Handheld GPS--Great Performing Systems

By Bill Diedrich

Ten years ago, trying to purchase the right GPS (global positioning satellite) unit was just a bit short of "rocket science." Questions like, "Do I purchase a single-channel receiver, a dual-channel receiver, a multiplexing receiver, or a five-channel-parallel receiver?" became major decisions. To confuse the consumer further, ads would show a single-channel receiver that could track eight satellites. Or how about, "Do I need a plotter screen?" and "What's a plotter screen?"

Electronics continue to get better and cheaper. In the case of hand-held GPS units, models that cost $500 ten years ago, today can be purchased (with more features) for $150. New units do more and they do it better. Mapping units? They didn't even exist.

This is a review of three top-end hand-held units, all with the capability to add high-detail mapping. The units are the Garmin GPSMAP 76S, the Lowrance iFINDER, and the Magellan Meridian Platinum. Each unit has been on the market for at least six months. I spent serious time with each unit, but don't presume that I've discovered all their secrets. Each unit performs well. Consumers, in my opinion, will have to base their purchase decision on the comparative features that appeal to them. It may be how waypoints are saved, the map detail, the variety of mapping CDs, the amount of memory, or the look and feel of the unit.

Similarities exist in all these units because of their basic function, which is to determine specific location for the purpose of navigation. All have twelve-channel parallel receivers. Waypoints are saved and recalled. Routes can be created. Several pages or screen choices are available. A variety of formats for writing coordinates exists. The units are WAAS capable. Each unit weighs about eight ounces and runs on two AA batteries. Running time is about ten hours, depending on how the unit is used. I highlight here, unique features or particularly impressive features of each unit.

COMPARISONS

Receiver Strength: The receivers were checked in several locations, at different times, over several days. They were checked indoors in my office. They were placed in a horizontal or flat position indoors, similar to their position in a boat or on a car seat. Again they were placed indoors in an upright position, at 60 degrees to the horizontal. (Note: Garmin and Magellan indicate that for best performance their receivers should point at the sky rather than the horizon). The receivers were also placed in heavy tree cover and out under the open sky. All the receivers preformed well. In the indoor tests, the iFINDER acquired position the fastest.

Screen Quality: All screens were easy to read in sunlight, shade, and at night. The GPSMAP 76S was a bit sharper, with its 180 x 240 pixel screen, than the other units which have 120 x 160 pixel screens.

Uploadable memory: All three units were capable of transferring detailed mapping information with a computer from CD-ROMs. The iFINDER and Meridian Platinum use MMC cards or SD cards. The iFINDER and the Meridian Platinum can load up to 128 MB of memory. The GPSMAP 76S has 24 MB of internal memory.

Background or base map: All the maps were adequate. They showed main roads and bodies of water. The iFINDER and Meridian Platinum had better lake detail; the GPSMAP 76S had more road information.

Waypoint Storage: The iFINDER stores 1,000 waypoints and 1,000 separate icons called "event markers." The icons or event markers on the iFINDER can be placed on the map independent of waypoints. The GPSMAP 76S and Meridian Platinum store 500 waypoints with icons attached to waypoints.