You want a touch screen GPS you can use to navigate on both land and water? One that weighs a mere 6.8-ounces, runs on two AA batteries, and can wirelessly share routes and destinations with other units of the same kind? Then it’s time to check out Garmin’s Oregon 400i, which has a three-inch full color touch screen display to compliment the WAAS-enabled GPS.
The first major surprise when I tested an Oregon: I couldn’t figure out how to turn it on, because it has no buttons. In fact, after several head-scratching minutes, I actually gave up and (ugh!) referred to the owner’s manual. Turns out there’s a nearly-invisible soft key on one side, which you use to turn the unit on. Otherwise, it’s all touch-screen control. And, it’s an easy touch screen to figure out—once I had the unit powered up, I tossed the instruction manual and continued learning the ‘Merican male way, by just doing it. And during the next hour or so I didn’t hit one single stumbling block or problem that I couldn’t figure out and solve with a few twitches of the fingers. I do wish it had back-up buttons, though, for use on boats in rough seas. In this scenerio, touch-screens can be difficult to use.
The second mind-blower: this unit comes pre-loaded with some serious lake and river maps. You want to be able to take your unit from inland to offshore? Me, too. And, although the Oregon 400i has limited marine data, you can install a MicroSD card (about $100) to upgrade the information.
Hikers will love the contour and elevation lines, sunset/sunrise clock, and built-in digital odometer; geocachers and climbers will be thrilled with the vertical speed readings; and fishermen will like the tide tables, city locator, road mapping, and point of interest features. For an outdoorsman who needs a multifunction unit to drop in his or her pocket on land or at sea, the Oregon 400i is a serious contender.
Price: $450
The Highs: Incredibly easy to use. Great inland lake detail.
The Lows: You’ll need to buy an extra chart card to get marine detail. No back-up bottons.
Who Wants It: Anglers in need of a portable unit with lake, saltwater, and road mapping and charting.
Contact: www.garmin.com
