Seems like a fantastic price for a very good unit. This is the lowest-spec Oregon.
Maybe this site would help: http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/
Disadvantages vs higher spec Oregons:
24 MB built-in memory
No "World Wide Shaded" base map.
No unit-to-unit wireless transfer.
No barometric altimeter.
No electronic compass
No audible feedback (no beeper / speaker)
No 3-axis compass
Yellow plastic inner chassis (instead of light metal of 300+)
What I know Google map navigation doesn't provides warning such as speed limit, speed and traffic camera, school zones
They're for different uses. For driving navigation, google maps beats it hands-down - mainly because this GPS wasn't made for that.
The difference is a bit like comparing a phone camera to a DSLR. A phone camera works perfectly fine for basic or general use, but would be completely useless to e.g. a professional wedding photographer.
So likewise, a dedicated handheld GPS like this is far, far better than any phone-based device - for people who need it.
The most notable differences are:
- Far longer battery life - 12 to 20 hours depending on model and type of battery
- Uses common AAs available anywhere. No need to carry a charger unless you want to.
- IPX-rated for water resistance
- Built far tougher than a phone - the screen won't shatter when you drop it.
- More sensitive GPS receiver, maintains a satellite lock under tougher conditions
- Resistive touchscreen - so you can use it with gloves on
- Hardware and software designed with GPSes in mind - dedicated waypoint buttons, joystick nubs, all positioned where you'd want them.
- Screen visible under direct sunlight
and probably a whole bunch more that I've missed out.
So in other words the average person is best off just using their smartphone?
For street navigation, definitely. For more hardcore recreation (hiking, sailing, trail biking, hunting), something like this would be better.
There are apps that mimic the functionality of a real bushwalking GPS. E.g mapdroid and most smartphones have an electronic compass which the Oregon doesn't but for a multiday walk away from marked tracks you'd be crazy to rely on a smartphone.
What would be the (difference in functionality) of getting this versus a cheap android around the $200 and using Google Maps & Navigation which has both walk and drive modes? Just trying to understand why someone would need one of these as opposed to a smartphone that has a GPS chip built in?