Experience with high-res GPS units like the Oregon or Dakota?

[troubledog]

I own a couple of GPS's.  One is for the car but comes out and will last for a bit on battery.  That's not long enough for a good hike.  I also own really old Garmin, that will pretty much just give you your lat long and elev.

I've been considering a new generation version of GPS, like one of the new Garman 'state' series or others with high-res screens.  I can read a topo map easy enough so could get by with my old GPS and a map or even a compass but I'm curious to know what others think about these new models, especially with the nice graphics.  They are on the expensive side (~$400 to $500).  I understand that the touch screen ones like the Oregon have visibility issues in the bright sun.  Still, it would be nice to have the ability to instantly locate yourself with a high-res digital map.  

Anyone have experience with these?  Are they worth the big bucks?

thanks

Dave Meaux

[Terlingua50337]

I had a Garmin GPS 12 for a long time. I now have a Garmin GPS60CSx. Though not a touch screen it is sweet. The batteries last a long time, it has internal memory and a micro SD card slot, color screen. I've got topo maps on it. Still learning to use it but I really like it. But push come to shove you don't need batteries and satellites for a  compass and a paper topo.

[optique]

I have both the Garmin 60csx and the Garmin Oregon 550, the latter of which I use almost daily.

Both GPSr are extremely capable, and there are things that I like about each.

--60csx--
Superb unit in nearly every way, including compactness, accuracy, reliability, and features and battery life, and fairly inexpensive, and very, very popular.  Screen is extremely usable in all lighting conditions. Menu structures are fairly intuitive, but easily learned. Toggle switch used to navigate menus and select functions is intuitive and reliable. The Base map included free is only fair for road navigation, and useless off road. I use the free gpsfiledepot.com topo maps, and have been very happy. Compass is two axis and very usable IMHO. The depth of features on these GPSr are far better than auto unit IMO. I REALLY LIKE THIS GPS! Bought it at Amazon with no complaint. I also have the auto windshield mount that worked fine until I got the 265wt.

--Oregon 550--
Also superb in nearly every way, including acceptable size, accuracy, reliability, data storage, and features (to the max!) and very usable battery life, though it is expensive! I accidentally submerged the unit (and me) in 5ft water and it had no ill effects. The larger, high res screen is much harder to see in bright conditions. Menu structures are very intuitive, and touch screen makes navigation great. I personally don't value touch screen that much. As with the 60csx, get the free maps as the base map is poor. Other features include a so-so camera, but it geotags photos, a great 3 axis compass. And for some, like me, I needed paperless geocaching ability, which it handles well, and this drove me to buy it. Otherwise, I would have stayed with the 60csx. Also purchased at Amazon with no complaints.

Of course, as people say, a GPSr is really no substitute for map and compass, and common sense.

If money is no object, and especially if you geocache, get the Oregon. Otherwise, the 60csx is a no brainer. You really must see them in person to make a choice in my opinion. I look forward to returning to the Bend to use them.

I do have another auto unit for the car, which is superb (265wt).

Have a great day.
Steve.