Does anyone here have experience using a DeLorme Earthmate GPS? I am looking for a new GPS unit, and the PN60 has caught my eye. I'd like to hear how they compare to the Garmin units.

Also, any key factors that I should consider in purchasing a GPS? I have an old Garmin eTrex, but I've never been a big GPS user, so I don't have much experience with them.

Thanks!

Ranger  8-)

I haven't used one but it looks pretty cool. I have used a Garmin eTrex Legend C for a while. I think any GPS that gives you a map instead of just coordinate numbers is the most useful feature. I don't know if your eTrex did that, but you might enjoy using it more if it did. IMO I still use larger paper maps too. I just travel a bit more casual knowing I can turn on a GPS and pin point my location when needed. I do lean on it when bushwacking in thick brush and heavy terrain. But mostly I journal waypoints, campsites, trails, and other point of interest.

Now they're combining the SPOT satelite features in one unit. It also expands the communication features of SPOT beyond your chosen pre-trip text message. I don't know if the latest version of SPOT does that. Be nice to hear from SPOT owner/users about this too.

I looked into it very briefly but was turned away by bad reviews.
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Explain that last paragraph a bit....

minimums for canoe camping IMO:

...color screen, they're too cheap not to
...hi-res, same reason, will blow away your old etrex experience
...hi-sensitive antennae, you'll need it for satellite pickup in treecover
...leave "tracks", but I think they all do now

lastly, and most importantly, before you buy, look at and use their software and maps for bwca and quetico.  who will sell you map upgrades and will they be available?

Gonna sell my Garmin gpsmaps 60c
was planning on the gpsmap new 62 series

jumped on the blowout garmin colorado prices....its nice, but i should have went with the gps62

IMO only, you can't find another machine to hold a candle to garmin.  I've used most of them.

wrote on Nov 23^rd, 2010 at 3:48pm:

I think any GPS that gives you a map instead of just coordinate numbers is the most useful feature. I don't know if your eTrex did that, but you might enjoy using it more if it did. Now they're combining the SPOT satelite features in one unit. It also expands the communication features of SPOT beyond your chosen pre-trip text message.

Yes, the eTrex is just a dot on a grey screen. It does show your track, but there are no maps. More of a safety device if you get lost than anything else, IMO. I am definitely looking for something new that I will use more often.

With the DeLorme-Spot combo you can type and send different text messages other that "OK" or "SOS". I'll have to go down to REI this week and have a look in person. That would be nice for communicating with people at home, or if you need to contact an outfitter for a pick-up.

Wally, sounds like people actually prefer the Garmin 60 unit to the 62, from what I've read. And thanks for the "minimums", I will verify all of those with anything that I purchase.

Ranger

eTrex (Legend model) showed all Garmin topo data at the time.

I'd play hard with the DeLorme before I pulled the trigger.


Garmin hung us out to dry with the MapSource data.  Everything went SD and microSD.  60 series did utilize it if you had a 60sx....unfortunatly not me.  That's my only gripe with Garmin....top product, but when they think you've used your machine long enough....under the bus you go!

I love GPS and have mine on constantly in search of new backroads.

I have a Delorme PN-40.  Quite frankly, I think it is a great machine.  Iwas almost turned away by bad reviews as well, but I question muh of the criticism.

It may have a bit of a learning curve, but in my experience it has been dead on accurate.  It comes with topographical maps and extras that aren't included with other comparable models.

On of the things we have used is for as a family is "geocaching."  The uplink features with the caching website works really well.  

I don't think you can go wrong with the Delorme, but it just may take some time to learn the system...but not the much if you can read and have an ounce of patience.  

Enjoy!

....One more thing.  I guess if I have a criticism it would be "battery life."
I bought the rechargable battery and it is OK, but really needs to last longer.  Normal batteries outlast the rechargeable so i always carry a spare and have had no issues.  Not sure if any of that was rectified with the PN-60, but I certainly think there has been discussion about it.

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Lots of info!
I use a PN40 se, and like it a lot! The screenshot is the portage between Little John and McFarland east BWCA. I get 2+ days of tracking use from a pair of Eveready Lithium batteries. I also use the yearly map subscription for maps and imagery. Topo9 mapping program is part of the package!

butthead

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I picked up the DeLorme PN60-Spot package at REI yesterday. It was too good of a deal to pass up at $370; the PN60 by itself goes for $400. Plus REI has a great return policy, so if I find I don't like it, then I can always exchange it.

I'll let you all know what I think once I get it out in the field.

Quote:

when they think you've used your machine long enough....under the bus you go!

Can you explain this?  I have a Garmin 60C and it is about 6-7 years old.  It still works fine. What can Garmin do that keeps it from continuing to be a useful tool?  I suppose for the maps I have, I may not be able to get updates for.  But roads do not change that much in 6 years and topography certainly does not.