DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-60 user reviews (GPS receiver)

Pros RUGGED, ACCURATE, GOOD BATTERY LIFE

Cons POOR USER INTERFACE - STEEP LEARNING CURVE

Summary I've had the PN-60 for about a year now. On the positive it is powerful, rugged, and accurate. I'm very happy with the hardware. On the down side there is one hell of a learning curve to get it to do what you want. I've written user interface software for industrial equipment for many years and all I can say about the PN-60 user interface is - it sucks. The software folks must smoke a lot of funny stuff at DeLORME because setting up the PN-60 is convoluted and frustrating. They have known bugs in the firmware that don't get fixed - the response when you call is "maybe next release". The same problems haunt DeLORME's Topo 9 mapping software - it's difficult to use. The PN-60 and Topo 9 communicate with each other like an estranged couple. After a year of ownership I can now pretty much get the PN-60 set up to my satisfaction before heading off on a trek - and download information when I get home. At times I still have to refer to my extensive notes and every now if I'm not very careful the PN-60 will bestow on me a "got-ya".

Pros Excellent maps available. Small screen but works well when used for hiking, hunting, fishing etc. Would want a larger screen for road trips. You will always know where you are and the airel view is super for knowing exactly where you are.

Cons Small screen. It is a bit heavy to learn in the beginning. Don't buy it the day you need to use it. It took me about 3 days to really feel comfortable with it and load the maps I needed. It's a wonderful unit

Summary A fine unit with a wealth of maps available. I would buy it again.
I used it all last hunting and fishing season, no issues at all.

Pros Easy navigation with new screen icons. Light weight, Good battery life. Paired with the SPOT (w version of PN 60) is an awesome tool for keeping in touch back country. Love this product.

Cons Had to re-upload some aerial photo map selections when upgrading from Topo 8.0 to 9 but only took a short time.

Summary I use and teach search & rescue, back country navigation from cub scout level all the way up to fire & police departments and the PN series of GPS's are by far my favorite to use and teach with. The PN-60w SE is by far the best I have used yet in hand held units and the TOPO 9 with the map subscription is indispensible.