A high-end unit with traditional controls from Garmin. Next to the touchscreen models it can feel a little old fashioned, although its capabilities are far from outdated. The menu system can be a little bit awkward to get used to initially, with so many buttons, but after a little playing around, control is very straightforward with the main menu system operated via a single button. Other buttons on the front make it a little easier to get to regularly used functions without having to scroll through the entire menu system. Single-push waymarking, for instance, makes it fairly easy to plot routes. The menu system gives you quick access to the usual range of GPS extras that make owning one that much more exciting; things like trip computers, altimeter and electronic compass. Hidden amongst the larger main menu are the fancy extras common to Garmin units, but that are often a little superfluous – hunting and fishing times, anyone? But cleverly, road navigation has also been tucked away too. You can set the unit to act as a sat nav and guide you to an address whilst sticking to roads. Of course, it’s no match for an out-and-out sat nav (or the Garmin Montana) relying on beeps and arrows to indicate turns, but it is useful in an emergency, and managed to navigate us to B&Bs tucked away in the Welsh hills.
The screen is smaller than others, and although the size is fine, a bigger one would always be welcome. Refresh rates for the mapping aren’t too bad,
but there is a short lag time when zooming in and out a great deal. It is one of the quickest models to launch and get a first fix from a satellite, and it keeps the signal well. Battery life is good, with various options to power-down the screen and reduce brightness to save juice. It feels suitably rugged and fits well in the hand, or clips to a bag with the included carabiner clip.
VITAL STATS
Dimensions (cm): 6.1x16.0x3.6
Weight: 216g
WAA/EGNOS-enabled: Yes
Waterproof: Yes – IPX7
PC/Mac-compatible: PC and Mac
Battery: 2xAA
Battery life (claimed): 20 hours
Contact: 0808 238 0000; www.garmin.com/uk