Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB)

Amazon.com Review
The Magellan Meridian Color GPS receiver is just as at home navigating the highways and byways in your car as it is tracking through your favorite mountain trails. This top-of-the line GPS device features a preloaded 16 MB map database of North America, which can be augmented by detailed maps from optional CD-ROMs via the Secure Digital memory card slot. It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for three-meter accuracy.

Map screen. View larger.

Compass display. View larger.

Road-view mode. View larger.

The Meridian Color is versatile GPS device that is perfect for navigating the highway or the trails. View larger.
Compared to Magellan's Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak's 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions -- 6.5 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D) -- making it not quite as pocketable (unless you have cargo pants). The bright color screen measures 2.2 x 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors. Compared with the staid monochrome screens of most GPS devices, the icons and mapping details literally jump off the screen. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn't at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you're driving as you have to read the screen for turning instructions (though there are audible prompts) rather than hear a voice providing directions.

With a selected map region loaded into the memory, simply press the GoTo button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, we were presented with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us of the upcoming direction change. The set of beeps elevated to an urgent level when we were right on top of the turn. We used this to plot a course to Seattle's Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results. However, if you're familiar with the terrain, you may have found your way in less time with better shortcuts. If you turn off the Meridian while following a route, you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.

Magellan's Meridian series offers Secure Digital (SD) memory card expandability, which is a bonus for adding a large amount of map data, especially for long trips. However, we were disappointed at its placement within the device behind the batteries rather than an external slot. This won't be a problem for most users, but it could be annoying if you had a number of maps spread across several cards.

We experienced good battery life during our test -- Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with 2 AA batteries. If you do plan on frequent use in your vehicle, we recommend either purchasing the optional cigarette lighter power cable or using NiMH rechargeable batteries, which typically provide a longer battery life, as well as minimized cost in the long run.

Overall, we were pleased with this portable hybrid car/outdoor GPS receiver. The Meridian's color screen definitely provides quick viewing details while out hiking or mountain-biking, while the driving navigation features were indeed helpful in unknown locales. However, if you do plan on using your GPS primarily in your car, you should think about moving up to either Magellan's Meridian Color Traveler (which includes a street map CD-ROM, vehicle mounting bracket, and power adapter) or the Magellan Roadmate (with voice instruction). --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

Color LCD is very readable--routes and icons pop off the screen

Controls well laid out, navigation screens are intuitive (especially for new users)

Optional mapping software is easy to use and transfer

Cons:

SD memory card slot not easily accessible

We recommend a power adapter or NiMH batteries for extended car use

Note: All available screen shots were in black and white. The Magellan Meridian Color provides 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors on all screens and displays.

Product Description

MERIDIAN COLOR
MAGELLAN
MERIDIAN COLOR

12-parallel channel, WAAS enabled. 120x160 pixel display. 16-color LCD screen. 16 MB built-in North American street maps & navaids. Rugged, floating design,. Infinitely expandable with industry-standard SD memory cards. Up to 13 hrs. battery life-2AA's. High-impact housing, wraparound rubber casing. 500 waypoints/20 routes/2000 track points. 76 datums plus 1 user-defined. DGPS ready. 9 user-configurable navigation screens: Satellite status, position 1, position 2, map, compass, large data, road, speedometer & strip compass. Keys: NAV, MENU, GOTO, Power/Light, Zoom in, Zoom out, ENTER, ESC. Special features: save track to route, satellite status display, built-in help. Northfinder with Sun/Moon positions. Sunrise/Sunset calculator, Best Fish & Game calculator, horizontal profile & address search. Includes PC cable. User Manual & lanyard.

Amazon.com Review

The Magellan Meridian Color GPS receiver is just as at home navigating the highways and byways in your car as it is tracking through your favorite mountain trails. This top-of-the line GPS device features a preloaded 16 MB map database of North America, which can be augmented by detailed maps from optional CD-ROMs via the Secure Digital memory card slot. It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons, and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for three-meter accuracy.

Map screen. View larger.

Compass display. View larger.

Road-view mode. View larger.

The Meridian Color is versatile GPS device that is perfect for navigating the highway or the trails. View larger.
Compared to Magellan's Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak's 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions--6.5 by 2.9 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D)--making it not quite as pocketable (unless you have cargo pants). The bright color screen measures 2.2 by 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors. Compared with the staid monochrome screens of most GPS devices, the icons and mapping details jump off the screen. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn't at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you're driving, as you have to read the screen for turning instructions (though there are audible prompts) rather than hear a voice providing directions.

With a selected map region loaded into the memory, simply press the GoTo button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, the Meridian Color presented us with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us of the upcoming direction change. The set of beeps elevated to an urgent level when we were right on top of the turn. We used this to plot a course to Seattle's Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results. However, if you're familiar with the terrain, you may have found your way in less time with better shortcuts. If you turn off the Meridian while following a route, you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.

Magellan's Meridian series offers Secure Digital (SD) memory card expandability, which is a bonus for adding a large amount of map data, especially for long trips. However, we were disappointed at its placement within the device behind the batteries rather than in an external slot. This won't be a problem for most users, but it could be annoying if you had a number of maps spread across several cards.

We experienced good battery life during our test--Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with two AA batteries. If you do plan on frequent use in your vehicle, we recommend either purchasing the optional cigarette lighter power cable or using NiMH rechargeable batteries, which typically provide a longer battery life, as well as minimized cost in the long run.

Overall, we were pleased with this portable hybrid car/outdoor GPS receiver. The Meridian's color screen definitely provides quick viewing details while out hiking or mountain biking, while the driving navigation features were indeed helpful in unknown locales. However, if you do plan on using your GPS primarily in your car, you should think about moving up to either Magellan's Meridian Color Traveler (which includes a street map CD-ROM, vehicle mounting bracket, and power adapter) or the Magellan Roadmate (with voice instruction). --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

Color LCD is very readable--routes and icons pop off the screen

Controls well laid out; navigation screens are intuitive (especially for new users)

Optional mapping software is easy to use and transfer

Cons:

SD memory card slot not easily accessible

We recommend a power adapter or NiMH batteries for extended car use

Note: All available screen shots were in black and white. The Magellan Meridian Color provides 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors on all screens and displays.

What's in the Box
Meridian Color GPS receiver, PC cable, 2 AA batteries, wrist strap, and user's manual (English/French).

Amazon.com Review

The Magellan Meridian Color GPS receiver is just as at home navigating the highways and byways in your car as it is tracking through your favorite mountain trails. This top-of-the line GPS device features a preloaded 16 MB map database of North America, which can be augmented by detailed maps from optional CD-ROMs via the Secure Digital memory card slot. It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for 3-meter accuracy.

Compared to Magellan's Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak's 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions--6.5 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D)--making it not quite as pocketable (unless you have cargo pants).

The bright color screen measures 2.2 x 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors. Compared with the staid monochrome screens of most GPS devices, the icons and mapping detail literally jumps off the screen. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn't at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you're driving as you have to read the screen for turning instructions (though there are audible prompts) rather than hear a voice providing directions (a feature of the Magellan Roadmate).

With a selected map region loaded into the memory (such as from the Mapsend DirectRoute CD-ROM), simply press the Goto button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, we were presented with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us (which elevated to an urgent beeping when we were right on top of the turn). We used this to plot a course to Seattle's Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results (though, if you're familiar with the terrain, you may know better shortcuts). If you turn off the Meridian while following a route (say if you take a coffee break), you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.

Magellan's Meridian series offers Secure Digital (SD) memory card expandability, which is a bonus for adding a large amount of map data (especially for long trips). However, we were disappointed at its placement within the device behind the batteries rather than an external slot. This won't be a problem for most users, but it will be annoying if you've got a number of maps spread across several cards.

We experienced good battery life during our test (Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with 2 AA batteries). If you do plan on using it a lot in your vehicle, we recommend either purchasing the optional cigarette lighter power cable or using NiMH rechargeable batteries (which provide a typically longer battery duration as well as minimized cost in the long run).

Overall, we were pleased with this portable hybrid car/outdoor GPS receiver. The Meridian's color screen definitely helps with quickly viewing details while out hiking or mountain-biking, while the driving navigation features were indeed helpful in unknown locales. However, if you do plan on using your GPS primarily in your car, you should think about moving up to either Magellan's Meridian Color Traveler (which includes a street map CD-ROM, vehicle mounting bracket, and power adapter) or the Magellan Roadmate (with voice instruction). --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

Color LCD is very readable--routes and icons pop off the screen
Controls well laid out, navigation screens are intuitive (especially for new users)
Optional mapping software is easy to use and transfer

Cons:

SD memory card slot not easily accessible
We recommend a power adapter or NiMH batteries for extended car use

Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: January 2003. The first handheld GPS unit with a full-color screen.

The Magellan Meridian Color is the first handheld GPS receiver to feature a full-color screen. Find your way with superior tracking and accuracy to within three meters, a built-in mapping database, and a high-color, high-contrast, backlit, 120 x 160 pixel display. The Meridian Color finds your location by tracking up to 12 GPS satellites simultaneously, and is also assisted by the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), so it's accurate to within three meters or better.

The Meridian Color is ruggedly constructed and is waterproof, so you can take it anywhere, whether you're navigating the streets or hitting the trails. It features nine customizable graphic navigation displays including a map, compass, and speedometer, and text readouts that show heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. You can choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums including latitude/longitude, the Universal Transverse Mercator grid, and the Military Grid Reference System.

The Meridian Color features 16 MB of built-in maps of North America--including interstates, highways, major roads, waterways, cities, airports, and more--that you can also expand by downloading onto an optional Secure Digital memory card (not included). You can store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints, and 2,000 track points, and the Save Track-to-Route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. Magellan MapSend software, available separately, lets you save hundreds of routes to your PC.

Other features include NorthFinder technology, which shows your direction even when standing still; sun and moon positions, which shows you when the sun will rise and set and the phase of the moon; a fish and game calculator, which shows you when the fish are likely to be biting in any location; and satellite status, which monitors the GPS satellites in view and gets information about their status.

Customer Reviews:

Serious Navigation Tool.......2007-02-20

This is the best hand-held GPS. It is upgradable with new maps which you won't find on some others. The color screen is easy to read, bright and dims easily to save power. All in all, it fits the bill for the serious traveler. This powerful tool actually asists you in navigating your own route, far prefereable for my liking than others which tell you which way to go. I like to make choices, and I have experienced more direct routes and discovered many roads and foot routes less traveled all over the US and Europe with the assistance of this wonderful device. I have discovered marvelous places with my Magellan -- places only the locals know. I have used my Magellan Meridian Color GPS for three years, and I can't imagine how it can be improved upon. I consider it indespensible for traveling. Works great in the car, and then you can take it with you on foot, train or bus. If you apply yourself to learning how to use this device it will increase your satisfaction in traveling and knowledge of your surroundings.

Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB).......2007-01-04

The GPS Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS was shipped promptly, and works as advertized. Its color screens are crisp, easy to read and the GPS is very user-friendly. The instructions that came with the GPS are helpful and well organized.

Magellan Promised Updates but Didn't Deliver!.......2006-07-04

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.

What a Bringdown.......2006-05-20

After losing an older Meridian Marine, I decided to make use of my software and buy this unit since I LOVED the previous model for a few years. When I received this model it seemed to be working fine when I initialized it. It came with antique version 4.02 firmware, marked from 2002. The unit refused all my software (specifically uploading REGIONS off the Topo, Nav, and World Basemap discs) until I upgraded the firmware to anything above v.5. When I tried to install v5.34 from the CD or v. 5.40 which I downloaded, it kept freezing and wouldn't accept the firmware. I then called tech support (NOT open 24/7!...just California time 6am-5:30pm, weekdays). I spent a total of 3 hours on hold during my 4 phonecalls!!!! The obviously outsourced "tech experts" (trained British accents, probably in Pakistan) then repeatedly walked me thru the same steps to fix the problem as though they were encountering them for the first time! I even got the same guy twice. One said I'd get a callback the next day at 7:30 PM New York time. It never happened. After giving up, one of them transferred me to a "senior-technician" who did no better. After even she gave up, she said she had to look up something and would call me back within 30 minutes. Guess what....It never happened (again)! No matter how great the unit might be, I will never do business again with a sleazy excuse for a professional Company named Magellan (Thales Communications). Even the "worldwide basemap", which I bought the unit for, only gave me an OUTLINE of Panama...no roads, no nothing!! In all my 58 years, with all my toys (boats/radar/stereos,medical electronics, cameras, etc,etc, etc), this is the single WORST response I've ever had to asking for HELP, especially on a BRAND-NEW product!

Magellan Color is Tops.......2006-01-21

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.

Magellan Meridian 64MB Color Traveler GPS Navigator Value Pack

Average customer rating:

Great All Around Handheld
Magellan needs to upgrade this product
Magellan Color Handheld GPS
Excellent GPS Handheld GPS device
Never be lost again...

Magellan Meridian 64MB Color Traveler GPS Navigator Value Pack

Manufacturer: Magellan
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Outdoor & Camping GPS | Handheld GPS | GPS & Navigation | Categories | Electronics

Mapping GPS | Handheld GPS | GPS & Navigation | Categories | Electronics

All GPS | GPS & Navigation | Categories | Electronics

GPS & Navigation | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Outdoor GPS | Magellan | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics

Vehicular GPS | Magellan | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics

TV + Video | Electronics | Categories | Target
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THALES NAVIGATION, INC 980620 Meridian Marine Display Unit

Product Features:

Meridan Color handheld GPS unit
MapSend DirectRoute CD-ROM
64 MB SD memory card
Vehicle mounting bracket
Turn-by-turn audio prompts; includes serial interface and PC cable

ASIN: B0000DJEIL

Product Description

The Meridian Color GPS Traveler Value Pack has everything you need. You get the rugged Magellan Meridian Color to guide you on the trail, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing or wherever your outdoor adventure takes you. Plus the advanced Magellan MapSend DirectRoute software to give you turn-by-turn street guidance while driving, riding or walking around town or across the country. This complete package also includes a Secure Digital (SD) memory card for downloading and storing detailed street-level mapping data, vehicle mounting bracket, PC data cable with cigarette lighter adapter and two AA batteries.

Amazon.com Review

The Magellan Meridian Color Traveler kit comes with everything you need for navigating unfamiliar city streets--as well as tracking through your favorite mountain trails. The kit includes the MapSend DirectRoute CD-ROM for street-level map detail, a 64 MB Secure Digital memory card, vehicle mounting bracket, and cigarette lighter power adapter (with PC data cable). It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons, and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for three-meter accuracy.

Create a route on your PC with MapSend ...

... and navigate the route on the GPS unit.

The Meridian Color is versatile GPS device that is perfect for navigating the highway or the trails. View larger.
Compared to Magellan's portable Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak's 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions--6.5 by 2.9 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D)--making it not as pocket-able for use while walking or hiking.

The bright color screen measures 2.2 by 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn't at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you're driving, as you have to read the screen (though there are audible prompts) rather than hear a voice providing exact turning instructions (a feature of the Magellan Roadmate).

We've known several new GPS owners who have been frustrated at the need to purchase additional software to make their new device road-ready. The inclusion of the MapSend DirectRoute CD-ROM (compatible with Windows only) makes this kit invaluable, and we hit the ground running (well, driving really) within an hour of opening the box.

With a selected map region loaded into the memory, simply press the GoTo button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, the Meridian Color presented us with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us (which elevated to an urgent beeping when we were right on top of the turn). We used this to plot a course to Seattle's Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results (though, if you're familiar with the terrain, you may know better shortcuts). If you turn off the Meridian while following a route (say if you take a coffee break), you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.

Magellan's Meridian series offers Secure Digital (SD) memory card expandability, which is a bonus for adding a large amount of map data (especially for long trips). However, we were disappointed at its placement within the device behind the batteries rather than in an external slot. This won't be a problem for most users, but it will be annoying if you've got a number of maps spread across several cards.

We experienced good battery life during our test (Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with two AA batteries), and the cigarette lighter adapter was instrumental in preventing battery drain.

The included vehicle mounting bracket connects to your dash via three suction pads, which isn't completely secure--you'll need to ensure the dash surface is completely clean before applying the wetted suction pads. The bracket's bendable arm is very firm, and it can move both vertically and side to side (a plus if you can't to position it near the center of the dash). However, because it's so tightly stable, you'll need to take it off the dash to adjust it, then reapply the suction pads.

Overall, we were pleased with this car navigation kit. The Meridian's color screen definitely helps with quickly viewing details while driving (or while hiking or mountain biking), though it did take awhile to get used to looking at the screen when alerted to a turn. If you do worry about the hazard of having to divert attention from the road, you should think about moving up to the Magellan Roadmate, which offers voice instructions. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

The kit has everything you need to get maps easily loaded into the GPS receiver

Color LCD is very readable--routes and icons pop off the screen

Mounting bracket has a strong, firm arm that bends both vertically and horizontally

Mapping software is easy to use and transfer

Cons:

SD memory card slot not easily accessible

Mounting bracket suction pads aren't 100% secure and are not quickly adjustable

What's in the Box
Meridian Color GPS receiver, MapSend DirectRoute software, 64 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card, PC data cable with cigarette lighter adapter, 2 AA batteries, vehicle mounting bracket, and user's manual.

Amazon.com Review

The Magellan Meridian Color Traveler kit comes with everything you need for navigating unfamiliar city streets--as well as tracking through your favorite mountain trails. The kit includes the MapSend DirectRoute CD-ROM (for street-level map detail), a 64 MB Secure Digital memory card, vehicle mounting bracket, and cigarette lighter power adapter (with PC data cable). It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for 3-meter accuracy.

Compared to Magellan's portable Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak's 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions--6.5 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D)--making it not quite as pocketable for use while walking or hiking (unless you have cargo pants).

The bright color screen measures 2.2 x 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn't at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you're driving as you have to read the screen (though there are audible prompst) rather than hear a voice providing exact turning instructions (a feature of the Magellan Roadmate).

With a selected map region loaded into the memory, simply press the Goto button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, we were presented with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us (which elevated to an urgent beeping when we were right on top of the turn). We used this to plot a course to Seattle's Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results (though, if you're familiar with the terrain, you may know better shortcuts). If you turn off the Meridian while following a route (say if you take a coffee break), you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.

We experienced good battery life during our test (Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with 2 AA batteries), and the cigarette lighter adapter was instrumental in preventing battery drain.

The included vehicle mounting bracket connects to your dash via three suction pads, which isn't completely secure--you'll need to ensure the dash surface is completely clean before applying the wetted suction pads. The bracket's bendable arm is very firm, and it can move both vertically and side-to-side (a plus if you can't to position it near the center of the dash). However, because it's so tightly stable, you'll need to take it off the dash to adjust it, then reapply the suction pads.

Overall, we were pleased with this car navigation kit. The Meridian's color screen definitely helps with quickly viewing details while driving (or while hiking or mountain-biking), though it did take awhile to get used to looking at the screen when alerted to a turn. If you do worry about the hazard of having to divert attention from the road, you should think about moving up to the Magellan Roadmate, which offers voice instructions. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

The kit has everything you need to get maps easily loaded into the GPS receiver
Color LCD is very readable--routes and icons pop off the screen
Mounting bracket has a strong, firm arm that bends both vertically and horizontally
Mapping software is easy to use and transfer

Cons:

SD memory card slot not easily accessible
Mounting bracket suction pads aren't 100% secure and not quickly adjustable

Amazon.com Product Description

Imagine yourself flying into a new city, ready to explore not only the city streets, but also the surrounding mountains, rivers, ocean beaches, and out-of-the-way wonders. The Meridan Color GPS Traveler Value Pack contains all you'll need to find your way. Included in this cost-saving package is the rugged, waterproof Magellan Meridian Color GPS unit, advanced MapSend DirectRoute software, a 64 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card, a vehicle mounting bracket, a wrist strap, a PC data cable with cigarette lighter adapter and two AA batteries to get you started.

Navigate with ease using the Meridian Color's intuitive controls.
The Magellan Meridian Color GPS is the ultimate GPS receiver and the first handheld to present all your positioning and navigational information in full color. It received a five-star review from PC Magazine (Dec 02), and rightfully so. This GPS offers best-in-the-business three meter accuracy. It holds an extensive 16 MB built-in mapping database of North America. You can increase your mapping detail by downloading street-level maps on the included SD memory card. All of this is displayed on the large, high contrast, high color 120 x 160 pixel display. The GPS is made with rubber armored, impact resistant plastic and is sealed to IEC-529 IPX7 specifications (it's completely waterproof and floats.) With an advanced power management system, the two AA batteries run the system for up to thirteen hours.

The MapSend DirectRoute software offers advanced mapping possibilities. After entering your destination, MapSend will automatically calculate shortest time street routing, giving you turn-by-turn directions through either verbal or audio prompts. This software calculates ETAs using various street path choices with their posted speed limits. Select your destinations from thousands of points of interest including hotels, gas stations, parks, lakes, amusement and entertainment venues, restaurants, and more. MapSend also includes information like addresses and phone numbers, making it easy to call ahead for ticket information and reservations.

As if these two highlights weren't enough, Magellan has added a few more items to complete the package. You can download additional highly detailed, street-level maps from your PC using the combination data cable/cigarette lighter adapter. They've included a vehicle mounting bracket to conveniently secure the GPS. If you demand GPS accuracy, this system is for you.

What's in the Box
Meridan Color handheld GPS receiver, MapSend DirectRoute CD-ROM, 64 MB SD memory card, vehicle mounting bracket, PC data cable with cigarette lighter adapter, quick reference guide, two AA batteries, wrist strap, and a user's manual.

Customer Reviews:

Great All Around Handheld.......2005-08-13

This unit is great for all around use; hiking, biking, marine, and auto. Auto function is simple, but effective. It essentially picks a route between 2 waypoints. We load Topo charts too onto the SD Card for hiking, and mountain biking. The unit floats!

SD Card: The largest file size the unit can read is 64MB, BUT you can load as many files as you want onto the SD card. You tell the PC Software to upload to the hard drive, then use a card reader. If you go direct to the SD Card while installed on the GPS then you are limited to 1 file. You can use an SD card as large as you want, with as many files as you want (just don't transfer files larger than 64MB).

USB/Serial: You can easily buy a USB to Serial cable adapter if your PC does not have a serial port.

Magellan needs to upgrade this product.......2005-05-07

Pro: Uses an SD card for fast uploading of detailed maps.
Con: Only can upload 60 MB of data onto the SD card. I have a 1GB SD card and it won't add onto the data that was uploaded, it just keeps re-writing over the first uploaded detailed map. Therefore, had to buy 2x64mb SD cards ($16 each) to upload additional detailed maps of europe so that we don't need to take our laptop with us. I guess this is a plus because no other portable GPS comes with the external memory capability. Magellan seriouly needs to upgrade this feature to be able to read off of >1GB SD cards.

Pro: Menu features are fairly easy to navigate through.
Con: No auto-reroute feature. Have to push 2 different buttons to get the unit to recalculate new route. No voice feed back feature telling you to turn. You do however get a very annoying audible "beep, Beep, BEep...." noise as you approach closer to your next turn.

Pro: this value pack came with an ok car stand for the unit.
Con: doesn't come with a USB connector to your laptop, just a serial connector. Hard to find newer laptops with a serial port.

Comments: if you can wait for the next generation gps units... do! You may be disappointed with what's out in the market in terms of handheld gps units that double up as automobile units.

Magellan Color Handheld GPS.......2005-01-10

I just bought the color unit with the entire travel package (Software, cables, SD card, car cradle)and have just begun to play with it, and I am extremely impressed with how the unit functions. Once I learned how to maneuver the unit, and downloaded detailed maps, I get an accurate and concise street by street map and directions. I am planning some longer trips and will use the unit as my primary map guides.
I will also use the devise to plot and measure our Cross Country course, which should be more accurate that using the wheel to measure the course.
Like the other reviews, the battery life is very disappointing, but if it is plugged into the car power outlet, it will stay lit and will not drain the batteries.

Excellent GPS Handheld GPS device.......2004-10-22

This is my first GPS device; I've seen other GPS devices design specifically for the car (Magellan Roadmate 700 etc), but what drove me to buy this one was the portable size of the unit.

I've used it in both rainy overcast and clear sunny weather in the SF Bay Area - SF to Petaluma to Dublin, and I get good connection with up to 6 or 7 satelites. The key is to get a lock-on, before starting your trip. Usually takes less than a minute to lock into the satelite(s).

I was considering using my PDA (Sony TG50)as a GPS (via Blue-Tooth connections), but I'm glad I purchased this separate unit as there is no car power adapter for the Clie (recharging yes, but)and the cost for the blue tooth version was about $350.

The Mapsend software that came along with this package is very up to date and I was able to find and set user-points quite easily. I found setting the user-points on the device alot easier than on my home computer. The driving directions are not exactly my regular routes, but come pretty close.

Using the 64mb card is ample space so far. Car adaptor is a must. Firmware upgrade was not difficult. Have not had to call Magellan for customer service, yet...

Overall a very good product and one that gets me from point A to point B, without spending over $425, including Case too.

Never be lost again..........2004-09-08

This is my first GPS receiver and I really feel like I made a great choice. The Traveler Value Pack really is the way to go with the Magelan Meridian Color GPS.

The software is relatively easy to use and the color screen is worth the extra expense.

I use it primarily to navigate street routes and it's been excellant. I've been very suprised with the comprehensive database of places you can find in the reciever: restaurants, gas stations, parks, entertainment venues, tourist attractions, banks are all there.

I also have used it on my mountain bike and its been very solid and accurate.

One thing you must do if you own this product, buy rechargable batteries. Its worth it, because the backlit color screen really eats up the juice.

Electronics:

Electronics

electronics

Electronics

HP ProLiant DL140 G2 - Xeon 3.4 GHz ( 375593-001 )

JBL PSW-D115 350-Watt Powered Subwoofer

Praktica DCZ 6.1

KB Gear JamCam 3.0 0.3MP Digital Camera, Blue

Asus Computer EXT BLK 52X CDR-32X CDRW 52X CD QUIETRACK ( CRW-5232A-U BLACK )

Large soft Pouch for Kyocera 2300 Series

sony 21'' TV MODEL KLV21SG2

Studio Acoustics IW-250 In-Wall Speakers (Pair)

CMS Peripherals 18.0GB Hard Drive In Custom Enc Compaq Armada 7800 Series

NDS/GBA SP 2 in 1 Ac/dc Adapter 110-120v

Samsung 211 MP 21" LCD Monitor