DeLORME Earthmate PN-60

I have been meaning to post this for a short while.  I finally got a chance to use the device and I am really pleased with it. 

I am going to the cons out of the way first, because there are only two really and they are minor.  The first thing is the device is a little on the large size.  I am not an expert on gps devices by any means, but this one seem a little awkward.  I did get use to it quickly enough though and soon learned to tuck it away in a shirt pocket to keep it from swinging around.  The second is that there is very little documentation on how to fully use this device.  It does come with a quick start manual that runs through the basic operations of the device and how to navigate through its menus, but an in depth use on this device is not included.  So if you are new to gps devices, like I am, there is going to be a long learning curve.

Now to the pros of the device. The device is waterprook, shockproof and dustproof.  The menus are really easy to figure out. They are very intuitive to a new use.  Which is good due to lack of documentation.  Waypoints are easy to lay down and look up.  I have used gps devices in the past where it has been a real pain to label waypoints.  Not this one.  It can be teedous if you are doing a large number at once, but it is easy enough to do.  Its a basic scroll and select type option.  The device also has a geo-cache option that allows you to down load caches via a supplied cord from your computer from http://www.geocache.com/.  These can be lots of fun for a afternoon activity with the kids.  I say this from experience.  The device will also orient iteslf based on how the user views the screen so matter how you hold the device, the screen will be readable.  In the picture above I am holding as you would around your neck so it orients correctly.  The device comes with software that allows you to plan out hicking trips.  It give you a typographic map of your area and allows you to plan routes and later download them to your device.  You  can update the typo maps for free as long as you have the device but it also has a annual service fee for satelite pictures as well as other informative maps. It even has typo maps for lakes that you can download once you subscribe to the annual service.

Overall I really like the device.  I use a fishing log and it allows me to save points to later enter into my log.  I really like the way you enter waypoints on this device, its a lot easier than previouse device I have used.  An d I am looking forward to learning the computer software as well.  This device was well worth the price and will last me for years to come.