Montana or Monterra
 

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the Garmin Montana 600 or whether to wait and get the Monterra.

Until this week, I had decided to wait for the Monterra to be released. I like the fact that it has both GPS and GLONASS, as I expect that would improve overall accuracy. However, the Monterra still hasn't been released and the Garmin website is still showing a 5-7 week waiting period (it has fluctuated between 3-5 and 5-7 weeks for the past couple of months). I suspect that they may push it out in time for Christmas but I'm getting more concerned about the bugs in a new release model.

I want a Montana/Monterra for my 2014 trip through Russia, Mongolia and the Stans (driving a Land Rover). I plan to use open source maps (and Walter's waypoints). Whilst the trip won't commence until April 2014, I want a unit in my hands earlier so that I can get the maps installed, etc.

Considering the likelihood of new-release bugs and the resulting firmware updates that will occur with the Monterra, I am now leaning towards buying the tried and tested Montana 600. At least I won't have to worry about bugs with the Montana - and it is retailing at $450 in the US (a $200 saving compared with the Monterra). I'm heading over to Miami next week, so I could pick one up then.

Before I make a final decision, I'd be interested in hearing the opinion of others, particularly those who already own the Montana.

if you're gonna be in a rover, why not go for a unit with a bigger screen as opposed to a handheld unit?

i've got a mint condition gpsmap 640 with a 5.2" screen for sale that will blow away the montana.

as for the gps vs. glonass thing, i doubt hyper accuracy is that important to overland travel.

personally I would wait. as far as i know, most of the bugs with any new garmin products are not show-stoppers, so I wouldn't be very concerned about going on a trip with a brand new model. probably at worst a few features might not work.

TeeVee:

I wasn't aware of the GPSMAP 640. I've taken a look online and it looks like I'd be paying for features that I don't need. I don't need a marine chartplotter or the associated mapping. I don't need the XM radio weather updates feature.

Comparing the Montana with the 640, I see that the Montana weighs 289g versus 490g for the 640 (I've read a review that said the weight of the 640 caused it to occasionally overwhelm the suction mount). The 640 wins out on screen size but the Montana seems to take the prize for saved tracks and waypoints.

Montana takes 4,000 waypoints/favorites/locations; 200 routes; and the Track Log takes 10,000 points and 200 saved tracks.

The 640 takes 1,000 waypoints/favorites/locations; 10 routes; and the Track Log takes 10,000 points and no saved tracks.

The only aspect that I see the 640 being better than the Montana is in screen size. Maybe I'm missing something. Why do you say that the 640 will 'blow away the Montana'?

Thanks Motoreiter.

My concern involves both the bugs and the regular firmware updates that will likely follow the initial release. Sometimes, these updates don't work properly and I don't want to be left with a problematic unit just before my trip.

This year I did an update on a Garmin Nuvi with Europe maps. When I arrived in the UK and turned it on, there were no maps installed. I should have tested it before I left, but I'm in Bermuda so the Europe mapping wouldn't have shown up anyway. Fortunately, Nuvis are relatively inexpensive so I just bought another.

I haven't made a firm decision yet but I'm leaning towards getting the Montana.

I had a similar experience once with a garmin, so now I don't do any updates for a couple of months before a trip, and check the maps etc carefully before leaving. even if you're in bermuda you should be able to check maps in europe, etc.

anyway, up to you of course, and either way have a great trip.

OK, understood. Thanks.

I've just ordered one from REI. $650 with a $65 dividend rebate at the end of the year, bringing the final cost down to $585.

A review of the Monterra

Garmin Monterra Review

Garry
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