1) Why you picked out the GPS you did.
I spent 3 months looking at data on the web, your site was most helpful.
I have had some experience with the Garmin etrex receivers and didn't like
the way signal was lost in trees (this was on flat land). I really had two
main criteria's, #1, accuracy and good reception. Your review on the Sport
Trac Pro sold me in the end.
2) What you like about your choice.
Easy to use. It didn't take me long to master the
menu's. But as I am a techno nerdy kind of guy, others may not be as intuitive
as I when it comes to these things. The manual explained what I needed to
know just fine. I am able to upload/download map data, waypoints and routes
easily.
Very accurate!
Great reception!
3) What you do not like about your choice?
So far I really haven't found anything not to like
about the Sport Trac Pro. It works well, didn't take long to master the menu's,
is accurate and reception is great! Battery life with good NiMH (1850ma)
batteries is about 13 hours.
The one thing I didn't much care for was the Mapsend Topo USA mapping
software I bought with the unit. It is rather limited in what you can do with
it. For the most part the only good thing about it is uploading detailed data
to the unit. However I bought and am using DeLorme Topo USA 4.0 and really
like it. I can draw and add trails, roads, notes and though it took a little
trial and error, was able to plan, upload routes to the unit and download
the same to the computer.
I am currently looking at some other software. The DeLorme Topoquad
2.0 and Maptech's Terrain Navigator.
4) Your experiences in using your GPS receiver.
Now I live in Alaska and my main use is for back country travel via
.snow machine You can cover some distances on a ssnow machineand I have been
turned around a couple of times. I felt having a good GPS was essential
for this sport. I also hunt and fish. While on my machine, I keep my GPS
in my dash bag. There it's protected and there is adequate padding to absorb
vibrations. While in this dash bag the unit receives and tracks flawlessly.
5) Does your GPS perform as you expected.
Above and beyond!
6) How is the manual?
No complaints there.
7) Other comments.
I was able to download software upgrade 4.03 from
Magellan's web site and install easily.
Russ Tanner
Palmer, Alaska
russ@tannersacre.com