DeLorme Earthmate BT-20 with Street Atlas USA Plus Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have used DeLorme maps and a GPS device for years and have been well satisfied with their quality.So, it was with some anticipation that I purchased the Earthmate BT-20 with the Street Atlas USA Plus 2007.The map software worked quite well as usual.However, the Earthmate BT-20 was not compatible with my Treo 650 with Palm OS or my desk top PC.A lengthy discussion with a DeLorme Tech did not resolve the issue.Also, a review of the GPS forum showed that others were having similar problems.
The Earthmate BT-20 may work on other devices.But, I would do a lot more research before purchase.

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Product Description:
The Delorme Earthmate GPS BT-20 is the ultimate GPS bundle for off-road & on-road action. It's got everything you need for better city and rural travel. The up-to-date mapping programs help you plot out your route, marking off hotels, restaurants and points of interest. The 3D flyovers help you orient yourself in all sorts of terrain, making it easy to wherever you're going.

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Magellan eXplorist 200 - GPS receiver - hiking Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought one of these low-end GPS systems for use outdoors and was very impressed with the no-frills but quality menu design and simple and intuitive operation.

I've taken the Explorist on a number of trips and found that it did well when I was driving along with the GPS unit sitting on my dash or when wandering in the Sierras where I live. I took it on a trip to San Francisco with my girlfriend and we used it to navigate us back to my parking spot with zero difficulties. Don't let the low price fool you... Magellen did a nice job with this little beauty. I have dropped it a number of times, once it fell about 20 feet and survived with zero marks and works as good as new.

I've also used the unit to find my way on back-woods trails and to mark my positions and visited checkpoints. Takes a bit of re-learning to get used to setting checkpoints, but once you get the hang of it, this tool shines and does a good job of getting you back to where you started.

Last year, I used it to help chart our course when I was blocker for the company motorcycle group on our yearly ride. I don't drive motorcycles but drive my sports car as the water and luggage hauler and general navigation and electronics/communications support person. The Explorist came through repeatedly in showing us our exact location and kept us from taking a few wrong turns. I coupled the Explorist with pre-printed maps with coordinates printed on them so that it was quite clear where we were at all times.

While the color displays on GPS units are neat, the black and white display on the Explorist does seem to sip battery power lightly and I was getting about 2 - 3 days of use out of batteries with near constant usage. On the motorcycle trip I kept the unit powered down until I needed to check position, so for a ten day trip, I only changed batteries once. I'd recommend using the newer rechargables with 15 minute charge time to save $$$.

The only thing I wish was a bit different would be the little steel screw that you have to twist off to get the battery compartment open. Not sure why they make the little twist piece so hard to get big fingers around, but a small sharp tool or hook is all you need to pull that piece out and then you can twist the screw off. The big thing is to NOT lose that screw once you have the case apart!

I do thing it is a good investment to get a small leather pouch for the GPS so that you do bang it around too badly in rough terrain. Yes, it is extremely tough and well built, but hey, it cost $$$ and why not keep it looking good? ;>)

There is also a small hole at the top for threading a strap through so you won't lose the GPS. Suggest a bit of leather cord to push through and hook to a belt or whatever.

Perhaps one day I'll replace the GPS for a more capable unit, but for now, this thing really does the job and I'm pleased with it.I consider it an essential travel tool now.

5 stars - Well built and for the money, quite the steal. My hat is off to Magellen!

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Product Description:
Meeting your more advanced navigational needs, eXplorist 200 features TrueFix technology, an 8 MB built-in background map plus the ability to save up to 5 track log files, 500 points of interest and 20 routes. The built-in map includes roads, parks, waterways and more, to help you find your way. Put the power of easy-to-use and affordable GPS in your pocket.

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Lowrance Endura Sierra 000-0125-40 2.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an incredibly disappointing GPS. From the pre-release hype by Lowrance I expected a GPS that would match or exceed the top of the line handhelds from Garmin and Delorme. What was delivered was the most basic GPS, no auto-routing even though it ships with Navteq street maps, you cannot perform a find of points of interest except from your current positon on the GPS. You are limited to 30 track logs, but you have virtually not control over when and how they are displayed. Track logs are recorded using GMT dates and time. The highly acclaimed high definition super topo maps form Accuterra look like the topo maps you purchased from Garmin and other GPS maufacturers 10 years ago. The screen is virtually unreadable in indirect sunlight, even with backlighting turned up to the maximum. I can think of at least a half a dozen better handheld GPS's than this unit and they almost all cost less money. Until the price of this GPS drops below $300 and they get the bugs fixed I would look elsewhere for a GPS. This is one of the most overpriced under featured GPS's I've ever purchased.

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Product Description:
Endura Sierra

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Magellan SporTrak Water Resistant Hiking GPS Review

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(More customer reviews)I use my unit to log traces of my hikes and runs; so good, continuous reception is my most important criterion for judging this unit.
I originally bought a Garmin eTrek GPS unit, but I had to return it. Reception was fine when properly oriented, but the small size and antenna design caused it to lose the satellite signal even under clear skies while I carried it in my hand. I could get good reception only if the unit was held horizontally. This makes it worthless for logging runs and hikes.
The user interface on this Magellan is OK: it's easy to use on the run and somewhat customizable. It's also not too hard to learn to use. But some simple data isn't displayed, like time elapsed since start of trip, or average pace (though average speed is available.)
Map quality is good, and the CD to download detailed maps is included, unlike the Garmin. Also, topographical data of most of the US is preloaded. But this I've been disappointed with, since it seems far less accurate than the USGS maps available in electronic form from National Geographic. Often, a steep uphill appears on the Garmin map as a downhill, while the data loaded into the USGS maps shows the altitude change correctly.
But again, this is all secondary to the good quality reception of the unit in different orientations. Since this is good, it gives good traces of my runs and hikes, and so I'm happy with it.

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Product Description:
A powerful navigation tool, the Magellan SporTrak Topo offers a built-in 108 MB nationwide topographic map database. This 12-channel GPS receiver is also WAAS-enabled for three-meter accuracy--even in difficult environments such as mountains or dense foliage. The SporTrak Topo also include a 16 MB memory for additional map and points of interest downloads from Magellan MapSend CD-ROMs.

Map screen with cursor mode.
Compass screen.
The Magellan SporTrak Topo packs GPS navigation and topographic maps into a single handheld device. View larger. The pocket-size, lightweight, rugged SporTrak Topo is a great choice for hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, freshwater fishermen, off-road enthusiasts, and other outdoor adventurers. The 108 MB built-in topography database--derived from the U.S. Government Digital Elevation Model (DEM)--features contouring and elevation, as well as highways, major roads, waterways, and coastlines. The SporTrak Topo uses WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) to provide excellent GPS accuracy and reliability, tracking up to 12 satellites to locate your position to within three meters.
Nine customizable graphic navigation screens include a map, compass, and speedometer with text readouts of heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. Choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums, including latitude/longitude, universal transverse mercator, and military grid reference system. Plus you can store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints, and 2,000 track points. The save track-to-route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. You can expand beyond the capacity of the SporTrak and save hundreds of routes by transferring them to a PC using optional Magellan MapSend software. Other great features include the NorthFinder technology, which shows your direction even when you're standing still. You can even monitor the GPS satellites in view and get information about their status.
Magellan has designed the SporTrak for the outdoors. The large, high-contract backlit display is easy to read, day or night, and the rubber-armored, impact-resistant plastic helps protect the internal components during accidental drops. This device is also meets IEC-529 IPX7 waterproof specifications, and it even floats.
What's in the Box
SporTrak Topo GPS receiver, MapSend Topo CD-ROM, PC cable, 2 AA batteries, and user's manual (English/French).

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Delorme Earthmate PN-60 Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)The PN-60 is a much better unit than the PN-40.Battery life is infinitely longer compared to the PN-40 (I had one) this unit will go all day on the Li-ion rechargeable pack.Additionally, the new menu system is far quicker to navigate and the profile view showing elevation is great for hikes.This unit teamed with the new Topo 9 also provides for quicker and simpler map and routing downloads. As far a GPS units this one may not have the biggest screen or smallest size etc...the reason you buy this unit is for the data layering and the Delorme maps- nothing comes close for $29.95 / year.

Check out the Delorme web site for plenty of examples.

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Product Description:
The PN-60 delivers an array of next generation GPS features and capabilites.

Key Features

Intuitive icon-based user interface for easy on-device navigation

Elevation profile cutaway views that pinpoint the user's position

GPX file exchange (waypoints, routes, tracks, and geocaches) to SD card for ease and flexibility in archiving collected GPS data

Latest DeLorme power management system with ambient light sensor for optimal battery life

3.5 GB of user-available Flash memory

Maps
Whatever your preferred activity, you'll never have to settle for just one map. Find your position on up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA 9.0 maps (included). Navigate worry-free with complete U.S. topographic detail, extensive trail coverage, U.S. and Canada streets, roads, and places of interest including campgrounds, boat launch sites, unique natural features, prime hunting and fishing spots.

the PN-60 comes with up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA 9.0 map detail included, both on PN-Series Map DVDs (Mac-compatible) for transfer to the GPS, and in a PC desktop software program.

Outdoor Activities




65K bright-color TFT screen for clarity in any light conditions

The PN-60 supports all popular outdoor activities. Features include a highly-accurate 3-axis electronic compass that works when held in any position, moving on foot or standing still. For traveling in elevation, there is an elevation profile tool that pinpoints your location and a sensitive barometric altimeter for precise elevation readings and the ability to gauge potential weather changes. These elevation features are particularly useful for hikers, climbers, and hunters. The ability to display NOAA nautical charts make the PN-60 a valuable navigator for sea kayaking and coastal sailing.

The PN-60 fully supports paperless geocaching, and offers almanac pages with information on tides, hunting and fishing favorability, and sunrise/sunset and moon phases.

Geocaching
DeLorme has devoted significant resources toward offering a rewarding geocaching experience. In addition to the unique value of available aerial imagery, the PN-60 delivers a wide range of paperless geocaching capabilities.

Individual caches can be downloaded, with all information included, from Geocaching.com. The PN-60 and Topo USA also support imports of high volume Pocket Queries from Geocaching.com, and they allow virtually unlimited cache description character counts, so you'll have all the information you need on the device, including other cachers' log notes.

The optional DeLorme Cache Register download delivers enhanced paperless geocaching functions. Sync your Pocket Query search results directly to the PN-60, and sync your user logs and other cache details to Geocaching.com.

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DeLorme Map Library Subscription Card for Topo USA 8.0 and Earthmate PN Series GPS Navigators Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered the Map Library along with my PN-40 unit. This map library was one of the deal-makers that led to my buying the DeLorme GPSr. I mainly use the aerial images and the 1:24k topo quads.The color images for my area look to have been taken a couple of years ago, while the b&w's look about 6-7 years old. This will vary by geographic area. You can layer the maps in any order, and view hybrids with the Topo 7 data over the aerial (or whichever view you choose).

This annual subscription is just an unbelievable deal. The downloads I've made already would cost hundreds (going on thousands) of dollars if I bought the maps individually.

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Product Description:
The Map LibrarySubscription card provides unlimited downloads for one-year to theDeLorme Map Library using Topo USA 8.0 software (sold separately). This library lets you select U.S.geographic areas of interest and download USGS 7.5-minute topographic quad maps, color satellite maps, and NOAA nautical charts using the NetLink tab of Topo USA. Once downloaded, they're yours to keep. Topo USA software is available separately or included with the DeLorme Earthmate PN-Series GPS. Topo USA contains the blendedDeLorme vector street and topographic maps. The additional map types downloaded from the Map Library are yours to layer on the DeLorme PN GPS, enabling you to switch among map types of your GPS location. It's amazing!

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DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 Waterproof Hiking GPS Review

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(More customer reviews)The Topo 6.0 maps that come with this unit contain surprisingly detailed topographic information. Most popular hiking trails are included. You can preview them at (you need to create a free account)...

data.delorme.com

The PN-20's main rivals are the Garmin units. The Garmin mapping software can be previewed by following the appropriate links here...

www8.garmin.com/cartography

These topographic maps are generally inferior to those of the Delorme unit (you can discover this for yourself by accessing the websites above). The PN-20 nicely superimposes street and topographic/hiking info into the one map which I don't believe the Garmin units do. The mapping software is included free with the purchase of the PN-20. You have to pay an additional amount of more than $200 for both topo and street maps with the Garmin units. One drawback of the PN-20 mapping software is that is highly user UNfriendly. Also, if you want to cut a large map section (say of the entire state of California, with all contour information included), it will take your computer many, many hours. It is possible however to download all street information, from interstate freeways down to tiny alleys, for an entire state, without contour information, in an hour or so. On the plus side, once you master it, the mapping software can be very powerful.

The screen is full-color as opposed to the Garmin models which only display 256 colors. The PN-20 can display aerial, satellite and usgs topo quad images that you download for $0.25 per square kilometer. The unit comes with a free voucher for $100 of image downloads (400 sq. kilometers). This can be a very useful feature for hiking, as many unnamed trails and paths are visible from the air, and hence appear in the aerial photographs. One warning, if you have poor eyesight you might have difficulty reading the small type on the screen.

The signal reception is good. It works inside a car and under moderately dense canopy. Under very dense canopy it will loose the signal. The initial lock can take a few minutes, depending on how far you have moved since the device last registered a location. I haven't used the Garmin units but my guess is that the PN-20's signal reception is significantly better than the Etrex's but not quite up there with the 60cx's, which apparently acquires an initial lock within a few seconds. I've found the typical accuracy the device settles down to is roughly +/-50ft under some canopy, +/-30ft if you're driving down a suburban street, and +/- 10ft if you're on a freeway.

The battery life is good, ~8 hours with moderate use and medium backlight.

Auto-routing functionality is built in, but limited. If you want the unit to direct you from address A to address B you have to use the Topo 6.0 software on your computer, to create the route and then upload it onto the device. The procedure is fast and straightforward once you learn how to do it. The software enables you to create via and stop points for your route, which can be useful. You can also calculate road-routes by clicking on start and end points on the map (ie without entering addresses). Once you enable auto-navigation, below the map will be displayed the distance and expected time to next turn, the name of the street or exit, and an arrow indicating the direction to turn.It will beep twice for each turn, once to alert you in advance, and a second time to indicate when the actual turn should take place. All in all I found the auto-navigation feature was quite effective, though not as user-friendly as a purpose built auto-GPS such as the Garmin Street-Pilot. Perhaps the biggest downside to using this device for auto-navigation is that you have to wait a minute or two after switching it on for an initial-lock.

One general drawback is the slow processor. Map redraws can take up to 30 seconds depending on what information is being loaded, though typically they take 5-10 seconds. At times it can be frustrating, though for conventional use the delay is tolerable.

Another drawback is the street maps are a tad crude. For example, a curved street will appear as a couple of straight lines joined together. Also, some sections of the street maps are misaligned by more than 100ft. These are typically streets in suburban (non-metropolitan) areas but it can occasionally be frustrating, particularly when driving, as the unit can display your position as in between two roads. I believe the Delorme Street-Atlas maps don't have this problem, but they are not compatible with the PN-20 yet (apparently Delorme is working on a patch to make them compatible).

All in all, the ability to display aerial photography and accurate hiking information makes this a break-through device, though the slow processor detracts a little from the novelty.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 Waterproof Hiking GPS

Product Description:
Includes Topo USA 8.0DVD mapping software with full U.S. topographic and street maps, plus aerial imagery

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