Quick screen readability test of the Garmin Oregon 300 touch screen GPS unit along with the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx, eTrex Vista (Older black and white version.) and the iPhone 3G running Motion X GPS software.
The Garmin Oregon 300 comes preloaded with the basic base map with shaded relief. Other models in this line also come with either topographic, ocean or lakes basemaps as well for another hundred bucks or so. The screen is a bit tougher to read outdoors due to the matte finish on the screen. Indoor or low light performance is where it shines. Pun intended of course.
I can see the screen getting easily scratched due to the non glossy surface. The touch screen wasn’t as responsive as I’d like. It has a non glossy Scotch tape surface feel to it. I’m spoiled by the iPhone’s touchscreen I guess.
The 60CSx has the best overall readable screen both indoors and out. The eTrex Vista does pretty good outdoors due to its monochromatic display.
If you already own the 60CSx, you won’t be blown away by the Oregon series. In fact, the lack of location based POI (point of interest) interface is absent from the Oregon series which is a huge let down considering that the 60CSx included this very useful feature which allows you to search for nearby businesses by relevant category.
Also the quad helix antenna of the 60CSx performs better than the Oregon. Especially under tree cover.
Garmin makes great hardware, but their software needs some work. Their method for activating maps is a pain in the neck. You enter a certificate code, then they send you an unlock code which only works for ONE GPS unit. Oh, then you have to register your unit’s serial number to get it to work. I understand their anti-piracy thinking, but this process has turned many people off to Garmin. I had to contact their customer service in order for my setup to work since it failed to recognize my unlock codes.
The eTrex Vista does pretty good for what it is. The newer color versions have better chipsets for increased sensitivity over the older one shown here.
The iPhone MotionX GPS software is pretty cool too. The aGPS (assisted) on the iPhone has a weak GPS antenna chip, but makes up for it using Wi-Fi as well as cell phone towers to determine your current location. The seamless integration with Google maps is what makes this an awesome combination. More up to date maps and points of interest as well as the satellite imagery is awesome. When you are outside of the cellphone range and WiFi is not available, it will still get a location fix, but will take awhile and the accuracy is not that great.
Video shot with Canon PowerShot SD780IS in 1280×720 HD mode 30fps.
Duration : 0:1:59