Delorme Earthmate PN-60W Portable GPS Navigator with SPOT Satellite Communicator Reviews
- 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
Welcome to the future. For the first time ever, DeLorme and SPOT have teamed up to provide a ruggedized handheld GPS with all the famous DeLorme street and topo maps included, plus the ability to type and send one-way text messages via the SPOT satellite system. Use the GPS to see where you are and also to type and send check-in messages beyond cellular coverage, as well as send for help if ever needed. Lead. Don’t Follow.
Communicate with family and friends from locations worldwide. Ce
Rating: 
(out of 2 reviews)
List Price: $ 549.95
Price: Too low to display
- TrueFix technology with a 14 parallel channel, WAAS/EGNOS-enabled GPS receiver
- Stores up to 500 waypoints, 20 routes, and five track logs
- Convenient, easy one-button control makes operation a breeze
- 2.3-inch, grayscale LCD and rubber-armored, impact-resistant, waterproof shell
- Measures 2.1 x 4.6 x 1.3 inches (WxHxD)
Featuring TrueFix TM technology for reliable accuracy to within 3 meters, built-in maps and customizable screens make navigating the outdoors fun and easy. Save track logs, waypoints and more to 8 MB free memory. Powerful, affordable and easy to use.andnbsp;andnbsp; Built-in maps of North America or Europe make it easy to navigate major roads and highways. Map detail includes parks, waterways, city centers, airports and other major points of interest. Save up to 5 track log files, 500 points o
Rating: (out of 44 reviews)
List Price: $ 169.99
Price: $ 239.99
Review by Adam for
Rating:
Mostly feedback for the SPOT service…
1. BEWARE! SPOT will require you to purchase yet an additional package on top of your normal service if you want to send custom text messages (AKA Facebook and Twitter). This is likely the main reason you are all buying this device. Very annoying given they don’t mention that anywhere in the DeLorme or SPOT web site.
2. Mostly my overlook.. but the actual SPOT part of the device is a separate unit (you have to carry 2 pieces). Early product shots with an arrow between them gave me the impression that the SPOT bit was actually snapped on the back where the battery compartment is now. Just to being clear to those wondering as well. There are 2 units.
3. Comes shipped with firmware that wont allow for pairing of the two units. You must update firmware on the PN-60w first.
4. The DeLorme mapping application for your PC is very hard to use and doesn’t really follow typical UI and human computer interaction conventions (yes I’m qualified and certified to make that statement
. The browsing and panning and zooming is a lot like Nat Geo TOPO. Both suffer from same Application UI issues.
5. SPOT Customer Service is very rude and unprofessional. Take a deep breath and try to be patient
6. GEOS Rescue however is top notch.
Hope these warnings help those window shopping.
Safe trails!
Review by for
Rating:
I received the Delorme earth mate 60 with spot just in time for my boss birthday. He wanted one but said it was too much money. He was exceed that he got it. Delorme had made many improvements that he love the gps.
Review by J. B. Quattlebaum for
Rating:
My 8-year old son read an article about Geocaching and really got excited. I wanted to get a GPS handheld that offered great value and ease-of-use. I tried the Garmin eTrex, eTrex Legend, Geko and the Magellan eXplorist 200 (a local Geocaching club let me field test the units) and I downloaded the manuals from the Garmin/Magellan websites and poured over them.
The verdict — I bought the eXplorist 200. The base map gives you the major freeways, highways, and cities — even parks and national landmarks. The buttons and functions were the most intuitive of any of the models tested — very important when you have children operating the unit. The LCD screen is as big as the expensive models and highly legible in ambient light. My son loves it and the entire family is getting lots of hikes and geocaching done in the great outdoors.
What happens next? I will save up for a more powerful unit with a PC connection, map software, etc, now that we are hooked on GPS navigation. The eXplorist will remain with my son — like cell phones, it is always a good idea to have an extra one around…
Review by Francis S. Fitzgerald for
Rating:
Why does this handheld need 16 mb of memory when the unit only comes with 10 mb of maps loaded and no PC interface. The specs are misleading and I feel stupid having not done more research before purchasing this unit. The Explorist 210 has a PC interface and 22 mb of space to load more maps if needed. My main gripe is that I work with GIS and I wanted to be able to grab my waypoints off the unit via a usb, but now I have to enter them manually. Normally this wouldn’t be a huge deal, but I may have hundreds by the time I’m done. I recommend this unit if you want a nice, light, good display, and feature for the money, but if your looking for PC interconnectivity, then buy the Explorist 210 or 400. The Explorist 100/200/and 300 don’t have this feature. Also don’t buy the PC cable at the bottom of the page that Amazon recommends because it fits a different Magellan series all together.
F Scot
Review by Paul for
Rating:
This Magellan GPS unit is a good entry level GPS device. It tells you where you are and keeps a track log. The reported accuracy never got to the 10 feet WAAS accuracy, but it was fair. There was a 45ft difference between the 1st and 2nd stories of my house when infact there is only 8ft.
Pros:
Good entry unit for the price
Shows you where you are
Cons:
Maps are pretty much useless, it shows you the interstates and highways as of 3-4 years ago. Don’t count on it to find anything.
No PC interface — spend a few dollars more
Not very rugged
I had this unit and in less than 12 hours, my screen was broken. There is a weak spot betwen the eXplorist 200 logo and the magellan name on the screen protector. The area there pushes on a weak spot on the LCD glass/screen on the inside. Too much pressure cracks the screen. I had it in my pocket just testing it out. I drove home and when I pulled it out, the screen was broken. No drops, bangs, or jarations; just maybe a slight pressure on that weak spot. The replacement price for the LCD screen is $60. Don’t bother buying the amazon warranty because it doesn’t cover anything like that.
Review by LionsFan for
Rating:
I just started Geocaching a few months ago and after doing research on available GPSs in my price range, I decided to choose this one. It is a great starter unit that does not have so many functions that the directions on usage overwhelm you (we all know about VCR programming!) It has great screen readout, easy-to-program waypoints, and a nice size.
On the downside, it can be a bit slow initiating at startup and there is no PC connection capabilities. But then again, it’s supposed to be a simple unit and with 16MB it should serve you well. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for driving since it’s not designed for that and there are models out there better suited for that purpose.
All in all, if you’re looking for a great basic model, I would recommend it. The Garmin eTrex Legend is comparable but this Magellan has better accuracy, more channels, and more route capabilities.
I haven’t regretted this purchase.
Review by JimB for
Rating:
Being an owner of both the Garmin eTrex, and the Magellan 200, I find that:
DOWNSIDE
the ‘joystick’ or jog-stick too easily depressed causing you to select something when you were only trying to scroll.
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1) The Magellan is slow to lock on and frequently cannot get 3D accuracy with even 4 satellites.
2) The carrying case *blows chunks*. A _cheap_ zipper bag that you have to take your belt off to wear it or remove it. Garmin’s is form-fitting with a belt clip, clear viewing port, and velcro– much better.
3) The Magellan has *no* interface for a PC, which even the most basic Garmin eTrex has, which is important because the PC interface is used for (cigarette power adapter, PC data uplink, and firmware ugprade to GPS downlink).
4) The battery compartment holdig-bolt requires numerous turns to to loosen, whereas the Garm etrex requires 1/2 turn.
5) No lanyard comes with the unit, although it has a molded place for one to be attached to. eTrex’ come with lanyards.
6) Screen has a tendency to repaint, even if you’re not moving
7) GUI interface is clumsy, and has a “cluttered” look to it.
9) It has an option to erase the contents of the unit entirely. Why? there is NO WAY TO RELOAD IT.
10) This does not show you *where* the satellites are in relation to you, which the Garmin eTrex does.
UPSIDE:
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1) Backlight is very nice
2) Screen is larger
3) Has a field in it to put identity info or “reward” message
PRICEWISE:
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Pricewise, the basic eTrex costs $89, whereas this ran me $139. I don’t care for the mapping function, it’s annoying. I don’t use it for road navigation. And I don’t know how it would update the maps anyway, without a PC interface to upgrade it.
OVERALL:
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Overall, not worth the money. It falls down in almost all the areas a serious, fast-paced user requires. I rate it about $60 too much in comparison to the Garmin.
As it is, I disliked the crummy carrying pouch so much, I found it will barely fit in the extra Garmin eTrex Holster I had. Garmin’s are also smaller on the hip. I would not have bought this, but lost my Garmin.
I have to say I found the Garmin to be much more professional, functional, and useful, and will end up buying one again. this Magellan goes up on eBay, today.