I am interested in a new back country GPS. I'll be honest, I am interested in a touchscreen type as I am more familiar now with touchscreen technology than toggle stick. But its not a deal breaker.

I got pretty good with my 2 year old DeLorme pn40, but the learning curve and trip set up was a bit too much for me. Sadly that unit is no longer in working condition.

I'd rather not get another DeLorme. Looking at Garmin, either their Dakota, Colorado, Oregon series. I'll even listen to GPSMAP 60csx. Not interested in eTrex as I still have a Vista from year 2000.

Drop some reviews on me.
P.S. If you know if the unit needs additional map software let me know so I can figure that into the initial cost.

If you don't mind the size and weight the Montana 650 is my favorite so far followed by the Dakota. My only complaint about the Dakota is the screen brightness, but the Montana rules the school so far. If you are looking toward the Dakota for size and weight, you might want to look at the new etrex 30, but I love my touchscreen though.

Montana 650

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=228190

Dakota

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=178777

Thanks Falcon, I had not seen the Montana before. I am very interested in getting my hand on one.

Considering how happy I am with my Garmin 60cs, I'd look at the 62st.

http://gpstracklog.com/2010/08/garmin-gpsmap-62st-review.html

-john

I have extensive experience with the Garmin 60csx and 62st, and I really like them both. I have been playing with the Delorme Pn-60w and I like the maps, the screen is easy to see in direct sunlight and the interface is very much like the Garmins that I am used to. I think that as long as you get the features you want, you find the one with the form factor and interface you like. They all rely on the same satellite constellation. The newer ones have a very good, more sensitive, sensor.

I have been using a Garmin 60CS since they were released. It has been perfect.

I am going to get the new Garmin 62STC and the appropriate 24K USGS maps. I can't see any other unit that is close.

Yup, experience shared all over the different forums I read clearly agree that Garmin got it right with the GPSMAP 60 series. Rock solid performance that has been tough to beat.

I'd not compare the Vista of 2000 with the Vista HCx on the market today.

I really like the new Garmin 62 series.

Take a look at www.gpstracklog.com and select their buyer's guide on the top banner. Good info on GPS selection.

Best of luck on your search.

Blake
www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com
www.outdoorquest.biz

I'll admit, looking at the responses and my OP, I am now really thinking about the GPSMAP 60 series. While I 'think' I'd prefer a touchscreen, I am find a massive amount of negative reviews on the screen glare. I have not been able to find one to test yet. I have always heard great things about the GPSMAP units and I suppose I am already used to toggles.

Admittedly, I was hoping I could get one touchscreen unit to act as a handheld and automotive and was willing to pay the price for that. It now seems I may be best served with a Garmin nuvi (for the directionless wife who uses Google Maps 2x a week)and a dedicated for my own purpose. It would probably even save me some coin.

I know this isn't where you guys are heading, but i would like to suggest a lower tech GPS receiver, like the Garmin Foretrex 401 which doesn't have a map display. Basically it pinpoints your location which you may then transfer to your paper map.

I suppose I like this procedure because I had been using paper maps for years before GPS came along and I started using the clunky, Stone Age GPS receivers that were mapless. I have just never been impressed with the quality of the electronic maps that were available for wilderness hiking.

Even the Foretrex 401 is a bit advanced for my luddite tendencies. I get along just fine with a 201 that is cheap, accurate, uncomplicated, and lightweight. I can hook it up to my laptop so that I can transfer waypoints and routes electronically if I so desire.