Customer Reviews

Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Just returned from a trip to Europe, and I have to say this GPS is stellar. I read some of the other comments below and let me offer some advice that clears up some of the problems.

The backlight is adjustable, there is Bright, Dim, and Off. You change from one to the other by holding the power key down for a few seconds.

There is a work around for the maps. I was able to download all of german, netherlands, italy, most of poland etc. You need an SD card programmer to do it, and either 128 mb or 64 mb cards. I needed 192mb total to store what I wanted. Each "Region" that you want to store has to be under 16mb. You can store up to 4 regions in a "Map". You can store as many maps as you want to the SD card, but you will need to rename them from "Region00." to "Region01", "Region02", etc. In this way you are able to store multiple 64 mb "Maps". You can change which map you are using by going to card utilities->select map. Waypoints and routes are stored in the GPS, so they will be sticky if you switch cards.

Using this method you can download all the maps you could possibly need during your trip, and not have to lug a laptop or any software around with you, maybe a couple of postage-stamp sized sd cards. Also note that you'll want to load at least 16mb of the European basemap onto each sd card if you will be using it in europe.

Be sure to format your SD cards before using them!

I think the unit would work with 512mb sd cards, but I don't have a 512mb card to test with.

Another important note is that magellan is releasing Turn-By-Turn software for this GPS this Month! It will retail @ 149.99 and if you do a cost comparison between the magellan and the garmin software, the magellan will now work out cheaper AND provide turn by turn routing with voice prompting (This is just a fantastic software upgrade, I can't believe it can be done without buying a new GPS. I will have to see how well it works when I receive my copy however.).

Some items that keep this from getting 5 stars:

Non-intuitive user interface for loading multiple maps (workaround described above)

Battery life - I went thru about 4 2100 maH AA batteries a day. I had the backlight auto-off set at two minutes, but wanted the gps on all the time to get accurate routing. I remember by GPS V goes for a couple days on one set of batteries, although it uses 4 batteries instead of two.

No compass - this makes it kind of tricky to navigate if you're walking. The directional arrow is frequently inaccurate, so you have to cross check the street that you are on. I'd love to see a screw on magnetic compass attachment for this unit. The sport-trak color has the compass, but only allows 10 or so MB of built in maps.

No built in auto routing - was kind of dismayed to find it didn't have this originally, but with the promised software upgrade, it should be good. I do feel that this should be built into the unit, as a I think every user out there would want it. $150 is a bit much to pay for software that should really be included with the unit.

Annoying alarm when battery reaches critical - There are some times that you don't want to advertise that you are carrying around an expensive device, and having the alarm go off in the middle of a subway or something could be dangerous. Didn't fully investigate if this can be turned off.

Difficult to tell which button you're pushing if it's in your pocket - a little bump on the power and enter buttons would help for unseen operation.

External connector is slow to connect disconnect - you have to turn a screw to connect the external car power or PC interface cables, which takes 60 seconds or so, maybe 30 when you get good. Very difficult to accomplish while driving.

Annoying alarm when external power lost in car - my car connector kept turning off when bumped with the hand, and then this alarm would go off. A single beep would suffice guys!

External power should turn off backlight saver automatically e.g. the backlight should stay on. (or better yet, seperate backlight saver mode for battery and external power). Ditto the auto-off functions although I wasn't using those.

Display - the display was pretty good, and the color definitely helps to clear up the map. Street names are a bit difficult to read and certain zoom levels, the detail level/zoom level threshoulds might need a bit of adjustment.

Antenna - Definitely works better when the gps top is pointed up. This is only my second GPS but it seemed a little less sensitive then my GPS V is.

Cursor - cursor didn't track correctly when entering in a street name where the second word of the street name caused it to wrap to the second line; the cursor remained on a blank square - annoying, no big deal.

German streets - geez, the first 17 characters are the same, can someone figure out how to do the UI so it is easier to get to the right street? I think using the up/down arrows to scroll thru the possible repeat characters would be much easier then the current methods.

I bought one of these because it had a color display. After I received it I noticed the display was practically impossible to see unless the backlight was on high. I drove around with it a little and it tracked where I went very well but I had to leave the light on all the time and it ran the batteries down in about four hours. I was using Duracell 1800 nimh rechargables.
I returned it the next day and got a Meridian platinum for less money and it has a barometer and thermometer. The display is visible in the day and you only need the back light on at night.
Unless you like changing batteries often get a Meridian platinum or a Meridian gold.

Display:
The COLOR has no-light/dim/bright, as does the PLATINUM. But the COLOR it is only usable with bright lights in daylight and dim during nighttime, with no lights you don't see anything. The Platinum w/o light has still an acceptable display and runs for about 8 hrs, the COLOR on bright runs slightly over 4 hrs (1.850 mAh).

Functionality:
The colored display is very helpful together with Topo Send. You can easily distinguish between different graphics by the color; like arroyos and dirt-roads, specially marked arreas and lakes, etc.
What is missing on the COLOR compared to the PLATINUM is the baro, thermo and the build in electronic compass (not gps dependent). I thermo and baro I found fun to play around with but never really found a serious application. The compass needs constant alignment and is often considerably off. For all those applications there is way better stuff out there.
The COLOR has the better software wich might be due to the fact that I downloaded the latest software to it (v. 5.12). After v. 5.xx there is supposed to be a street navigation function to it, which I haven't found yet- maybe only works with MapStreets.

Durability:
As I pointed out in my earlier review on the PLATINUM this unit is extremely rugged and highly reliable in the field. I figure so will be the COLOR.

Deficiencies:
The backtrack function is higly deficient. When you wanna walk back you have to hit every single point this function created on the way back. Often you don't do that because you do a shortcut. Neither one of those units does allow you to bypass one single point and from now it desperatly points back to the one point you might have missed by a couple of feets.

Map-Download:
has certain limitations which are discussed in some other reviews on this side. Even with the latest software I was only able to download 3 regions to one map, but 4 maps alltogether with a total of 120mb over my PDA (Card-Reader might be even better) by doing the following:

1. Without connecting your Meridian to a PC, begin the map Upload process (click Regions; then Upload to GPS).
2. When the map data conversion process is done, MapSend will display a message that it cannot find your GPS receiver to perform the download.
3. Stop the process here by selecting "Cancel".
4. Using Windows Explorer, go to Program Files/Magellan/MapSend/Export and locate the file called "maps.img".
5. Copy this file to the SD card using USB card reader. Do not create any folders within the SD card where you place this file. Your Meridian will always looks at the top, or "Root" level within the card.
6. Rename the file "XXXXXX.img" - Example (SO California.img).
7. Remove the card and place it in your Meridian. You can use your Meridian as you would normally from here. (If you have at least software version 3.12 loaded on your Meridian, you will be able to select a map image to use from the Card Utilities menu - Press MENU to find Card Utilities)

Verdict:

I do recommend both units, but do personally prefer the COLOR for its more consise display even considering the extra functions on the PLATINUM. Because of certain flaws in the software I give both a 4 out of 5.

I have used a downloaded mapping GPS since 1998 and use it extensively.

The pluses on the Meridian Color are: SD memory cards - I can finally carry the maps I need, uses only 2 AA batteries, well built and waterproof, searchable addresses, extensive points of interest, maps of Canada and parts of Europe, programmable navigation menus. I use a USB 2.0 SD card reader and a 256MB SD card and can quickly download 64 MB maps. Multiple maps can be stored on the SD card up to your storage limit. Using a card reader the map creation and storage process is done in a couple of minutes.

The misses: the color screen is not a helpful as I expected, in daytime use the screen is very dark and hard to see even with the backlight on draining the batteries quickly, still needs better waypoint management, the Topo maps are not a useful as I expected.

Good unit, but I would probably have been better off with the Meridian Gold due to the Color unit's hard to see screen.

Excellent GPS. Has no problem finding and maintaining a lock. I tried two other GPS (Garmin and Magellan SporTrak) before buying this unit, and it is by far the best of the three. The color screen is beautiful (although its resolution is not as good as the new SporTrak Color). This unit is also the largest of the ones that I tried, but much of the size is tied to the antenna, and a larger antenna means better performance. One word of caution: don't buy the MapSend Software--the points of interest (restaurants, etc) are significantly off from their actual positions. Magellan is working on a new version of this software, which is supposed to solve the problems encountered here. Also, don't think this unit with the MapSend software will give you directions for how to get to an address; it will pinpoint the location (using Goto), but finding the right roads to get there is up to you. Also, becuase this GPS uses an SD memory card, it is possible to have maps that cover far greater areas than on units with built-in memory.

The color display is nice, but without the backlight it looks like it's black-and-white.

The person who wrote earlier about only being able to have 4 maps on the memory card was WRONG. It's true that the Magellan can only have 4 maps active at once, but the user can switch between map files. (For instance file 1 can have maps of Georgia, Alabama/Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana; file 2 can have maps of DC/Maryland, Pennsylvania; etc.)

Overall a very good unit. Takes a little bit of time to understand how to use it, but it is worth it.

This is my third try at a GPS. Although my other two were companion GPS modules for a Handspring Visor PRISM. This GPS is EXCELLENT! I was up in running with my new device in just a few minutes after receiving it. Satellites locked in quickly, and system is not complicated to use. I would recommend purchasing the MapSend Streets & Destinations USA. The maps built into the GPS are high-level and show major roads and interstates, but the MapSend Streets & Destinations USA provides detailed maps. Although, as with most mapping software, it is not as up-to-date as one would hope. I'm a gadget freak and this is now one of my favorite gadgets!

When I first got the unit, I loved it. It appeared accurate, though it took a long time to acquire satellites at times. In fact, many times my Delorme Earthmate would acquire within 15 seconds, and the Meridian would take several minutes (while moving in a car sitting on the dash). The ability to use SD/MMC cards and load maps onto the unit was great for general usage. I used Magellan GPS for everything, from hiking, kayaking, driving, to boating.

HOWEVER, the specs say that the unit is IPX7 compliant, which means accidental submersion underwater for up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water. I was in a kayak, got hit by a wave with the Meridian in my pocket, and was in less than 1 meter of water for less than 15 seconds, and water made it's way into the unit.

I sent Magellan/Thales navigation an email and gave them a call but was not given much help, even though I own multiple Magellan products (including the GPS companion, etc...). They noted that I could have it serviced for $150, which is what an new unit cost (this was not the platinum edition, but it is the same form factor and same case). All customer service would tell me is that sometimes water may enter through the keypad area. Well, if water enters through the keypad area, how can they advertise that it is IPX7 compliant?

I may be an isolated incident. However, with the customer service I received, I don't think I would ever buy another Magellan product, and will probably get rid of the rest of my Magellan products. I think the product design, features, usability, and intuitiveness is great, just the product does not perform up to expectations or promise. I would also consider customer service as well.

We purchased this item two years ago when the item was truly hot on the market. At that time, the Magellan website indicated that regular mapping updates would be available for all the Meridian products. On the contrary, NOT ONE update has been produced, and now we see where the Meridian product line is being discontinued. We would not have purchased a Magellen had we known that mapping updates were not going to be produced as promised. Regularly during the course of two years, we emailed the manufacturer of the Magellan products to inquire about the updates. Our replies continually indicated that the mapping updates were 'on the way.' They never were produced! Basically, our investment is now obsolete with no hopes of mapping updates, Magellan obviously cannot be trusted, and we won't purchase another Magellan product again. With so many companies, including Dell, entering the GPS market, there's no need to invest in Magellan again.

This is the 2nd Magellan GPS I own, I also have a 315 series GPS. I had prior experience with GPS's, (my 315 and military GPS's) so it was really easy for me to get comfortable with this unit.
Turning on the unit, the first thing I noticed was the VIBRANT color display, which was the main reason I bought the unit. I bought a Sport Trac, but really wanted the color screen.
I think there are 7 screen on this unit. Satellite position, the map screen, compass, large data display, speed, position and the road screen. Each screen has data fields that are totally customizable, with no less than 12 different data displays.
This unit does just about anything dealing with navigation, map datum, unit of measure, time format, mils versus degrees, it does projection based on time, contour elevation, everything.
I bought the software containing elevation, and when maps are downloaded it shows the contour interval, I want to buy the turn-by-turn software, but it is kinda pricey.
The software is easy to use, the hard part is getting past the limitations. I used a SD card reader to put the images directly into the card, but I also hook it to the computer with a USB to Serial adapter, as you can download your track history onto your computer and replay your entire trip back in varying levels of speed.
Really there is so much this does it is hard to remember everything.
Some of the things i don't much like are the fact you have to take the battery cover off and take the batteries out to get to the card, I use a 512mb card, and it is way more than enough space for whatever I need to put on.
You can put all your way points in the way the maps are put in, but I have not delved into that to much.
Another thing is when it is first powered up, you have to watch the screen for a disclaimer about using at your own risk, then have to hit enter to procede, if you don't hit enter within maybe 20 seconds it powers off.
Well, I have used it alot, and I love it, the only thing better would be a Roadmate, but you get about the same thing at 1/3 the cost. I would highly recommend this unit to a beginner or advanced user alike.

The Base unit is good...backlight draws a LOT of battery time (expect 1-2 hours with the backlight on). Don't expect an easy interface with their software. Support is also lacking. I use for both boating and driving (BlueNav/Topo). Both pieces of software need integration work (the maps will not co-exist on an SD card (I have 128 Meg SD card) More than 32 Meg is a waste of money. Hopefully they will upgrade the software and firmware.