New 2010 PN-60

[gpsjoe]

Put the new Delorme PN-60 on your watch llist.

This is something I thought would happen in the GPS world and Delorme is the first to do it. Much praise to them for doing it. I always stand ready to switch and if I become convinced this is a great product I will do it.

Delorme historically is a mapping company. They have also been doing GPS for a while but Garmin is the leader in the GPS field so far. In many ways Delorme mapping products have superior features to maps sold by Garmin.

The Delorme PN-40 has an impressive processor/antenna combination and handles up to 10 tracks each with up to 10,000 (not 500) track points. That is a wow!! The major complaints I have read about this product is the lack of user friendliness in the software. There is too much of a learning curve needed to use Delorme topo for most people. That software needs to be slickified.

Since I have not used this model I am not sure about certain characteristics like the quality of the display in the field, especially the readability of highly accurate tracks that I might download so I can accurately navigate a hike or backpack. On the Garmin 60CSX I can color my downloaded tracks red, blue or magenta and they stand out well on the 60CSX display. This simple feature is a deal breaker for me. If it is not there I will not consider a GPS no matter what else it does.

Here is why I am excited about the potential of the PN-60.

Delorme has built in a SPOT device that will enable you to send text messages from anywhere you get satellite reception (or just about anywhere except some canyons and other unusual situations where signals are blocked). That will enable anyone to send custom emergency messages or OK messages or I am having a baby in the Grand Canyon messages or any message from anywhere you get a satellite signal and the message will include your exact location. That truly is exciting and is the way of the future. So get on board and at least watch the developments here. Garmin and Magellan just got a kick in the butt and it won’t be too long before they also offer such a product. Or I will be a goner from their fan crowd.

Now I am sure the PN-60 will be pricey and the text messaging via satellite service will have an annual subscription fee as well. So let’s watch developments here unless you are loaded with money and can afford these bobbles. Few of us are.

( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

[PLC92084]

I was reading about this unit a month or so ago ! I was intrigued because of the integrated SPOT device. I'm planning on waiting until (at least) PN-60 "2.0" is released. I'm no longer the first on the block for anything (used to BETA test software and products; got tired of fixing my computer. OS, etc...).

I was sure I saw monthly service plans available but can't find information on their website anymore (possibly a web-induced hallucination!?). Price was $9.99/month when I read about the plans (still find some mention of this when searching Google...). That was a much better deal than $100/year for something that would sit in a drawer most of the time!

Looking forward to hearing from someone who doesn't mind BETA testing!!

[The_Eagle]

PN-60w Bundle w/spot due June 2010 $550
http://www.amazon.com/Earthmate-Portabl ... ikearizona

PN-60w wo/spot due May 2010 $407
( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

Spot add on for PN-60w due ? $170
( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

[joebartels]

The Delorme PN-40 has an impressive processor/antenna combination and handles up to 10 tracks each with up to 10,000 (not 500) track points.

What makes the antenna impressive? According to http://gpsinformation.net based on the laws of physics antennas really don't have much room to get better. 10 tracks is rather limited, that must be active tracks?

An Android SAT albeit unlikely in the near future might put all GPS units out of business. At any rate, I couldn't imagine buying something with buttons anymore...

[PLC92084]

Speaking of Android SAT's... I thought I read somewhere the new NEXUS One has true, offline GPS capability. Haven't had time to research as yet but if that's true, it may have potential! If anyone has details, I'd love to read more...

[gpsjoe]

What makes the antenna impressive? According to http://gpsinformation.net based on the laws of physics antennas really don't have much room to get better. 10 tracks is rather limited, that must be active tracks?

Before Garmin introduced the "X" models with a more "sensitive" antenna and the faster Sirf III chipset the older models of Etrex, 60 and 76 series literally lost sattelite signals under tree cover. My GPS of choice then was the Magellan Meridian which did have a "sensitive" antenna. At that time I did group hikes where I would stand next to someone with an Etrex and they could not get a signal while the Meridian had no problem. My Meridian is still a good GPS but it has an older slower processor. Most new models from all manufacturers have both a sensitive antenna and a fast processor. That was not the case 4 years ago.

You are right, 10 is a limited number (although I rarely need more than 10 on an individual hike). But 10,000 track points is great. The PN-40 has 500MB internal memory and supports up to 32GB of SDHC. I would prefer if all GPS suppliers would allow the track parameters to be fungible. I should be able to load 100 tracks with 1,000 points each or 10 tracks with 10,000 points each or any combination that allows a 100,000 point maximum.

A couple more points about the old Meridian. It has the capability to put an unlimited number of tracks on the SD card. And you can load those tracks from the card while hiking. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. But when Magellan went to the Explorist series they did not carry that capability forward. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Also absolutely amazing is that the Yahoo users group for the Meridian is still very active today some 4 years after the series was retired by Magellan. But the new Magellans offer low performance cameras and voice recorders and other crap.

[big_load]

60 and 76 series literally lost sattelite signals under tree cover.

I doubt improvement in the "x" series has anything to do with antenna performance. More likely it was chipset's ability to resolve multipath, coupled with (maybe, just speculating on this second part) a lower-noise RF front end. Better multipath processing could be enough by itself to account for the difference, which in practice is quite remarkable. I recently caved in and got a 60CSx because Garmin no longer releases map updates compatible with my 60CS.

[azhunt2012]

Here is a link that shows a demo at the CES 2010 show.
( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )
Personally, I do not like Spot all that much they have had their problems and gone through a recall. I hike with a guy that has one and they are very finicky…you must have it out and worn in a certain manner if you want it to work all the time. You are at the mercy of a private company ( SPOT) to relay your information to search and rescue. The delay time is as much as 1 hr or more and if you really needed help that may be too long. You are much better off having a PLB which will contact S & R directly and immediately. Personal Locater Beacons have been in use for years and are very reliable. You can get very good ones for under $500.
As far as GPS units, the newest Oregon 450 in now capable of downloading actual satellite imagery with the new Birds-Eye View and is actually very good. The best plus factor is the ability to create custom map overlays in Google earth. I believe that you get what you pay for…in most cases.

[joebartels]

Sending a text message with that puppy is going to be as convenient as riding a bike and knitting. Forget a keyboard, there aren't even digits with three click alpha available

[azhunt2012]

You are absolutely right on….Definitely not user friendly

[Vaporman]

Anyone else see this new fancy GPS unit advertised in the latest backpacking magazine?!?

http://www.amazon.com/Earthmate-Portabl ... ikearizona

Introducing the world's first rugged handheld GPS and satellite communicator product pairing from DeLorme and SPOT.
• Includes SPOT Satellite Communicator
• Create Freeform Satellite Text Messages and Emergency SOS
• Stay in touch when there is no cell phone coverage from locations worldwide
• Unrivaled Map and Imagery Choices
• Supports up to 32GB SD cards
• Allow others to track your progress on social network sites

[joebartels]

I moved your post, since I think it was already posted

[Vaporman]

Oops, I tried to look for one first and didn't see one. Thanks Joe!