Handheld GPS Reviews
March 8, 2010
What Does IPX6 and IPX7 Waterproof Rating Mean?
When you are out on the trail, and your hike just turned into a muddy downpour mess of an afternoon, you'll want to make sure that you are carrying a GPS that is rated to handle the weather.
Most handheld GPS units are rated to the IPX7 waterproofing standard; a pretty good standard that keeps the unit sound in the face of whatever a typical hike bike, run or other outing can throw at it. Some handhelds are rated to the IPX6 standard; which is a lower standard that doesn't offer the immersion capability that the IPX7 does...... Immersion capability? Yes, see below:
IPX6 Waterproof Standard
Heavy splashing and rain - This test sends water at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle at a rate of 100 liters/min at a pressure of 100kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters. Must not fail or show water seepage.
IPX-7 Waterproof Standard
Puddle, stream, beer cooler and splash rated - Protected against water immersion - Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
I have had my GPS units out in the driving rain for hours and have dropped them in muddy puddles without issue on the IPX7 standard. I like it and it works for almost anything you can throw at it on a typical day.... except dropping it overboard on a boat..... and luckily that hasn't happened.
Photo via:Tom Curtis / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
June 26, 2009
Garmin Dakota 10 and Dakota 20 Handheld Touchscreen GPS
Garmin has introduced the Garmin Dakota 10 and Dakota 20 handheld GPS units that are going to take up the place in the line as the smaller siblings to the Garmin Oregon. The smaller, touchscreen units still boast a well appointed feature list. While the unit is smaller that the eTrex, with the screen size stretching across almost the entire front of the unit, the screen is actually a bit larger than the Garmin eTrex series, coming in at 2.6" diagonally. The new operating system offers paperless geocaching, and comes pre-loaded with a world basemap, offering the easy ability to add Garmin City Navigator NT street maps, Blue Chart g2 marine charts, and TOPO U.S. 24K and 100K that will load into the 850 MB of onboard memory.
- Dakota 10 - Offers 850 MB of memory, world base map, touchscreen interface, 20 hour battery life on two "AA" batteries, and has the same spine format to accept all of the Oregon and Colorado mounts and accessories. It will connect to your PC or Mac via USB. List Price $299.
- Dakota 20 - Adds a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, a microSD card slot, and wireless connectivity to other Garmin handhelds like the Oregon, Colorado, and Foretrex units (Other Dakotas as well). List Price $349.
These should be available in July.
Full Press Release Below......
Continue reading: "Garmin Dakota 10 and Dakota 20 Handheld Touchscreen GPS"
June 24, 2009
DeLorme PN-30 Handheld GPS
DeLorme announced their new PN-30 handheld today packing it with enough goodies and pricing it well at $299. The little green handheld comes with the ability to load it up with aerial photography, topographic maps, and NOAA nautical charts. The included PN-Series Map DVDs will transfer maps to the PN-30 or an SD card, from either PCs or Macs. The up-to-date detail includes U.S. topography, U.S. and Canada streets, roads, and places of interest, and Mexico main roads. The other maps area available as downloads that cost extra.
The waterproof (IPX7) color handheld is also available in Realtree camo too. Expect it to hit the stores in July.
Full Press Release below.....
Continue reading: "DeLorme PN-30 Handheld GPS"
May 7, 2009
Garmin Oregon 550 & 550T - Handheld GPS with 3.2 MP Camera
After a few leaks, Garmin is announcing the new Garmin Oregon 550 and 550t touchscreen handheld GPS units that have a built in 3.2MP camera that can be used to take photos and geotag them along the way. Primarily born out of a need for geocaching, the capability seems well suited to a lot of pursuits. The other big innovation here over the Oregon 400/400t series is the fact that the new unit has a 3-axis digital compass. That means that you don't have to hold it perfectly level to get a good reading; it can be mounted on something like your handlebars or dash and still get a good reading.
The Oregon 550t, with preloaded topo maps for the entire U.S., is $599.99. The Oregon 550, with worldwide basemap in shaded relief, is $499.99.
Full press release after the jump.......
Continue reading: "Garmin Oregon 550 & 550T - Handheld GPS with 3.2 MP Camera"
February 2, 2009
Snowmobile GPS Maps
Snowmobiling is just one great way to enjoy winter - We are buried in snow here in MA, but on trip this past weekend to Middlebury VT, I was jealous of all the snowmobilers pulling up to the pumps to fill up and take off on another day of sledding on the trails. With any outdoor sport like this, I see the opportunity for GPS, and so do a lot of others.
This past December saw the launch of SledGPS.com, a commercial site with maps of 27 states, available as one collection for $125, or in one of 5 large regions, (i.e. NorthEast), which at $49, may suffice for most users. SledGPS.com says" Our Partner, US TrailMaps, has mapped over 100,000 miles of snowmobile trails, together with nearly 250,000 businesses related to the trails like parking areas for your trailers, gas stations and lodging along your routes."
An example of map coverage is here; with trails represented as the red lines superimposed on a Google Map. Head over to their site for more detail and for a view of your area.
The maps come with snowmobiling specific POI, which makes gassing up, eating, etc. lot easier on the trail. The maps are Garmin compatible, and I would recommend a larger screen handheld, like the Colorado, or the Oregon. If you are into this, you could also utilize the ruggedized Zumo too. I have traveled a lot with an eTrex, so getting into this for around $200 is feasible too; I would recommend a color version for better resolution and readability.
There are a lot of online sharing resources too, where you can get GPX files form other users, or in collections from many users, including sites like GPSSledMaps.com, or forums like GPSXChange.com, or SnowmobileForums.com. There are also sites that specialize in state specific maps - like for Michigan.
January 28, 2009
Lowrance Endura Line: Sierra, Safari, and Outback - Touchscreen GPS
Lowrance has officially launched three new handheld GPS units in the Endura Line, the Sierra ($549), Safari ($389), and Outback ($229), that include some hefty features in a handheld unit. The pre-loaded maps come with 48-state road data from NAVTEQ and outdoor trail network mapping from Intermap Accuterra data. The Sierra and Safari can be upgraded for turn by turn road navigation if needed. With their marine background, of course they have Fishing Hot Spots (optional content) and are capable of getting you to the best spots that anyone is talking about.....
The units are IPX7 water resistant and offer the nice combination of a touchscreen and buttons to help get you through the most basic navigation routines. The 2.7-inch screen is a bit under the size of the Garmin Colorado (3-inches), and is said to be high resolution. Runs on 2 AA batteries, and is expected to be available this spring.
Full press release below....
Continue reading: "Lowrance Endura Line: Sierra, Safari, and Outback - Touchscreen GPS"
January 15, 2009
Garmin Legend H and Vista H Handheld GPS
Garmin has announced an upgrade to the monochrome handheld line with the eTrex Legend H and eTrex Vista H. The new units will sport high sensitivity chipsets, which is an absolute must in a GPS these days. No doubt these will take their place as strong contenders in the value end of the Garmin Handheld line. Internal memory only on these; both the Legend H and Vista H at 24MB. Not a lot, but enough for more territory than I can hike or bike in a week.
My experience has shown that high sensitivity receivers offer you the ability to grab a signal and hold it under tree cover, and in tight limited view of the sky situations that you always find yourself in when you need a satellite fix most.
The Legend H will retail for $149 list, while the Vista H adds a barometric altimeter and retails for $199.
Garmin Product Page - eTrex Legend H and eTrex Vista H
Full Press Release After the jump....
Continue reading: "Garmin Legend H and Vista H Handheld GPS"
Garmin BaseCamp - Manage your trips, waypoints and more
Garmin announced that they are going to release BaseCamp - a new offering that will allow you to manage your outdoor pursuits on your computer - waypoints, tracks, geo-tagged photos, and more. It's a much needed upgrade and one that was long overdue. MapSource has been a bit of a sore spot for me for almost a decade, and I am excited to see more out of Garmin.
The software will interact well with TOPO maps by offering 24K and 100K maps in 2D and 3D perspectives. BaseCamp is compatible on both PC and Mac computers. Beginning in the first quarter of 2009, the utility will ship with all new TOPO U.S. 24K DVD and TOPO U.S. 100K DVD products. For those who currently own TOPO U.S. 2008, BaseCamp will be available for a free download at www.garmin.com at the end of the first quarter 2009.
"BaseCamp brings a whole new set of features to hikers, hunters, geocachers, and anyone else who wants to maximize their experience with their Garmin GPS," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "This new utility lets users view, organize, and transfer their data more quickly and efficiently - allowing them to make the most of their time exploring the great outdoors."
Full Press Release After the jump.......
Continue reading: "Garmin BaseCamp - Manage your trips, waypoints and more"
Magellan Updates Triton Software
Just days after the acquisition closed for Mitac to buy Magellan, they have announced an upgrade to the Triton Software to improve accuracy, battery life and usability. Magellan has come under fire by users who were disappointed by their overall Triton experience and maybe this is a way to upgrade and eliminate those shortcomings as they strive to overcome a few sins of the past.
Full Press Release Follows.....
Continue reading: "Magellan Updates Triton Software"
September 3, 2008
Garmin Oregon 200, 300, 400i, 400c, 400t - Now Shipping
The newest Garmin handheld line is now shipping. The innovative touchscreen units are certainly easy to use, when I used the Oregon 400t for my review, I thought the Oregon with its touchscreen interface has a tremendous number of assets that make the Oregon the best designed, easiest to use Garmin handheld yet.
The units are not inexpensive, but are very capable handhelds.
Garmin Oregon 200 vs 300 vs 400t vs 400i vs 400c
The Garmin Oregon line has several models with various capabilities, all based on the same touchscreen handheld unit with HotFix technology for rapid satellite fixes, and the ability to add maps through micro-SD cards. I would recommend at least the Garmin Oregon 300 so that you have the Altimeter and Electronic Compass functionality that are a big plus when doing any navigation on land.
Garmin Oregon 200 - Full touchscreen unit with great new interface. Has a basemap
Garmin Oregon 300 - Adds wireless sharing capability along with electronic compass and altimeter
Garmin Oregon 400t - Adds the Topo map to the 300 model features.
Garmin Oregon 400i - Adds inland lakes maps to the 300 model features.
Garmin Oregon 400c - Adds Coastal maps to the 300 model features.
August 18, 2008
Garmin Oregon 400t Handheld GPS Full Review
The Garmin Oregon family of Touchscreen handlheld GPS devices were announced just a few weeks ago, and I have been fortunate enough to be playing before they were available to the public (The Oregon line is expected to ship in the 3rd quarter of 2008). The unit offers the breakthrough of a touchscreen interface on a rugged handheld that can be taken into the woods, rained on and still give you directions to the cabin, the geocache or just back to the car. The Oregon line sits firmly at the top of the Garmin handheld series with a set of features that are pretty strong, and for some units, wireless capabilities to make it possible to communicate between units and accessories (Heart rate monitor for instance). The base model, the Garmin Oregon 200 offers the same touchscreen interface, a smaller amount of memory, and no preloaded maps. The Garmin Oregon 300 adds the wireless features, and electronic compass, a barometric altimeter as well as some more memory onboard. Finally when you get into the Garmin Oregon 400t, 400i, and 400c, you keep the wireless capabilities, but also add either Topo, Inland water ways, or Coastal waterway maps respectively; hence the t/i/c designator.
The Oregon line uses a high sensitivity GPS chipset, has a 3-inch touchscreen and is HotFix capable, which is to say that it can remember where satellites SHOULD be in the future, so start up time (the time it usually spends looking for those same satellites) is minimized. The interface, while touchscreen enabled, is very much a carry-over from the recently released Colorado series (See my review: Garmin Colorado 400t Full Review). I already have a pretty good idea of the functionality from using my Colorado 400t. The Oregon is also an inch shorter than the Colorado due to the antenna sticking out the top of the Colorado.
The big questions in my mind were going to be around visibility of the touchscreen, and the overall usability of the touchscreen interface.
Continue reading: "Garmin Oregon 400t Handheld GPS Full Review"
July 15, 2008
Garmin Oregon Touchscreen Handheld - MiniSite
Sure it's marketing hyperbole, but if you are excited to learn more about the new touchscreen handheld from Garmin - the Garmin Oregon line, you will want to check out their Garmin Oregon Minisite (you'll need Flash).
I like the look at the Screens - very good insight into the unit and how things will look and function. All of the items are classic Garmin interface on there, just in the easy touchscreen format.
Go check out the Garmin Oregon Minisite
July 10, 2008
Garmin Oregon Handheld - Touchscreen Handhelds - 200, 300, 400t, 400i, 400c
Garmin has officially announced the Garmin Oregon line of handheld receivers. The line features a touchscreen interface that should make huge strides in the way you interact with a handheld device. Hopefully it maintains the ruggedness; it does maintain the IPX7 waterproof standard rating. The sleek design is sure to raise some eyebrows; looks like a pretty impressive change to both hardware and software.
The entire line also gets HotFix - the ability to store information about satellite positions so that you get fast satellite fixes when you turn the unit on.
The Oregon 300/400 units will also include the wireless functionality that the Colorado series also shares. This allows you to swap routes and waypoints with other wireless units as well as collect data from Heart rate monitors and cadence sensors. When I reviewed the Colorado, I loved the wireless features, and was pretty happy to see the capability to finally come to handheld GPS units. Glad to see it continues in the plans for Garmin.
Full Press Release follows.....
Continue reading: "Garmin Oregon Handheld - Touchscreen Handhelds - 200, 300, 400t, 400i, 400c"
June 26, 2008
DeLorme PN-40 Handheld GPS - Fast Redraws, Super Sensitivity
DeLorme has a new handheld coming this Fall, the PN-40, an upgrade to the PN-20 handheld unit that brought imagery to handheld GPS units. The New PN-40 comes with a new chipset for higher sensitivity in low signal conditions, and a dual-core processor that allows for fast redraws of maps and images. The advantages here for the new units is that people can start to really use and enjoy the image based mapping that Google Maps has made familiar to everyone searching a location on the internet. The PN-40 also adds a barometric altimeter, and support for high capacity SD cards so you can take a lot of maps with you. Available this Fall from Delorme.
Some of the features below:
NEW! Super high-sensitivity 32-channel Cartesio chipset by STMicroelectronics delivers near-instantaneous signal acquisition and ConstantLock™ satellite retention
NEW! Dual-core processor for rapid screen re-draws, even with large aerial imagery files
NEW! 500 MB of onboard Flash memory (1 GB total hard drive)
NEW! 3-axis electronic compass with included accelerometer performs when held in any position--while in motion or standing still
NEW! Sensitive barometric altimeter for reliably accurate altitude readings
NEW! Supports SDHC high-capacity SD cards--32 GB or higher
NEW! Fast USB 2.0 data transfer to internal memory or SD card in device
NEW! More detailed onboard base map data for the U.S., now with secondary and connector roads (along with major highways and thoroughfares for the entire world)
65K-color daylight-readable TFT screen for clarity in any light conditions
Topo USA 7.0 software with complete U.S topo and street maps included--no extra purchase required. Also displays USGS 7.5-min quads, aerial imagery, and NOAA nautical charts via online download from DeLorme
More at the DeLorme Blog
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