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
[youtube z7cEp6tE2aw]
simple answer get …
simple answer get the guide or download the software howtotrackmywife -dot -com
Yes, display of …
Yes, display of 60Csx is slightly smaller, but it enough to see everything. And no need paper maps at all ( if you have high detailed maps on your GPS)!
So, my decision is 60csx or Dakota 20 (it is smaller in size, and lower power consumption
Let me not to agree …
Let me not to agree. No one device from Garmin possible to navigate on basemap. What you mean under “Navigation”? If you mean ability to create automatic route, then it depend only of map stuff, but not from device. If you have only Topo map, you will not be able to automatically create route (by roads only!) nor in 60 Csx, nor in Oregon, nor in Dakota! Main advantage of 60Csx – is best display in bright sunlight! Touch screen is weak in this parameter.
You should be able …
You should be able to do so.
It’s good to read …
It’s good to read this comments. I’m in a hard decision between 60csx and oregon 300.
I would use it for cave finding, and hiking in hard terrain for caves in Hungary. I’d like to use it for navigation in car.
Now I’d like to buy the O300, but I’m still not sure.
60CSx edges out the …
60CSx edges out the Oregon in reception under adverse conditions due to its external quad helix antenna. The multi-shaded display is a nice start though. I didn’t really care fo the touch screen.
does the oregon …
does the oregon have good reception like the map60csx in all weather?? or does it have poor reception in cloudy sky and dence wood?
like if you got …
like if you got cords for somewhere can you enter them and goto??
can you enter …
can you enter waypoints on the oregon like on the map60??
T300t is definitely …
T300t is definitely not a bad choice. I have chosen mine as a compromise of good battery life, very visible screen in direct sunlight and some map supporting. I am very satisfied with the device performance and long battery life for track log, but sometimes I am anoyed by map and by the fact, that writing details to any waypoint using buttons takes too long. I went through the same dilema half year ago. Both devices have their strengths and drawbacks. It’s just about the decision
thanks for your …
thanks for your opinion
possibility of using hi detailed maps is big advantage for me. I think I will go for the oregon, by the oregon 550t is too expensive for me , I will choice 300t
ps.even when I will start using gps I will always carry with me paper map and compass just in case
Hi,
I have owned …
Hi,
I have owned 60CSx for half a year.
It is very accurate and the signal is obtained very fast. You can’t use the basemap for navigation, and even if you buy a topo map, the small display and large pixels does not show it nice. But if you use it with paper map only if you are lost, it’s sufficient. There is also another advantage – battery life.
But if I had to decide nox, I probably would rather go for Oregon 550t
Glad you found it …
Glad you found it useful.
with gpsmap 60csx, …
with gpsmap 60csx, the day light capability of the screen is incredible. In fact the brighter the sun light , the brighter the display
No, Oregon is not …
No, Oregon is not that bad visibility wise.
It has potential as a all-around portable GPS unit.
great video !! this …
thanks !
great video !! this is exactly what i was looking for
I have one question : in every day use ,it is really so hard to see something on the oregon ?? or is it something you need to get use to it ?
in comparison to the 60csx it’s just uncompetitive (i think it’s proper word ).
ps. sorry for my bad English.