Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit with U.S. Topographic Preloaded Maps by Garmin
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit with U.S. Topographic Preloaded Maps
Digital camera Review: Garmin Colorado 400t GPS
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent GPS. I use it exclusively for hiking even though it can be used for car navigation. It is easy to use and the "Rock n Roll" control button enables all controls with just one hand (somewhat similar to the iPod). Even when stored in a case on my back pack belt it receives satellite signals clearly. It has a built in compass, records stop time and average hiking speed, and can record hundreds of waypoints. I also like the route planner feature. The only downside is that it "eats" regular alkaline batteries. I purchased rechargeable batteries (make sure the amperage meets the standard recommended by Garmin) for short hikes (less than 5 hours). For long hikes, I recommend Lithium batteries. Even though not rechargeable they last about 7 times longer than regular batteries ensuring that the GPS will continue to operate without battery changes during extended treks. It comes with a 1:100,000 Topo map of the U.S. which is pretty good; however, I bought a 1:24,000 Topo of California/Nevada which provides much more detail and is loaded on the GPS via a flash memory card. This is the first GPS I have ever had and now that I have used it on several hikes in California, I will never be without it in the field.Digital camera Review: Garmin Colorado 400t after a years use.
Summary: 4 Stars
Was very happy initially with the unit when it arrived but quickly found out that the included user manual is pretty much worthless. I tried to find any additional user information from Garmin and nothing in book form is currently available. I did find out about a company called Bennett Marine Video that has a DVD's for almost every GPS unit and one specifically for the Colorado 300 and 400 series GPS. Not sure exactly what it contains but it is the only aftermarket product that contains more info than what's in the user manual. Also have noticed some issues with accuracy on this unit initially while doing some geocaching with my son locally. Had problems getting the thing to stabilize and quit bouncing around. Also had some accuracy problems when using it while snowshoeing in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area in Colorado. It would not lock onto the trail I was supposed to be following and I ended up totally losing the trail. This was a bit more than an inconvience when you are hiking in 5 to 10 feet of snow and cannot see the trail. I have become more familiar with its features and have done some communicating with Garmin support, have uploaded the 24K Topo series maps and upgraded the operating system software to the the new beta version and it seems to be a little more accurate. Will be testing it out again in the Rockies in a few weeks and see if accuracy in the mountains has gotten better. I like many of the features, like being able to add or remove shortcuts from the main screen and only have the ones you really need displayed. The battery life is great with 2700ma NiMH batteries and I have not had any problems with viewing the display in bright sunlight. The backlight is also great in poor lighting conditions. I would highly recommend investing in a screen protector. It's cheap insurance and they are easily replaced. I did find out that the built in thermometer not very accurate displaying the ambient air temperature probably due to the insulating effect of the GPS body. The bottom line I guess the best way to learn about this beast is just keep playing with it until someone puts together a decent manual. Will update this review once I finish my next wilderness trek and see how the accuracy does with the new maps and updated software.Digital camera Review: Garmin Colorado GPS
Summary: 4 Stars
This unit represents a huge advance in GPS navigation technology. It has a remarkably large and inclusive data base. The sensitivity of the receiver is a great improvement over earlier models.Digital camera Review: Garmin Handheld GPS Colarado 400t
Summary: 4 Stars
It has things I don't need but I am really enjoying it.I use it to track my walking.Digital camera Review: Geocacher's dream
Summary: 5 Stars
This model is everything I wanted it to be. I got it as an upgrade to my 3 year old Garmin eTrex Legend which was a solid starter model. The Colorado overflows with well thought out features designed for the groundspeak fan, including the new WhereIGo game. It is also more sensitive than my old model, allowing me to rapidly log several caches that had eluded me in the past. Having cache logs, descriptions & hints on the go is a huge plus and the screen is vibrant and easy to read. The Colorado has absolutely enhanced my caching experience.