Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit with U.S. Topographic Preloaded Maps
|
 List Price: $599.99 Sale Price: $265.00 Availability: unspecified 
|
Product Description
The Garmin Colorado 400t is rugged with a high-sensitivity receiver to offers innovative features such as a new Rock 'n Roller wheel for one hand operation as well as the ability to exchange waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly between units. In addition, you can customize your Colorado with five different user profiles: automotive, marine, recreation, fitness or geocache. The SD card slot on the bottom of the unit makes it simple to load optional maps for different types of adventures. The Colorado has a rugged, metal-look and a sleek, slim profile. The Colorado's detailed mapping and high-resolution color display enhance any outdoor adventure, whether on land or water. Compatible with heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor (GSC 10) Supports Geoching GPX files for complete cache descriptions and hints User configurable profiles - automotive, marine, recreation, fitness, and geocache Display Size - Height 2.55 x Width 1.53 Display Resolution - Width 240 x Height 400 pixels Battery type - 2 AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries Unit Dimensions - Width 2.4 x Height 5.5 x Depth 1.4 Unit Weight - 7.3 ounces with batteries
Details
- High Sensitivity, WAAS-Enabled GPS Receiver
- Features A 2.55-InchH X 1.53-InchW, Transflective Color Tft Display With 240 X 400 Pixel Resolution
- Features Built-In Worldwide Basemap With Shaded Relief
- Wireless Sharing Of User Tracks, Waypoints, Routes & Geocaches Between Units
- 5 User Profiles - Automotive, Marine, Recreation, Fitness Or Geocache
Rating
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.
Rating
This is my first GPS and I did a lot of research to find the right one. After looking at all the reviews and waiting for Garmin to clear up some issues I pulled the trigger on this unit. I am not disappointed. The shaded relief is great, the wheel is very intuitive, and maps are pretty detailed. I haven’t had any issues with my unit and the battery life lasts plenty long. The price has came down so it makes this a steal compared to any other unit with what you get. I definitely recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a GPS.
Rating
The maps are the most detailed yet and were very helpful on a recent hiking trip in the Great Smokey Mountains. The screen is very clear in direct sunlight. The roller interface is also easy to use, but not the best for entering POI searches. Turn-by-turn navigation is not avaiable with the included database. You will need to add the seperate upgrade to an SD card if you want this ability. However, once loaded this becomes an amazing all purpose device. Especially great to geocaching using the beta firmware. I expect to see even more improvements with future releases.
Rating
I’ve had my 400t for a couple of weeks now and have had it on several day hikes. I’ve also used it in the car hooked up with the car kit. Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase. Is it perfect? No, but the last firmware update dealt with the most egregious issues and it seems to be improving all the time. The shaded topo maps are great-looking and extra features like those for geocaching are a welcome addition. The rock-and-roll controller works well when operating the unit with one hand.
I would suggest using either high-capacity (2500 mA or higher) NimH or lithium batteries for maximum battery life. In addition, make certain to set the battery type correctly. If set incorrectly, the unit may indicate low battery, even when the batteries have life left in them.
My biggest complaint is the woeful inadequacy of the manual. It is more of a quick start guide than a detailed manual. There is an online Wiki that can be helpful, but Garmin should release a much better document.
Rating
After reading the reviews, both pro and con I decided to give the 400t a try. After all, a company like Garmin would surely have resolved such blantant faults as were encountered by some of the reviewers, right? Well, yes and no. The unit I bought was horrible. The promise was there, but so was the ridiculously poor battery life 4-6 hours with 2650mAh batteries, constant self-rebooting and shut-down, and freezing requiring the batteries to be removed to reset the unit. I installed the latest OS (2.51 beta) with no improvement. I called customer support who suggested I return the unit, which I suspected was just a lame response to my problem. Well, I was wrong! The new unit is great – battery life of 14-16 hours, no rebooting or freezing, and everything works great. As others have noted, the manual clearly lacks the necessary detail to fully understand some of the advanced capabilities, but that can be dealt with. Clearly, there is a hardware issue with earlier units and if you experience any of the known problems you should immediately exchange the unit for a newer model. However, once past that issue I was very pleased with the unit. Note that the preloaded US Topo map has inaccurate street locations. I purchased City Maps 2008 and everything is now dead-on. Note that the unit can use multiple maps at the same time, such as topo info from the base map and street info from City Maps. I also have the National Parks West, 24k Topo and have all three active most of the time. However, once off the road I shut off City Maps so the topo lines from the base and topo maps display rather than just the elevation shading which is the only elevation info that displays when City Maps is on. Excellent turn-by-turn navigation with routing and ETA times far more accurate than than the factory unit in my Expedition. After my initial dismay with the first unit, I have been extremely pleased with the replacement exceding all expectations.
Rating
I’m not one of those extreme high-end geocachers. I just love a walk in the woods. However, I want to find the cache when I go to look for it. Last year I upgraded from a Garmin Explorer to a 60CSX and was in love. Unfortunately that got stolen. I’ve saved my money and now have the Colorado 400t. It’s everything my 60CSX was and more. The new rocker control is a lot easier to use than the controls on the 60CSX or the Explorer. The accuracy is fantastic. With the City maps plugged in the road navigation is wonderful. This really is the best GPS unit I’ve used for hiking & caching. I’m really impressed with the ability to swap between profiles, using the Automotive until I hit the trail and then switching back to the Geocaching mode. Start up time & satellite acquisition are good. They’re now supporting SD instead of the mini-SD cards and that’s a good choice on Garmin’s part. A lot of the new interfaces are improved over the old ones plus, like the old ones they’re customizable.
Like everyone else, the fact that only one cache at a time is visible is a pain, but all the other features quickly wash that away. I haven’t found the maps to be inaccurate, but then I mainly use it for off-road hiking and the hills, mountains & streams are pretty solidly in place, even in Massachusetts. It is a little dim in bright sunlight.
Despite these small shortcomings, this is a wonderful GPS unit. I intend to get years of use (and hang on to it more tightly).
UPDATE: Garmin released a software patch that fixed the problem with displaying multiple cache’s. That’s one less of the few and small negatives to worry about. I’m still loving this GPS unit.
Rating
This is an extremely cool GPS.
The screen is gorgeous. Big and sharp. The Topo 2008 maps look so cool with shading and 3-D.
The new control wheel really makes it easy to use. Far easier than any other Garmin unit.
It is well built, looks very cool and feels really good in your hand.
The recent firmware updates have solved most of the problems early buyers encountered when it first came out. I have no real complaints or problems that bother me.
I use it for hiking, biking, and driving. I put a 8GB SD card in and was able to load a lot of maps. I am really enjoying using it on my weekend explorations here in New Mexico.
I highly recommend it. Well worth the price.
Rating
After checking out several handheld GPSs, I went with the Garmin Colorado 400T because of the many state-of-the-art features. The tactile feel is of top quality, it’s highly accurate, very sensitive, and the ergonomics make it a pleasure to use! My primary use is for geocaching and this puppy rocks in that application. One problem: when I encounter other geocachers, they want to play with it and have numerous questions!!! Note: the Colorado 400T takes regular size SD Cards, NOT mini SDs, (that’s GOOD!) Another plus: Garmin’s customer service is unsurpassed if you ever have any questions…
Rating
First let me say, I purchased this unit specifically for Geocaching so I can’t speak to it’s usefulness in other ventures. I took delivery of my Colorado just in time to take it to Geocaching’s largest yearly event, Geo-Woodstock. I spent three solid days Geocaching and found almost 150 caches! I stepped up to the Colorado from Garmin’s 60CSx (which I still have) and I have to say that the Colorado has got to be “the” tool for Geocachers. The “paperless” features have allowed me to carry fewer items on my cache runs as I no longer need the Palm Handheld as all the cache info is right at my fingertips. Speaking of fingertips… I love the ergonomics of this new unit. It fits nicely in your hand and all the controls seem to fall right where they should. I have not experienced any of the firmware issues mentioned by others. I spoke with a friend who purchased a Colorado right after they were released and he confirmed that the more recent units (like mine) seem to have the new firmware already loaded. As for battery wear, it does seem to burn through batteries quicker than my CSx, but I haven’t really made and effort yet to see if I can change anything to help that issue. Count me as one of the satisfied customers.
Rating
I have had my Colorado for almost two months now and I thoroughly enjoy it. I download all my caches from the website with hints, logs, etc all ready for my use. I completely appreciate the fact that I do not have to print out caches. I have found the accuracy to be very good in my area and have not had any technical problems. I absolutely love this item and would recommend it to anyone. I realize the price is high but it is well worth it to only have to carry one item and have all the information right there. I would buy it again in a second.
Rating
I ordered this to aid in my work as a Flight Engineer on tour in Afghanistan and it does the job quite well. It’s durable loads quickly and has excellent battery life. If you are in a similar job I would recommend getting the maps for Afghanistan because what’s included doesn’t cut muster, but it was very specific as to what was included with this item so I won’t cut rating at all. A good buy.
Rating
I use GPS units for geocaching. The Colorado 400t is the most user friendly unit that I have yet to use. The way it guides you through various screens to get to your target app is great. Nice big screen. Back lighting is variable in time length, which is a great advantage for saving battery life, and brightness. Comes with TOPO Map, which is great for the field. But if you use it in a city or urban area, roads are not there or the unit is off by about 50 feet. If you get an updated city streets map app and load it on to the unit you have arguably one of the best GPS units available on the market today. Only must have accessory is the available car charger (for use in the car on long trips to save battery life).
Rating
This is my 2nd GPS after using a magellan 500le from costco that I returned due to a very difficult file system that was not user friendly. After reading several reviews on the colorado I was very concerned but decided to try it since it seemed the firmware updates fixed many glitches. As soon as I received it, I did the updates and have not had one problem with it. The display that many say is impossible to read is as bright as my computer monitor. I believe these people who cant see the display did not have enough intelligence to read the first page of the quickstart guide which tells you how to turn the backlight intensity up and down. Even with the backlight on, it wont work unless you turn up the intesity. I have never had the unit crash, the file system is super easy to use with the roller, and the unit has been very accurate so far. Battery life is ok and better than the Magellan. I now use rechargable NiMH batteries and left the unit on with backlight on 100% to check the life and the unit worked for 7 hours straight with the backlight on nonstop before draining the batteries. If using the unit with the light on and off I’m sure it would last most of the day. The only beef I have is that the 400t with topo map which shows the city streets will not give you turn by turn directions unless you purchase the city navigatior map also which at this price point should be included. Other than that I am very happy with my colorado after about 3 weeks of use. You will have no regrets as long as you do the firmware update.
Rating
Read the other reviews on Amazon and the GPS review sites. Be aware of the trade-off and criticisms. For me this unit performs very well, and it exactly what I was looking for: a top notch GeoCaching GPS with a large hi resolution screen. Its very effective in the car and superb as a hiking/recreational unit.
Rating
I only bought this for geocaching. No more print outs. Also the sunrise and sunset feature is nice for us that tend to stay in the woods to long. If you use standard AA alkaline batteries they probably won’t last the day. I use NiMH 2650 mh rechargable batteris and they seem to do fine. Great little unit has more features than I will ever use. I read in one review that the recieve was not very good. I did not find this to be the case.
I would recommend this unit to any serious geocacher.