Magellan Triton GPS Receiver

[chinoook]

Since my Garmin started to destroy data and sometimes fails in recording I have to buy a new GPS device.

Recently I noticed the Magellan Triton receivers and especially the Triton 500. I learned that it can upload many kinds of bitmap or picture data so you can use about _any_ calibrated map on it! Imagine to hike in rural China and to bring with you the GE high resolution maps! Or the russian military maps with the wall on it!

Maybe this device is a real alternative to the Garmins.
A drawback is the slow starting and acquiring process (about 1 min) which can be avoided by using the standby mode.


-chinoook

[Bryan]

It shows "up to 10 hours of battery life". Compare that with 18 hours on alkaline or 40 hours on lithium, for the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx.

I don't know much about this unit but I would suggest you read the reviews at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/review/product...dp_all_summary and at Epinions http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Mage...m_GPS_Receiver.

Is there any particular reason that you aren't planning to get another eTrex?

Also, I have heard some good things about DeLorme GPS receivers, but I haven't done any research on them.

If my 60CSx broke today, I would get another one tomorrow.

[chinoook]

Originally Posted by greatwallforum

It shows "up to 10 hours of battery life". Compare that with 18 hours on alkaline or 40 hours on lithium, for the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx.

I knew I would be disappointed. So this device is a no-go.

I don't know much about this unit but I would suggest you read the reviews at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/review/product...dp_all_summary and at Epinions http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Mage...m_GPS_Receiver.

Again it seems impossible to build a solution which is a _real_ solution of my needs. And my needs are so natural: long life of battery, easy to use, reliable, capable of using _my_ maps. Nothing special. I don't need a camera in it, no torch, no Windows PC, nothing else. A compass is ok, an altimeter perfect but not necessary. Life could be so easy ...

Is there any particular reason that you aren't planning to get another eTrex?

No. But I would prefer to use _my own_ maps and GE photos on it.

Also, I have heard some good things about DeLorme GPS receivers, but I haven't done any research on them.

I will check.

If my 60CSx broke today, I would get another one tomorrow.

It is a _very_ good receiver but I still don't like it's size and don't see a relevant advantage over my Etrex Vista.


-chinoook

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by chinoook

It is a _very_ good receiver but I still don't like it's size and don't see a relevant advantage over my Etrex Vista.

I haven't used one, but it does seem like a very good receiver and a great value. I guess you're basically accepting a smaller screen for the smaller and lighter receiver. Makes sense to me.

I agree, too, that you are asking for what it seems like most users of hand-held GPS receivers would want. It's too bad that there is no really good product available. Why can't GPS receivers be as small and light and cheap and reliable as cell phones? I guess they will, given enough time.

[chinoook]

Originally Posted by greatwallforum

I guess they will, given enough time.

I disagree. They will build receivers with vacuum cleaners inside or TV sets or those who can fly or will play music rather than a unit that will serve our (simple) needs.


-chinoook

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by chinoook

I disagree. They will build receivers with vacuum cleaners inside or TV sets or those who can fly or will play music rather than a unit that will serve our (simple) needs.


-chinoook

It's too bad that people buy most things based on features instead of performance. So that's what most manufacturers offer us.

However, Lotus cars remains in business because a select group of people "get it" and buy their simple, lightweight, and somewhat pricey cars. If enough people demanded minimal GPS receivers, it seems like somebody should build one. Maybe this is an opportunity for us...

I looked into the DeLorme units a bit and it seems like their battery life isn't that great either, but better than the Magellan. 14 hours on alkaline batteries and 22.5 hours on lithium. http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=8919

[chinoook]

Battery life is vital for me. Walking in backcountry China means that I have to carry the batteries for about 4 weeks. I save every gramm by reducing my gear and I am not willing to spoil the advantage of low weight to any "feature" of any device. But the ability to carry GE potos or a map at no weight could outperform low battery weight.


-chinoook

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by chinoook

Battery life is vital for me. Walking in backcountry China means that I have to carry the batteries for about 4 weeks. I save every gramm by reducing my gear and I am not willing to spoil the advantage of low weight to any "feature" of any device. But the ability to carry GE potos or a map at no weight could outperform low battery weight.


-chinoook

What do you think about a solar battery charger?

[chinoook]

Originally Posted by greatwallforum

What do you think about a solar battery charger?

Heavy, complex and not reliable. Unclear how to put it on top of your rucksack (the only possible location) and how to find an orientation that delivers maximum power. I learned that you should reduce complexity and not enhance ...


-chinoook

[Kim]

I'm considering to buy a cheap Pocket PC (something like Acer C530), install OziExplore on it and then whatever calibrated map I can find.

The battery life is not impressive but for one or two days hikes it would be a good supplement to the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, but never as a stand alone GPS and probably not very useful on long hikes because of the low battery life.