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  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise on: September 01, 2010, 12:01:32 PM
rhino

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« on: September 01, 2010, 12:01:32 PM »

My GPS died the other day and I need a new one.  I have no idea why, it just won't turn on. 

Is anyone using a Garmin Oregon 450 that can share some feedback?

I am specifically concerned with the screen display in direct sunlight.  Riding in Arizona with few trees and sun 369 days a year, I want to be able to see the screen.  Also curious to know how well the touch screen works with gloves, wet gloves, and peanut butter sticky fingers.

-rhino
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  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise Reply #1 on: September 01, 2010, 03:44:59 PM
ScottM
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« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2010, 03:44:59 PM »

I haven't seen a 450 in person, but the claim is that it is yet another improvement in screen visibility over all the other Oregon and Dakota units.

Here's a good review that discusses the issue:

http://gpstracklog.com/2010/04/garmin-oregon-450-review.html

I find the Dakota 20 to be usable on the bike.  For racing when time really matters I still use my VistaHCx, but for bikepacking tours or other exploratory rides, the Dakota works fine and is visible enough.

Clean gloves help... but it's still usable.
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Author of TopoFusion GPS software.  Co-founder of trackleaders.com - SPOT event tracking.

  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise Reply #2 on: September 01, 2010, 03:47:31 PM
rhino

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« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2010, 03:47:31 PM »

thanks Scott. I'll check that review out. 

I have an older Vista CX and love it.  It just died.  I am juggling sending it to Garmin for over $100 to be refurbed or buy the Oregon which is really on sale right now, cheaper than the Dakota.
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  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise Reply #3 on: September 01, 2010, 08:02:04 PM
DaveH
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« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2010, 08:02:04 PM »

I've been using a Garmin Oregon 500 for a year.  It works...but I pretty much hate the thing.

If the sun is direct as in directly overhead and the GPS is flat it is very visible.  Trouble is that rarely happens and more often than not it is downright invisible due to the glare.  Of course this only happens on routes I'm not familiar with, for some strange reason I have no visibility issues on routes I know Wink  Go figure.  Anyway, visibility is strike 1.

I will NEVER get another GPS with a touchscreen for bike use.  Wet = invisible screen, wipe the water off and you get taken to some unpredictable page (the wipe is interpreted as a UI touch).  It's impossible to work while moving on trail and still not very predictable on paved surfaces.  Gloved fingers are just a touch too big and often lead to getting the wrong response.  I use a toothpick to operate it now and that works great.  Strike 2.

Other issues:  on 3 occasions it has been off by .5 to 1 mile.  It has crashed multiple times resulting in data loss. It eats batteries like they are free.  A collective strike 3.

The best GPS I've used for bikepacking is the 60csx - great layout, tactile button feedback, reliable as can be.  The HCx is a close second and probably better for racing as it's lighter and goes for over 40 hours on a set of lithiums.  The newer units do have 10,000 track point limits compared to the old 500 limit, going back to those track limitations would be tough.  The Delormes are looking really interesting right now!

Bottom line on the 450:  run away.
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  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise Reply #4 on: September 01, 2010, 08:10:37 PM
rhino

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« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2010, 08:10:37 PM »

Crap. That's not a very positive review for the 450. Anybody else have a different take on a new model touch screen? The review Scott linked seemed pretty positive.

I have to get a new unit prior to Apache 190 and Coc 250.
Thanks for the honest review.
Crap...
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  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise Reply #5 on: September 01, 2010, 08:22:35 PM
DaveH
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« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2010, 08:22:35 PM »

Yea, I know it's a drag to hear negative reviews when something really has your attention.  It's like stealing the candy jar...better now than during the Apache or Coco!  Honestly the 450 would likely be fine for general bikepacking.  But, when racing, the things that are annoying with the 500 get magnified.  I first used it on Coco last year and spent much of the first day going off-route because I didn't want to stop and cup my hands over it so I could see it.  Bikepacking with friends?  No problem to stop for a look.
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  Topic Name: Garmin Oregon 450 - please advise Reply #6 on: September 08, 2010, 07:59:57 AM
neve_r_est


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« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2010, 07:59:57 AM »

I ran a 450 for TransWisconsin. It's my first mapping GPS, so I don't have anything to compare it to, and I still have alot to learn. Screen visibility seems fine after I changed a couple settings. Supposedly the screen on the 450/550 is different than the 400/500. I was getting 21-24hours of run time per set of lithiums. Water on the screen didn't seem to change the sensitivity of the touchscreen too much, didn't help visibility any, but I can't imagine anything else doing much better either.

Tons of info here: http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/
« Last Edit: September 08, 2010, 08:07:13 AM by neve_r_est » Logged
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