What's this? Features factored into the scoring are an electronic compass, three-axis compass, altimeter, topographical maps, map scale resolution, and the ability to add maps for automotive guidance.
Approximate retail price:
$179.95
Summary:This model has been tested by our experts.
The Magellan Triton 500 is part of the GPS
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, handheld hiking GPS
models like the Triton 500 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Guidance:
Guidance is based on the unit's features that aid in guiding a user on an outdoor excursion.
Geocaching:
Geocaching rates the system's compatibility and function related to this form of GPS-enabled treasure hunting. Score includes how a user loads the geocache location to the unit, what information is displayed (coordinates, comments, description, clues, difficulty, terrain, cache size), and the manner that geocaches are listed (name or code).
Power:
Power reflects battery life as measured by testing units on full brightness with power-saving modes turned off. All tests were done with alkaline AA batteries.
About This Brand
Magellan lays claim to developing the first commercially available handheld GPS receiver, the NAV 1000, introduced in 1989. The California company makes portable navigation systems for hikers in addition to automobiles, and it is the supplier of the NeverLost system used in Hertz rental cars. Magellan units have scored well in our testing, and we've been impressed with some of Magellan's newest models. The company is credited with introducing the first portable nav system that can respond to voice commands. But like other portables with that feature, we have seen mixed results in our testing.
Features & Specs - Magellan Triton 500
Screen size (in.) The diagonal length of the display screen measured in inches and rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch.
Screen size (in.)
2.2
Battery life (hrs.) After being fully charged, the length of time in hours that the unit remained on, while set to full brightness.
Battery life (hrs.)
7
Topographic maps Indicates if the model includes more detailed maps that use contour lines to represent the three-dimensional features of a landscape.
Topographic maps
No
Electronic compass Provides the added ability to indicate the direction a user is traveling when standing still or walking slowly.
I have now had 3 tritons and all of them have crashed while navigating in the woods or on the water. Difficult to install topo maps on, then very buggy software and support technicians in India who have no idea of North American geography. Do not let your batteries run dead and try to repolace them in the field while trying to navigate! I'm now looking at Delorme and Garmin.
1 person has reviewed this model.
Screen size (in.)
