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(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit hoping to download maps from NG's TOPO. Unfortunately, this unit doesn't work with Macs--at least not yet. And no word as to when (if ever) it will. So if you're using a Mac you might want to hold off or look elsewhere.
Physically, the unit feels solid enough--except for the battery cover, which is cheap plastic and does not close flush with the unit itself, leaving a noticeable gap that you can see and feel. I don't think this compromises the unit since there is an inner gasket that actually does the (IPX-7) waterproofing.
You'd think Magellan would know what the SD card size limit is for their own product. On their Website they mention 2 GB as a general limit for all their products. In fact I'm using a 4 GB card with no issues. Well... One issue is that the unit will not tell you how large the card is or how much free space the card has. The associated PC-only software will tell you, but the unit really ought to provide this basic information on its own.
Speaking of which, there is a serious lack of options on the Magellan, especially if you're used to using a Garmin. The Triton's user interface is really sparse, and it's not simply because options are hidden; options simply aren't there. The Garmin eTrex, for example, must have ten times as many screens, each with its own set of sub-menus. Heck there are even games. With the Triton, you don't even get an alarm clock. There is way too much dependence on the associated PC-only software to do simple things like delete files from the SD card.
Those of you thinking you'll be able to transfer an entire state map to the unit should think again. Despite having more than enough room to accommodate such a map, I get errors every time I try. 200 MB maps seem to be the limit so far.
You can only activate one TOPO map at a time. So if you're driving through various areas that you happen to have maps for, you'll have to manually switch to them as needed. The obvious solution is to transfer the entire USA as one map--but of course you can't do that.
Another incredibly annoying and pointless limitation: if you're using the unit "offline" to study some map, or to look ahead to see what's coming, the unit will automatically return you to its last known position after an extremely short duration of inactivity. This makes it impossible to plan ahead or to use the unit as a digital map. What should happen is that the unit should show you what you want to see for as long as you want to see it--just like the Garmin units. When you're done browsing, the ESC button should return you to the last known position. As it stands, Magellan has crippled the Triton with a pointless and annoying viewing time limit.
Personally, I prefer the vector-based maps that Garmin uses to the raster-based TOPO maps. With vector-based maps you have more control over which map elements you want to see. For example, if you only want to see contour lines then don't view the place-names. With raster you have no such options, since the unit has no idea what information the TOPO map is conveying; it merely takes the raster image and overlays its own vector basemap information. On the other hand, Garmin's vector-based maps are not as detailed as the TOPO maps (not yet, anyway). The Triton series would be so much more compelling if you could use any digitized maps and not merely TOPO's.
Overall, the lack of Mac support, the lack of options, and the annoying usage limitations suggests that they rushed this out the factory door before it was ready. Hopefully firmware updates will address most of these flaws in time.
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Magellan Triton 500 Waterproof Hiking GPSMagellan Triton reinvents handheld GPS. Amazingly easy to use, Triton 500 is perfect for the first-time GPS user. And the full-color display, SD-card compatibility, enhanced features, fast signal acquisition, reliable signal lock and precision positioning make Triton 500 an excellent choice for the advanced navigator.
The smartly designed interface with simple menus and intuitive button and scroll pad control make navigation fun and effortless. The full-color crystal clear display shows all your maps and navigation information in brilliant, easy-to-view graphics. Instantly see all your maps, locations and saved tracks and waypoints with just a click or two. Unlike other complicated devices that require you to scroll through page after page, Triton 500 gets you to the information you want with a few keystrokes.
SD-card compatibility maximizes your navigation capability. Add an unlimited amount of marine cartography and topographic maps navigate all your outdoor, boating. Plus, Triton is the first handheld GPS to offer compatibility with National Geographic TOPO! State series and Weekend Explorer 3D maps. These highly detailed nation-wide topographic maps based on USGS 1:24.000 series quads, offer seamless scalability, multi-layer overlays and much more.
Exclusive VantagePoint software enables easy management of maps, user generated content, updates and upgrades on your PC. View saved routes and tracks. Customize them for future trips or create new ones.
Triton is designed for precision navigation, offering the fastest GPS positioning acquisition in the industry with the SiRFstarIII chipset. An integrated high-sensitivity antenna provides reliable signal reception even in heavy cloud cover, canyons or deep woods. Built-in signal augmentation reception (WAAS/EGNOS) provides 3-meter accuracy.
Rugged and waterproof, your Triton 500 is built to withstand intense use, accidental impact and immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes (IPX-7). It's ready to guide you on any adventure.
The advanced features are also easy to use. View the elevation profile for the trail ahead (or any route) or even the track you just traveled. See the precise time of sunrise/sunset any day of the year. Get a calculation of the best hunting and fishing time. And much more.
Triton is built on the experience of hundreds of thousands of GPS users and nearly 20 years of precision positioning technology from Magellan: the first name in navigation.
Magellan Triton 500 Features
Amazing ease-of-use Reinventing handheld GPS, simple menus, instant access buttons, intuitive scroll pad and crystal clear graphics let you navigate without the need for a Ph.D.
3-axis electronic compass Clearly see your direction no matter how you hold your GPS, even when standing still
See your direction of travel, distance and position of destination, heading, bearing, speed and more on the beautiful graphic compass screen.
Barometer Sensitive barometric pressure readings offer advance notice of changing weather and assists in providing accurate elevation
Full-color 2.2" display The large display shows maps, simple menus, navigation screens and other data in brilliant color.
SD-card compatibility An invaluable feature enables you to use an unlimited amount of map data for topographic and marine navigation.
Add detailed maps Upload optional marine cartography, topographic maps, and more, including the highly-detailed and feature-packed National Geographic TOPO! State series and Weekend Explorer 3D maps to your own SD cards.
Built-in maps Basemap of the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, and Canada (major highways, city centers, bodies of water and more) plus worldwide geographic boundaries.
Access exclusive VantagePoint software Lets you easily manage user generated content, updates and upgrades on your PC. View saved routes and tracks. Customize them for future trips or create new ones.
3-meter accuracy SiRFstarIII chipset and integrated multidirectional antennae offer superior GPS accuracy using the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).
What's in the Box Triton 500 GPS receiver, Quick reference guide, manual on CD-ROM
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