS games, which I'm thinking means the Wherigo functionality of the Oregon and Colorado series units. The screen is slightly smaller, but for the average user this will likely not be a problem.

[+Hrethgir]

I don't quite get why someone would by a Dakota 20 over an Oregon 300, they are almost the same price, but the Dakota has a smaller lower resolution screen, doesn't really weigh any less, and even has a few less funtions, although it does have the 3-axis tilt-compensated compass. But for the small price difference, I would have to go with the Oregon 300 over the Dakota 20. Frankly, I think Garmin has too many different units available, it's getting hard to choose between them. Options are good, but there is such a thing as too many options.

[+bittsen]

They haven't even worked the bugs out of the Colorado yet. Why would you go for the Dakota? It would be 2011 before the Dakota were reliable, based on previous experience with the Colorado.

[curiosityfarmer]

I'm not convinced that you can really make estimates of reliability for the Dakota based on the Colorado. It's much more similar in form and function to the Oregon, which generally seems to be a solid, and supported unit. The 3-axis compass and barometer with the touchscreen at that lower price point may attract quite a few buyers who are just getting into GPS units, and don't know enough about the units to care, or simply don't "geek out" on GPS units enough to worry about things like screen resolution. It will suit the purposes of most users just fine.

[+comphelp]

I'm hoping the lower resolution will aid sunlight visibility. If it does, they are onto a winner.

[+bittsen]

I'm not convinced that you can really make estimates of reliability for the Dakota based on the Colorado. It's much more similar in form and function to the Oregon, which generally seems to be a solid, and supported unit. The 3-axis compass and barometer with the touchscreen at that lower price point may attract quite a few buyers who are just getting into GPS units, and don't know enough about the units to care, or simply don't "geek out" on GPS units enough to worry about things like screen resolution. It will suit the purposes of most users just fine.

 

Any comparison was limited to the fact that it's a Garmin product.