New GPS? Touch screen vs buttons?

[scotsman]

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]

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

[jasnt]

Tagging

[follow maggie]

I like buttons because they work better with gloves on

[Bob33]

Buttons for me.

[actionshooter]

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

[aaronoto]

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]

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

[jackelope]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I have the Oregon450 I love the touch screen.

[Netminder01]

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]

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