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"Good GPS ... just don't get it wet." on by huengsolo
Pros: Acquires satellites well, largely intuitive functions
Cons: "Waterproof" is a misnomer/base maps + add-on software leaves more to be desired
Summary: The Good:
Heard from outdoor gear head friends that Garmin had the lock on GPS' but found my Magellan surprisingly easy to use and containing the rudimentary functions I needed: way points, backtracking and compass.
I primarily used my Magellan for hunting. When scouting, I would mark potential tree stands locations in the woods and include a short note (e.g. deer tracks) as well as track rub-lines.
I could then take a look at the whole property by scrolling out and/or uploading it to my computer. This is extrememly beneficial for a large hunting camp (15+ members over 800+ acres) in that you did not have to mark your stand spots with telltale ribbon or reflector tacts (and then find one of your friends already in the tree you picked out).
The backlit function enabled me to get there at o'dark:30 without spooking the entire world with a flashlight/running my night vision.
The Bad:
The base maps and even the topo software does not exactly provide the details one would like when out in the deep woods.
Batteries? Buy them by the pound.
The Ugly:
Waterproofing? I wouldn't take it out in a heavy rain much less alone believe that the unit can withstand 1/2 hour of water immersion. I took my Magellan kayaking to chart the rapids on a new river - being careful to install new batteries prior to the trip (a must for each use) and that the battery door was completely shut.
I barely got wet, but the unit promptly 'fogged up' and died on me.
As a GPS is meant to be used outdoors and outdoors often means "wet", I would look for something more reliable in the waterproofing department - or something cheaper to replace.
Needless to say, the deer will probably be a lot safer this fall as I will have to re-scout many a tree stand location and invaribaly miss a few. -
"In the woods or on the street, it's great!" on by rugerml
Pros: Fast satellite acquisition, fairly easy to use
Cons: Must have entire route active for street-to-street routing--tough for long trips since active routes are limited to 64MB
Summary: I bought a Magellan Meridian Platinum after lots of research--primarily for hunting in unfamiliar areas. Even in dense woods down in a northern Wisconsin valley the longest it took to "find" me was 10-15 seconds and I never lost a signal. I landmarked my camp's location, stuck it in the case on my belt, and wandered about at will. At the end of the day it took me back to camp, in the dark, flawlessly. If you've ever been stuck in unfamilar woods at night with the temperature near zero you'll appreciate how quickly I grew a fondness for my Meridian Platinum. Same story when 4-wheeling in the mountains. Go wherever you want and hit "backtrack" when it's time to head home. I take a compass and topo maps "just in case", but I've never had to use them. I also bought DirectRoute for street use since I didn't want to shelve the unit for 6-10 months a year, and I'm glad I did! I have several SD cards I loaded regional maps onto for the areas I travel most in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Indiana. One typical example of its street capabilities is a trip I had to make to a business in Colorado Springs. I hit "GOTO", loaded the street address, and took off. It took me there by the scenic route (the shortest route using lots of secondary streets), but when it indicated I was there I was 10 feet from the front door. I'm still playing with it and after owning it for nearly a year I still haven't been able to use its full potential yet. Note that this unit has a lot of capabilities and most can't be figured out just by taking out of the box and firing it up. You need to read the manual, something most people have an aversion to when they buy something new. The detailed manual is on the included CD--print it out and keep it handy until you learn the machine and the menu's logic. I don't know what the problem was with the two units described above in "one better than useless" (or however they worded it), but that's not been my experience at all. I can't vouch for Magellan's customer service since I've had no reason to use it, but two bad units in a row? This is my second Magellan GPS (my first was an ancient 2000XL) and I've never had a problem with either of them. Perhaps more time reading the instructions would alleviate the problems?
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"To Iraq and Back" on by Rabies99
Pros: Great Features, Easy Navigation, Tough Unit
Cons: Temp and Barometer Reading seem off. Bring lots of Batteries
Summary: This Unit went with me to Iraq where I served as a truck driver/convoy security op. It survived searing heat where others melted. It got me all over the country with a few hitches. Nothing too major and I'll chock it up to operator error. The manual is a must read and I'd sugest you play with it a few days before you run off into the woods. There are so many features that I'm still finding some uses for this thing. The meridiplat showed itself to be a tough gadget. It survived being thrown around after a few roadside bombs and never skipped a beat. The battery compartment looks like it would leak like a sieve but it really is waterproof (and sand and dust proof). Batteries can go pretty quick if you use the electronic compass so turn it off if you don't use it, but the GPS compass works great on the move anyways. Batteries seem to last longer if you turn it on and leave it on. I got about 10-12 hours out of 2 Double AA..... ain't bad.
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"Half a step above worthless" on
Pros: Wide variety of data available.
Cons: The first unit I bought required a firmware upgrade. After the upgrade it was completely nonfunctional. Customer service was largely inaccessable. I tried via internet with no response. Called and was forced to leave a message, which was never returned. F
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"Work or Play ? It does it both!" on by Dkorzenowsky
Pros: Very easy to use right out of the box
Cons: poor rear strap design, have to remove to download data, needs USB port
Summary: I use my Magellan Platinum for every day work as I work for a engineering firm and need to locate locations with UTM and Lat& Long coordinates. Very easy to switch between coordinates systems and to reference points in remote areas for work related tasks.
For my weekend travels, I have used while snowshoeing in the mountains,mountain biking and on holidays to keep the taxi drivers "honest" to and from airports. It is great while on holidays to "archive" a favorite restaurant or hiking trail or even a store in a big city.
I bought this unit in Palm Springs,Ca. while on holidays last year after I found out about geo-caching(see www.geocaching.com)from a new "friend" that I meet a trail.
I have used my Magellan for travel directions in my truck and car, and I solved the battery problem by buying a cigarette lighter/charger for my GPS unit and also purchased rechargeable batteries and charger. It is always a good idea to carry a few extra sets of batteries as well as a compass and printed map when you are outdoors in your backpack. What would happen if your GPS unit was lost or dropped.Be safe always. As for the "water issue" A water proof bag or case works excellant for me. This is a electronic piece of equipment, you have to respect that it shouldn't get wet anyway right?
As I haven't tried any other units like the Garmin etc. I am slightly biased. I am going to try another brand in the future to see what differences there are. But for now its #1 on my list until proven otherwise
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