Store leaks Garmin Colorado marine GPS mapper

Garmin is about to release a new GPS line that will completely revamp the company's design for handheld marine mapping units, according to an online store's leak. The Colorado 400 BlueChart will be meant for fishing and other small boats but will include a relatively large, 240x400 color LCD that provides a clearer view of both the sea conditions and of the nearby shoreline. An iPod-like control nicknamed "Rock n Roller" will quickly scroll through some items while still offering fine-tuned control by tilting the wheel in one direction. The device will back up its efforts with a short-range ANT wireless link for sharing maps and geocache points.

Like many of Garmin's outdoor units, the Colorado will be ruggedized to handle drops and most splashes, and has both an altimeter and a compass; power is supplied by a set of AA batteries that run for up to 16 hours on a full charge. The GPS unit will come preloaded with sea maps for the US (including Alaska and Hawaii) with room for additional maps on SD cards. No release date is provided, but the unreleased unit is set to ship for $600 when it becomes available. [via GPS Tracklog]

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Other story tags: GPS, Garmin