Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Northern California
Posts: 12

Magellan GPS Companion vs. Nexian HandyGPS Pro

Hi. A pre-purchase question.

For the Visor Pro (i.e. greyscale screen, rechargeable), which do y'all recommend for a good solid GPS module: the Magellan or the Nexian (Pro) version?

Anybody out there got one or the other, and hate or love it? How about reception? And clarity of maps on a non-color Visor screen? And how about power management -- does either one guzzle the juice? Self-powered, or use power in Visor?

Is the extra cost of the Nexian worth it? Or go with the cheaper (and brand-name-associated) Magellan?

Eh?? Eh??

Thanks. As always, the knowledgeble opinions on VisorCentral will drive me to total module satisfaction.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 54

Hi,

I don't have a GPS yet (but Xmas is coming....), so I can't really give any advise, but based on everything I have read so far, I am tending towards the DeLorme Earthmate GPS. It works both with Palms and Notebooks, so its more flexible. Have you even considered that? If so, why didn't it make your final list? Just curious since I'm also looking....

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</font></B><BR><FONT face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="1" >It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, a half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. - Hit it.</font>

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 13

New updated maps for Map Companion

my suggestion is: get a Magellan GPS, it is made for the Visor. Any other "non Springboard" GPS would better be used on any other PDA with a regular serial port, which is not available on Visor.

Besides, I have just seen on the MarcoSoft web that new updated maps are now available for the Map Companion users.
Cheers

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DXBUP

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 48

Re: New updated maps for Map Companion

I totally agreed. I like the Magellan GPS a lot. You can also use mapopolis 3.0 beta. It has GPS support. I liked mapopolis 3.0 because it has better maps than the magellan gps supplied maps. And of course it is free. I have also used Solus 3.0 Pro for topo maps and it worked great. The only drawback is that you have to pay for solus.

quote:

---

Originally posted by DXBUP
my suggestion is: get a Magellan GPS, it is made for the Visor. Any other "non Springboard" GPS would better be used on any other PDA with a regular serial port, which is not available on Visor.

Besides, I have just seen on the MarcoSoft web that new updated maps are now available for the Map Companion users.
Cheers

---

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

I think the Earthmate is the way to go

I have the Earthmate and I really like it. I have a cable from Mark-Space to hook it up to my prism. I also have used it with a deluxe and the maps are easy to see. I use Solus Pro 2. With this method I can still use my memplug and I can store more maps. With the cable I can put the Earthmate on the dash to get a better signal like the antenna on the Nexion Pro. I have lost the signal a few times when it was in my lap or on the front seat like it would most likely be if it were a springboard. When using it with a laptop it has a lot more features, like voice recognition and the map of the entire USA. I use DeLorme Street Atlas deluxe for its vector maps on Solus. I just used it in the woods when I was deer hunting. Put it all in a zip lock baggy. I was able to see exactly how long the shot was that dropped my deer (Can prove my stories) I also used it to track my way in and out of the woods. The Friday before opening day I was able to pinpoint where all the stands are of the hunters in my party. I noticed that we had some over and under coverage areas and we made some changes. All 7 of us got deer.

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It's a Jeep/Visor thing, You just wouldn't understand

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 54

That sounds like what Ive been hearing about the Earthmate... Its definitely on my list and I hope someone is checking it twice I think I really like the idea of having the srpingboard free for memory extension since its always buggin me with my eyemodule that I dont have enough memory to capture more than a few pics. Also, the antenna thing you pointed out is very valuable in a car. Thanks for the input.
Ive seen a total kit for the visor, that includes the GPS, Street Atlas USA Deluxe software, Solus Pro software, all cables for visor and laptop for $199.- - not a bad deal. If anyone got intrigued as well now, here's a link:
http://www.delorme.com/products/press/visor.htm

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</font></B><BR><FONT face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="1" >It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, a half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. - Hit it.</font>

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 14

I have a Magellan unit and I'm very happy with it. For my use it does a great job. It is accurate to within 10 feet. It usualy locks within a minute. Reception has not been a problem so far. Inside my home, under a bridge, in the middle of trees, no problem. It is easy to use and very user friendly in my opinion. Maps are very legible. Im using a Pro and so far the battery drain is less than using an akaline battery visor. I do a lot of driving and leave the unit on for up to 5 hours at a time without much battery drain. Batteries in the Magellan last at least 10 hours. I usualy remove or turn around one battery or it will drain over a day or two.

I chose the Magellan unit because at the time, the Nexan unit didn't work, the Geode was to expensive and did not incorporate the MMC functionality. (Still doesn't I think) I also did not want to have extra cables or a stand a lone unit to keep track of. I prefer as much self containment as possible to reduce clutter in my vehicles and in my breifcase.

Ultimately you need to have a clear understanding of how you are going to use your GPS system to decide on which is right for you.

Hope this helps some.

P.S. Anyone know of some good maps for Ontario Canada?

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V. Roa

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 32

Geode

Whatever you choose just don't make it a Geode. No one has been able to get support or product updates from them for months.

--Dave

Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 22

Uses for GPS modules/Handy?

So what are some of the uses you guys have for the GPS modules (or the Handy GPS)? Just curious. I don't travel much, so I dunno how much use I'd have for one.

I was just curious if people were using them on sales trips, traveling to a conference in a strange city, etc.

And if it's any more or less useful than a paper map.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 14

I use my Magellan for work and personal.

Work - I travel to different locations for testing purposes, I use the GPS for elevation and location. I use the maps if it is a town I'm not familiar with. I use the plot route function to track a path I am traveling, then at my destination, I convert it to a route. I have waypoints marking all the usual stops I make on business trips to estimate my time of arrival while I'm driving. (the passenger is reading the information, not the driver - saftey first :-))

Personal - I load maps anytime I'm going to a new place. Town, friends house, new city etc. I use the find location function to mark my destination as close as I can, then have it tracking my progress as I start my travel. It is also handy if you are lost and are trying to find your way back to a major highway. I usualy keep a couple my city and a couple neighboring cities just because. I make waypoints of places I normaly go, families houses, stores, parts suppliers, etc for ETA of when I will get there. Helps with planning the day. I also mark my current location as my destination then I can find my way back when I wander off rockclimbing or some other outdoor activity.

Anybody have some creative uses?

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V. Roa