The next Etrex (Dakota)

[frankly frankie]

It looks as though the current HCx models might be the end of the line for the Garmin Etrex range, as there are previews of a new model range, Dakota, which looks to have a lot in common with the Oregon but in a slightly smaller package.
http://www.gpsreview.net/garmin-dakota/

Screen brightness and battery life are the two main areas where the Etrex C outperforms the Oregon, so if the Dakota does turn out to be a Etrex-replacement, it will be very interesting but hopefully the HCx will also be around for a good while yet.

[delthebike]

Do touch screens work with gloved hands?

[Greenbank]

Do touch screens work with gloved hands?

*gets out iPhone*

*puts on Altura Altitude winter gloves*

Yes. It's nut top bad.

[sas]

Do touch screens work with gloved hands?

Depends. The one on self-scan supermarket tills don't usually work for me.

[tonycollinet]

Do touch screens work with gloved hands?

The oregon one does - but it has a screen big enough for large buttons. I wouldn't like to use gloves with smaller buttons.

[frankly frankie]

Do touch screens work with gloved hands?

*gets out iPhone*

Different technology I believe.  The garmin is a pressure device, ie the screen surface is soft, and gloves work OK apparently, the iPhone uses capacitance(?) and has a hard screen.
The Oregon touch screen and general UI has been well received by users (apart from the dimness of it all), but I agree a smaller screen might present problems for the fat-fingered like me.

[Greenbank]

My post was just a vehicle for a crap gag.

[Sergeant Pluck]

Do touch screens work with gloved hands?

*gets out iPhone*

*puts on Altura Altitude winter gloves*

Yes. It's nut top bad.

 

[frankly frankie]

There's a picture
here
of the Dakota compated with an Etrex colour model, basically to show screen brightness.  Taken on a cloudy day, no backlight, by an early adopter.  So - that looks quite hopeful IMO.  Also shows the size of the on-screen keys (the +/- zoom keys top right of map screen) which do look a bit on the small side for fat-fingered me.

[andygates]

I *like* chunky rubber buttons on the sides. 

And I'm hot for touch screens.  Just not on everything...

[simonp]

I haven't tried my iPhone with gloves, but I use it when it's inside an aquapac, which is very impressive.

[andygates]

But you have to look at a touch screen.

I have better things to do with my eyes!

[frankly frankie]

But you have to look at a touch screen.

Or in my case, peer at it.  The existing Etrex C screens are already on the limit for my eyesight.

[frankly frankie]

First reasonably detailed review here including shots of screen in sunlight.  And the manual is here (pdf).
Looks pretty dim - but much less reflective surface than an Etrex which might be some compensation.

[Panoramix]

* reminder to self:  just after Christmas get a cheap etrex on ebay when early oregon adopters will flog their *