Author Topic: New GPS? Touch screen vs buttons? (Read 8079 times)

scotsman · « **on:** January 10, 2015, 10:10:22 AM »

I'm still using a 10 year old Etrex Vista and am seriously thinking about upgrading to a newer device. The newer screens sure are easier to see than the tiny Vista screen.

I have been looking at the Garmin Oregon 600 touch screen and the Garmin 62 series. The advantages to the touch screen are brighter screen and faster data entry. That seems to be partially offset by higher battery usage and having to lock the screen all the time to prevent casual movement from switching the screen. The 62 series with its external antenna has a great reputation for accuracy and battery life but keypad entry is a PITA.

So feedback from users of both kinds would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Bmcox86 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2015, 10:29:50 AM »

Buttons all the way. Touchscreen suck when you have gloves on. I have a 62 and love it

jasnt · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2015, 10:45:16 AM »

Tagging

follow maggie · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2015, 06:14:44 PM »

I like buttons because they work better with gloves on

Bob33 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2015, 06:19:57 PM »

Buttons for me.

actionshooter · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2015, 08:43:32 PM »

I bought the 650 and am a little disappointed, the touchscreen is a pain.

aaronoto · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2015, 09:11:35 PM »

I went buttons and bought a 64s, if GPS touch screens were as refined as cell phones the decision would have been easy.

On a side note, the 64s was an upgrade from a 10+ year old Vista C as well. I'm amazed at how little GPS technology has changed in that time in terms of software and screens. Besides being bigger, I don't think the screen is any different from my ancient Vista

scotsman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2015, 08:58:22 AM »

Actionshooter, can you expand on your statement that the touch screen is a pain? Any particular reason?

jackelope · « **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2015, 09:09:10 AM »

I just bought a 450t and here's what I'll say. If you're expecting the touchscreen to work like your smartphone, it won't. It's not that smooth. Also you'll have to take your gloves off. That's my downsides. Aside from that, it's awesome.

Netminder01 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2015, 09:25:46 AM »

You'd think Garmin and other manufacturers would use touch capacitive screens for all their products. The material they use is more durable, temperature resistant and actually made for outdoor conditions where our phone glass is not (duh). You'd think some smart engineers could find a middle ground solution.

Pulling gloves on and off is just not a favorable option all the time.

Bob33 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2015, 09:49:07 AM »

Quote from: Netminder01 on January 11, 2015, 09:25:46 AM

You'd think Garmin and other manufacturers would use touch capacitive screens for all their products. The material they use is more durable, temperature resistant and actually made for outdoor conditions where our phone glass is not (duh). You'd think some smart engineers could find a middle ground solution.

Pulling gloves on and off is just not a favorable option all the time.

It spawned a new category of gloves: "tech compatible":

www.rei.com/product/853942/rei-tech-compatible-all-season-gloves-mens

BULLBLASTER · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2015, 10:52:06 AM »

I didnt like the touch screen so i went with a 62st and could not be happier. It really doesnt take that long to enter data.

grundy53 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2015, 10:53:48 AM »

I have the Oregon450 I love the touch screen.

Netminder01 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2015, 12:05:24 PM »

Quote from: Bob33 on January 11, 2015, 09:49:07 AM

Quote from: Netminder01 on January 11, 2015, 09:25:46 AM
You'd think Garmin and other manufacturers would use touch capacitive screens for all their products. The material they use is more durable, temperature resistant and actually made for outdoor conditions where our phone glass is not (duh). You'd think some smart engineers could find a middle ground solution.

Pulling gloves on and off is just not a favorable option all the time.

It spawned a new category of gloves: "tech compatible":

www.rei.com/product/853942/rei-tech-compatible-all-season-gloves-mens

There's a joke in there somewhere... buying gloves to work your touch screen?

MtnMuley · « **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2015, 12:11:02 PM »

I've got a 3 of each. Prefer the touch screens all the way.

actionshooter · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2015, 12:19:59 PM »

Quote from: scotsman on January 11, 2015, 08:58:22 AM

Actionshooter, can you expand on your statement that the touch screen is a pain? Any particular reason?

Pretty much what everyone else is saying, I'll have to touch/tap the screen several times to change screens and I have fat finger issues. Taking gloves off doesn't bother me that much, but in general its more difficult to use. I actually have started using my antique Etrex more and leave the 650 at home.

MtnMuley · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2015, 12:47:09 PM »

The touch screen on the Monterra is much more responsive compared to the Oregons. Fat fingers or not.

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Author Topic: New GPS? Touch screen vs buttons? (Read 8079 times)

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