This so-called geotagging facilitates the chronological documentation of a tour. It also helps with the recognition of waypoints, as a photo is stored with them. The camera has a 4x digital zoom and, like the entire device, is waterproof in accordance with the IPX7 standard.

Another new feature is the three-axis compass, which eliminates the need to hold the device level when using the compass function. The Oregon 550t is equipped with a leisure map of Europe at a scale of 1:100,000.

Garmin has also improved the touchscreen display: the Oregon 550t offers excellent readability in all lighting conditions. Compared to its smaller brothers (Oregon 200, 300 and 400), the memory capacity of the Oregon 550t has also been significantly expanded: 2000 waypoints, 200 routes and 200 tracks of 10,000 points each can be memorized by the memory giant with its 850 MB brain. The growing community of geocachers can also look forward to extended functions: up to 5000 caches and their descriptions can be stored on the Oregon 550t and, combined with the geotagging function, they guarantee extended and paperless treasure hunting fun.

The Oregon 550t satisfies the highest demands of true outdoor professionals and is the ideal handheld GPS device for families and recreational adventurers who want more than just rustic navigation. It is the most versatile and exciting outdoor device that Garmin has developed in its 20-year history.

The Garmin Oregon 550t is available from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of CHF 949. In the pack with the topographic Map of Switzerland, it costs CHF 1,249.-

More facts:

• Robust touch screen with lock function and improved readability
• With pre-installed basic leisure map of Europe 1:100,000
• Expandable with topo maps, BlueChart g2 nautical charts and MapSource road maps
• Up to 200 tracks are saved complete with up to 10,000 points
• Memory for 2,000 waypoints, 200 routes and 200 tracks
• Compatible with microSD Maps (up to 4 GB)
• First USB 2.0 connection for extremely fast PC connection
• Wireless ANTTM data transmission from device to device or for heart rate or cadence measurement (optional)
• Incl. charger and 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (battery life: up to 16 hours)

Geotagging:
"Geotagging" is the linking of digital photos with location coordinates. If you want to know exactly where the pictures of your tour were taken even after some time, the Oregon 550 makes it easy:

• Log in to My.garmin.com when connecting the device to the PC
.
• Saved photos are instantly recognized and can be archived and shared with friends on Picasa, a popular online community.

Source: Press release, www.garmin.ch