DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

I did a lot of research while shopping for a handheld GPS and so far I'm glad that I chose the PN-60.First the bad...it's a little difficult to use, especially the desktop software that comes w/ it. Once you figure things out, it's just fine and you can do all of the cool stuff you've been thinking about but be prepared for a learning curve. Also, the software isn't compatible w/ the Mac OS. The accessories/features are somewhat limited. For example, if you want a GPS w/ a camera and want to use a heart rate monitor and a cadence sensor while you bike, Garmin has a unit that will do all of this but the PN series does not. I don't think this is such a big deal but others might.The good...first the price was right. Don't get me wrong, $[$]is a lot of money but compared to other units w/ similar features this is the best deal, at least in my opinion. The screen/backlighting on this unit is superior to others. However, there is no touchscreen navigation like there is on some other units. This unit also will take a normal size SD card up to 32 GB so there is no required adapter to make the card work in your PC/Mac. Maybe one of the best features of this unit is that it comes w/ all of the software/maps that you need. If you need maps w/ more detail, you can download them w/ a $30 annual membership. If you buy a Garmin, you can pretty much count on dropping an additional $100-$200 on software and/or maps.I have yet to use my PN-60 enough to comment on battery life and durability but so far so good.I would definitely recommend this to others but make sure and do your research and determine what is best for you.See the pic of my PN-60 mounted on my 2008 Novara Safari.

Service and delivery comments:

As always, REI always has some one on staff who can help demonstrate all the features of the product.

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

The PN-60 is just what DeLorme and published reviews say it is. It is loaded with features, including great map access. Because elevation is such an important navigation input, I really like the barometric altimeter, although it seems to drift more than my wrist top Nike altimeter. I also really like the ability to customize the screens, particularly the broad selection of data that can be displayed on the various screens.

The GPS if fast. Although it took quite a while for it to adjust to the northwest sky, it was very fast at acquiring satellites once it had them mapped for the area. It tracks extremely well even in dense old growth and ravines. It also pulls up maps and pans reasonably quickly, faster than other units I have used. All that and it doesn't chew batteries. 15 hours of use last weekend consumed 30% of the lithium batteries.

The unit is light and small. It fits well in my hand. The keys are easy to use and somewhat intuitive. The screen is smaller than I would like and a significant negative. However, the screen is bright and easy enough to view in direct sunlight, which is hugely important for navigation in snow or above treeline.

Consistent with the loaded features, the PN-60 is complicated. It takes a while to learn the logic, even for an experienced GPS user. Although many functions are intuitive or you can stumble through them, some are not. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to stop navigation mode and return to tracking mode. I also was stalled for quite a while on the waypoints page before I understood how to work through the file folder logic. I probably would not recommend this unit for a new or casual GPS user; it's overkill for such users and may frustrate them. It is best suited for someone who is willing to learn GPS field navigation.

For back country navigation, this is the best unit I have used. Key attributes for backcountry applications are speed to acquire a fix, map access and quality, screen brightness and battery life. The PN-60 is a winner on all these counts ,and offers many pluses. Just wish it had a larger screen.

I considered, but did not hold out for the PN-60w. It's only benefit is that it allows you to send text messages through a separate SPOT transmitter. That's a limited feature for the huge price difference. I already have a SPOT transmitter, but the PN-60w does not work with existing SPOT units—only the new SPOT unit dedicated to the PN-60w. Eventually, DeLorme or someone will put the SPOT and GPS in the same unit; I might be interested in that.

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

The product is easy to setup & GPS easy to use. The PC software has lots of features and and as others have said is somewhat complicated/non-intuitive.

I don't recommend using this unit around the water or in the rain. Mine failed when droplets got into buttons and had to be dried out when I got home.

Also, my unit periodically locks up and shows no GPS satelites visible. The reset procedures published on DeLorme's website work but required power down, remove batteries and holding 3 buttons for 90 seconds Overall a 5 minute procedure under cover, A PAIN).

Another feature either the unit doesn't have or I can't find from documentation or experimentation is reversing a route to find your way back. This can be done on the PC but not in the field. Selecting a waypoint you created on you way in will result in a straight line back (not the way you came). The resulting hike may be thru obstructions or rivers (not via trails or bridges used).

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

The PN-60 is by far the best backcountry GPS unit yet. I just spent a week in the Sawtooth Primitive area. Using the overlying aerial photographs was invaluable. Two AA Lithium batteries last nearly THREE DAYS with continuous use. Very intuitive and easy to use.

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

I use this product to locate specific waypoints, not necessarily to make maps, routes, etc. I bought it because a friend of mine had an older model that could link up with satellites from the bottom of a canyon when survey-level GPSs couldn't. With regard to that it's met my expectations and then some. It's a bit difficult to master the buttons at first, but once you understand the logic it's just fine. The BIG problem I have is trying to create a backup/historic file of waypoints on the computer from points created on the GPS. The instruction manual says that it can be done but doesn't say how. The computer program is geared toward making maps and routes on the computer and then transfering them to the GPS, not to take waypoints from the GPS and transfering TO the computer. I would probably rate the package much lower except the GPS itself is great. If all you want is to enter in waypoints or routes this is a great little machine and I highly recommend it. Just don't ask it to talk to the computer (and while we're on to this subject, it's too bad there isn't a Mac version - it might help ease the computer interface frustration).

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

With the purchase of this GPS, I feel like you really get two products: The handheld device, as well as the Delorme TOPO Software.

The device itself I believe is quite simple and intuitive, and rarely did I even need to look at the directions to learn a task on this GPS. The instructions are simple, because the menus and features are straight-forward. I love the paperless geocaching and the massive available storage.

I think the gripes about the product's complexity comes from the TOPO software. While I wouldn't say that it is super easy to use, it isn't that hard. I spent an afternoon going through some tutorials and I think I have almost all the features down. That is another reason the software takes a while to master: There are a lot of features. It is basically a desktop version of Google Earth, with a less intuitive interface. There are a ton of maps available for a very low price compared to the competitors.

Bottom Line: Takes a bit of time to set up initially, but simple to use in the field.

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

I bought this unit to replace an existing GPS (eTrex) because of the mapping software. When I got the unit I connected it to my computer and the computer would not recognize the unit. I did a complete troubleshoot (through Delorme and Google) to no avail. I called Delorme and they said that my cable was probably faulty and that I needed a new one. They were very helpful and sent a new one quickly. This cable worked and I was able to synch the unit with the computer. I then went to use the unit and when it would enter power save mode, it would lock up and the only way to reset the unit was to remove the batteries. I once again called Delorme, they were again helpful, and suggested I turn off the power save mode and that I would need to wait for a firmware update (that would hopefully fix the problem). I turned off the power save mode. I then went to use the unit on a climb and it still locked up - at 3:00 am as I was setting a second waypoint. The weather was great, the route was clear, and the waypoint not necessary but the unit failed the test. I have spent hours with this unit and really wanted to like it but I just can't. In addition, the batteries drain quickly and the unit will spontaneously restart as you navigate screens. I was disappointed that the unit did not work as expected and had to return it to REI. The person assisting me said I was their second person to return the same unit. Back to the reliable eTrex and a good map and compass.

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

I am an avid geocacher who goes out at least once a week. Last August I purchased the new Garmin 62s expecting it to be a leader in the geocaching field. After two months of being frustrated with (what I consider) operational bugs, I shelved the unit and purchased the DeLorme PN-60. I couldn't be happier.

Tech support that listens. Good documentation. There has been one firmware update and another is coming soon. A decent GUI user interface. This unit, in my opinion, was made for geocaching.

Battery life is decent. I use NiMH rechargables (2500mAh) and get 10 to 11 hours (winter time, perhaps another hour during the summer) before the unit shows 10% remaining power. I use the screen backlight often which reduces power reserves.

The electronic compass is not so good. I keep it turned off most of the time while geocaching. After calibrating, it's decent enough for hiking and boating.

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

Should have went with the Garmin 60CSx. Delorme has good intentions with their maps but they are most certainly LACKING THE SUPPORT to explain their complex mapping. Therefor, what good does it do to have this unit if one cannot use the features!!! For example I create a route for cycling and it takes me the same way as a car would and I am on the cycling mood! Just not going to work for my touring when this GPS is taking me on Stat Highways in my local area, just cannot trust it in areas that I do not know! When you call Delorme you get this: "sorry we do not deal with mapping questions, use the help sections" but yet my family and I have found nothing good on those. Why in the world do you want to buy a product from DELORME, pay a extra $$$ and get the GARMIN's

Comments about DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS:

I am using this as a safety measure while snowmobiling in unknown (to me) areas. I create tracks on google, convert them to .gpx, edit and link same area tracks together and build a regional map of the area. Only problem is I can't get the on-line topo maps to down load into my pn-60. I have had to use only the Topo 9 maps. They are adequate but it is Very frustrating. No Satalite images. Otherwise this great device is stable in panning and zooming....I tried the touch screen ones and they don't work well in the cold and with gloves. I also found out that the cursor on the touch screen one I had would jump around when I would zoom in or out or pan.