New 2010 PN-60
Posted: Mar 18 2010 7:33 am
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 )
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 )
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