New GPS models from Garmin

In case you have been breathlessly waiting for Garmin's next latest and greatest...
http://www8.garmin.com/ces/colorado/index.html
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145

A quick look suggests that the only difference between the 4 new "Colorado" models is the choice of preloaded maps.

A quick comparison with the 60CSx suggests:
* a slightly better display
* a slight reduction in battery life
* loss of the RS-232 interface
* 384MB of built-in memory (but both take data cards)
* wireless unit-to-unit transfers
* picture viewer
* a bigger price

These comparisons are based on the comparison feature on the Garmin website (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145). The comparison tables miss a number of features so there could easily be other differences. (For instance, the GPS chipset is not specified.)

Doug

I like the wireless (IR?) function. If it would work wireless with your PC and get email and phone calls, then I would be all set!!!!

Rick said:

I like the wireless (IR?) function. If it would work wireless with your PC and get email and phone calls, then I would be all set!!!!

Click to expand...

AFAIK, there is no info on the form (bluetooth? WIFI? IR?) of this wireless function and whether it is designed to talk to anything other than another similar GPS.

Doug

The Colorado has caused a lot of excitement on the Groundspeak -- GPS units and software forum. For some recent posts check here, here, here and here.

Not being in the market I have not followed them, so I have no comments to make about them .

[edit]Scrolling down further in the forum I found this post: Garmin Colorado on You Tube. Did not bother to look at it.[/edit]

Looks like they may have not addressed the problems many have with lithium batteries as they are not offered as an option in the specs.I don't like the wheel up above the screen either.

Those looking for a really good deal on a 60CSx probably have only a short time to wait.

Peakbagr said:

Those looking for a really good deal on a 60CSx probably have only a short time to wait.

Click to expand...

I've waited this long, I guess I will wait a little longer.

- darren

darren said:

I've waited this long, I guess I will wait a little longer.

Click to expand...

<soapbox on>
So far, I'm not aware of anything in the new models that will entice me to upgrade from my current 60CSx. I hope Garmin keeps the 60CSx on the market for a while.

In their automotive line, Garmin used to offer the full featured 26xx, 27xx, and 28xx families. Much of the newer Nuvi line has been a fragmenting, dumbing down, and feature reduction relative to the older lines. (Some of the features are gradually being added back in the higher end models.) I hope they do not descend in the same pit with their hiking models.
<soapbox off>

Doug

There are reports on Mohamed's Groundspeak link that the wireless uses ANT. http://www.thisisant.com/index.php?section=31

ANT looks like it might be some form of self-organizing 2.4GHz wireless network technology and appears to have a range of up to 30m. (The reports from the Groundspeak link say 3m.) It does not appear to be compatible with Bluetooth or WiFi.

Doug

There is a fairly comprehensive review of the Colorado at http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2008/01/garmin_colorado_400t_review.php?page=1

The review notes "The Colorado uses Garmin's own GPS receiver instead of SiRF's high performance StarIII receiver. In side-by-side comparison testing, the Colorado performed identically to the SiRF-equipped Garmin GPSMAP 60csx, quickly locking on to satellite signals and maintaining solid reception."

Doug