Touchscreen Vs Buttons: The GPS of Choice
I have had my eye on an Oregon 600 when they came out and the price has actually come down a little bit. I like the Oregon series and this new version comes with a much better screen. However, during the course of Cache Up NB’s interaction with the producers from The Amazing Race Canada, we ended up working quite a bit with the GPSMAP 64. Like they 62 counterparts, these are rugged units but are all buttons. No touchscreen. It didn’t take long to get used to them and man are they ever nice.
Now, I’m not really in the market for a new unit, but I have been eyeing one for awhile and I suspect that it the new year, a new GPS will happen. Given my affinity for the Oregon, I am likely to go in that direction but have really been impressed with the 64. I’m used to working with a touchscreen on my existing unit as well as my smartphone so it’s an easy transition. But the touchscreen can be difficult in cold weather where a button based GPS is easier to use with gloves on.
Anyone out there ever go from a touchscreen to a button based GPS? Anyone else have experience with any of these units and have any thoughts on them?
We use a 62 at work. Everyone was getting a laugh this summer during my field stints as I kept pressing the screen trying to get things to work.
I have commented on this before and will again. I have one of each and I do not see a big advantage the touch screen has over the button other than a button could physically break but so could a touch screen rendering the unit completely unusable. Buttons are better to switch quickly and not having to tap into several screens to access any function whereas the buttons link you directly to several screens or function with one push. GLOVES! Better battery life without powering a touch screen. You can use a button device without looking at it once you get used to the button placement and function. It is way easier to scroll the map with a joystick over a touch screen that keeps trying to drop a pin if you touch it wrong. The button devices just feel more solid and rugged. Touch screens devices do have larger screens but who needs a massive screen geocaching. There might even be some I am missing…lol
Suggestions for all the whining touch-screen users 😉 http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-touchscreen-gloves/