The Garmin Oregon 550 and 450 series models are differentiated by
the presence of a built-in camera, found only in the 550 series. The
550t and 450t are differentiated from the 550 and 450 respectively by
the presence of pre-loaded topographic maps. See the comparison matrix
below for full details. ”
The Oregon owes its heritage to the pioneering (now-discontinued)
Garmin Colorado, a Rated4Stars “Top Pick”, which brought handheld GPS
units forward in user-friendliness with “the same sort of game-changing
advances as their vehicle-based cousins” as it “[ushered] in the next
generation of handheld GPS units, offering a rich feature set while
incorporating the ease of use you’ve grown accustomed to in the car,
within a rugged, waterproof shell.” The Garmin Oregon represents the
next stage of evolution by retaining the Colorado’s robust GPS
capabilities but replacing its wheel interface with a welcome,
easy-to-use touch screen in a slimmer overall package.
Like the top-rated (albeit somewhat dated) Garmin 60csx, the Oregon
is versatile, serving the mariner, inland fisherman, or mountaineer, and
even providing turn-by-turn directions on the way home in the car. All
models of the Oregon include a worldwide basemap. Detailed, preloaded
U.S. topographic maps are included in the 550t and 450t. Additional maps
(including marine and road maps) are sold separately. The Oregon also
allows you to customize up to five profiles — automotive, marine,
recreation, fitness or “paperless” geocaching — making the most
beneficial features for each activity the easiest to access through
quick shortcuts. In addition, you can further customize your unit with
the purchase of additional maps on SD card, including topo, marine and
road maps.
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