New GPS

[bigbad401]

I have the 200, basically the same as the 450. No problems in the winter with the unit, even below zero temps. You will need to operate it with a bare finger or a stylus (blunt end of a pen). I have had my 200 for three years and no issues with touch screen.

[eyedr]

The more research I'm doing the more I see seeing the screen on the 450 in direct sunlight is a problem. I would be using this with UMFG in the summer and would need it to follow contours. Anyone have this problem? I have read that the GPSMAP 62s is easier to read in sunlight but has a smaller screen. Man I wish this was easier

[bigbad401]

The sunlight issue is overblown. There is a slight issue, but not as much as some make it out. Direct sunlight I don't find too much an issue, it is the bright sky, or bright slightly overcast sky that is more of an issue. I have the 200, which is the worst of the bunch as far as the screen is involved. The 450 does have a better screen than the 200 or the 300. When I have used it and can not read because the sunlight, then I will slightly tilt the unit and then I can read it just fine.

[eyedr]

Alright, I'm going to have to make up my mind before the 23rd. Is this deal at cabelas in stores only?

[MN Mike]

The ad says in store & online.

Mike

[eyedr]

Does anyone still have the flier? I did not get one in the mail and I am wondering if there are any other GPS units in there? Thanks

[bigbad401]

I have it and the Oregon 450 is the best deal at $200. They do have a eTrex 30 bundle (topo maps and a case) for $250. The deals are online and in store.

[MN Mike]

I see that Etrex 30 comes with 1 year of Birdseye ( Garmins Satellite imagery program ), that runs about $30 per year if a person subscribes to it.

Mike

[DLD24]

garmin just dropped the refurbished oregons down to 180 free shipping and 1 yr warranty on e bay....of course right after I bought mine lol

[luckystrike]

If you have a smart phone the "GPS Essenstials" is a free app and works. the Navionics lake map app is 10 or 11 bucks. I do have a garmin and use my smart phone most of the time.

[DLD24]

ya I have the Navionics app, but my home waters aren't in 1ft contours, plus I want the GPS for hunting in case my phone breaks or something

[aanderud]

If you have a smart phone the "GPS Essenstials" is a free app and works. the Navionics lake map app is 10 or 11 bucks. I do have a garmin and use my smart phone most of the time.

A smartphone is not a substitute for a waterproof, ruggedized handheld GPS. It's a nice complement, but it's not a good substitute.

[eyedr]

I agree. I want a gps because I will be using a lake map and also saving waypoints and I don't want to transfer everything every year or year and a half when I get a new phone. Plus I hear that app drains the cell phone battery something fierce.

I think after all the thinking aI will be going with the GPSMAP62s. Anyone have one of these units?

[bigbad401]

I agree. I want a gps because I will be using a lake map and also saving waypoints and I don't want to transfer everything every year or year and a half when I get a new phone. Plus I hear that app drains the cell phone battery something fierce.

I think after all the thinking aI will be going with the GPSMAP62s. Anyone have one of these units?

Very good logic.

The 62, from what I hear, is a very good GPS. Not quite the screen resolution as the Oregon series, but it is easier to view in bright conditions. Longer battery life than the Oregon and more internal memory. Should have a little better reception because of the external antenna.

[MN Mike]

I want a gps because I will be using a lake map and also saving waypoints and I don't want to transfer everything every year or year and a half when I get a new phone. Plus I hear that app drains the cell phone battery something fierce.

I agree also, a few of my buddies do the same thing because they know the smartphones are not up to the task and ( the main reason ) they do NOT want to lose them, they rely on their smartphones too much, a handheld is cheap and reliable.

We were on our way out west snowmobiling last winter and one of the guys picked up a GPSMap62s, ( his Lowrance Expedition failed ) so I helped him set it up. Pretty easy to run, lots of features and it run the whole time on one set of AA batteries. The screen is the same as my GPSMap60, the more sunlight you put on it, the better it gets.

If you do get the GPSMap62, I recommend sitting down and learning it, there's a few of bells and whistles.

Mike

[eyedr]

Well after all the deliberation I had my mind set on the 62s but came home with the oregon 450. I held both units and they both were good, but reeds had a deal on the oregon 450 and the upper midwest fishing guide chip for $269 and the positives of saving $200 won out. I am excited to get this unit out this winter.

[broman]

Well after all the deliberation I had my mind set on the 62s but came home with the oregon 450. I held both units and they both were good, but reeds had a deal on the oregon 450 and the upper midwest fishing guide chip for $269 and the positives of saving $200 won out. I am excited to get this unit out this winter.

Good choice.

[bigbad401]

Real good deal. It will serve you well.

[eyedr]

Could someone with an Oregon 450 shed some light on the battery situation? Will I really only get 3-4 hours out of my batteries?

[bigbad401]

I regularly get 12-13 hours of battery life with my 200. I either use lithium or rechargeable batteries. Make sure you set the screen to timeout after while (dim) to save battery life.

[MN Mike]

Could someone with an Oregon 450 shed some light on the battery situation? Will I really only get 3-4 hours out of my batteries?

You'll want to run Energizer Advanced Lithiums or rechargables.

I run the Energizers on my Colorado 300 and I'll get several hours out of them, guessing around 12 - 18 hours.

If you crank the backlight up, your going to use up the batteries pretty quick.

Mike

[schweady]

For comparison, I always run a pair Energizer Advanced Lithiums in my Garmin 62st and I regularly get one and a half to two full days of steady use before swapping when out an a BWCA canoe trip.

[bigbad401]

There are things to do to get better battery life. I can get a day out of my Oregon 200 easily. Turn down the back light, dim the screen after 30 seconds, don't run the GPS on the map screen all the time (only when needed), and don't run with WAAS enabled. Plus those Advanced Lithiums are great batteries.

[eyedr]

Alright one more question about this and then I'll be done. I was looking today on the garmin HSOforum and they have power chord for vehicles for a whole bunch of different gps units. However, I have also read it is important to use the correct power chord for the correct gps as not to burn it out. I have a cig lighter in the boat and would like to use the power cord from my garmin Nuvi 1300 for my new oregon 450 and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this sort of thing.

[schweady]

If this helps: I have success when using the same USB cord with both my Nuvi 255W and my 62st. And sometimes I'll connect that to a compact USB-12v adapter plug to power it in the vehicle. Works just the same as the longer 12v cord that came with my Nuvi with no ill effects.