The models are quite the step up from the previous Montana 600 series, much like the GPSMap 66 series was a step up from the GPSmap 64 series. Again, the "i" model designation refers the InReach capabilities.
The models are:
- Montana 700 - $949 (No Camera) https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/633697
- Montana 700i - $1,149 (No Camera, InReach built-in) https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/699779
- Montana 750i - $1,299 (Camera, InReach built-in) https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/69098 ... 0-02347-02
They are quite hefty units though weighing at around 400g with batteries, all heavier than the previous Montana 600 series (290g-335g).
The Montana 700 comes with a replaceable Lithium ion battery pack and weighs 410g. An optional 3xAA battery compartment is also available at $49 (without batteries), or an additional litihium ion battery pack at $89.
The Montana 700i and 750i that both come with InReach built in has a non-user replaceable lithium ion battery.
Interestingly there is only one button, on the left side. Onboard there is 16Gb of memory, and the usual microUSB slot.
A Micro USB port is included - which is a step up from the Mini USB port on previous devices. Disappointingly they didn't go up to the USB C port.
There is an MCX port for an external antenna which I've always appreciated on my older GPS units.
For connectivity you get the usual ANT+, Bluetooth, the micro USB, and Wifi. And there is the usual Barometric Altimeter and the electronic compasses built in as in the older models.
The Montana 700 (without InReach) gets to use GPS, GALILEO and GLONASS satellite systems, while the Montana 700i and 750i (both InReach models) only use GPS and GALILEO systems. I am guessing that GLONASS frequency (1589.0625 - 1605.375 MHz) is very close to the iridium (inReach) frequency (1616 – 1626.5 MHz).
The screen looks great, and after quite a few years of using 5" and 6" phones as my primary GPS over my Garmin Oregon and eTrex I do prefer the larger screens. The pixel resolution (480 x 800) looks quite low when you compare them against modern smartphones which eg. (Samsung S9 5.8" 2960 x 1440 or the Samsung S10 6.1" 3040 x 1440 pixels). But it is a step up from the previous Montana 600 series 4" 272 x 480 pixels screen.
It will be interesting to see how these perform. I haven't seen one in person yet given the lockdown situation in Melbourne.
For me, the main issues against these would be the cost and the weight. There is another whole argument of whether to use two separate devices, a GPS and satellite communicator, or an all-in-one like the "i" models.
I am curious about other's thoughts on these expensive new GPS models.
Will these new models be enough to entice people who currently use their smartphones and a tough case, or a cheaper older model GPS handheld with a separate InReach mini or Spot messenger? Or even those that use existing tough phones with the appropriate software which could compare favourably with the non-inReach model Montana 700 on the GPS navigation/track logging aspect. Would new Montana 700 series be enough to sway those people back to an higher priced dedicated GPS navigator?
As an aside, I am currently reviewing a super budget "tough" $150ish Android phone and how well it can perform as a GPS.