New Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Thread starter ecampbell
- Start date
That's interesting, appears to be the beginning of merging Garmin's handheld devices with the inReach technology from their purchase of DeLorme. Also signals another move away from Basecamp, which Garmin discontinued a year ago. But $600? No thanks. 
If money is no object, you can also get their new Overlander vehicle GPS. It's a big, heavy, $700 monster, but has some interesting features. I wonder if it has any Basecamp compatibility? https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/685257
If money is no object, you can also get their new Overlander vehicle GPS. It's a big, heavy, $700 monster, but has some interesting features. I wonder if it has any Basecamp compatibility? https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/685257
FWIW, an oddity of the new GPSMap66i is that it apparently has an internal rechargeable battery and cannot use AA batteries like other Garmin handhelds. My *guess* is that this was done to make room for the satellite radio in the same size case as the 66s. But whenever people discuss dedicated GPS units vs. cellphones, the ability to use AA batteries is a major argument in Garmin's favor.
If you just want a satellite communicator, you can get that for half the price https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/592606
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/592606
If they work as advertised they will be selling a lot of these regardless of the price.
Why do you say that? I don't see anything all that remarkable (beyond a slick advertising campaign). Magellan has been selling the TRX, which is a similar unit, for a few years and I don't think they have had much success. I get frequent e-mails from them about sales with pretty deep discounts. https://www.magellangps.com/store/trx-off-road-navigators?screensize_dropdown=274
When folks are dropping 40-50K+ for one of the new offroad equipped trucks coming on the market, $600 is nothing. I think Garmin has better name recognition and advertising than Magellan; that's all it takes. Even if they won't go 'offroad', as most won't. Chevy just released the ZR2 Bison, Ford has their Raptor and a soon to be released baby Raptor, Chrysler has their Power Wagon; all cost megabucks and most won't even get dirty
Its all about who has the best toy. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes offered as an option to their current in-dash selections.
Well, I'm sure Garmin hopes you're right. Cost is $700, not $600 BTW. But $100 is nothing, of course.
Garmin is on a roll with new pushbutton handhelds. Today they introduced the eTrex 22x, eTrex 32x and GPSMap64csx (apparently a tip of the hat to the classic 60csx). Not much new in the way of features here...
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/669244
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/669286
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/669244
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/669286
I don't think they could get enough power out of AAs to run this thing, with GPS satellite, Iridium satellite, and cellular connection. Lithium Ion batteries are great. My cameras use them, and I have extra pack(s) that I can swap in as needed. But as far as I can tell this Garmin unit has a non-removable/non-replaceable battery pack. That means you are done for the day when the battery is out, and you throw out the unit when the battery no longer holds a charge. Like Apple iPhones, I think? Bad idea.
FWIW, iPhone batteries are replaceable, but not by users. https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-power
Unless the battery is buried deep in circuit boards, it can probably be replaced if you know how to solder. Might even be easier than that. Most that claim to be unreplaceable are the rechargeable type. Neighbor was throwing out a big LED spotlight from Coleman, said it didn't work and the battery was not replaceable. He gave it to me, I did some searches and found the battery it used, bought it. With some disassembly the unreplaceable battery was replaced; a direct plugin. Bright as a comet. I gave it back to him with a smile. If something is not working, it doesn't cost anything but some time to take it apart and look. Someone has probably already done it and posted how on UTube.
I see that GPSCity is now selling the 66i bundled with an external USB battery pack: https://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-66i-and-aibocn-power-bank-10000mah-external-battery
FWIW, they are also selling the Oregon 700 for $280, which is one of the better prices I've seen on that model. Not a recommendation, since I've never used one. But it's worth considering if you want a new Garmin GPS.
https://www.gpscity.com/garmin-oregon-700
The weird thing is that it's actually $20 cheaper than a refurb from the same store.
https://www.gpscity.com/garmin-oregon-700-(certified-refurbished)
Garmin sells the same model for $400
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/550460
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This is the first review I've seen. It's not likely to help Garmin sell many of these $700 devices.
Garmin Overlander Review - Lifestyle Overland
Hey guys Kevin here with Lifestyle Overland. In this article we’re going to take an in-depth look at the new Garmin Overlander GPS to see […]
www.lifestyleoverland.com
Pondering a replacement for my broken Montana 600.... GPSCity stil has the Oregon 700 for $280, but Bass Pro has it for $250 ( in-stock at the Atlantic City Store). That is probably the best price I've ever seen on this model.
Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS Unit | Bass Pro Shops
Buy the Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS Unit and more quality Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor gear at Bass Pro Shops.
www.basspro.com
Still not sure what Garmin device (if any) I want however....
Thanks! 
That's another possibility (if they will still do it). As much as I've enjoyed the Montana, it really is very large though.
OTOH, my iPhone is about 4 years old now.... so maybe the money would be better spent towards a new phone, the new ones are supposed to have much better screens and battery life. All things considered, I will probably just wait awhile longer and not do anything.
That's another possibility (if they will still do it). As much as I've enjoyed the Montana, it really is very large though.OTOH, my iPhone is about 4 years old now.... so maybe the money would be better spent towards a new phone, the new ones are supposed to have much better screens and battery life. All things considered, I will probably just wait awhile longer and not do anything.
Translation: "why don't you spend more time with me?"
Seriously... enjoy your new GPS and retirement!