Customer Reviews

Magellan Meridian Platinum Waterproof Hiking GPS

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I have spent about 4 days doing research on GPS units. I had it down to 2 units: Garmin and Magellan. I am new to the GPS market. I primarily wanted a GPS unit for hiking. I always bring a compass and a map with me, but I like exploring places that are not always on the map. I will divide my results into sections which are located below.

1.) Research
I did research on all the Garmin and Magellan models. I went with the Magellan Platinum. The Garmin units have really small screens and the button / joystick configuration wasn't very appealing. I noticed that Garmin came out with a new unit that changed the button layout, and comparable to the Magellan Platinum (Garmin GPSMAP 76S GPS). The Magellan is bigger, but more rugged and more durable than the Garmin models. I am the type of person who wants all the features. To many times I have bought a version that only had some features only to upgrade to the higher one. So this time I figured I would go for the top of the line Platinum.

2.) Arrival of the Product
As soon as I pulled the Magellan Platinum out of the box, I was impressed. It felt good in my hand. I read the Quick Start Manual. It was pretty straight forward. I went outside and started experimenting plotting points. I really wanted to test it out. So I drove around in my car all around town. I looked at all the screens that the unit had to offer (with the car parked). I was impressed with the features I encountered. There was a map view showing your current position. There was a road view which looked like you were driving on a road. There was a speedometer view showing your current speed. There was a compass showing your current direction including the sun's and moon's position. It also showed you your estimated time of arrival to your destination according to your speed. There are many more screens that I haven't even touched upon yet, but I was starting to turn into a GPS junkie. I wanted to test this thing out in the mountains.

3.) Mountain Test
I went for a hike on a moderately small mountain. I set my waypoint at my truck. I then put the Magellan in my backpack and went exploring. The satellite reception was great even under heavy coverage. I reached the top of the mountain, and I was ready to return to my truck. I grabbed the Magellan. There was two ways the Magellan can direct me back to my truck: 1.) I could have used the backtrack feature 2.) I could have inputted my truck way point. I decided to go with the truck way point. To my amazement, it put me 5 ft away from my truck. I was psyched!

4.) Conclusion
After the first time using the Platinum in the mountains, I knew I made a great purchase. I was looking forward to using this GPS on bigger mountains. I would like to point out a few things to people considering this unit.

-This unit only eats batteries when you use the backlight. I never used the light once on my hike. The screen is big enough that you really don't need it unless you are using it in poor lighting conditions. I would recommend that you bring an extra set of batteries just in case.

-If you are expecting to see very detailed maps in this unit, don't count on it. It does show major highways, water, airports, and train tracks. It doesn't show side streets or anything like that. You probably have to buy more detailed map software from Magellan. I would ask them how old the map software is too.

-The Magellan Platinum comes with a quick start up manual and a supplemental unit. It also comes with the full user's manual, BUT IT IS ON A CD! That is my only complaint about the purchase. The CD manual is over 75 pages, so be prepared to use a laser printer or buy extra ink cartridges for your printer. You won't have a problem if you like reading directions off a computer screen.
-I haven't tried to download anything onto the unit, but I am going to buy the Topographic CD (If it is current)

In conclusion, I am glad I bought this unit. It has all the basic features I wanted, plus so much more. It is very durable, and it is very easy to handle and use. Appalachian Trail......here I come!

It took me a very long time (3 months or so) of comparing just about every Garmin and Magellan units before choosing the Meridian Platinum and I am *extremely* pleased with my final decision.

The Meridian Platinum is very easy to use (didn't have to read the manual and this is my first GPS). I was up and running with it in about 15 minutes.

I use this GPS for GeoCaching as well as street navigation in the car and it's excellent for both applications. One of the deciding factors for me was that the Magellan units are not as proprietary as the Garmin ones: for instance, using SanDisk memory cards is possible with Magellan but not Garmin. Considering the price that either Magellan or Garmin charge for those bits of silicon, going with the SanDisk option is a no-brainer.

For street navigation, the MapSend Topo software is a *must have* since the basemap shipping with the Platinum is really weak in details. Even though the MapSend software is a bit outdated, it's still a good buy.

I also purchased a 64Meg SanDisk SD card and a Cruzer SD card reader/writer to avoid using the serial connection for loading maps. Works like a charm! Loading a 32 Meg map only takes a few seconds as opposed to hours over the serial link.

I have not experienced any problems with the MapSend Topo software or GPS lock-ups as reported by a previous reviewer. However, I *did* upgrade the GPS firmware (free download from the Magellan site) before messing with the MapSend Topo software.

While the MapSend Topo software is necessary to upload new maps to the GPS, it's not great to plan trips with it. For that purpose, I find DeLorme's TOPO USA 4.0 to be excellent.

But when it comes to the management of routes built from waypoints, nothing beats the "EasyGPS" software. Even high-end products from DeLorme or Magellan aren't as good just for that purpose.

Overall this is a BIG thumbs up for this unit. The only downside may be how the GPS eats batteries (the electronic compass of the GPS has something to do with it but can be disabled to increase the battery life if needed) and for this reason, NiMH rechargeable batteries are a must.

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As should be obvious, knowing exactly where you are is equally as important as knowing exactly where you need to be. As a Sonet Technician, I purchased this unit to help find communications sites in obscure, often desolate areas of the eastern US. In the past, I had to rely upon either someone whom had never actually been there and used a web-based mapping site to issue turn-by-turn directions, or people recalling the location from memory, "I think you turn at <so-and-so location>, then look for the concrete cow on the left which means you just passed the turn so go back and turn right." Neither is very accurate, so I began using my laptop and tried out a number of mapping programs. I settled on MS's Streets & Trips 2000 due to the ease with which I could open a window of saved points, double click on the ones I needed and find them automatically entered as waypoints (a feature inexplicably removed from subsequent releases). Using a mapping program alone worked fairly well, but the flaw is that once I missed a turn -- most often in the dead of night -- I had to determine where I was in order to find my way back to the plotted course. Terribly frustrating and confusing to be looking for Route 773 and be surrounded by routes 377, 737, 337, etc... This is a perfect application of a GPS unit as it can save literally dozens of hours per year of time lost to backtracking.

My decision to purchase the Magellan brand came of a friend's recommendation of a Map 330 and of distilling fact from diatribe on number of GPS-related BBSs. Instead of exploring the merits (or lack thereof) of one mfgr\model over another, these discussions typically degenerate into little more than flame wars. Anyway... I purchased a Magellan Meridian Platinum at the local CompUSA for considerably more than I'd have paid had I ordered it from Amazon. CompUSA stocked neither the vehicle mounting bracket nor the data/power cable accessories on the day I purchased the unit.

When I first powered up the unit, I was indoors and quite disappointed that I got no satellite locks whatsoever. However, it quickly found my location once I stepped outside and had an unobstructed view of the sky. I discovered that the unit works less than perfectly unless held vertically and that even a single finger placed over the antenna section substantially degrades reception. I entered into MS Streets & Trips 2002 (ST2K2) the lat-long location data for the 14 sites we needed to visit between Atlanta and Jax, FL. Using the included data cable, I connected the Meridian Platinum to the laptop, then ran the GPS setup. I was on the road in minutes. Finding the sites was a piece of cake for the most part, though it did take a while to get used to the update lag time. ST2K2's Help file explained that the software polls the GPS only every 15 seconds, mathematically accounting for what I found to be an average of nearly 1/3 mile error in position. From then on, I had the driver slow down 1/2 mile before each turn. When we did miss turns thereafter, it was only because ST2K2's maps weren't entirely accurate (particularly around Athens, GA).

I found myself constantly checking the battery power display and wishing I had the data/power cable. Be forwarned that the Meridian Platinum eats batteries for lunch. I burned four per day (two sets) over a four day period, averaging only slightly more than a halflife of what the documentation states; I got no more than about eight hours from a fresh set of high quality alkalines. Certainly the ability to turn off the unit's display would dramatically increase battery life. I found no reference to doing such in the .pdf manual. This is an oversight in my opinion, but undoubtedly can be corrected in a software update from Magellan.

Because the mounting bracket wasn't available at the time I made my purchase, I had to leave the Meridian on the dashboard. From this arose a number of problems. The GPS was occasionally powered down when bumps in rough backroads caused it to bounce around and depress the power button. Also, it frequently lost satellite locks due in part to such jostling, but more to the fact that it's impossible to have an unobstructed view of the sky inside the cab of a large truck and that it cannot be held vertically without the mounting bracket. Another consequence of being on the dash was that the unit became *extremely* hot when exposed to direct sunlight. So hot, in fact, I became concerned that such tremendous heat might be damaging. While it seems no less the worse for wear, I'd rather it not get that hot in the first place. I believe the simplest solution to these problems is not a mounting bracket, but an external antenna -- the expensive unit can then sit safely tucked out of harm's way. Unfortunately, the Meridian line doesn't provide for the direct connection of an external antenna, and this alone might be reason enough to warrant a return for refund. I find it tremendously annoying that the designers would disallow such an option.

I bought a unit much more capable than I actually need or will ever use, so my advice to those new to GPSs is that you take your time and fully investigate the functions you need, carefully research the functions that several different vendors and their units provide, then, once you've decided on what you want, stop and research a little more. If at all possible, borrow a friend's or rent a number of different models for a few days. I can't knock the Meridian Platinum because it has more features than I'll ever use, and I'm certain backpackers and geocachers will love this thing, but the lack of an external antenna port must be taken into account. This cannot be overstated: if the primary use of your GPS receiver will be inside a vehicle, look for something else.

I award the Magellan Meridian Platinum 4 of 5 stars.

Pros: Works well, seems quite rugged, has numerous cool features, and will give owners obvious bragging rights.
Cons: Lacks external antenna capability, a bit spendy, and eats batteries like M&Ms.

I bought the Meridian Platinum and the Garmin Vista to do a technical comparison. They are both great units with similar price and features. I also tested the next level down: Meridian Gold and the Garmin Legend with similar results. Here's my take:

If small size and high resolution are important to you, buy the Garmin.

If you prefer a larger screen, larger buttons, a floating unit, or something that can be viewed beyond an armslength away, get the Magellan. If you require reading glasses, avoid the Garmin.

Here is a list of specific comments:
- Size: Garmin fits easily in a shirt pocket. Magellan is 114% larger by volume and is better suited for a fanny pack or large coat pocket.
- Weight: Magellan is 51% heavier.
- Display: Magellan display is 66% larger, viewable beyond an arm's length. Garmin not viewable beyond an arm's length.
- Pixels: Garmin has over twice as many pixels.
- Resolution: With the smaller display and higher pixel count, the Garmin screen resolution is about four times greater.
- Both are waterproof. Magellan floats...Garmin doesn't.
- Reception: Magellan had slightly better reception, probably due to larger internal antenna.
- Screen protection: Magellan has a raised frame around display to help prevent scratches, but it also collects lots of dust on the screen as a result.
- Maps/waypoints: Low resolution for the Magellan made small map features difficult to discern. Garmin much easier to read with a large variety of highly detailed map symbols/icons.
- Features: Similar for both, but the Magellan had a few extras I liked: audible alerts for turns, a "windshield" navigation view with waypoints drawn in the "distance", a "speedometer" view with dial, sun and moon location displayed on the compass dial.
- Buttons/knobs: Garmin's buttons are all on the sides and are very small. You won't be able to operate them with gloves. I like the little joystick for the left thumb very much, but folks with clumsy hands will not. Magellan's buttons are large, easy, and labelled.
- Magnetic compass: Garmin must be held flat for this feature. Magellan's compass works in any position. (With motion, separate heading indicator works at any orientation on both units.)
- Battery life and accuracy: About the same for both.
- PC cable/DC car adapter: Garmin slides onto the back. Magellan has an awkward screw-in device.
- Mapping Memory: Garmin has 24 MB ready for upload from mapping software (sold separately). Magellan requires additional memory card for an extra $80-100 to upload their maps (both sold separately).
- Owner's Manual: Garmin provides complete owner's manual. Magellan only provides a quick-start manual. Complete manual is electronic and divided into two files.
- User interface: I found the Garmin software and menus to be slightly more intuitive.

Result: I wanted a small unit for outdoor activities and occasional automobile travel. I like small, high-precision devices with lots of detail. I kept the Garmin.

I also ordered the car dash mount, DC auto adapter, belt carry case, and MapSource MetroGuide USA CD. I have been very pleased with each of them.

I used to wonder who really needed a GPS, and I still think that they are pretty much still toys, but the newest GPS technology has become harder and harder to resist. I'm outdoor guide and I lead backpacking, snow-shoeing, rock-climbing, and kayaking trips. I never needed a GPS nor did any of my co-workers. But now that I have this Magellan Platinum GPS, I don't know how I ever got on without it.

Here's why. Street and Topographical maps can be purchased for the Magellan unit. Secure digital cards can be added, in effect making it possible to put street maps and topographical data for the ENTIRE US on this one unit. A GPS without maps is much less useful, but with the maps, the Magellan unit is unbelievable. From an outdoorsman standpoint this unit beats maps for several reasons. First, maps are not waterproof and do not float (like this GPS unit does). Second and even more importantly maps don't tell you where you are. This means that I still take maps with me when I go anywhere (as backup) but that I hardly ever use them.

Here's what I have to say about the Magellan Meridian Platinum:
1. It is feature loaded (beyond the other GPS units). It has a fully functioning independent compass which allows you to orient yourself with features, sun/moon location, or simply by heading. The unit also give sunrise/sunset information and gives weather data (barometer and thermometer). These latter functions are merely icing on the cake. The compass is not worth the units price tag by itself, the barometer is merely an indicator of weather changes, and the thermometer is almost always wrong (because the unit will be in your pocket, car, or hand). There are also some features for hunters and fishermen but in my opinion this unit is not likely to help you to find the game--but it's cool nonetheless. All of these features are a nice complement to the Platinum unit which help it to stand out from the rest of the GPS options out there. For its price range no other GPS product compares.

2. The important stuff is all there. The Magellan unit tracks progress, has route setting, monitors altitude change, and provides other vital information. The unit has multiple views and modes which make it easy for a user to find the most useful information for a given situation.

3. The Platinum unit has some wonderful extras. Particularly noteworthy are the multiple levels of backlighting. Backlighting is important because a GPS does no good if you can't read what it says, and the multiple levels of backlighting are important for battery saving. Also, as mentioned before, the Magellan units are sturdy, waterproof and floatable. This is certainly a step up on the competition.

4. Also as mentioned before, the Magellan units are compatible with maps that may be purchased and the Platinum can use a removable digital media card (SD). This is important because without maps most users will find a GPS to be comparatively difficult to use and therefore useless. The topographical maps are a Godsend as are the other maps that are available for the US and Europe. As of my writing Garmin does not have comparable maps.

Here are my concerns with the Magellan Platinum GPS:
1. It is comparatively difficult to program and requires that one get cozy with the manual. This is no problem for those with patience.

2. The Platinum unit is a handheld unit and is designed as such. It is WONDERFUL for outdoor enthusiasts! However the small size of the screen, lack of color (who cares for the most part), etc. make it less practical for car usage. In other words, if you need a car GPS get something big and bright so that you can see it at a glance and thereby avoid accidents. If you need an outdoor GPS to double as a car GPS then go for the Magellan, it beats out the completion.

3. Battery life is an issue. The unit is fairly good about preserving battery power (6-10 hours) however I would recommend keeping an extra set handy especially if you are silly enough to think that GPS means you can through out the Thomas Brothers.

In summary. The Magellan Platinum GPS is the best outdoor GPS you could buy, and it is very reasonably priced. It is also useful for walking, traveling, sailing, and to some degree driving. If you drive a Mercedes and you have no sense of direction however, don't buy this unit, it will not speak to you like some GPS systems do and it will not solve your problem.

As an outdoors-person who is normally resistant to technology, this GPS has made me a convert, I hope it does the same for you.

I feel I have to respond to some of the points in a recent review...everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some of what I saw reported I thought inaccurate.

The Meridian IS waterproof. Although you can see daylight beneath sections of the battery cover when viewed from the side, a rubberized gasket around the battery compartment prevents water from entering the unit. I wouldn't take it scuba diving, but it will survive an accidental dunking just fine.

The 4.02 firmware upgrade has fixed the accidental power off problem. At your option, you can require a "confirmation" to power off.

I get about 10 hours of use with a set of NiMH batteries. With rechargeables, my battery cost is negligible. I haven't felt the need to buy a power cord (although it would be useful for extensive driving, especially at night with backlight on). If someone is getting only a few hours out of a set, that is not normal functioning. The unit should be returned for repair or exchange. I have plenty of time to download fair-sized map files, although a card reader is much faster and efficient. More important, it allows the use of multiple files, avoiding the overwrite problem.

From what I have gathered in online discussions, Magellan's stateside customer support is generally good. Phone support is usually good, emails are spotty in getting responses--if they have an answer, they seem to get back to you quickly and if they don't have an answer, you seem to get ignored. Repair turnarounds often happen within a week, and they frequently throw in some accessories such as a power cable and a case for your trouble. Internationaly customer support appears to be lacking. If you are applying for the rebate, make copies of everything before you send it in (the firm processing the rebates--not Magellan--is flakey).

I upgraded to the Platinum after cutting my teeth on an eTrex Venture. I liked the Venture, but I love the Plat. The SD card is like a little hard drive, permitting the use of multiple sets of waypoints so you only have what you need in active memory rather than the whole shebang. There are better GPS units out there, but they cost a bundle. I think Meridians offer the greatest value in today's GPS market.

I've had my unit since June of 2003. I've taken the unit deep into the woods while hunting and on several road trips. In both cases, it performed superb.

During my pre-hunting season scouting trips, I was able to mark areas of interest in the woods. Three months later, using this GPS, find those same locations with ease. Secondly, I pack-in a climbing tree stand and use the GPS to find my way back to it before sunrise the following morning using this GPS with ease. The temperature and barometric functions help with identifying changing weather conditions where radio reception is spotty at best and keeping noise down is imperative to the hunting experience. I use the sunrise/moonrise function to keep me within legal hunting hours and the game movement calculator is within a few minutes of those published in the local papers. The diffent orientations of the display, heading, north-up, and course are also very helpful while navigating through the woods.

I've also had the opportunity to use the unit on a few road trips between South Texas and Oklahoma. Using cities along the way as waypoints, I always new how far it was to the next town which can be important when determining if you should stop for gas or restroom break or continue to the next town. It also kept me informed as to when my turns were coming up. I had inputed waypoints using latitute and longitude locations I got from Micorosoft's streets and maps for locations outside of the current maps I had previously loaded into the GPS. I couldn't see the minor streets but I definitely knew where I had to go. The speed indicator was also very accurate. I had noticed that the GPS showed me 2-3 MPH slower than on my vehicles speedometer. I had thought this was an error in the GPS until I had passed a few of those roadside radar speed signs. The Radar indicated speed and the GPS were identical.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Meridian Platinum. If I had to make the decision over again, I would buy this unit again.

I've been using my my MeriPlat on almost a weekly basis for over half a year now. I'm very happy with the purchase! The features I love most are the SD slot and the three-axis magnetic compass...meaning it works while held vertically, horizontally, or on it's side. It also has a superior built-in antenna when compared to Garmin's Etrex series of receivers. I've been out in the woods with friends who had Etrex. They periodically lost signal reception while I stayed locked in. The MeriPlat even works inside the house away from windows! In fact, the only time I have ever lost signal was under heavy tree canopy during a down pour. I highly recommend buying Magellan's Direct Route software...it gives the unit turn by turn routing ability and works great!

Two years ago, after extensive research, I purchased my Magellan Meridian Platinum. I have used it for automobile travel, geocaching, and to just play around with. It is a reliable and extremely accurate GPS. I spent last weekend geocaching (if unfamiliar with the term check out www.geocaching.com)locating 8 caches. The "MeriPlat" got me to within feet of each item. It is easy to use, most screens can be customized, and is very rugged. I have both MapSend Streets & Destinations and Topo and have found them to be acceptable for my use. With a SD card you can load several map areas and select them as needed. Documentation accompanying the GPS is lacking but there are several excellent user groups on Yahoo that provide all the information you need to squeeze every bit of functionality out of your MeriPlat. Two years after it was introduced, the Meridian Platinum is still one of the best GPS units available in its price range. You cannot go wrong with this GPS. Good luch and happy geocaching.

The Meridian units are outstanding. The Platinum is the best GPS unit I have seen. It fits your hand, left or right, the buttons are easy to use, a large easy to read screen and the rubber armour makes it easy to handle when wet or wearing gloves. With the electronic compass & barometer it has the features that all GPS units needed. The topo map software and download capability is amazing. Using an SD card reader to download map data cuts the download time to less than a minute.
My only complaint is the user's manual is on a cd, I would have like a printed manual. There is a help option in the unit's software that is very useful in the field though.
If you are looking for a handheld GPS, this is the one to get.