GPS

what makes garmin colorado handheld gps better than other gps units?

Public Comments

1. 'Better' is a very subjective word and depending on what you're using it for, it may not be better--possibly worse. The Colorado is a great handheld device and has some really interesting features that other devices don't: Built in world base map, built in topo or waterway maps for the 400 series Easy one handed operation with their 'rock n roller' wheel Wireless sharing between other Colorado users More sensitive than many receivers Paperless geocaching & 'Where I Go' options Shaded relief and 3-D imaging Compatible with a garmin Heart Rate Monitor Those are some of the major features, not all of them. It's got a larger, higher resolution screen than its counterparts, and can also view pictures that you've uploaded. However, it's still a very new product and (like most) has some bugs that will need to be worked out. Some of the options are difficult to find, and is missing some of the features that I enjoyed in the GPSmap 60 csx. (See the info below for more info) That said, most (if not all) of the problems that I've seen aren't deal-breakers for most people, and Garmin has a strong reputation of updating and supporting their devices. If you're looking for a device for driving, I'd recommend checking out the Nuvi series or another 'voice prompted' device. But if you're planning on using it for hiking, camping, geocaching, etc. it's a great device with some amazing features.
2. Garmin's new navigation scroll wheel / joystick (Garmin call it the rock ‘n roller) for the Colorado GPS units is is a big improvement for handheld navigation devices. You can easily manipulate the user interface using only one thumb. Less buttons are better when you are using a handheld, outdoor GPS unit. It's worth looking at the geocaching application Wherigo Player also.