Oregon 400i | $499.99

The Garmin Oregon 400i is a boater’s handheld dream. It’s burly, waterproof and programmed with boaters in mind. Some skeptics were wary of touch-screen technology and its functionality when wet, covered in fish gunk or when the user is wearing gloves. However, the 400i uses resistive touch-screen technology, which means it responds to pressure, as opposed to capacitive technology (used in iPhone screens), which feeds off electric variances caused by a human finger. The device performed flawlessly while it was wet and while a Boating World staffer wore thick mountaineering gloves. The only screen problem we can foresee is the possibility of loose objects in a pocket inadvertently pushing buttons. Our staff member loved how the unit comes pre-programmed with map details of lakes and inlets. Details include depth contours, boat ramps and mile markers. You can program the Oregon 400i to beep if you enter shallow water, or if you veer off a programmed route. If you’re into geocaching, you’ll appreciate the system’s ability to download GPX files from geocaching.com. The unit does seem heavy and bulky, especially when it’s in your pocket. Much of the weight comes from the durable design, which can withstand bumps, dirt, water, humidity and the kitchen sink. Even the touch-screen can resist most torturous handling, although it is susceptible to damage from sharp objects.
Garmin; (800) 800-1020; www.garmin.com