New Magellan GPS Handhelds

Hello - horses for courses - XL's are actually too big for some applications (physical size of unit ..not screen). I was actually more interested in the mapping capabilities of the new range and the associated software than anything else. These appear to absolutely sh*t all over what is currently available, though I am not sure if the same quality/type of map data is or will be available for Australia. I like the idea of being able to edit existing or add custom made maps which apparently you will be able to do. Time will tell.

Like you, the "extras" on the higher end models don't interest me one bit.

Cheers
Greg

Hello - have a feeling we may be waiting a while. The Crossover has been out in US for ages, but has just been released here. I have a bad feeling that the required map data for Tritons doesn't exist for Aus but its early days and I haven't done any research apart from reading some of the information in the above links. I also think guys at Next Destination wont like the idea of people making/editing there own maps as their profits may fall. Typically they almost double the price on Aus units (compared to US prices) and then make AUS map data expensive (though Magellan maps are worth the money IMHO). If you could get a US unit and then somehow get/make cheap/exchange decent maps, the game is over.

Cheers
Greg

Hi Doug...Why?

I have one of these..

Better than Etrex

As mentioned the reason I like the concept of new Magellans is the mapping capabilities, which appear, for the US at least, to be far better than any currently available Garmin/Mapsource product. I have also stated before that available Magellan maps for Australia are far better than Garmins. If these GPS units get released in Australia, Garmins will slip further behind in the mapping department.

I have aquired the Garmin 60cx to have a go at making my own maps - but havent even tried yet...might sell it and import a Triton:)

Cheers
Greg

Yes - available maps may be issue - but its hard to tell what you will be able to use on it..as it states on blurb......

"It's easy to expand your navigation capabilities with optional
topographic maps, marine cartography, and other applications".

What are the "other applications"? I also have no idea what format the Nat Geo maps are in or what the new software VantagePoint can import/export etc.

Cheers
Greg

That's a bummer Greg - last week I went out and bought an Explorist 500 with the current maps .

I notice that the new Magellan does not have a phone , MP3 or a PDA - well really - how slack .

Willie .

Hello Willie - I am guessing but it may be a while before they turn up in Aus so I am sure you will get good use out of your 500 before you are really tempted to upgrade. It does say in the specs somewhere that some of the new models can play music and there is a headphone jack. Not sure what format music has to be in though.

Cheers
Greg