Lowrance Endura Safari 2.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)GPS units are used for multiple types of applications and in different ways. I bought this unit a few months ago for paperless geocaching, and I use a MacBook Pro (Mac OS 10.6). Let me explain the unit's pros and cons in this context.
Pros
* Very nice, modern interface and menuing system (obviously a subjective comment)
* Ability to use either the touch screen interface or the buttons
* The built-in compass means I don't have to walk to tell what direction I am pointed in
Cons
* Doesn't provide driving directions to a cache (the PN-40 does, a unit I used to use)
* Detailed topo data is about $100 extra, on a micro SD card. To my surprise, this card does not allow turn-by-turn directions either (that's another micro SD card).
* Updating the firmware requires yet another micro SD card
* The unit does not reliably mount on my Mac's desktop as a drive
While not perfect, I really liked the unit overall, until I got frustrated with the unit's inconsistency of mounting to the desktop (my last Con). This is critical as I need to load pocket queries and get my log notes. I returned the unit to Lowrance to be repaired, and after one month I just got it back, which isn't a terrible wait, but unfortunately the unit still does not mount on my desktop. So for my use, in my situation, the unit is providing only a fraction of the functionality it should.
My guess is that if you have a PC, you'll likely like this unit much more for paperless geocaching. But if you have a Mac, well, good luck!

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Lowrance's Safari is a versatile handheld GPS navigator that's ready for any outdoor adventure. It features advanced mapping and guidance with a 3D compass and barometric altimeter, an intuitive touchscreen interface and quick-access physical buttons, dedicated outdoor features and a large range of mapping options on microSD cards or web download.

Touch Screen Endura provides the easiest and most intuitive operation using touch screen menus, recenter map using touch and drag, and scroll down through lists with just the touch of a finger.

Physical Buttons Endura provides quick access to all primary functions using gloves in harsh weather or rugged conditions. The two most important buttons on the device are the Menu and Pages buttons below the screen. The Menu button will always take you to the Main Menu of Endura. The Pages button allows you to rotate through the primary information pages on the device.

On-Board Mapping Safari contains advanced AccuTerra on-board mapping with 500ft topographic contours, land use shading, primary and secondary NAVTEQ road network, lakes and rivers, and 200,000 key outdoor points-of-interest such as campgrounds and gas stations.

Mark waypoints using any of over 190 assorted outdoor icons, and use the trip computer to record trails, map elevation changes, and share online or with your friends.

GPX Trail Files One of the most intriguing features of the Endura GPS family is the ability to use and create GPX files. Shared GPX trail, waypoint and geocaching content is readily available on the internet from free or subscription web sites without needing file conversion.You can also save your own trails and waypoints as GPX files with your GPS and share those adventures on the web, through email or view on Google Earth.

Paperless Geocaching Geocaching is a high-tech, outdoor treasure hunt where adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices search for hidden containers--called geocaches--and then share their finds and experiences online. It has become so popular that there are almost 1 Million geocaches hidden worldwide. Safari capabilities include:

Loading GPX or LOC cache files on the GPS
Displaying every detail needed including cache size, terrain difficulty, description and hints
Easy and effective navigation to each cache location
Filter the geocache list based on size, cache type, terrain and difficulty

microSD Slot The Safari boasts a microSD expansion slot, supporting up to 32GB of additional storage for trails, geocaches, waypoints, pictures, etc.

Photo/Video Viewing The on-board Photo Viewer and Video Player is compatible with standard file formats for digital cameras, trail cameras, etc. using microSD cards with SD adapter.

MP3 Playback Take some tunes with you and enjoy using the MP3 player.
What's in the Box Lowrance Safari GPS Receiver, USB Cable, User's Manual

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