Spent $600 on a Oregon 550t and they want more?!

November 2, 2009

I have been waiting for years for a GPS to hit the market that I can use for hiking in the mountains, geocaching, AND navigating roads. Oregon 550t finally seemed the smart choice to upgrade from my GPS12map, that can do all I want. So I spent the big bucks for a new 550t.

How disappointed I was to program in a route for a drive through central Montana, with waypoint stops along the way, only to hit the road, choose that route I put in, and get the following message: "Route Calculation Error: Maps do not have routable roads in this area."

I contacted Garmin Support, and they informed me via e-mail I had to purchase something called City Navigator NT software. That shocked me because the 550t I purchased said it had maps pre-loaded. that is why it costs $100 more than the one without the maps loaded. $600 bucks is enough money spend, I sure don't want to cough up any more!

So what is going on? What did I get for the extra hundred bucks?! Do I just need to turn something on? Very disappointed in Garmin right now, I feel I have been swindled.

Any help/advice please?

November 2, 2009

You have preloaded Topographical maps. Garmin topographical maps are not routable. They have street's (somewhat innacurately placed depending on area) but those streets can't be used for turn by turn directions. Return the 550t go buy the 550 and then buy City Navigator for it. You can then download free topographical maps from places like http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ .

6.4k · November 2, 2009

You have the USA topographic maps. They are not routeable. It is intended as a hiking device.

You would have been better off with a 550 and get whatever maps you want. Many maps are available free. Of course, an Oregon 300 is MUCH cheaper and basically does the same things.

8.9k · November 2, 2009

I can understand your confusion and dissatisfaction, however no Garmin handheld comes pre-loaded with routable maps. The 550T has topo maps pre-loaded, these maps do not route.

I believe the only company that provides routable and topo maps in the box is DeLorme...and for quite a bit cheaper. :rolleyes: However, the 550T has the ability to load more caches (waypoints), can take pictures and is touchscreen...these the PN series cannot do!

6.4k · November 2, 2009

.... however no Garmin handheld comes pre-loaded with routable maps.

Rong Rockin Roddy... http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-oregon-400t-canada.html :rolleyes:

9.2k · November 2, 2009

Of course, an Oregon 300 is MUCH cheaper and basically does the same things.

Except a 2.0 USB port, twice as many waypoints, 4 times as many routes, 3-axis compass, and a camera with geotagging capabilities. Oh, and a screen you can actually see in the sunlight.

1.9k · November 2, 2009

Keep the 550T and install the free maps mentioned above.

They are at least as good as Garmin maps.

6.4k · November 2, 2009

Except a 2.0 USB port, twice as many waypoints, 4 times as many routes, 3-axis compass, and a camera with geotagging capabilities. Oh, and a screen you can actually see in the sunlight.

Not exactly worth 2/3rds more price.

November 2, 2009

That would be Garmin. They make you pay for everything.

1.5k · November 2, 2009

Keep the 550T and install the free maps mentioned above.

They are at least as good as Garmin maps.

Are the free maps turn-by-turn enabled once loaded?

November 2, 2009

Except a 2.0 USB port, twice as many waypoints, 4 times as many routes, 3-axis compass, and a camera with geotagging capabilities. Oh, and a screen you can actually see in the sunlight.

Not exactly worth 2/3rds more price.

Amazon.com is currently selling the Oregon 550 for slightly less than 1/4 more than the Oregon 300. To many of us, it's worth the slight difference in price. To others, maybe it's not. Everyone can decide for themself. I know I absolutely love mine.

1.9k · November 2, 2009

Yes.

Have a look at

Gpsfiledepot

and look for download Ibycus

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/19

1.4k · November 3, 2009

I went through the same thing when I bought my Colorado 400t right after it was released. I figured since my $200 Nuvi had routable maps that this $500 Colorado would too...NOT.

Yeah it sucks...but if you read all the specs it's pretty clear they don't include routing maps.

9.2k · November 3, 2009

That would be Garmin. They make you pay for everything.

You'd almost think they were a business or something. :rolleyes:

6.4k · November 3, 2009

That would be Garmin. They make you pay for everything.

You'd almost think they were a business or something.

Yah, $200 extra price for $10 worth of components..... :rolleyes:

9.2k · November 3, 2009

That would be Garmin. They make you pay for everything.

You'd almost think they were a business or something.

Yah, $200 extra price for $10 worth of components.....

The worth of an item is not the sum cost of its parts. A commercial music CD is less than $.50 in materials. Try convincing the cashier that that's all you should have to pay.

(And real-world price difference between the 300 and 550 is about $150, not $200.)

Edited November 3, 2009 by Prime Suspect

November 3, 2009

(And real-world price difference between the 300 and 550 is about $150, not $200.)

More like $100 --

300 (non t) at REI: $400

550 (non t) at REI: $500

6.4k · November 3, 2009

Holy pickyness....

US street pricing....

300 = $350

550 = $500

Difference = $150

400t = $400

550t = $600

Difference = $200

8.9k · November 3, 2009

Getting a bit of-track? What one might consider not worth the extra cost, others may very well be happy to pay extra for the perks.

Grand how we all have choices!

1.1k · November 3, 2009

More examples of how important it is to read about and research a product thoroughly before shelling out the $$$.

November 4, 2009

Before you do anything check the free routable maps at:

http://garmin.na1400.info/routable.php

I've never used them and can not vouch for them, but I would think it would be worth a look.

The T has 4Gig of internal memory the non T only has ~900M. With the T you can load the entire 100k USA Topo and the entire US Street Maps as well. With the non T you won't be able to get the entire 100k Topo on the unit...

Sam

9.2k · November 4, 2009

The T has 4Gig of internal memory the non T only has ~900M. With the T you can load the entire 100k USA Topo and the entire US Street Maps as well. With the non T you won't be able to get the entire 100k Topo on the unit...

Not sure if, by "non T' you're referring to the Oregon 300, or the Oregon 550. But in either case, those numbers are not correct.

All three models (O300, O550, O550T) have the same 850 MB of internal memory, and all three use external memory cards.

November 4, 2009

At a 100$ they seemed spendy but once I loaded the 2010 NT navigator maps on my 60csx I never looked back, accurate(in my experience) turn by turn directions right to the trailhead\lot 5 seconds to change maps to the nice topos you already have and your set.

The Navigator maps along with being road routeable also contain restaurants, hospitals and other points of interest, I'm kicking myself for not getting loaded the first day day I had my unit.

November 4, 2009

.... however no Garmin handheld comes pre-loaded with routable maps.

Rong Rockin Roddy... http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-oregon-400t-canada.html

and? The 400T does not have routable maps pre-loaded...

November 4, 2009

The T has 4Gig of internal memory the non T only has ~900M. With the T you can load the entire 100k USA Topo and the entire US Street Maps as well. With the non T you won't be able to get the entire 100k Topo on the unit...

Not sure if, by "non T' you're referring to the Oregon 300, or the Oregon 550. But in either case, those numbers are not correct.

All three models (O300, O550, O550T) have the same 850 MB of internal memory, and all three use external memory cards.

Check G5, G10 and G10a. here:

http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Product+Information#toc5

The "T" models all have 4Gig of internal memory of which ~2.7 is used for the US Topo maps. The non "T" versions have no 2.7gig topo installed and have <1gig of available memory.

All I was saying was that if you want the entire USA Topo and the entire USA routeable roads get the "T" model. With the "T", you're not just paying extra for the Topo map, but also for the extra memory installed internally.

Edited November 4, 2009 by SamSpade47

November 4, 2009

Holy pickyness....

US street pricing....

300 = $350

550 = $500

Difference = $150

400t = $400

550t = $600

Difference = $200

I bought my vanilla 300 for $295 shipped a few weeks back fwiw.

8.9k · November 4, 2009

.... however no Garmin handheld comes pre-loaded with routable maps.

Rong Rockin Roddy... http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-oregon-400t-canada.html

and? The 400T does not have routable maps pre-loaded...

Either Red is slipping or he missed the OPTIONAL part....but no, I wasn't wrong.

6.4k · November 4, 2009

Either Red is slipping or he missed the OPTIONAL part....but no, I wasn't wrong.

I'm not slipping. Topo Canada, which comes preloaded on the Canadian 400t is fully routeable.

8.9k · November 4, 2009

Either Red is slipping or he missed the OPTIONAL part....but no, I wasn't wrong.

I'm not slipping. Topo Canada, which comes preloaded on the Canadian 400t is fully routeable.

So, Canada is the only ones who receive routable maps with purchase? I find this terribly hard to believe. Having bought an OR, I do know the USA versions do NOT come with any routable maps. Also, reading the very link you provided, it says OPTIONAL...meaning needing more maps to allow routing? I may be reading this wrong, but...

If you can provide proof of your claim, I will acknowledge my mistake, but at this time, I will stand by my earlier post which said NO Garmin handheld comes with routable maps...unles maybe there's a bundled package somewhere? The link you provided does NOT mention a bundle.

Edited November 4, 2009 by Rockin Roddy

2.1k · November 4, 2009

The Canadian topo maps that come preloaded with the Canadian 400t are routeable.

November 4, 2009

That would be Garmin. They make you pay for everything.

You are buying a license from Navteq not Garmin. Garmin is not a map company. DeLorme is a map company so they own the map data(I suspect they leverage free government data like Tiger and USGS data) and do not need to charge for maps.

6.4k · November 5, 2009

They are routeable. All maps that originate from DMTI Spatial are routeable and unlocked. It is the same with Metroguide Canada.

This is the map you get preloaded on a Canadian 400t/550t

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1016&pvID=2303

including terrain contours, topo elevations, summits, routable roads and trails, rivers, lakes and geographical points.

They also have really up to date roads including full address searching.

2.1k · November 5, 2009

You are buying a license from Navteq not Garmin. Garmin is not a map company. DeLorme is a map company so they own the map data(I suspect they leverage free government data like Tiger and USGS data) and do not need to charge for maps.

Which has no correlation to quality or completeness. Phew. I'm glad that Garmin has the gamut of maps for their handheld devices.. free (also based on Tiger / USGS) where ya takes ya chances, to premium routing maps that actually have up to date POI and roads. Oh, and a semi decent automotive mode.

November 6, 2009

You are buying a license from Navteq not Garmin. Garmin is not a map company. DeLorme is a map company so they own the map data(I suspect they leverage free government data like Tiger and USGS data) and do not need to charge for maps.

Which has no correlation to quality or completeness. Phew. I'm glad that Garmin has the gamut of maps for their handheld devices.. free (also based on Tiger / USGS) where ya takes ya chances, to premium routing maps that actually have up to date POI and roads. Oh, and a semi decent automotive mode.

I agree. I have a 60csx with both free and paid maps. I was trying to point out Navteq is the culprit when it comes to US Garmin maps. My Mini Cooper navigation system has Navteq maps and I paid $300 for an upgrade.

November 6, 2009

I have the 400t and agree the 100k Topo USA it comes with sucks!

I have upgraded to the new 24k Topo West (not the old Mapsource verison, this one https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=35407 ) it has routable roads and trails. I'm amazed how many off road and hiking trails are routable in my area, Sierra Nevada range and Nevada. The 400t is now the all around awesome GPS it should have been from Garmin. I would have liked to not had to buy more software for it but it was worth it. I love geocaching and my back country adventures with it. I started several years ago with a Garmin eMap, and 400t has come a long way from that.

One thing with the 400t for navigation is you want to be sure you are in the right profile, Automotive and I think recreation mode will put you on streets with turn by turn routes, in the geocaching mode gives you only point to point straight line.

I got the 24k for about $85 on Amazon

Edited November 6, 2009 by Team Red Jeep

8.9k · November 6, 2009

They are routeable. All maps that originate from DMTI Spatial are routeable and unlocked. It is the same with Metroguide Canada.

This is the map you get preloaded on a Canadian 400t/550t

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1016&pvID=2303

including terrain contours, topo elevations, summits, routable roads and trails, rivers, lakes and geographical points.

They also have really up to date roads including full address searching.

I stand corrected!

I can't figure out why Garmin gives routable maps to Canadians and makes USA owqners buy theirs, but it's their business...and customers.

6.4k · November 6, 2009

I stand corrected!

I can't figure out why Garmin gives routable maps to Canadians and makes USA owqners buy theirs, but it's their business...and customers.

I assume it is the data source. In Canada, they are using DMTI Spatial data which has routing and they are not requesting specific license fees. In the US, the data seems to come from a free source, so does not have the routing data.

1.3k · November 7, 2009

I can see the frustration. You can buy an automotive touch-screen GPS unit, fully loaded with maps of the United States, and auto-routes for under a 100 bucks. But yet, they can't put that as a basic feature in their high end handhelds, Delorme being the exception.

And of course, all the GPS makers could easily make automotive units 100% paperless geocaching functional without any trouble. Of we know why but I won't dare $ay the rea$on.

I tell you what, if one of those smaller companies made an automotive unit that was TRULY geocaching friendly right out of the box, they would sell a whole lot of em and probably force Garmin to follow suit.

9.2k · November 7, 2009

I can see the frustration. You can buy an automotive touch-screen GPS unit, fully loaded with maps of the United States, and auto-routes for under a 100 bucks. But yet, they can't put that as a basic feature in their high end handhelds, Delorme being the exception.

Automotive units are designed explicitly for auto navigation, and people expect to be able to use them for that purpose, right out of the box. So they come preloaded with maps.

Handheld units can be used for a wide variety of purposes, many of which have nothing to do with road travel. So it make sense to allow the user to customize the unit with maps that suit their purpose, including having no additional maps at all.

November 7, 2009

They are routeable. All maps that originate from DMTI Spatial are routeable and unlocked. It is the same with Metroguide Canada.

This is the map you get preloaded on a Canadian 400t/550t

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1016&pvID=2303

including terrain contours, topo elevations, summits, routable roads and trails, rivers, lakes and geographical points.

They also have really up to date roads including full address searching.

I stand corrected!

I can't figure out why Garmin gives routable maps to Canadians and makes USA owqners buy theirs, but it's their business...and customers.

I believe the Canadians do pay for the the routing capabilities, they just do it through taxes. Most of the free, or cheaper products available for use in the US are from government sources, but they tend to not be very accurate and up to date. As a result, Garmin buys it's street data from private vendors which cost's money, and results in some somewhat restrictive license agreements. Stuff with a high enough demand to result in profits has been getting quite a bit better over the years from what I've seen. The lower demand stuff like backcountry maps still have a long ways to go.

6.4k · November 8, 2009

I believe the Canadians do pay for the the routing capabilities, they just do it through taxes.

No, the data is from a private company. Nothing to do with the government.

November 8, 2009

Not hard at all to get routable maps in Canada. Only one east-west road and the routes to border crossings to stuff in there.

Spent $600 on a Oregon 550t and they want more?!

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