Is The Garmin Oregon 550T A Good Value? Where Can You Get a Great Deal on this Handheld GPS?

Although aircraft use navigation systems it wasn't until the latter half of the twentieth century that regular people received the same advantages.  The Garmin Company is the combination of the two founder's names, Gary Burrell and Min Kao.  They worked together for several years before getting the financing for their own company.  They launched their business in 1991and have shown continuous growth since they opened their doors for business.  Their Garmin navigation products are known throughout the world and have sold millions since the early days.

See Lowest Price on Garmin Oregon 550t

The Garmin Oregon 550T is one of their handheld navigational devices.  This model like so many of their others is popular because of the rugged 3 inch diagonal color touch screen.  The screen is easily read in the brightest of sun light.  Another reason that this item is so well received is the 3.2 mega pixel auto focus digital camera with a 4x digital zoom. 

They have made sure that the Garmin Oregon 550T is able to tolerate the weather conditions of an outdoor hike in the wettest weather.  This model is able to track changes in pressure through the barometric altimeter so that you are able to accurately pinpoint the altitude.  This device has a 3-axis tilt compensated compass that is electronic.

This navigation system has a photographic memory and comes loaded with U.S. topography maps and a highly sensitive GPS system.  Because of these additions to the device the hiker will have more time to spend enjoying the outdoors.  The touch screen allows the instant access of information and the camera lets the hiker capture great pictures of their outdoor adventure.

When you're out in the wilderness you can not only get your bearings it will also over time plot the barometric pressure so you will be aware of changing weather conditions.  They have made the unit lightweight so it is not burdensome to carry.  If you like to share your data Garmin has made it easy to do so with other Garmin Oregon users.  The navigation device comes with an AA battery charger, 2 AA NiMH batteries, and a clip for you belt or back pack, USB cable, instruction manual on a disk and the quick start manual.

While these entire items make for a great system it is not without a few problems.  The compass can at times lose the direction and needs to be recalibrated.  If you take a lot of pictures you should bear in mind that you will use the battery life faster.  One owner review stated that even with the sunlight readable screen it was still difficult to see in direct sunlight.  They had to have the backlight on very high which again took more power from the batteries.

The Garmin Oregon 550T has been well received for everyday hikers and geocaching veterans.  While it has a few problems some feel it is a pretty good device.  Make sure that you have calibrated the compass and that you have the latest topography maps installed.  The waypoint function has been deemed to be the fastest and easiest to use so on the whole it is worth the higher price.

See Lowest Price on Garmin Oregon 550t