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| Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit with US Topographic Preloaded Maps | 
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| Brand: Garmin
Category: CE
List Price: $639.99
Buy New: $448.00
You Save: $191.99 (30%)
New (73) Used (1)
Avg. Customer Rating:  39 reviews
Sales Rank: 676
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Tracks: 20
Batteries Included: No
Native Resolution: 240x400
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 1.4 x 2.4 x 5.5
MPN: 010-00622-45
Model: 010-00622-45
UPC: 053759067091
EAN: 0053759067091
ASIN: B00128HHZA
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Factory Sealed Retail Box UPC INTACT!!!!!! Same day Shipping (if placed before 4:00 PST)
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| Customer Reviews:
 No idea why some bad reviews May 26, 2008
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
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.
Amazing...once you update the firmware May 26, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I used to have a Garmin eTrex Vista and loved it. I used it for geocaching, driving in unfamiliar places and other stuff. I recently sold it and bought the 400t. I had read reviews talking about poor battery life, inaccurate tracking, and complex interface and was a little apprehensive about getting it. I did take the plunge and have no regrets. The first thing I did when I got it was update the firmware (2.51 right now) which has corrected just about every major and minor problem I've ever read about this unit.
It is super accurate, very easy to read, and navigation is a one hand operation thanks to that "Rock 'n' Roller" gadget on top. In fact, the only thing that really bugs me about this unit is that when the USB is plugged in, I can't use it for anything except xferring of data. That means that when plugged into a car mount and wanting to use the car power for the device, it won't function, and that just makes no sense to me what so ever. Garmin, if you're listening...this thing could be a five star product if you'd just allow the thing to be used on vehicle power!
Geocacher's dream May 21, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
This model is everything I wanted it to be. I got it as an upgrade to my 3 year old Garmin eTrex Legend which was a solid starter model. The Colorado overflows with well thought out features designed for the groundspeak fan, including the new WhereIGo game. It is also more sensitive than my old model, allowing me to rapidly log several caches that had eluded me in the past. Having cache logs, descriptions & hints on the go is a huge plus and the screen is vibrant and easy to read. The Colorado has absolutely enhanced my caching experience.
 A high end handheld GPS with lots of potential but hold off on your purchases for now. May 19, 2008
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
The Garmin Colorado is the third Garmin outdoor handheld which I've owned in the last ten years. I use GPSs for geocaching, hiking, boating and auto navigation and I have used the Garmin Colorado in all of these activities. Currently I have the Topo maps which come pre-installed on the unit and I also have the City Navigator North America NT 2009 driving maps installed. This review was written based on the Software version 2.51 and GPS Software 2.4.
I purchased the unit in January when it first came out. The first four months, like with many new tech products, have been bumpy. So far there have been 3 software releases which have made things much better but there is still much room for improvement. Overall I'll give the Colorado 3 out of 5 stars but I would recommend holding off on any purchase right now. Read on for more details.
First the good stuff.
- Paperless geocaching mode. Works very well and eliminates the need to carry paper or a Palm/PPC.
- Compact well balanced case and design. The design feels sturdy and fits well in your hand.
- Lots of memory and preloaded map data. This handheld has 4GB of internal memory (2.7GB used by Topo2008 maps) and you can expand with an SD card. I use an 8GB San Disk card.
- Profiles allow you to save and recall configuration depending on your mode of use (e.g. auto or hiking) or by user if there are multiple users.
- Big, high resolution screen as compared to most handhelds
- Autorouting. The Colorado was based on a Nuvi platform so I guess it makes sense that it is pretty good at autorouting using the optional City Navigator maps. No speech and no touch screen but it makes a decent unit if you don't have money for both.
Mixed bag.
- User interface. The Rock'n Roller and soft key entry method works pretty well for most tasks except text entry. Text entry is very time consuming and I avoid it whenever possible. Garmin has improved some aspects of the user interface by making it more simple but in the process they have removed many of the nice shortcuts available on the 60csx series that "expert users" enjoyed. Context sensitive setup options are a prime example. On the 60csx when you entered something like the altimeter page you could easily access the setup and calibration functions, not so on the Colorado. The result is a simpler interface for new users but a much less optimized interface for power users.
The not so good.
- Screen brightness. As compared to the 60cs(x) the screen is hard to read and you'll need to use the backlighting more frequently.
- Battery life. You'll need to use NiMH batteries and you'll need to use good ones, 2500 mAh or more. If you are willing to invest in these batteries and a good charger you'll still only get about 10hrs out of a pair.
- GPS accuracy. A lot of debate on this issue but personally I believe the unit isn't as stable and mature as the Sirf receiver in the 60csx. There are times when the unit wonders and has errors in the 400-500' range. Unfortunately recovery is slow and sometimes power cycling is the fastest way to get it back to normal.
- Waterproofness. IPX7 rated but many reports of leakage. This may be a design flaw or just a issue with early units, time will tell.
- There are many (mostly minor) software features (as of v2.51) that you will find on the 60csx but not the Colorado including waypoint averaging, search from a location on the map, search by waypoint symbol, calendar based recording of events, personalized startup screen, night/day mode, custom waypoint symbols, proximity alarms, viewing multiple tracks on map page and trackback. Some of this will probably be added over time but the list is pretty long so I'm sure some won't.
And the big issue:
- Hardware issues. I've watched a lot of the forums and news groups associated with the Colorado and many early owners have had to exchange their units two, three and in some cases even four times. The issues vary and are well documented but for this reason alone I would suggest holding off on a purchase for at least a few months until Garmin gets the formula right.
Paperless JOY May 9, 2008
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
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.
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