Handheld GPS Reviews

Price:$289.99

DeLorme Earthmate PN-30 Realtree Handheld GPS with 1 Product Reviews

Good GPS with lots of features and a STEEP learning curve, October 25, 2009

Was looking at several alternatives for a hiking GPS when I noted Amazon’s excellent price on the PN-30 ($199 as of 10/23/09). With the faster dual-processor setup, fixed WAAS bug, and higher sat tracking count, the PN30 is a great little GPS for that price.

Using a SDHC 8GB card I was able to quickly load the supplied base topo maps for NV, AZ, CO, NM, UT, CA, and OR. At first cold turn-on it took about 10min to lock in several sats to get a fix. However, all cold starts since then have taken about 30 seconds to get a 3D fix. Very nice. That was the ‘easy’ part about setup.

If you want color map overlays, aerial image overlays, etc. you have to use the Topo8 software and the netlink feature. There is a learning curve here and while it is not cliff-like, it is somewhat steep (particularly compared to a Garmin GPS, for example). I was able to get a few different areas of aerial image overlays and color maps for a couple of hikes I was going on, however, the download link failed on the 2nd set of maps and continued to fail. As a prior reviewer stated, you can still get them via email, which ended upworking fine. Still feel like I’ve only barely wet my feet as it were with the Topo8 software. I’ll keep digging (luckily there is a wiki and a support board), but it is like slogging through a swamp getting around in there.

The unit itself has a small but VERY VERY visible screen for daylight use. I can barely see the screen on my friend’s Garmin Colorado 400T, but the PN30s screen is super easy to read outside in bright light. Yes, compared to some other units out there the PN30s screen is quite small, but you get a damn good screen for quality and daylight visibility. I’ll tell you, it is not fun trying to read my friend’s Garmin 400T in bright daylight…there’s quite a bit of cursing going on at times! (Don’t get me wrong the 400T is very NICE, but that horrid screen just does not work in the daylight)

Interal setup is not particularly user-friendly, but it is doable without the manual if you want to go that way. Pages are straightforward, and layering easy to figure out (though learning what Level of Detail to use in Topo8 BEFORE you download is a good idea since my aerial images are not visible at all until you get down to about 640′ scale).

Phsyically, it is a bit ‘fat’ at the bottom, but tolerable and fits the hand well. I have a few gadget pouches and it does not fit in a normal camera pouch due to the thickness at the bottom (~2.5″). The little metal dots for the USB interface connection are okay, though getting the plug in the first time was struggle. It was tight and I thought I was going to break the unit. I understand the use of the metal dots to keep the unit sealed, however, I wonder about connectivity and conductivity over the life of the unit. I guess we’ll find out. Same with the memory card location. To keep the unit water-tight it is located under the back panel, beneath the batteries. Get a big SDHC card so you don’t have to swap out the card.

I looked at the PN40, but with nearly all of the same features, the PN30 was the best ‘bang for the buck’. I am quite happy with the unit thus far. I’d have rated it a 5 if it was not for the less-than-user-friendly setup and Topo8 software (and really out of date road maps for Vegas!)

Great Little GPS, November 7, 2009

Just got this Delorme PN-30 about a week ago. I extensively researched handheld GPS units before buying this one. I was leaning towards the Garmin Oregon, but I need to actually see the screen in very bright light…like when I’m kayaking out on the open water…so that unit was out…as well as all their other similar offerings. So despite the reviews about the Delorme PN units being a bit hard to use, I decided to get it.
First off, it is NOT hard to use. Anyone with even the slightest ability on a computer can get this unit up and customized to their liking. The complaints about the non-functional link to their on-line map library must have been heard, because mine worked like a dream. I only had one download not go to completion (using my free $40 worth of maps, satellite and aerial images#…and that could have been my connection to the internet…which is sometimes less than optimal. Everything else went like a dream. You select which sections of the grid you want…for me it was around a lake I like to kayak in and some hiking areas…you ADD those to a list…which you accept and then download. A little menu box pops up with a list of maps you’ve downloaded and a list of what is on the GPS. You simply click on the map you want to install on the left column…which is what is now on your computer…and click on the destination folder you want on your GPS…either the internal memory or SD card. Then just click button to load it in, and it is done. Large files…like entire states take longer when using a USB connection, so it’s best to just pop the SD card into a card reader or slot on your computer to speed things up.
The quality of the maps that come with the unit are superb. And…if that wasn’t good enough, you can overlay things like satellite images right over the regular map. So, for instance, when I’m kayaking at my favorite lake, when the GPS is in that geographical area, automatically, it switches to a very detailed and accurate sat map so what I’m kayaking in looks exactly like where I really am. I have noticed with the rise and fall of the lake level…older topos show peninsulas and other features that are no loner there…and are now islands. This is kind of frustrating. Even google earth’s image is not correct. But the sat images from Delorme which I got for free, (due to their $40 worth of free images that come with the unit)were right on..and very clear. Any of these additional maps can easily be switched off if you do not want them to automatically come up when you’re in the relevant geographical location.
Other nifty features are things like the unit’s ability to switch to night-mode automatically, based on when it knows sunset occurs. I was driving out of a labyrinth of roads in a housing development, and the night mode made it very easy to retrace my route out, without messing up my dark adaptation…very nice feature.

So, all in all, I would say Delorme has a real winner with the PN-30. It blows my eXplorist 500 right out of the water! The maps are superb, the ability to customize is amazing, and it is just a solidly built, great little unit. And, it is obvious that Delorme has made its online map downloading feature function correctly and quickly.

Nice unit, but not new, December 28, 2009

I purchased this for my daughter for Christmas because my entire family is into geocaching and I have a similar model, the PN-40, that I purchased last year. There is a bit of a learning curve for this device, but it is much nicer in my opinion than some of the other GPS units used for geocaching. I have compared it to several Garmin products, and really like the PN-40 and PN-30 a lot more. One person I know has to carry a Palm for to store cahce information on and his 60-CSX to locate them. The PN-30 stores all that information on one device. While it used to be true that it was easier to load up a Garmin with geocaches from the [...] website or from GSAK, this is no longer the case as the Delorme PN-series are now included in both and load just like the Garmin units do. In addition to that, the PN-30/PN-40 also includes street maps, which the Garmin units do not, unless you pay an additional fee for them. This is nice because it allows me to drive to get close to a cache and then get out and search for it while walking all with one device that has everything you need to do so included with it. I have nothing against Garmin, in fact, I own a Nuvi that I use for trips, it’s just that I honestly believe that the PN-30/PN-40 are better and nicer devices for geocaching.

I was a bit surprised and disappointed that the unit my daughter received was clearly a refurbished unit, even though Amazon did not advertise it as such. If it was being sold as a refurb, then it should have been advertised that way. What I eneded up with was paying a new price for a refurbished device, although Amazon did make this right with me by refunding a portion of the cost. The unit appears to work just fine (we haven’t thoroughly tested it, but it loaded up maps just fine), but it is scuffed up considerably, especially on the back. The front and screen look fine though.

Overall, I’m not too concerned that it is a refurb though because this will work very well for her. I also know from owning a PN-40 that had some issues with it that Delorme’s support is second-to-none and that if there are any issues with it that Delorme will take care if them. It is nice to work with a company that actually cares about it’s customers, and Delorme sets the standard that others should try to achieve in customer support. Amazon does as well! I had to send in my PN-40 twice, and on the second time requested a new unit and Delorme did that for me even though they did not have to. Turn-around was quick both times I had to send it in and I have had no trouble since getting the new unit. The first unit I had was bought as soon as the PN-40 was released, and the issues with those early models have been worked out now. Also, the PN-30 appears to run faster than the PN-40 does.

Since my daughter is using this for geocaching she doesn’t have to deal with the Delorme software other than to load the maps onto the device. This is very easy to do. All you do is select the maps you want, broken down by regions and states, and let them copy onto the device’s SD card. I would recomend getting a 8 – 16 GB card for it, though a 2 GB card is included. If you do need to use the software, I do agree that it can take some time to learn. For Geocahing, just use GSAK and the tools available on the [...] website and you’ll be set. No need to use the Delorme software.

This unit is just like the PN-40 except that it does not have a compass that works when standing still or barometric altimeter on it, neither of which we use for geocahing anyway. If you need a compass, a real one would work better than an electronic one anyway. I think the compass on the PN-30 works if you are moving, but I have not verified this. If you want what I view as the best device for geocaching or hiking, then look no further. The PN-30 is definitely it!

Remarkably Accurate But Not Easy, October 23, 2009

The first PN-30 I received had a bad UBS cable. I was sent a new one with just one phone call to DeLorme tech. support. Their number is in the back of the manual that comes with the unit.

The other problem I encountered was with the USGS quad maps you can download from the DeLorme Map Library. If you zoom up one mile from an area with a 1000 square kilometers of USGS quads then try zooming back in the unit will freeze up then reboot. The amount of data contained in the USGS quads at one mile up will overwhelm the receiver’s processor as it tries to redraw the map cluster. I returned the first PN-30 and its replacement repeated the problem.

I did, however, found a way around this. You can turn off the USGS map layering until you get to your destination. Then when you need the map detail of the USGS quads you can turn the layering back on. At one mile up the USGS quads show no useful information, anyway, making the Topo-8 maps supplied with the receiver better suited for road traveling. If you’re hiking and need the USGS quads just keep them at half a mile up or less and the receiver works fine.

I found the PN-30 to be remarkably accurate and quick to correctly adjust the map in the direction of travel. The provided maps are of good quality and cover the entire US with Canada and Mexico thrown in for good measure. The DeLorme Map Library at $30.00 for a one year subscription is a bargain if you’re looking for more map detail. As others have stated the link within the Topo-8 software is useless and I had to obtain my selections through the e-mail notification you receive when you’re maps are ready. This usually takes ten minutes or so.

DeLorme tech support was good but was unable to resolve my problem. They did try, however, and the wait time for an available technician was reasonable.

Amazon was outstanding, five stars, providing a no hassle quick replacement. If you’re thinking of purchasing this GPS receiver get it though Amazon in case it doesn’t work out for you.

As many others have said this is not a plug and play receiver. The Topo-8 software and receiver takes some time to learn but will give you a lot in return if you’re up for the challenge.

Good, but annoying software and setup, November 21, 2009

The receiver hardware functions very well, probably latest GPS chipset, nicely wrapped in HW function. However, the setup, data download, web-based database, etc is painful: slow, not intuitive (your first reaction on how to do something is often wrong), and seems like a bunch of software hacked together instead of being designed and coded as a coherent project of several modules. It does work, and, eventually, after a steep learning curve, it will make some sense to you. Mine came with a useless 1GB SD card, so buy a 32 GB SD card right away and probably a box of alkaline batteries, too. I am going to Death Valley with my wife for few days, and doing some modest day hikes in well- separated areas, and suspect I will need two 32 GB cards to get the full resolution and satellite views of the various hikes I might or might not take. (I dont need it, but it is fun) If you just downloaded the coarse map for one or two states and the details for a few 7.5 minute topos sized area at a time, then one 32 GB should be fine. The data downloads to your PC HDD, and it is so slow that you dont want to erase it, and then download again, so you may need 100 or more GB free on your disk drive if you travel to many places.

I got the PN 30. The PN40 has barometric altimeter and electronic magnetic compass, which I deemed unnecessary ( the electronic compass in most items doesn’t work well, and you can get a heading from GPS if you move, and the PN40 doesnt provide an additional backup over the PN30in event of device failure — bring an old fashioned compass and a paper map as backup if you doing something where you might need help if the GPS device fails.

I recommend this for people who enjoy working with computers, but temper your expectations on the “out-of-box” experience and be patient as you learn to use it. I haven’t tried it for marine navigation, and I don’t use it for auto travel. This unit is really best for hiking and probably geocaching..

Great handheld GPS!!, February 21, 2010

I purchased my PN-30 about a month ago, and I have been finding every excuse to pull it out and use it. I’ll start out with what I have found out about its ability and functions so far.

1.First Look: I was looking for a GPS unit for use in the military primarily. I studied a lot of reviews, prices and versatility. I came to the conclusion that I would end up either getting a Garmin model or the Delorme. I was looking for a gps that was under $300.00, ample memory (or at least upgradable), and good mapping software. I know there are alot of GPS units that you can purchase pre-programmed memory cards with maps already on them, but I’d rather prefer to put what I want exactly on my unit. and be able to switch them around.

2.Mapping software: The Delorme PN-30 (and apparently all Delorme PN series gps) come with the latest TOPO USA map software, and DVD software containing street and trail maps of the entire US, as well as streets, roads and POI’s in Canada, and main roads in Mexico. (I have not looked at all of it yet). It is true that it takes a little bit extra to learn how to use and upload the maps to the unit, however, once you get it figured out it is very remarkable. I was also pleased that the unit came with a 2GB SD card, which can hold quite a bit of maps. The maps are very nice to look at on the unit, from black&white to color aerial imagery, as well as topographical and standard street maps. I also like the ability to layer various maps on the unit so I can see the “drawn” streets and trails over the aerial images. One thing some people complain of, or boast of, is regarding the maps that you can get online from delorme’s site. You do have to pay a subscription fee of about $30.00 for a year, but you can download any of their maps and as many maps as you want. That is well worth the price considering what you get, or can get. Because you can bet I’ll be downloading that $30.00 worth and then some. I would have to probably pay about $200.00 anywhere else just for the maps I have already downloaded. (Another plus to the unit was the $40.00 credit you get to purchase maps from their site just to try them out). I contacted Delorme to ask if I could use the credit for the purchase of the year subscription, but they won’t let you. But, using the $40.00 credit to download some of their maps shows just how much you would spend elsewhere for such stuff. No, their maps are not overpriced just to make you think they are cutting you a break with the subscription. If you check, you’ll find that Delorme has been about the best map publisher in the world. They have always produced some of the best around. Now you can get them on the web and your GPS. The Delorme maps you download are also yours to keep. they don’t just disappear. Any changes made on the maps may make any you download somewhat obsolete, but having a $30.00 yearly subscription can easily fix that.

3.GPS unit: I purchased the “realtree” camo version and I quite like it. (Just a quick note: the Realtree version is unique to each unit made. that is no other realtree unit out there looks exactly like mine–I know useless info but hey…).
The unit does take a couple of minutes or so to find the satellites the first time, or if the unit has been moved a ways from the last time it was on, or if you are moving, say in a car and you just turned it on. However, I found that the unit picks up satellites within seconds, (I mean 10 to 30 seconds) if you turn it back on in the same spot, within 20 feet, from the last time it was on. I personally don’t understand how some people seem to have, (or at least they say) a hard time getting satellites and tracking them. I have turned mine on in my house, (and I live in a two story house), and I can pick up satellites very quickly and with at least 10 to 12 feet of accuracy. I’ve done this on the first and second floor. I have also used it to geocache and my gps got me within 2 feet of the geocache. Another thing I find great is the screen. many people talk about the screen being small, but compared to many gps units, and most older ones, it is just fine. I guess if you compare it to the type you use in your car, then yeah it has a small screen, but it is a handheld unit. It wasn’t designed for mounting on your dash and sitting way back in your seat and using it to navigate somewhere on the road. That being said, it does work great for road navigation, however it doesn’t give you voice directions, just a subtle “whistling” like beep/s. (In my opinion I get tired of some voice telling me to turn somewhere I don’t want to go or telling me in several sentences to make a u-turn). The Delorme will also ask if you want to re-calculate your route because you may have turned somewhere it wasn’t telling you to turn, and therefore create a new route rather quickly. You can also tell it to get you “Back on Track” in case you have to go around some blocked road or trail and you want to return to the road/trail you started on to your destination.

4. Computer interaction: I found that my gps is very easy to link up with my PC and download, or upload any maps, routes, tracks, or waypoints. I also like how easy it is to go to the “NetLink” tab and get more maps from Delorme. I found that the unit will also act as a GPS antenna for the TOPO USA program while it is running, so if you are in some vehicle and you have your pc and gps linked and running it will show your movement on both a overhead view and 3D like view on the pc screen. Now with something like my mini pc in the car, that will give you a screen that no other gps can beat. I can’t really go into all the details of the program, but believe me, it has alot to offer. You just need to check it out and learn to use it. If you’re something of an avid computer user, you should be able to have some real fun with the program.

5. Contents and final thoughts: The Delorme PN-30 comes with PN series maps on DVD’s (with both Topography, streets and roads, points of interest-and there are alot of them, bodies of water, public lands and much more).
A certificate for $40.00 credit to try out any maps you wish from Delorme’s website. ( Their customer service is excellent by the way. They will answer any and all questions).
A USB data transfer cable for PC/GPS data exchange. (The data cable will also power the gps unit while it is attached so you won’t run down the batteries. Also if you insert the appropriate re-chargeable batteries, the data cable will charge the batteries as well).
Two AA batteries.
A neck lanyard.
A 2GB SD card. (The GPS unit can handle up to a 32GB SD HC card).
A Quick Start guide.
Comprehensive User manual. (Although I will say that you need to play around with the unit for awhile to really get to know it and learn how to use it well.
TOPO USA Software.
I am really enjoying my gps unit. One other thing I forgot to mention was the battery life. I have heard several people complain of a short battery life. I don’t know why that is. Perhaps they are in areas that makes it more difficult to track satellites or they have been running their units for 10 or 12 hours over several days, or they are using cheap batteries, I don’t really know. I have only recently changed my batteries after over three weeks of usage consisting of three to four 20 minute road trips each week. A trip out geocaching that lasted almost 2 hours, and several times playing around with it in my house. Compared to some older units I have owned (Garmin Rino 110, 120 and eMap, Garmin 196, and a Magellan, Michelin road GPS) the battery life in this Delorme has been way better. So, my understanding is that even these people stated that using good rechargeables the power lasts much longer than standard alkaline batteries. Whatever the case. I always take an extra set with me on 1 day trips. Next time I head overseas, I plan to use this GPS unit quite extensively.
I don’t want to bash other GPS units, because I believe many are really good, it just depends on what you want out of it. I will say that although I have heard that you can download 3rd party maps onto many Garmin units, I have’nt seen where it has been done. Besides, I dont know that I would trust the accuracy of the maps on the system. With the Delorme, you’re getting great maps at a very reasonable price and much easier to install with accuracy that is nearly perfect.
Another nice thing is the base map of the world on the unit. Now not every road is in there, but main roads, and several cities are there as well in about every country. At least what I can see. (I’ve looked to see a few places in Afghanistan and Haiti).
I currently don’t own or use a “vehicle” type gps, because the roads tend to change over a short time, and it seems any gps unit out there requires a rather high price to update the software at least once a year. I figure at the $30.00 a year rate, I can keep updating my maps all the time without paying anything more.
I do often use my iPhone google maps to navigate with and it works great for that. Although my phone doesn’t give any voice, beeps or anything else to remind me of any upcoming turns. My PN-30 does alert me. Given that, and the nice accuracy of my gps, the Delorme does work quite nicely in my car, (even though I did state earlier that it isn’t really made for that kind of usage

I think I can say that at a price of about $200.00 (plus $30.00 for the subscription), I got a great, reliable, accurate and fun to use handheld GPS. I’d say it definitely beats many units costing $100.00 and higher out there.

Deep menu…., December 12, 2009

This is my first GPS…so consider this when reading this review. Have owned for approx 1 month.

pros: * many options so that most things you might want to do…can be probably done * accurate positioning relative to the maps in most places…off by 10-15 feet…re-walking a path off by only 5-8 feet in places…midwest US * included maps are fairly accurate as far as backroads and forest roads…similar to but not the same as the Delorme state paper maps * can construct and follow detailed routes and trails using the Topo 8 software

cons: * menu is DEEP…so that I needed to make up my own crib notes on shorthand to be able to do what I typically wanted in the field * had an issue where the unit would “buzz” and run the batteries down pretty fast…and couldn’t be stopped except by removing them…happened 2xs…no repeat. Happened on shutdown…need to wait for the shutdown dialog to appear? * software for both the topo 8 software and the handheld is a bit “buggy” and complex…some things might not be detailed in the help files. * find function…as in looking for gas stations could be more accurate * screen is small

note: to be fair SOME of my “buggy” claims are more related to my not remembering how to do or change some setting…or not remembering that I did change something and what to expect. This is actually a small OS…you need to try various options with it until it becomes intuitive…takes time to get oriented. Or just put batteries in it…give it time to get a fix…take a walk into the bush and you can get back.

conclusion: I considered returning the unit due to the buzzing issue…but since there has been no repeat..I haven’t. Since it does the detailed things I want it to do…and I’ve learned how to do them…I’m keeping it. May the force be with me.

note: can be powered by a USB 12V to 5V converter in a vehicle

further note: unit is still working about the same…buzzing issue has not repeated. Apparently I also got a refurbished unit.

* I received a replacement PN-30 shipped overnight…back up and running.

Have now downloaded some additional maps through netlink and found it to be pretty easy and intuitive. For my purposes…the quads and the B/W aerial maps work best…quads for decent road/trail/topo detail…aerial photos for vegetation detail. Sat10 didn’t seem detailed enough…Sat color were more expensive.

Great Handheld! Mapping website takes time…, January 25, 2010

I ordered this to product to be primarily used as a geocaching tool. For the most part it does an excellent job. The screen is very nice and easy to read, the button layout is intuitive, and the ergonomics are pleasing. I picked this unit over the PN-40 because I really have no need for the compass and altimeter. I also chose it over the Garmin 60csx because the PN has better memory capability, comes with more software, and it’s cheaper. Apart from that, the PN-30 has all the same features as the PN-40 and the GArmin.
The software it comes with (North American atlas) works very well with the unit and is easy to upload. I also purchased a 32gb SD card to enhance the on-board memory (which is much more than other brands can carry by the way). This software has all the street mapping and many points of interest included…it can be used for road navigation but I still like my Nuvi better. The PN is far superior for hiking/geocaching (it’s not map based).
The only negative I have about the PN-30 is the Delorme mapping website where you can purchase and download maps from. The package comes with a $40.00 credit for the site but I found the site difficult to use. It is rich in information though and once learned it can be a valuable resource (Delorme has some of the best maps out there)but there is a learning curve to be overcome. Overall it a great product…just expect to spend some time with the map website.

Great Little GPS, January 13, 2010

I purchased this gps for hunting, boating and some road navigation. I would have rated it five stars for the topo maps and other features but Delorme needs to get with their plotters and do a little better on the road maps. I would recommend this for hunting, and fishing but if you are going to rely on it for a lot of traveling on the road I would think twice

GPS PN-30, November 11, 2009

This is exactly what it professes to be. Light years better than the PN-20 and it shares nearly all (can’t figure out what’s missing myself) the features and advantages of the PN-40 at a lower cost. It takes all the firmware updates of the PN-40 and is great for geocaching.