Delorme PN-60W

[CactusJK]

I am considering this unit to replace my Spot and for a good handheld GPS. I know the screen is small but some of the Delorme features such as aerial look good. Any real word feedback is welcome.

[CactusJK]

Maybe just some good advice on Delorme topo 9 and their GPS functionality.

[DaveK]

Jeff:

Looks like everybody is out for the holidays.

I think that many (most) of our members are using either NG Topo! or Overland Navigator, both of which rely on USGS Topographic maps developed by the US Government over the last 100+ years.

From what I have learned of the Delorme maps, they too rely on USGS Topo maps and make them available for an extra charge. One of the differences that you may find between Delorme and the other two, are an emphasis on street mapping. While the USGS topo maps are the best terrain map available, their street information will not match the capabilities of a program which is more street oriented, which Delorme appears to be.

I know we have some Delorme users who can get you more information. Good luck.

[CactusJK]

Thanks! I am mainly using the Spot txt capability but it looks great for outside the truck using overhead imagery, etc.

[BigDave]

If you decide to get one, please post up a review. I am really thinking hard about getting one also for the same purpose with as much time as I spend in the outback.

[DaveK]

Thanks! I am mainly using the Spot txt capability but it looks great for outside the truck using overhead imagery, etc.

Doesn't that require an internet connection?

[CactusJK]

It does to download but then you can load into the unit.

Thanks! I am mainly using the Spot txt capability but it looks great for outside the truck using overhead imagery, etc.

Doesn't that require an internet connection?

[smslavin]

I've got the PN-20 and 40. The girls use the 20 and I have the 40 in the truck for the time being until I can afford the Lowrance unit I want. I like both units. My oldest daughter, Dillen, figured out how to use the 20 without any instruction from me. I figure that's a pretty good litmus test. The software is pretty easy to use as well and functions really well with the USGS topos. When I bought the 40, I also picked up the subscription for the map download service. My only gripe is that the internal memory is small so the maps are stored on the SD card. Reading from the card slows things down noticeably but not so much that the unit is unusable. Battery life is excellent and the units are pretty bullet proof.

For me, I just wish there was Mac native software available. I currently have a Windows 7 Virtual Machine that I have to run in order to use the Delorme software. Not a big deal since I have several VMs running most of the time anyway.

[cruiserlarry]

I have the PN-40, which I bought about 4 months ago because I already have the map subscription for Delorme Topo 4.5 software I use on my laptop, and thought it would be great for taking hikes.

The unit is very nice, but for me, I think the screen is too small for me, although the resolution is excellent (and it's color, too). I found the battery life way too short, but mine is using standard AA batteries instead of the available rechargeable pack, which might be better.

I didn't find the software to be very easy to use - in fact I found it a bit confusing when loading maps from my library. As Sean said, you'll need a big SD card to store a lot of maps, and that slows it down a bit. The selection of maps that is available for the DeLorme GPS units is amazing - and a yearly subscription for as many as you want (which are yours to keep) is $30. Aerial, Topo, USGS, Etc...there's no shortage of maps.

Overall, it's an excellent unit - for younger eyes

(Because of the screen size, I've used mine for less than 10 hours total - so I'll be selling mine to get something with a larger screen for my aging eyes...If anyone's interested, pm me...)

[CactusJK]

Now with Spot connect maybe an iPhone is the best solution?