Garmin Oregon

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:02 am

djwini wrote:

why are the oregon/colorado better than the 60 series?

Reception appears to be about the same, but the Colorado/Oregon series is whiz bang cool. Here are some of the advantages:

Holds 2000 caches.
Eliminates the PDA, since all cache info, hints, logs, etc is on the gps.
WhereIGo.
Keeps track of the caches you found for quicker logging when ya get home.
Better screen for the map.
Can be configured for geocaching.

BTW, the 400T is the best model for caching, and is available as either an Oregon or Colorado.

I got the Colorado which is a bit cheaper, anc chose it because I think it will be more durable in the long run, and I am a bit leery on how the touch screen on the Oregon will hold up with rough use in all types of weather. The Oregon is way cooler to use though, and if the screen turns out to be durable, would be the best choice.

zuma

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:37 am

zuma wrote:

djwini wrote:

why are the oregon/colorado better than the 60 series?

Keeps track of the caches you found for quicker logging when ya get home.

The Map 60CSx also does this in the calander and by recent finds functions.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:44 am

cheezehead wrote:

zuma wrote:

djwini wrote:

why are the oregon/colorado better than the 60 series?

Keeps track of the caches you found for quicker logging when ya get home.

The Map 60CSx also does this in the calander and by recent finds functions.

I think all the color etrex models, and the older 60c/60cs(without sirfIII chipset) also keep track of your finds on the calender & the recent finds menu.
You could probably say any handheld color unit that garmin makes has this feature.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:05 pm

I am looking for updates on how well both the Oregon and Colorado models handle the really cold weather . ...

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:10 pm

We're curious about that aspect too, Renee. We did get to see them and even hold one of them this weekend and they are pretty cool. Given that we've been known to spend hours snowshoeing to a cache in the winter, that would be kind of important.

However, since we've both just updated in recent months, it'll probably be awhile before we get anything new.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:13 pm

AuntieNae wrote:

I am looking for updates on how well both the Oregon and Colorado models handle the really cold weather . ...

I used by Colorado Thursday and Friday when temps ranged 20 below to a high of 5 below, and it worked fine.

I worry about the Oregon working in very cold temps too, which is why I didnt get one, but so far I know Seth and Karl have not had problems with theirs.

z

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:15 pm

I do know of geocachers who have to use heat packs on the GPSr's to keep them running in the colder weather .. my 76csx does fine .. I would not want to upgrade to a Colorado or Oregon and end up with the heat pack scenario on a newer unit ..

(I hope that made sense .. it has been a crazy busy day . just taking a break checking on the forums)

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:16 pm

cheezehead wrote:

zuma wrote:

djwini wrote:

why are the oregon/colorado better than the 60 series?

Keeps track of the caches you found for quicker logging when ya get home.

The Map 60CSx also does this in the calander and by recent finds functions.

Just to be clear on this, the Oregon and Colorado are set up so that when you get home you can just plug the gps into the computer, and download all your finds and DNFs directly to gc.com without any manual entry or having to go thru a third source such as Express Logger.

z

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:44 pm

I own a colorado, but should have waited for the oregon. I would prefer a keyboard for typing vs the wheel. I also don't like that I can't delete one cache at a time on the CO. It is either all or none (assuming an update doesn't exist to fix this). I am also used to pressing buttons on a screen vs using a wheel to select icons. If you are used to a PDA try the Oregon.

I have used both the 60c and the CO 300 at the same time. The 60c appears to update faster than the CO 300. It might have been the user?

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:58 pm

Nice to see this thread so active. Thanks everyone. I think this will be helpful for folks.

I have not yet used the GC logging feature which Zuma mentioned....I knew about it but haven't gotten to a point where I'm ready to mess with that aspect yet....there are lots of bells and whistles on this unit.....hopefully they will start ringing out a song for me instead of just making noise.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-04-27 Posts: 331 Location: Muskego

AuntieNae wrote:

I am looking for updates on how well both the Oregon and Colorado models handle the really cold weather . ...

We used ours this week too. The touchscreens (w/ Invisibleshields on them) work fine, even with gloves on.

The rechargeable batteries we use seem to be more affected by the low temps. I'm guessing they drained twice as fast.

We're hoping to make the Janboree this weekend. If anyone wants to see them, we'd be happy to share what we know about them.

Oh yeah, the other cool thing is you can re-organize your icons (menu). I put all of the ones I use the most on my front screen.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 2:06 pm

SammyClaws wrote:

AuntieNae wrote:

I am looking for updates on how well both the Oregon and Colorado models handle the really cold weather . ...

We used ours this week too. The touchscreens (w/ Invisibleshields on them) work fine, even with gloves on.

The rechargeable batteries we use seem to be more affected by the low temps. I'm guessing they drained twice as fast.

We're hoping to make the Janboree this weekend. If anyone wants to see them, we'd be happy to share what we know about them.

Oh yeah, the other cool thing is you can re-organize your icons (menu). I put all of the ones I use the most on my front screen.

Yep my batteries died at an alarming rate yesterday as well...and I spent 45 minutes arranging my icons just the way I wanted them last nite....OK so I have issues.....

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:01 pm

AuntieNae wrote:

I am looking for updates on how well both the Oregon and Colorado models handle the really cold weather . ...

The Oregon has held up just fine with temps hovering around zero. Haven't had a chance to try it any colder as the weekends have been fairly nice. I have found that the screen speed did not slow noticeably, and the buttons are only slightly less responsive, needing just a bit more firm touch to make a selection. Bright winter days have shown the Oregon's weakness, screen glare. It's a bit tougher to read, but something I had become used to with a couple years worth of use out of my Palm Zire 31. With all the tasty goodness you get out of this package, that's just not enough of a minus.

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 7:14 pm

I seen there is a new BETA firmware available for the Oregon series. I'm not sure which model this is for, or if it's a generic firmware that works for all. THis fixes a few issues that some of you might have came across.

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=212540

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 7:32 pm

I'll be at the Waukesha Janboree as well...I do plan to find about 20ish local caches (and to the north) so I will really try and get a good feel for how this thing works....stop me if you are interested in seeing the Oregon300.