Up for Review: Garmin: Colorado 300 GPS
A GPS system is not only handy on the roads, but it can also be used while traveling off the beaten path while camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. This has been proved by the Garmin Colorado 300 handheld GPS. Wanting to make an all-purpose GPS, Garmin has preloaded it with BlueChartg2 coastal charts. The unit is stuffed with information about shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, marinas, port plans, and coastal roads of the US and Bahamas. These waypoints, routes and tracks can also be shared with another Colorado user.
The Garmin Colorado 300 GPS is controlled with a Rock n Roller wheel. It aids in the input of information by the user with one hand only. Built-in 3D base maps of the US help in navigating anywhere; either on land or in sea. A Secure Digital media card slot allows the user to store additional maps and images on the unit. The high-sensitivity WAAS enabled GPS receiver can trace the exact location within seconds, and the user does not have to worry about getting lost. The Garmin Colorado 300 GPS can be relied upon to rescue the traveler in times of distress.
With the help of the Garmin Colorado 300 GPS, the user can download geocaches. It supports Geocaches.com GPX files. Geocaching is the latest tech-hobby to hit the people in the US. And to add to it, the geocaches can be shared with another Colorado user wirelessly. The user can send photos of his latest visits and extraordinary collections to his friends with the press of a button. The Garmin Colorado 300 GPS can also be customized based on the user’s preference.
Garmin Colorado 300 GPS Features and Specifications Review:
• Model Number: COL 300 (
• Screen size: 3-inches
• Number of channels: 12
• Number of waypoints: 1000
• Portability: Yes
• WAAS enabled: Yes
• Hard Drive storage: No
• Download capability: Yes
• Built-in base maps: Yes
• Mapping software: Yes
• PC Connectivity: Yes
• Voice prompts: No
• Backlit display: Yes
• Color display: Yes
• Water resistant: Yes
• Battery life: Up to 15 hours
• 3D map view: Yes
• Accepts data cards: Yes
• Barometric Altimeter: Yes
• Geocaching mode: Yes
• Hunt/Fish Calendar: Yes
• Location reporting: Yes
• Map provider: Other
• Warranty term – Parts: 1 year
• Warranty term – Labor: 1 year
The Garmin Colorado 300 GPS has a built-in electronic compass which will show the bearings of the user and is very useful in the wilderness. And if the user is atop a mountain or hill, he can gauge his altitude with the barometric altimeter. It can even plot a graph with the pressure against time, which will alert the user about impending weather disturbances. He can plan his route thereafter. Being waterproof and extremely durable is another advantage of the Garmin Colorado 300 handheld GPS system. This makes it ideal for outdoor pursuits. Rainwater will not harm the Colorado. It has a rugged design for long-lasting use.
Optional preloaded SD cards can be plugged into the Garmin Colorado 300 GPS. A MapSource card will give detailed description on available maps to guide the user to his destination. Interestingly, the slot is located inside the waterproof compartment. So, the user does not have to worry about getting it wet during the outdoor activities. The Colorado includes a track log too. With a steep MSRP price of around $500, you can often find this GPS unit on sale. At the time of this review, Amazon.com has it on sale for only $300 making it a great bargain.