EmailBest Reviewed
Handheld GPS
- Best handheld GPS Garmin Oregon 400t *Est. $450
- Best-value handheld GPS DeLorme PN-40 *Est. $340
- Budget handheld GPS Garmin eTrex Venture HC *Est. $125
Get info about new reports and updates
Best handheld GPS
- Easy to use
- Sophisticated touch-screen interface
- Lots of features
- Expensive
- Dim screen
- Accuracy could be better
Garmin's cutting edge Oregon 400t earns the best reviews for its revolutionary iPhone-like touch screen, which makes navigating both your GPS and the backcountry easy and intuitive. In addition, the Oregon 400t includes all the other features you would expect from a top-of-the-line handheld GPS, such as paperless geocaching, a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass, user profiles, and built-in topographic maps. It even has the ability to share data wirelessly with other handhelds from Garmin's Oregon and Colorado lines. Many reviewers say that the Oregon 400t's 3-inch screen is on the dim side, which could make it difficult to use if you are unable to pause and adjust your viewing angle. Accuracy is good, but reports say some other handheld GPS receivers, such as the DeLorme PN-40 (*Est. $340), which uses the highly regarded SiRFstar III GPS signal processor, do better in that regard. The Oregon 400t comes with a compete set of U.S. topographic maps. Fisherman may be more interest in the Garmin Oregon 400c (*Est. $460) which has U.S. Bluechart maps (for saltwater fishing) or the Oregon 400i (*Est. $480), which has U.S. inland lakes maps (for freshwater fishing).
There is no shortage of reviews for the Garmin Oregon 400t. Not surprisingly, the most in-depth coverage can be found in GPS enthusiast sites such as GPSMagazine.com, GPSReview.net, GPSLodge.com and GPSTracklog.com. The reports at PCMag.com, ConsumerReports.org, About.com and Britain's Pocket-lint.com are not as extensive, but are still informative and credible. Amazon.com is a top source for user feedback.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  1180 store reviews | In Stock. | $514.99 | See It |
 | 68 store reviews | In Stock. $5 S&H on orders $150 with code 2XLFLAT | $599.99 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
GPSMagazine.com's review of the Garmin Oregon 400t is comprehensive and complete. It is named the one of the best handheld GPS receivers available, and is praised as the most user-friendly unit to date. Accuracy and a dim display are the most significant negatives noted.
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t Review, "Fletch", Aug. 2008
Reviewer Tim Flight provides an in-depth review of the Garmin Oregon 400t, complete with screenshots, comparative tables, and a useful feature chart. He says those that love the GPS receiver will do so because of the touch screen, but those who don't like it will do so because of how hard the screen is to see in certain settings. He adds that it is likely to be more appreciated by advanced rather than casual users.
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t, Tim Flight, Oct. 2008
3. GPS Tracklog
GPSTracklog.com picks the Garmin Oregon 400t as one of two top choices for high-end handheld GPS devices. Like others, Rich Owings notes that accuracy falls short of some competing GPS receivers, but he adds that it's "probably fine for most people."
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t review, Rich Owings, Aug. 2008
4. GPSLodge.com
GPSLodge.com has not covered many handheld GPS devices recently, but the models it does review receive exceptionally in-depth coverage. Reviewer Scott Martin calls the touch screen and interface on the Garmin Oregon 400t a breakthrough in GPS receivers. He finds fewer issues with display brightness than some, and gives specific suggestions for viewing the screen in different lighting settings.
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t Handheld GPS Full Review, Scott Martin, Aug. 2008
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org includes the Garmin Oregon 400t in its round-up of handheld GPS devices. While the analysis is limited, it is based on thorough testing, and the conclusions of the review are easy to follow.
Review: Handheld Hiking GPS Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
PCMag.com gives the Garmin Oregon 400t a four-star rating and names it an Editors' Choice. However, PCMag.com has reviewed very few handheld GPS receivers of late. Craig Ellison say that though the Oregon 400t is "pricey," it is fun to use and a great companion for hiking.
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t, Craig Ellison, July 2008
7. About.com
This review of the Garmin Oregon 400t isn't as detailed as some, but gets right to the point with a quick overview of pros and cons, along with a discussion of key features. Fred Zahradnik calls the GPS receiver "among the best out there" on the strength of its easy-to-use touch screen and excellent menu system. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Review: Garmin Oregon 400t and the Garmin Oregon Line, Fred Zahradnik
8. Amazon.com
Owner-written reviews on Amazon.com identify how happy buyers are with the Garmin Oregon 400t after days, weeks and even months of use. Reports on the whole are positive, with average ratings of four stars out of five, but some reviewers do take issue with the dim screen.
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
Britain's Pocket-lint.com provides a relatively succinct review of the Garmin Oregon 400t, praising it on nearly every front, including its rich features and great interface. A dim screen is the major negative in a "device that is otherwise very good."
Review: Garmin Oregon 400t GPS receiver, Stuart Miles, March 10, 2009
Handheld GPS Runners Up:
3 picks including: Amazon.com, GPSLodge.com…
2 picks including: About.com, GPSLodge.com…
Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator
 from Amazon.com New: $535.99 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
||
|
|
Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit with U.S. Topographic Preloaded Maps
from Amazon.com New: $599.99 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
