Garmin Oregon 400t GPS

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

If I could have used Garmins Mapsouce with it I would have kept it. I loved this unit right up until I wanted to plan a complex route. That's when I discover You are Not able to plan a route on your PC and upload (or download routes) to your computer. I called Garmin and they confirmed that because the TOPO map come preloaded on the device, you CAN NOT use their Mapsource software to map out waypoints and routes on your PC and then upload to the device. This means your only option is planning everthing on the touch screen. I exchanged the 400t for the Oregon 300 and picked up a copy of the topo software separately.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

After reading poor reviews of the Colorado, I held off buying a new GPS. The Oregon fits my needs and doesn't suffer from the thumb wheel. In addition to the topo maps I've bought road maps and auto-routing works fine. The bright high-resolution touch-screen display is very nice and the lack of any buttons on the front leads to a compact unit. The car kit is quite functional.

Note that with some research you may find maps not available from Garmin. We flew to Iceland recently and used topo and road maps on the Oregon that are free-ware, easily downloaded and installed.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

Mainly I use my GPS on long hikes and cross country skiing including some off trail navigation.
I've done 4 hikes with Oregon. Haven't had to use the manual. It's amazingly easy to setup and use. I can change data displays one handed while hiking. During lunch my friends were panning around the the topo map planning future hikes.
Reception has been 100% reliable including in my house. I can keep it in my coat on snowy days and it still creates an accurate track. I've also used it as an in car GPS. It worked well. I'll need to add the sd chip road map to use all the features.
I'm looking forward to using it on my bike next spring. If it keeps me on route and tracks my training out put I'll be pleased!
Cons
1. Batteries - I've tried two types. Regular alkaline worked on 7 and 9 hour hikes with power left to clean up tracks and trip stats later. Rechargable nimhs died in less than 4 hours. The screen goes into power save if you don't touch it. Accidental contact will burn power.
2. Small print - I need reading glasses to use it. A real hassle in the snow. Text size adjustments are very limited.
3. Price. The receiver is expensive. Then additional SD maps, the PC copy of MapSource, and the optional add-ons like heart rate monitor and bike cadence sensor add to a hefty chunk. But you can have a trail GPS, a car GPS and a bike computer all in one unit.
4. The digital compass is really twitchy and the heading readout is slow to change.
5. The info push pin on the topo map is quirky. Sometimes it jumps away from the area I'm trying to get it into.
This is my third GPS unit. I had a 12XL, and a forerunner 101. After putting up with compromises for several years I think Garmin is very close to getting a GPS reciever just right. The Oregon is a ton of fun!
Changes I want:
Better battery life,
ability to configure the dashboard with BIG text and scrolling,
ability to page from map to dashborad, to elevation profile without going back to the main screen.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

This is the third Garmin I have owned. Had to upload the current software from Garmin prior to use.
Love the touch screen which works when wearing gloves. The mapping seems accurate. Good back light even in sunny conditions.

CONS;

The speed is off by 2 to 2.5 mph as well as the total distance traveled by 3-5 miles when compared to a car odometer and other GPS. If this is off I wonder how off the altimeter and compass are off? Haven't checked them yet.

Battery life is very poor when using "alkaline" batteries.
I got the 12v adapter, unit specific, for the motorcycle which works great.

Had the street map "freeze up" on a ride once and had to shut it down to clear the problem, but lost the data for a portion of the ride.

The Oregon 400T is a much better device than the Colorado which I had returned. Most of the bugs appeared to have been worked out.

Still have to buy the TOPO Maps to get the full usage on your computer.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

Have only had the 400t for a couple of weeks, and it replaces an older eTrex Vista. The 400t is technologically far superior to the Vista, provides much more information, and operation is easier and more intuitive. The AA batteries don't last as long, but using rechargeable NiMH eliminates tossing out batteries.

The top level menu has four pages for a total of 24 functions. These include calculator, image viewer, calendar, sun and moon, area calculation, alarm clock and others not needed for navigation. The good news is that the menu items can easily be reordered so that seldom used functions are at the back.

I purchased and installed the MapSource Washington and Oregon 24K MicroSD card and it provides an amazing amount of topographical information (1.5 GB) including detailed trails and contours. Moving the map around is a simple matter of touching and draqging.

A very powerful capability is the ability to create, modify and use profiles. In the mountains, I want the topo map, quick access to waypoints and routes, but don't want the backlighting on except during use to save the batteries. For cycling, I want the road map, the trip computer with cadence from the add-in GSC-10 sensor, current speed, distance, etc. I also need the backlighting on constantly in order to read the GPS with sunglasses on. The 400t does this easily by allowing me to create a cycling and a mountaineering profile. After creating a profile I simply moved the menu functions around, changed the backlighting, mapping, trip computer screen contents, and other settings. Whenever I return to a profile all these settings are restored just as I set them up. Switching from cycling to mountaineering just requires changing to the other profile.

The 400t can be used for auto navigation (and has a preset profile), but the screen is small, and doesn't announce turns. If that's the only need a Garmin Nuvi GPS or other brand would be much better, but the 400t could be used in a pinch.

The 400t is an amazing device, and I've only begun to tap all its capabilities. It's definitely not cheap, but if you've ever been caught in a whiteout in a high alpine environment, the cost of the GPS quickly seems irrelevant.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

First let me say that I had very high hopes for this unit. Unfortunatly, it is not living up to expectations. I do like the size of the screen, but it is very hard to see during the day with or without the backlite. That was something that I was not to bothered by. The first thing that I noticed, that I did not like, was how long it takes for the GPS to figure out where you are when you move locations and turn the GPS back on. I waited about five minutes once. That was not so bad I just started turning it on while we were getting our gear ready. But the thing that is most likely going to make me return it is the inaccuracy. I have read others say that it is accurate, but in my experience it is off quite a bit at times. During one geocache adventure the unit had me on the north side of a road when I was in fact on the south side by a little over 50 feet from the road. Today it showed me to be standing in the middle of the Willamette river, when I was in fact at least 40 feet from it. So I would say that it is not the best for geocaching. During these momments I was all of the way zoomed in. When the screen is zoomed out this is not a real issue and the GPS does put you in the right vicinity, but you need to realize that the size of the arrow is the scale size, so if you are on the 200 foot scale, then the arrow showing your possition is covering 200 feet from tip to back, and I think we can all agree that 200 feet is a lot of vicinity. The other inaccuracy is the compass, it can be as inaccurate as 90 degrees. If you have one turn it on and stand facing in a know direction, if it is correct turn left or right (make sure you are holding the unit level) and see if it is giving a correct reading. I was facing due south and turned to the north and the compass showed me facing east. My suggestion is to find someone who has one and try theirs out and see what you think, and base your decision on that. Dont think that its the best because it cost the most.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

I wanted to add my thoughts on the Oregon. I love it. It is extremely cool! I had the same reservations as others about #1 accuracy and #2 screen brightness. After owning for 3 weeks here are my observations. The accuracy is a non-issue. I geocache with 2 buddies who both have a Garmin 60CSX. Most of the time, my Oregon had a better GZ than either of the 60CSX. Another point about accuracy is the Oregon is pretty rock solid in its analysis. Not too much jumping around like on the 60CSX. I had the Sat screen up on both and the 60 constantly gave a new coordinate every second or so while the Oregon stayed locked on the same number for several minutes. I have even had a 1st for me last week, my GZ was dead on the cache (literally 0' off) even though my accuracy of the sats screen showed 26' EPE. I was really concerned about the EPE the Oregon showed because it gives confidence if you have a low number. On the previous software, I was averaging about a 20-30 EPE. (Quick test on the new software showed a 12-20' EPE like the 60CSX usually gave me. However, I am starting to really trust the Oregon to direct me to the cache regardless of EPE. As far as finding caches, I have had no problem finding a cache since I had my Oregon.On to number 2. The screen could be brighter and better. That being said, I love it as is. I was prepared not to get the Oregon because of the screen. When I went to REI and actually looked at it, I decided on the spot to get it. Honestly, I have not had any problems with the screen brightness. I even have to turn the back-light way down at night cause it is too bright. During the day, I have a profile set up to turn the color of the background off and call it "Day Drive" and Day Caching". Other great things are the profile button which changes your options for driving, caching or hiking, the geocache counter-which keeps a tally of caches found (either daily, weekly, monthly or however you decide), And finally the touch screen itself for text input is awesome-like no other GPS out there. Plus the ability to upload caches directly into [@]for quick logging is a feature I never want to do without again. I just upload my field notes and it uploads all caches and notes into my account. No more writing down what caches I have done or trying to remember what that bug number was.I hope this helps answer your question as to whether or not to get it. I recommend it to my friends and would give it 4.5/5 stars.My previous GPS's have all been Garmin: eMap, 60CSX, Colorado and now Oregon. Not buying another until the Garmin Texas is released! HaHa

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

This device has been described as a cross between an iphone and rugged GPS, I most certainly agree. its a fantastic product with some amazing functionality and very user-friendly interface.

Like others I own a 60Csx and upgraded to the Oregon 400t, although the 60Csx is a great unit its definatelly shown its age, albeit its still right up there with its accuracy.

I found the 400t to be a breeze to use, city navigator 2009 complements its hiking capabilities making it a great product.

But like most things, the sum is greater than the individual components, ie the screen is most certainly an issue, however in direct sunlight you can angle it to clearly see whats going on, is the inbetween thats the problem. But to be honest I can deal with it, its accuracy is fine and thankfully it doesnt suffer the fluctuations of the 60Csx so both line up par from what i have seen.

Bottom line, before you buy it take it outside and have a look yourself,at the screen - it aint perfect but on the whole its a great device.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

The Oregon 400t is our first GPS unit. We purchased this unit mainly for Hiking, Backpacking, and Geocaching.

Having never owned a GPS unit the operating manual is non-existent. The little information that is included does not accurate describe the capabilities or give a user any examples of how to use the functions. There is a wiki board that provide a lot of useful information just a quick search away.

Just using the device with common sense, we have had no issues finding any of the Geocaches that we have searched for. The unit has led us to within a few feet every time. We are 6 for 6 so far!

The screen could be brighter, but I would not let the dimness prevent a purchase. I can't read my cell phone in bright daylight either!

Comes pre-loaded with trails. MAJOR TRAILS ONLY. I wished the Oregon would have contained the trails in our local State Parks and Conservation Areas. Are these available anywhere?

The intuitiveness of the device is fine. It took a little playing with...but it is fine.

Trying to get the little "Push Pin" on the map to a specific spot can be a little trying and annoying.

In summary, I like the device, but Garmin could have provided more trails, a brighter screen, detailed user manual, and a lower price!

Service and delivery comments:

Product arrived in quickly and great condition.

Comments about Garmin Oregon 400t GPS:

This is my first GPS I have owned, although I have used a used a few GPS's. My reluctance in getting a GPS was that you had to load the maps ahead of time (usually late at night while packing) and then if plans changed the GPS wouldn't have the correct maps and the GPS's were not that intuitive to use.

Since I purchased this GPS, I have used it three states on about 100 miles of trails and have gone cross country into 3 lakes that didn't have trails. It is so intuitive that I have never opened the manual. I did plug it into my computer once to upgrade the software (don't know that it was really necessary). I have the Oregon and Washington 24,000:1 chip, but the 100,000:1 resolution maps are great.

I am using lithium batteries. I get about 3 days of hiking out of them.

I would strongly recommend this to anyone that does much hiking!