Gear Up with Oh, Ranger!

Garmin GPS: Colorado 400t

Good GPSr - Could be better ..
by Anonymous
Pros: - Highest resolution Garmin ever made (amazing display and detail - the topo maps that come with this unit are really amazing!) - Profiles (can be used as both a city navigation/car-unit and hiking) Note: it needs additional maps for turn-by-turn directions. In the automotive profile it looks and works just like a Nuvi (no voice though). - Trully paperless geocaching (almost like looking at your computer screen) - Easy to use controls on top and wheel work better/easier than controls below the screen - Digital compass is a plus - 3D view is an ok feature (not a big deal or very useful but a plus). Same thing goes for the temperature reading (no big deal but a plus). - Plenty of additional memory for tracks waypoints and even maps without the need to use the SD card - Great design (waterproof sturdy) - Garmin's customer support is very good helpful and responsive (having said that there's nothing much they can do) - On the satellite screen the (gps) altitude is now displayed. That's actually a nice little addition! - Some say that there is a problem to connect with the unit and down/upload waypoints etc. using the waypoint manager. I had NO issues. Everything works great. (I use version 6). - Reception (works even indoors where the 60CSx or other GPSrs cannot even get one satellite!! Of course the accuracy suffers but still - this is truly a high-sens receiver even with a Quad-H antenna that is in fact shorter than the 60CSx). Cons: - Battery life (the hi-res screen really drains batteries fast AND is not that bright even at the highest level). It also reflects too much light and you need to angle it to be able to see it outdoors. The best screen in terms of brightness and light reflection i have ever seen is the 60CSx - amazing display!! - Trails (cannot be reversed or deleted from unit unless you connect with PC) - Trails (you cannot track back TO A POINT as you can with the 60CSx - there is a trackback that takes you all the way back to the point you last 'reset' the unit). This makes me wonder why would garmin's software-eng remove these features!? - Along the same lines there is no gps-accuracy-circle around your location (like the 60CSx). Not very useful but a nice little feature when geocaching. - Garmin will not provide the maps that come with the unit in a CD so you cannot see/use these maps on your PC with the provided software (Trip/Waypoint manager). I personally think that stinks since you have paid $600 for it but .. that's Garmin for you. - A bit heavier than 60CSx - Once plugged in the USB the unit goes to pc-mode and cannot be used as a GPS (while with the 60CSx you had that option now there is NO option) - Initial unit software could not zoom past 80 ft. An update fixed that and now you can zoom down to 20 ft. - Some issues with the geocaching icons but again Garmin is working on that (so wait for another update). just my 2 c. Overall.. if you don't mind the price tag.. BUY IT.. (One may get the impression that I am advertising for the 60SCx here :) but that’s not true. That’s only because the 60CSx is another really great GPS but after looking at the Colorado’s screen for a day or two there's really no way back and once Garmin fixes a few more bugs and adds a few more features this can really be the best GPS out there !!