I currently have the garmin 176, at the time i bought i was considering getting the 176color but after trying it outside on my motorcycle, the colors washed out alot in the sun. it was harder to read than the std version when in direct sunlight. i can also imagine that in cold temps the 176c may be hard to read because of the way my std version washes out in extreme cold. i need to play with the contrast to see the map detail.

do the color screens do well in cold conditions, say like on the 176c or the 276c.? The main reason i'd like to get a color unit is because the tracks and routes can be displayed in a contrasting color, this should improve the ability read tracks on the run.

Garmin says the 276C is good to 0 degrees. I recently mounted mine on my sled and it out over the weekend it was around 12 degrees F out and I had no problems. In the car it seems to be ok in the morning if I leave it on all night while parked in the garage. The 276C has a nice marine mount that can be easily installed on the sled dash. It came in the land and sea package. I am sure you can buy seperate as well. I have had this unit for about a year now and love it. It works great on the lake/road/trail. You are correct about the color being easier to read.. The 276C can get wet as well so a little snow melting should not hurt. ABE