Hot on the heels of the leaked Edge 810 Touring last week, Garmin have launched a new Monterra GPS unit that is powered by Android OS and is WiFi-enabled, combining the company’s mapping capabilities with the ability to download maps, routes, and apps through Google’s Play Store.
While Garmin’s Edge series (like the recently reviewed 810 and 510) are specifically aimed at cyclists who want performance data like speed, heart rate and cadence, the Monterra is aimed at outdoors people, walkers and hikers, who want the best navigational and mapping tool for finding their way from A to B,. Not how fast it takes them to get there.
Blurring the lines between GPS unit and smartphone (the biggest challenge to Garmin’s dominance in the outdoors GPS sector) the Monterra packs 4in colour touchscreen, 8-megapixel camera with flash and geotag ability, 1080p HD video camera with LED flash and 6GB internal storage with a microSD slot.

As well as those features, it has a built-in 3-axis compass with accelerometer and gyro, barometric altimeter for precise altitude information, and even a UV sensor to monitor the intensity of the sun. The Monterra also has an IPX7 waterproof rating and a rugged case built to withstand the harshest weather. It runs off a rechargeable battery pack (included) or AA batteries.
If it uses the same mount as the Oregon series, then that means you’ll be able to mount it to the handlebars, making it ideal for cyclists who want a dedicated mapping GPS device. The ability to download apps gives the Monterra extended capabilities. You could for example download a host of popular apps such as Strava, Endomondo, BBC Weather and have them all at the touch of a button.

The expected price of £600 might be a stumbling block however, which puts it in within sight of smartphones. But then you are getting all the benefits of Garmin’s hardware - weatherproofing, GPS accuracy, tough touchscreen, longer battery life - with the added ability to easily download and upload routes, data and apps. If you don’t want to attach your delicate and expensive smartphone to the handlebars, then the Monterra might be worth a closer look.
The Monterra will be available in the autumn and is likely to cost £599.99, that prices includes preloaded Rec Map Europe with Navteq roads, and they’ll likely be doing bundles with other maps. More at http://www.garmin.com/outdoors
Be good if we could stop his type from breeding, I doubt he will strengthen the gene pool much.
Totally agree with you. If a driver sits behind me for a long time because it's not safe to pass or a look over my shoulder is enough to make a...
Think of a number, the list price, and double it?
This makes some sense as the parent will spend a huge amount of time carrying the thing....
*not Lancs, obviously Lord be praised! Perhaps the message is getting through
Just because he shares a program with a dinosaur doesn't necessarily mean he's one too...
"but they call it Artex" Isn't that what people used to paint their ceilings with?
Clearly not "Europe" now anyway!
Where are the colours though? Even the other options are just mehhh. At least you wouldn't need to worry about them getting washed out.
All that is being requested of drivers is they put their phones away before operating dangerous equipment in public spaces. Yes, that means...