DeLorme Earthmate PN-40

When it comes to hand held GPS navigation, DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is my idea of a perfect navigation unit. There is perhaps no harm in saying that a state of the art design and a solid performance has always been a trade mark of this company. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 calls for undivided attention when you actually look at it and think of purchasing one. And, if you are a professional who is in dire need of a hand held GPS navigation system, count blindly on PN-40. It will never let you down! You can take me at my words because I have some experiences with this device. Just to give you a feel of what it really means, I decided to take you through a small review wherein I will try to cover as many features as possible.

The overall look and design:

It is rugged, it is waterproof (IPX7 standard, which means that the device will survive for 30 minutes under water at a depth of 30 feet) and is an outright performer when the outdoor conditions are very demanding. The screen is transflective and can be easily read in daylight conditions. This TFT screen of 65-K colors is produced by Sharp and is suitable for any kind of light conditions. Going deep into the hardware, the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 uses 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio GPS chip set, which is highly sensitive. The chip set has images and maps preloaded on it.

Features that impress:

I came across a very interesting and impressive feature and I personally feel that not mentioning it in this review will be an outright injustice. To begin with, the most interesting thing that will come to your notice is that DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 data layering. In this feature, the device allows the user to select the type of image or map that he or she wants to use for any particular location. It therefore allows a more comprehensive and encompassing view of the geography in his or her surroundings! That is cool. Honestly speaking, when I do nothing and get bored, I switch to different types of images and maps and learn more about my immediate location. It is fun!

Advanced and updated:

The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is equipped with the updated and advance DeLorme Topo USA mapping software. This software is the full version of the Topo USA software and includes all the enhanced GPS and desktop features. DVDs for East, West and Central regions are also included and contains maps which cover every single details on the streets of USA and its topography. The box contains Quick Start Guide, one 1-GB SD card, two AA batteries, and detailed user manual, annual subscription for a Map Library worth $29.95, which allows unlimited data downloading.

Is it really rugged?

I asked this question to one of the experienced users of the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40. He informed me that the device has been used in expeditions in the Antarctic and Arctic regions. I was really unable to respond but he continued and said that the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 stays fully functional under situations of high humidity, sustained humidity (90% sustenance level) and heavy rain. It also copes with the situations of high vibration. Last but not the least; the biggest surprise was still to be highlighted! The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 has an operating temperature range of -20°C and +75°C. I am surely going to die in any of these two extremes! He also mentioned that DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 rapidly adjust to temperature changes between this range. I somehow finally managed to say WOW!

Conclusion:

It is really difficult to find a GPS navigator of this stature. With dual-core processor, raster rotation of 360°, electronic compass having 3-axis, the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is undoubtedly the best GPS navigator that money can buy for you. If you think twice, it is better that you go for something else otherwise, stop thinking and get a PN-40, which surely will become your lifetime asset.