TomTom ONE-S 3.5″ Portable GPS

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With easy-to-use touch screen displays, the very affordable Omnitech GPS Navigation System can route to addresses, restaurants, hotels and more with turn-by-turn directions and voice guidance text to speech. The Omnitech will say “Turn right on to Highland Avenue.” The map Data, provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping, includes the lower 48 states One-touch QuickNav button for your home or work Day/night mode automatically adjusts brightness of screen with changing light conditions Multilingual with voice prompts in English, French, and Spanish Includes car windshield suction mount, car charger, and 1gb SD card

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1 Stars Quick fix item
I ordered an Omnitech GPS Model #CE00688A from BrandMedia4Less. Without explanation, Seller sent a Model #16878 which requires the Purchaser to implement a quick fix (per Omnitech Support) as original SD Card supplied in the unit is defective. This is true of all Model #16878 units accordinding to Omnitech. Purchaser must use a new SD Card (not supplied) and to follow complicated directions beyond my abiliy. Written off as a bad experience.

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Keep your nüvi in place with this portable friction mount. Itll keep everything in plain sight when you need it and out of the way when you dont. Works with:760, 255W, 360, 265WT, 260, 270, 250, 750, 260W, 755T, 1200, 1250, 1260T, 1300, 1350, 1350T, 1260T, 1370, 1370T, 1390T, 1490T, 205, C530, C550, C580, C510

* Garmin Vehicle Power Cable

*8 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card

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Guide + Play GPS-310 is the portable GPS navigator and digital audio player from Harman Kardon. Easy to use and requiring no installation, the GPS-310 is the ultimate all-in-one navigation and entertainment system for vehicle or personal use. Just power it up and follow the simple, color-coded touchscreen menus. With your music and Harman Kardon?s state-of-the-art control and navigation system, you?ll always know what you?re doing, where you?re going and what will be playing along the way.High-end audio equipment manufacturer Harman Kardon’s continues to combine solid navigation with truly superb media player function in its GPS products, creating a bar for navigator/personal entertainment system convergence devices. They’ve improved their models this year with a fuller feature set.

This Year’s Models
With their first line of GPS navigators released last year, H-K wisely stuck to the basics with their navigation. Perhaps that was the reason navigation worked so much better on Harman Kardon’s devices than on some other navigators produced by manufactuer’s whose core business was not GPS.

With basic nav nailed down however, Harman Kardon added a full feature set into this year’s models. All of the new models — the GPS-310, GPS-510, and GPS-810, — come with text-to-speech for spoken directions with real street names, a photo viewer and MP3 player. The GPS-510 adds a video player and traffic data capability (from TMC Clear Channel). The GPS-810 has the same features you’d get on the top-end model from any manufacturer, and some you may not expect, including Bluetooth connectivity, traffic data, an FM transmitter that will deliver both directions and music through an open channel on your car’s stereo system, and a nifty little Bluetooth remote.

4-inch WQVGA 480px x 272px high-resolution widescreen touch screen (actual size)

Navigation
The main purpose of any car GPS device is to take you reliably from point A to B. Here the GPS-310 performs nicely indeed, providing several options for finding your destination. To get going you can select either a street address, a specific point of interest such as a gas station or restaurant, a recent or saved destination, a postal code, or an intersection (if you’re not sure of the exact address). To speed up text entry, the unit employs an intelligent auto-completion feature that displays only the letters that spell an item in its database. This greatly reduces the letters from which you have to choose to tell it where you want to go.

Once it knows where you are headed, the device offers you the choice of shortest distance or most use of freeways or other high-speed arterials. You’ll also find a trip planner that lets you lay out and save multiple destinations, as well as avoidance choices for routing your trip away from borders, toll roads, unpaved roads, ferries, and more. If you take a wrong turn or need to use a detour, the GPS-310 will automatically re-route you and get you back on your way.

And how did the GPS-310 perform out on the road? In a word, admirably. The responsiveness of the device and excellent user interface make it a joy to use. The GPS-310 also has an extremely fast and accurate GPS signal processor, so it locks, calculates and recalculates routes, and responds to commands quickly. One of the hardest things for a manufacturer without a long history in building GPS navigators is getting the routing algorithms correct, so it was nice to see that Harman Kardon seems to have gotten this right. In most cases, the device decided on logical and efficient routes, too–something that can’t be said of all GPS devices out there.

Intuitive interface is easy to operate. See route planning details.

Setup and Interface Setup is as easy as turning the device on, since it comes loaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada. On first bootup, choose from English, Spanish, or French language options for the spoken directions and interface menus. Interacting with the GPS-310’s touchscreen is delightfully intuitive and reliable; there’s really no need for a stylus or navigation buttons, which simplifies things on the road. The division of the main interface into four main quadrants is a helpful touch, and it’s refreshing to see manufacturers moving away from awkward icon-based menus. Instead of drilling down through lists of icons, all of the GPS-310’s options are presented on simple, color-coded shapes. That said, we were a little puzzled by the use of the “Source” menu key, which takes the user back to the main menu from any point in the interface. It’s a useful feature, but why not call this the “Home” button instead? The screen itself is sharp and clear, offering great resolution and clarity in all driving conditions. The map screen is a sight to behold, offering delightfully crisp 3D images, as well as excellent responsiveness when zoomed and panned. Likewise, the interface for music playback ispleasantly uncluttered, responsive, and well thought-out. One problem in our unit, though, was the lack of a sleep mode. The device’s screen will stay on at full illumination when it’s left idle–even when running on battery power. There’s also no sleep button on the device.

Accurate, detailed 3D navigation, and turn-by-turn directions. Use the unit’s touch screen to enter address locations. An intuitive menu lets you switch quickly between music, video, and navigation options.

Multimedia
The GPS-310 strives to be much more than just another GPS device in a crowded market, and that’s likely why Harman Kardon has polished the multimedia features of the device so well. With support for MP3 and WMA music files, the music player has a refreshingly intuitive user interface and good sound quality. It’s a cinch to browse music on your SD card by artist, album, genre, playlist, and song. Another nice touch is that you can keep the music playing while the unit is in navigation mode.

Design
The GPS-310 is solidly built–something we expect from Harman Kardon–and it instills a sense of confidence that it can survive the bumps of bruises that come with the mobile lifestyle. Measuring approximately 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches high, and a little over half an inch thick, the device is only a little chunkier than your average PDA or Smartphone. The clean lines of the GPS-310 are enhanced by a complete lack of buttons; all interaction with the device happens between the touchscreen and your finger. In the interest of simplicity, there is not even a stylus that can fall to the floor and roll under the seat of your car.

The only button you’ll find on the device is the recessed power button on the top, right next to the SD card slot. The slot accepts cards with up to 4 GB of capacity. There’s also a small jog wheel on the right side for volume and display brightness control. Below this dial you’ll also find a mini-USB port that serves double duty for both charging and PC-to-device data transfers, as well as a standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. Meanwhile, you’ll find a pinhole reset button on the bottom, as well as a hold switch on the left side for deactivating the touchscreen. Lastly, the back of the unit sports a small audio speaker and a port for an optional GPS signal booster antenna.

Pros
Excellent user interface
Fast, accurate GPS performance; good mapping capabilities
Polished, user-friendly music playback

Cons
Minor lag during some operations
No sleep or low power standby function

What’s in the Box
GPS-310NA portable navigator, 5-hour lithium-polymer battery, USB 2.0 cable, carrying case, fold-flat windshield/dashboard mounting bracket, car charger, quick-start guide

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Disappointing unit!
I like the look and the features of this unit but very disappointed with it right now because i am on the third unit which i hestatingly use. First unit did not get GPS signal after some time and it gave bad directions. The second unit took time to get signal and started freezing up gave bad directions too and now using the 3rd unit which has frozen up once already. I am not happy with the customer service becuase they will not refund me the money (reason being i did not buy it from HK). It does not give the best directions and just to give you an idea of what i have been through in 7 months below is my ‘Harman Kardon Experience’

04/09/08 Bought unit from a seller on Amazon

05/27/08 Just over a month later the unit not getting GPS signal, contacted HK, they say they will replace

06/03/08 Received replacement (2nd unit)

09/15/08 2nd unit not working properly, no signal freezing up, emailed HK

09/22/08 Response from HK rep, cant refund will replace again

09/24/08 I shipped 2nd unit for replacement

10/08/08 2nd Unit accepted at warehouse

10/29/08 Replacement not shipped out, contacted HK, email ignored.

11/07/08 No response to email, 3rd Unit finally received.

Now using the 3rd unit, waiting to see how long it lasts while the warranty runs out and no more replacement units.

2 Stars Mine didn’t work
Well I received it and set it up. Put in my address to navigate to and it gave me spoken directions half way there and stopped and never came on again. I probably received the faulty one. But other than that the screen was a nice size the features seemed great.

4 Stars Nice GPS
It is a nice GPS for the money and has worked well in the car as well as a motorcycle but it is not water resistant. The maps were more current than another brand GPS that I purchased a year after I bought the Harman Kardon. The music player works well.

1 Stars Worked okay for a few months
Looses signal often, I live in New England so that was somewhat expected with the trees. System froze and stopped working in the Middle of Boston. Was extremely slow to load and calculate routes. Worked well when it was able to download the directions. However, will not buy another Harmon Kardon GPS system.

2 Stars No map updates from HK at all
A solid unit, but beware, you are buying a product with outdated map data from 2007. You will get lost or mislead. I contacted HK about map updates, but they had no definitive answer. Rumor has it, HK doesn’t intend to provide any updates to their customers because they’ve stopped investing in GPS. So now I’m stuck with an out-of-date GPS. When using it for long-distance trips, be careful because if there is a freeway interchange built after the 310 came out, it’s not going to be in there and you will get confused and possibly lost. In my view this is not a reliable product for such uses.

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The GPS 16 series products are complete GPS sensors including embedded receiver and antenna designed for a broad spectrum of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) system applications. Based on the proven technology found in other Garmin 12-channel GPS receivers, the GPS 16 tracks up to 12 satellites at a time while providing fast time-to-first-fix, one-second navigation updates and low power consumption. This generation of GPS sensors adds the capability of FAA Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) differential GPS. The GPS 16’s far reaching capability meets the sensitivity requirements of land navigation as well as the dynamic requirements of high-performance aircraft.

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At only 0.7� thickness, the slim Nextar ME unit can be easily moved for use in multiple vehicles. The system comes pre-loaded with maps for the 50 United States as well as extras like MP3 playing and JPEG image viewing capabilities.

Maps from the 50 United states are pre-loaded and shown on the unit’s 3.5-inch touch-screen display

The entry-level Nextar ME navigation system is easy to use, easy to move, and easy on the budget. With a sleek design it rides well and looks great in any make or class of vehicle. Whether for personal or professional use, it is an outstanding value.

Maps from the 50 United states are pre-loaded and shown on the unit�s 3.5� touch-screen display. Text-to-speech technology distinctly pronounces road names in English. Voice-guided directions with turn-by-turn voice prompts are clearly audible through a built-in stereo speaker.

The unit includes 1.6 millions of points of interest to make finding hotels, shopping centers, gas stations, and restaurants a snap. Planning trips, vacations, or cross town jaunts with the Nextar ME points of interest feature is easy and fun. A new route is recalculated instantly any time the driver misses a turn. Digital map data is supplied by Tele Atlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content that power many of the world�s most essential navigation and location-based services.

Adjustable mount for your windshield or dashboard.

The Nextar ME measures 3.5-inch x 2.9-inch x 0.7-inch and weighs 2.2 pounds.

For entertaining while en route, the ME can play MP3 files and display JPEG images. Addresses for up to 300 favorite destinations can be stored. Other features include a built-in antenna that ensures signal reception. A lightweight, built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery supplies power.

The Nextar ME measures 3.5-inch x 2.9-inch x 0.7-inch and weighs 2.2 pounds.

Features Found in the Nextar ME GPS Navigation System

• Touch-screen display: Provides interfacing capability while map is being viewed
• Built-in stereo speaker: Delivers navigational voice prompts as well as MP3 music in stereo; no extra wires or speaker to remember to connect
• Text-to-Speech: Safety feature that allows driver to keep eyes on the road while getting directions; clearly pronounces names of streets encountered during drive
• Points of Interest: Name or description of a specific location that user may find useful or interesting; generally indicated by an icon on the map
• Lithium-Ion Battery: Lighter weight, holds charge longer, and does not suffer from memory effect compared to similar batteries; recharging feature assures system stays active
• MP3 playing: Allows driver and/or passengers to listen to favorite MP3 files while in vehicle
• JPEG viewing: View photos and other graphics while in vehicle
• Route recalculation: Instantly changes route if driver misses turn
• Built in antenna: Ensures reception of signal without running additional wires
• Stylus: Allows user to point more accurately than using a finger to small areas on the display screen

What’s in the Box
Nextar ME, AC/DC adapter, car adapter, USB cable, protection pouch, unique magnetic suction cup, and a stylus/touch pen.

About Nextar
Nextar in the categories it chooses to enter, the products that it develops and in the manner in which it goes to market desires and strives to be nothing short of Bold and New. Bold–the categories, products and retail avenues that are the most salient and relevant of the day. New–utilizing the newest technologies in dynamic, salient, relevant and yet affordable products and placing these products in the highest volume traditional and, as or more importantly, non-traditional consumer electronic retail.The Nextar ME GPS mobile navigation system assures that your days of getting lost are over. Finding an address or any one of 1.6 million points of interest such as the nearest gas station or restaurant is a snap anywhere in the U.S. Just enter information on the ME’s 3.5 inch touch screen and let the voice prompt and detailed map guide you to the destination. The ME has a built in stereo speaker, high sensitive antenna and earphone output. The ME has Text-To-Speech navigation that clearly pronounces instructions including street names(English). Preloaded with USA map that includes Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico on 1 GB SD card. Also includes MP3 player and JPeg image viewer feature. Also includes AC/DC Adapter, Car Power Adapter, Suction cup, protection/carry pouch and USB cable.

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User Ratings and Reviews

1 Stars PLEASE HEED THIS WARNING!
I’M TYPING IN CAPS BECAUSE I AM YELLING. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE A MACK WARRANTY AND IF YOU HAVE ALREADY DO NOT SEND YOUR SYSTEM TO MACK TO REPAIR. I SWEAR I SENT A 1,000 VD/DVD UNIT TO JUST CLEAN SOME DUST AND THEY BROKE IT AND ARE NOW TRYING TO BLAME THE SHIPPING COMPANY. THEY ARE TRULY AND I MEAN TRULY PATHETIC. I HAVE SEVERAL WARRANTIES WITH THEM AND I PRAY I WILL NEVER HAVE TO USE THEM. I NOTIFIED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND HOPEFULLY I WILL GET MY UNIT REPLACED. IF YOU BUY THEIR WARRANTY THEN YOU MY FRIEND DID NOT LISTEN. THERE IS ANOTHER WARRANTY COMPANY THAT I HAVE BOUGHT FROM AMAZON IN WHICH YOU CAN TAKE YOUR SYSTEM TO THEM LOCALLY IN SANTA MONICA. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!! I DIDN’T EVEN WANT TO GIVE THEM ONE STAR BUT IT SEEMS I HAVE TOO!!

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The Sony nav-u portable satellite navigation system is more than basic digital maps; it is the system that gets you where you need to go quickly and efficiently with intuitive features that help you along your journey. The latest Sony navigation system brings Photo Viewer to an already packed and helpful unit.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Not bad for the price
I just purchased this gps system for about 79.00 at SEARS. I had some running around to do today and I just pluged in all destinations and the little device was really accurate. I am a first time gps buyer so I can’t say what I am suppose to get and what I am not suppose to get.

You can clearly hear turn by turn directions.

Im satisfied for now

**Cons*** None yet

3 Stars Good while it lasted
I enjoyed this GPS while it lasted. After 3 months of not-so-heavy use, it no longer picked up the satellites. I returned it to Sony and since they no longer have any left in stock (getting out of the GPS business?), they refunded my entire amount. Also, the battery would not hold a charge after several uses which I didn’t care about too much since I had it mounted on the windshield and plugged in.

Overall, I liked the interface and it was very easy to learn how to use. The routing algorithm was a bit weird where it would take me off a major interstate too early, causing a longer trip. I did update the unit to the latest firmware and played with some settings but it didn’t help. Some addresses where hard to find as I had to type in alternate forms of the street address. However, as long as my defective unit isn’t a sign of common problems, I would recommend it as a cheap entry level GPS.

2 Stars cant find streets
unit will not find some streets by street names it decides that I need to know the county road number. It also will just not find some roads that have been around for over 20 years. Sony tells me that if I buy their $50 map update it “might” fix the problem. I wasted enough money buying the unit. It does no good to have a gps that is lost half the time. I’m going back to Magellan.

2 Stars Unfortunately it broke
The GPS was working well for a couple of weeks and I was happy enough. Then when I returned from a trip to VA, it stopped working. Now the battery will not charge and the touch screen does not work. So it is dead in the water. I contacted Tech Support and they told me to return it for repair, so I am hoping to return it to Amazon for refund.

Too bad !!!

4 Stars Not Bad At All, I Like It Better Than Magellan
This is my fifth GPS. Three of my previous ones (a TomTom One, a TomTom One XL and a Magellan Maestro) were stolen and the third was a Magellan Maestro that I thought was dead but repaired. Nonetheless, I bought this one because I didn’t want to spend another $200 on yet another GPS.

My favorite of my previous GPS’ were the TomToms because of their user friendliness and their routing intelligence. The Magellans were just plain stupid and their user interfaces were klunky.

This Sony has a very nice user interface but doesn’t quite reach TomTom level but it is good. Address entry and marking locations on this GPS is pretty good. I wish there was a GPS that would just put the current state as a default before you type but I haven’t found one yet that does that. The order of entering the address is not what I’m used to. I think this unit does number, street, city, state. I like the reverse (state, city, street, number). But the entry feels less klunky than the Magellan.

At first, I was disappointed at how garbagey the graphics looks but I quickly got over it when I noticed that the response time this unit beats any other GPS unit I’ve had. The route recalculation speed on it is phenomenal as well. Also, the simplified graphics seem easier to follow. The voice navigation is much less annoying than others I’ve used as well.

All in all, it’s a pretty good device considering it’s sub-150. I’m going to keep using it for another week and if I still like it, my Magellan is going on eBay!

Update: I felt compelled to add this since it is pretty important to me. The unit is great but the PC software for this unit STINKS! In the TomTom, you can edit an address book with real addresses but with this software you have to enter actual coordinates. What geek knows actual coordinates of addresses off the top of his/her head? This type of nerditry is what makes Apple number 1 in consumer devices. They really got lazy on the software on which would otherwise have been a 5 star unit. The Magellan software wasn’t any better so I guess that gives me some comfort?

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“Plug&GO” right out of the box. Combined with all North America mapping database by Tele-Atlas, the system installs in 60 seconds.

A state of the art GPS system in one small easy to manage portable package. The IntelliTrax MIX2100 iTrax GPS System gives you a full powered self contained navigation system with buit-in Sirf III Antenna, Calculator, MP3, Personal Photo and Video Player functions.

The iTrax MIX Portable GPS Navigation System is also equipped with several special features which allow you to quickly gather information about a location or POI. While you are in Map view, simply take the stylus and touch anywhere or anthing on the map for 1 second. A special menu will pop up. This menu will give you several options concerning the location touched on the map. You can set this as a Start Location to simulate a trip, set it as the Destination, save the location in your Favorites or view detailed information.

User Ratings and Reviews

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Find your way in lavish color with this feature-packed 16-channel handheld mapping GPS! The new iFINDER Expedition C with color display offers everything you could want, including unique “Scout Mode”, electronic compass, barometric altimeter, built-in microphone, MP3 player capabilities, and more!The iFINDER Expedition C Plus has the same great features of the standard model, with the added plus of exclusive MapCreate USA Topo mapping software, one MMC/SD memory card, and an MMC/SD card reader with USB connector - for custom, high-detail mapmaking on a PC.Find your way to your destination in lavish color with the iFinder Expedition C Plus 16-channel handheld mapping GPS. This navigation system has the same great features of the standard model, with the added benefit of exclusive MapCreate USA Topo mapping software, one MMC/SD memory card, and an MMC/SD card reader with USB connector for customized high-detail mapmaking on a PC.

Compact and portable, the Expedition C Plus offers everything you could want or need when either planning or taking a trip, including the unique “Scout Mode” option to mark area perimeters and create borders, an electronic compass, barometric altimeter with weather predictions, built-in microphone, MP3 player capabilities through the MMC/SD digital media memory card slot, and more. There’s even a built-in microphone for recording voice notes to waypoints. Watertight with a sure-grip rubber welt seal, the Expedition C Plus comes with a classic black and silver case.

Reliable, accurate, and user-friendly, the Expedition C Plus features a bright, 2.83-inch diagonal color TFT display with 320 x 240 resolution and a white LED backlit screen for excellent direct sunlight and low-light or night viewing. But it’s the built-in continental United States and Hawaii background map (with interstate exit services) that makes this model the ideal travel companion. And because the Expedition C is compatible with optional plug and play Lowrance FreedomMaps, Fishing Hot Spots Elite, LakeMaster ProMaps, NauticPath, and Navionics electronic charts, it can easily accommodate any additional navigation tools you need.

Full of helpful and time-saving features, like dual processors for high speed screen updates and dual Easy and Advanced operation modes, the Expedition C Plus makes trip planning a breeze. In addition, this system gives you access to 1,000 waypoints, 1,000 event markers, and 100 routes, as well as up to 100 savable and retraceable plot trails, with up to 10,000 points in any trail. You can also take advantage of the 40 map zoom ranges (from 0.02 to 4,000 miles) and 63 graphic icons for noting special spots or points.

For added convenience, the Expedition C Plus includes an antenna port for connecting an optional external GPS and WAAS antenna, as well as a 12 volt plug power adapter for in-vehicle or ATV use. It also operates up to 14 hours or longer on two “AA” batteries (not included) and comes with a full, one-year warranty.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars BEST ALL AROUND FOR THE $$$
The Lowrance iFINDER Expedition C is the best GPS for the dollar it has all the latest features. I have tried them all it it works great. Here are some key items:

1. 16 satellite lock on with WASS. I will be the first to say it gets a lock fast and keeps it in all environments.

2. Has bermotic pressure readings in all environments and will give you a heads up if the weather is about to change good for hiking and outdoors.

3. Has a compass for back up info also it can be displayed over the GPS map for navigation.

4. With mapcreate USA and a 1gb SD card I was able to keep high detailed map of the eastern USA for my trip from NE Ohio to Orlando Florida and I was never lost! The software is easy to use also remember due to license agreements with mapcreate you can only have 5 SD cards so make sure you buy big SD cards when you are ready.

5. The GPS is waterproof Lowrance is in the business to make GPS devices for professionals and civil personnel weather it is flying, boating, car, or outdoors they have a high standard of excellence and with the product I bought I can say that this is a ver high quality device that will save my but weather driving or hiking or riding my motorcycle in the middle of nowhere.

I recommend this GPS over all others and trust I did my homework before I put down $400.00. But if you want the best of the best then buy Lowrance!

4 Stars Excellent new color GPS receiver
After reading about GPS receivers in Outdoor Photography magazine (March 2006 issue) and doing a lot of research, I thought at first I wanted a Brunton MNS because it uses new USGS type topo maps. It turned out though that Lowrance makes the Brunton model which is obvious when you see that it’s almost identical to the Lowrance iFinder Expedition C except the Lowrance has a color screen and is cheaper.

The Lowrance GPS receiver also includes a built-in compass which isn’t mentioned in the User Manual. Satellite acquisition is fast even inside my house!

The learning curve is a bit steep if you’ve never used a GPS receiver before but the Easy mode isn’t too bad.

Battery life according to some reviews is somewhat less than other receivers.

Caution: after using lithium batteries my receiver stopped getting GPS signals and had to be replaced by Lowrance. I checked the voltage on the new Energizer lithium batteries and it was 1.75V. This could have been what killed the receiver. Lowrance customer service was very fast in replacing the receiver.

The 6 CD MapCreate topo maps of the US (included in the Plus model) and card reader are a great deal considering they would cost about $250 extra from Brunton. The maps themselves aren’t really identical to USGS quadrangle maps; they show contour lines at 50′ intervals in the mountains but not all the other exact details such as buildings, fence lines,etc. The receiver claims to be waterproof and seems durable.

Overall I’m very satisfied with it.

5 Stars Great for Hiking
After reading reviews of many similar products what sold me on this model was the fact that it came with MapCreate on 6 CD’s. The contour maps are very nice indeed but don’t expect to find trails for your State and County parks. If you pick up a trail map when you enter a park it can be used in conjunction with the GPS and whatever points of interest (POI) are on the map to provide you with everything you need. In town, the maps are also loaded with POI’s for lots of businesses and restaurants. Downloading the portion of the US Topo map that you need is a snap, the technique is just like using your mouse to crop a portion of a photograph. The map portion I downloaded is about 120 miles by 60 miles and it only uses about 30MB of memory. The unit comes with a 64 MB card but I am using it with a 512MB SD/MMC card which will give me far more memory capacity than I will ever need. As another reviewer noted, the learning curve with the 134 page manual is quite steep, it took me about a day and a half to learn how to use most of the bells and whistles. The satellite acquisition is very fast and stable, even when the unit is indoors or in a car. I am very satisfied with this GPS unit and am building up my own set of waypoints as I use it in different parks. I am using it with rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and so far no problems.

4 Stars Update on previous review
Not an expert on GPS by ANY means… as this is our first. But, we use it for traveling & geocaching & although it’s off a little now & then, & the map software/roads are WAY out of date for “latest edition”… overall, we are satisfied with the unit. Had devil of a time trying to get the program & card reader to work with Vista (*&#^*&%#*&@%$*&^), but their customer service (who was also confused by the prob) did manage to get us lined out & running fine in a reasonable amount of time. Loads up & ready to go very quickly about 98% of the time, & not much slower on/in bad days/areas. Very impressed with the battery life on this one (not using rechargables). Have used it in steady rain several times & no probs, though we haven’t tried testing it submerged. May have too many features for most new users, but they’re easily understandable & easy to navigate through. Awesome value, would highly recommend for anyone. At the price, we feel we made an great choice for us!

…Had more time to review item & experiment. Still LOVE the GPS!! BUT… IF YOU HAVE VISTA… DO NOT BUY THIS PACKAGE… UNLESS you want to wait another week or so for LEI to send you the Vista compatible version of Map-Create which is now available. Ad formerly listed sold with “latest version of Map-Create 7″ (& was, but NOT fully compatible w/Vista & will encounter a multitude of problems trying to use). Glad to see the ad has changed… just wanted to send a heads-up to others considering purchase. GPS is outstanding & worth it… the older Map-Create is NOT, if you have Vista!

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