Garmin Oregon 650T Review

Garmin Oregon 650TWondering if Garmin Oregon 650T Handheld GPS unit is worth investing on? Continue reading to find out!

Searching for a handheld GPS unit to make travelling easier? Garmin Oregon may just be what you are looking for! The 650T comes packed with features and it is sure to add comfort in your life if you frequently find yourself asking for directions. Besides making your regular commute easier, The 650T can be used for different purposes. Travelling, finding a new restaurant, or even hunting; this handheld GPS has got you covered with everything!

With numerous GPS handheld units available in the market, you may be wondering whether 650T is worth investing on. This is how, by reading our in-depth review, you will easily be able to decide for yourself. So without wasting any more time, let’s dive into the details of what Garmin Oregon 650T has to offer you.

Pros

  • 8MP Geotagging Camera.
  • Preloaded Topo Maps.
  • Customization Options.
  • Improved Accuracy with GLONASS Support.
  • Easy to Read.

Cons

  • Not Suitable for Fixed Mount.
  • Sensitive Touchscreen.

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An in-depth look at the Garmin Oregon 650T

Hardware

The total weight of 650T with batteries is only 7.4 ounces. The ruggedized GPS unit is designed to be waterproof and comes with a 3-inch display. With the help of a lanyard attachment at the front, you can mount 650T to bikes. Moreover, apart from NiMH rechargeable batteries, AAs batteries also come inside the box for the field.

Camera

This may be a surprise for most people, as not many GPS handheld units come with a camera. The 8 MP camera may not be as impressive, but if you want to capture a quick photo during the day, it will get the job done. So, if you do not want to bring a second device along; the built-in camera of 650T will take care of it!

Available Maps

The biggest highlights of this GPS unit is the 100,000 scale US basemap. Unarguably, it can make the life of frequent travellers easier by ensuring your device has all the topo maps. Furthermore, there is a custom map option available as well.

Performance

In terms of performance, the biggest drawback we have noticed with the Garmin Oregon 650T is tracklog errors. The reason behind those errors was very likely to be an immature firmware. However it isn’t that bad, as the largest error was close to 125 feet. The overall tracking performance was better in comparison to other handheld units.

Easy to Use

Most handheld GPS units come packed with features, making them a bit tedious to understand. However, 650T does a great job of balancing things out. It has a user-friendly interface making it simple for even beginners to explore its functionalities!

Durability

Garmin has done a great job in terms of durability with 650T. This GPS handheld unit comes with a mineralized glass which offers the same level of durability as a Gorilla Glass. Even after rigorous testing, and harsh use, we were not able to break it!

So, if you plan to use your GPS unit roughly, such as for hitchhiking or other hardcore activities; then you do not have to worry. The 650T can easily hold its own even in the harshest environments with its durable screen and body.

Customization Options

Apart from having the option to customize data fields, profiles and dashboards, you can also customize the buttons with 650T. You can set-up various shortcuts to immediately access your frequently used features.

Interface

Garmin 650TThe 650T offers a very friendly interface. The multi-screen capacitive touchscreen enables you to easily access most controls. You can find two buttons at the side that react differently according to the number of taps. Although one button is for power, the second button can be customized according to your preferences.

The 650T offers countless menu options, and each feature is intricately explained making it easier to understand for new users. Therefore, all you need are a few days with this handheld GPS unit, and you will know its ins and outs!

Sensitive Touchscreen

The sensitive touchscreen of 650T may be a blessing for some, while a curse for others. There’s a subtle difference between a highly responsive touchscreen, and a sensitive one. Unfortunately, the 650T falls in the latter category.

If you accidentally put the GPS unit in your pocket without locking the screen, you never know where you would end up with it.

Dual Battery

If you plan to use this GPS handheld unit for an extended period, then you will love its dual battery. Apart from coming with a NiMH rechargeable battery, 2 AAs are also included.

This can be especially beneficial if you are on the field. The last thing you would want is for your only source of navigation to die out in the wilderness.

Value for Money

The 650T is a little high in the price department. Regardless of the amazing features it comes packed with, it provides average value in terms of money. However, you shouldn’t think that it is not worth getting it. Overall, in terms of build quality, performance and customization options; 650T is still a great choice in the vast range of GPS handheld units.


Final Verdict

The great camera quality, excellent performance and customizability of Oregon 650T makes it a decent addition in the modern range of GPS units! Even though this 650T is not the best out there, it is certainly a great pick and a choice you cannot go wrong with.

Apart from some minor drawbacks, and being a bit pricey, Garmin has done an overall great job with 650T. The numerous features it has to offer makes it a great choice if you are searching for a good GPS handheld unit. However, we do expect that the tracklog errors we found in 650T are going to be fixed soon, so that is certainly a plus.

If you are still wondering whether or not you should buy 650T, then you can go for it as long as you feel satisfied with its price.

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