Garmin Nuvi 500 vs. Garmin Oregon series

[Seth Kendall]

I would like to finally get into a gps unit, but I am running into the issue of wanting something that has hybrid capability for city, trail, and perhaps even hiking. The Nuvi 500 and the Oregon series seem to fit this best, but I am wondering if anyone has real-life experience with these, and any recommendations between the two (or any others). I would love to have 2 dedicated gps units, but this might fall out of the budget range.
Seth

 

[Ryanmb21]

I haven't had an oregon but I've had a colorado and I currently have the Nuvi 500.

What is your main priority? If it's to use in the truck get the Nuvi, if it's to use hiking, get the Oregon.

I suspect is the Nuvi is the much cheaper option (I got mine for $290 last weekend) and there is no additional software to buy. I haven't used it extensively but so far I REALLY like it. The Nuvi's screen is great and much more viewable in the car than a colorado/oregon.

They sell extra batteries for the Nuvi 500 and each should give 5-6 hours of life so that makes them formidable out of the car. Good luck.

 

[Seth Kendall]

I haven't had an oregon but I've had a colorado and I currently have the Nuvi 500.

What is your main priority? If it's to use in the truck get the Nuvi, if it's to use hiking, get the Oregon.

I suspect is the Nuvi is the much cheaper option (I got mine for $290 last weekend) and there is no additional software to buy. I haven't used it extensively but so far I REALLY like it. The Nuvi's screen is great and much more viewable in the car than a colorado/oregon.

They sell extra batteries for the Nuvi 500 and each should give 5-6 hours of life so that makes them formidable out of the car. Good luck.

I think that most of the time it will be used in the vehicle. However, there are many occasions in which we go out hiking and/or rock-climbing and use coordinates to get there. I do like the "no extra software" of the 500, and from what I hear the Oregon screen is hard to see in the sun. The battery life is one of the Oregon's upsides.

To be honest, I seem to be leaning towards the 500.

Thanks for all the information Ryan.

 

[eleblanc]

Just bought a oregon to replace a colorado and i have to say it rocks! very happy for now.