Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Was looking at several alternatives for a hiking GPS when I noted Amazon's excellent price on the PN-30 ($199 as of 10/23/09). With the faster dual-processor setup, fixed WAAS bug, and higher sat tracking count, the PN30 is a great little GPS for that price.
Using a SDHC 8GB card I was able to quickly load the supplied base topo maps for NV, AZ, CO, NM, UT, CA, and OR. At first cold turn-on it took about 10min to lock in several sats to get a fix. However, all cold starts since then have taken about 30 seconds to get a 3D fix. Very nice. That was the 'easy' part about setup.
If you want color map overlays, aerial image overlays, etc. you have to use the Topo8 software and the netlink feature. There is a learning curve here and while it is not cliff-like, it is somewhat steep (particularly compared to a Garmin GPS, for example). I was able to get a few different areas of aerial image overlays and color maps for a couple of hikes I was going on, however, the download link failed on the 2nd set of maps and continued to fail. As a prior reviewer stated, you can still get them via email, which ended upworking fine. Still feel like I've only barely wet my feet as it were with the Topo8 software. I'll keep digging (luckily there is a wiki and a support board), but it is like slogging through a swamp getting around in there.
The unit itself has a small but VERY VERY visible screen for daylight use. I can barely see the screen on my friend's Garmin Colorado 400T, but the PN30s screen is super easy to read outside in bright light. Yes, compared to some other units out there the PN30s screen is quite small, but you get a damn good screen for quality and daylight visibility. I'll tell you, it is not fun trying to read my friend's Garmin 400T in bright daylight...there's quite a bit of cursing going on at times! (Don't get me wrong the 400T is very NICE, but that horrid screen just does not work in the daylight)
Interal setup is not particularly user-friendly, but it is doable without the manual if you want to go that way. Pages are straightforward, and layering easy to figure out (though learning what Level of Detail to use in Topo8 BEFORE you download is a good idea since my aerial images are not visible at all until you get down to about 640' scale).
Phsyically, it is a bit 'fat' at the bottom, but tolerable and fits the hand well. I have a few gadget pouches and it does not fit in a normal camera pouch due to the thickness at the bottom (~2.5"). The little metal dots for the USB interface connection are okay, though getting the plug in the first time was struggle. It was tight and I thought I was going to break the unit. I understand the use of the metal dots to keep the unit sealed, however, I wonder about connectivity and conductivity over the life of the unit. I guess we'll find out. Same with the memory card location. To keep the unit water-tight it is located under the back panel, beneath the batteries. Get a big SDHC card so you don't have to swap out the card.
I looked at the PN40, but with nearly all of the same features, the PN30 was the best 'bang for the buck'. I am quite happy with the unit thus far. I'd have rated it a 5 if it was not for the less-than-user-friendly setup and Topo8 software (and really out of date road maps for Vegas!)
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Product Description:
The Earthmate PN-30 is a high-sensitivity, high-performance, bright-color-screen handheld GPS that offers an unrivaled selection of display options including up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA topographic maps; color aerial imagery, USGS 7.5-min. topographic quad maps, and NOAA nautical charts.
A high-sensitivity, high-performance, bright-color-screen handheld GPS that offers an unrivaled selection of display options. Click to enlarge.
With its 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset and DeLorme ConstantLock technology, the PN-30 acquires satellite signals quickly and retains them in the most challenging GPS environments. Map and imagery displays are lightning-quick thanks to a powerful dual-core processor.
The on-board base map includes major highways and thoroughfares worldwide plus secondary and connector roads in the U.S. Detailed U.S.street and topo maps can be selected from the Topo USA software, which is included in the Earthmate PN-30 bundle.
The PN-30 holds up to 1,000 user-defined waypoints, 50 routes, and 10 tracks. All can be easily received from or sent to the Topo USA software. The device displays both road and trail routes automatically generated using Topo USA. Road routes and direct (point-to-point) routes also can be generated on the PN-30.
Available onboard Flash memory totals 500 MB and the PN-30 also supports high-capacity SD cards (SDHC) up to 32 GB. The 65K-color daylight-readable TFT screen provides clarity in any light conditions including direct sunlight. The PN-30 is WAAS-enabled, waterproof to IPX-7 standards, comes in a rugged, impact-resistant rubberized case, and weighs just over five oz.
GPS for All your Favorite Activities
Serious Performance
Blazing-fast, high-sensitivity 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset
Dual-core processor for instantaneous map and satellite imagery redraws, even with large aerial imagery files and multiple maps layers
360-degree raster rotation sets the PN-30 apart from other common GPS handhelds. With a 360-degree rotation road, building, and other images really are on your left or right as you look at the map and walk, bike or drive
WAAS-enabled for accuracy within 3 meters
Supports SDHC high-capacity SD cards (up to 32 GB) for fast and direct map transfer from the included maps discs
Serious Maps
Included. Comes with four discs containing detailed hybrid 1:100k topographic and street maps of the entire USA, highways and streets for Canada and major roads for Mexico. You do not need anything else to hike, geocache, or navigate the backcountry. It's all in the box.
Also Included: Sample Certificate. A $40 certificate is included for downloading sample supplementary datasets. Take a "test drive" with any of the supplementary datasets DeLorme offers: high-resolution aerial imagery, USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Map, NOAA Nautical Charts, and more.
And for Only $29.95! Subscribe to the DeLorme Map Library. Get all the USGS Quads, NOAA nautical charts and high-resolution color aerial imagery to layer with your topo and street maps. No hidden charges.
DeLorme Map Library on Amazon.com.
Serious Tough
The PN-30 is waterproof to the IEC 529 IPX7 standard
Designed to function in high-humidity environments, including consistent humidity levels over 90%, and in the rain
The PN-30 has been rigorously tested to function in high-vibration conditions such as off-road driving
Operating temperature range for the PN-30 is -20 degrees C to degrees C. The PN-30 should function in extreme cold as well as rapidly-changing temperature environments
Serious Value
No one else offers COMPLETE U.S. hybrid, routable Topographic and Street maps WITH your initial purchase
In addition, subscribe to the DeLorme Map Library of downloads for all the USGS 7.5-minute Quads, NOAA nautical charts, and Hi-Resolution Aerial Imagery you want. All downloads are accessed through the NetLink tab of your DeLorme software
Serious Quality, Service & Support
Renowned DeLorme-Quality Maps
Quality Geospatial Engineering
Quality Hardware Engineering
Quality U.S.-Based Customer Service
Quality U.S.-Based Technical Support and Open Online GPS User Forms
What Else Should I Know?
High-Performance Technology
Features STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset and updated DeLorme firmware for amazing signal acquisition and retention, map scrolling and redraw--even with multiple layers of imagery, topo and street maps.
Multiple Views of the Same GPS Location
On-device data layering lets you select which map or imagery type to see of your GPS location. Switch among data types to gain a comprehensive view of where you are--it's revolutionary and provides a whole new level of geographic detail.
Bright Color Screen
Works in bright sunlight to total darkness. Sharp brand screen featuring the latest transflective screen technologies to maximize visibility under a variety of lighting conditions.
Rugged and Waterproof
Conforms to IPX-7 waterproof standard with impact-resistant rubberized housing for a solid grip. Concealed battery compartment with SD card slot.
Easy Exchange of Maps, Tracks, and Waypoints
Exchange routes, tracks and waypoints between the GPS and Topo USA (two-way transfers).
Extensive On-Device Memory
500 MB of available internal flash memory in addition to the pre-loaded world base map. Holds up to ten tracks (10,000 points per track); 1,000 user-defined waypoints; and 50 routes. SD slot also available.
The DeLorme World Base Reference Map
Preloaded on the Earthmate GPS PN series
High-level map includes country borders, highways & major roads
Displays interstates and major highways at scales of 500 miles to 8 miles
Created by DeLorme's professional cartographers
A Comprehensive Selection of Supplemental U.S. Dataset Downloads
Provides users of both Earthmate PN-Series GPS receivers and Topo USA 8.0 software with a full year's worth of unlimited access to the online DeLorme Map Library. Includes unrivaled choices for supplemental maps and imagery. Each adds value by showing specific types of detail.
Map, Imagery and Chart Types Available with the Map Library
USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps
Download through the Topo USA NetLink tab--Use your FREE Data Download Dollars
Transfer from Topo USA to your PN-30, as needed
The authentic scanned USGS 7.5-minute paper quad maps
Show roads, trails, buildings, large natural landmarks & other unique features
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