Garmin Vista or Magellan Meridian Platinum???

Hello Everyone,

Another one of those questions which one should I get.

Well, I've read all the reviews on the net and know the technical
differences between the two however I still can't choose one.

I like the Magellan 'cos it's got the SD card functionality but then it
hasn't got the average speed & top speed features (correct me if I'm wrong
here) of the Vista. Essentially these are the only two major features I can
say that makes the two different from each other.

I'm a biker & I'm interested in plotting my routes & seeing what average
speed etc I do so I'm inclined to go for the Vista.

Is 24Mb memory really enough & a few people have commented on reception
under dense undergrowth & other conditions.

Anyone care to comment??

Thanx

Craig

Tue, 15 Jul 2003 09:51:11 +0100, "Craig" <smiler@smiler.co.za>;
<3f13c075$0$23666$afc38c87@news.easynet.co.uk>; <alt.satellite.gps>:

>I like the Magellan 'cos it's got the SD card functionality but then it
>hasn't got the average speed & top speed features (correct me if I'm wrong
>here) of the Vista. Essentially these are the only two major features I can
>say that makes the two different from each other.

In a consumer test presented in the norwegian comsumer's magazine
Forbruker-rapporten in june, Meridian was said to be non-watertight.

>Is 24Mb memory really enough

It's enough for 24-26 norwegian 1:50000 topo maps (they're 850-1000
kByte each), or for up to 80 Autoroute Europe maps.


--
/jan
news postings should be followed up in news
(however: email answers to: janpharo at online period no)

Craig wrote:
> Well, I've read all the reviews on the net and know the technical
> differences between the two however I still can't choose one.
>
> I like the Magellan 'cos it's got the SD card functionality but then it
> hasn't got the average speed & top speed features (correct me if I'm wrong
> here) of the Vista. Essentially these are the only two major features I can
> say that makes the two different from each other.

Average and maximum speed were added to the Meridians with
release 4.02 - I've heard mixed reviews about how well they work.

Some other differences:

Vista uses its barometric sensor to improve the accuracy and
stability of the altitude readings (nice for recording a good
elevation profile of a ride); the Meridian Plat just uses it as a
barometer, not for altitude.

Vista has a smaller but much higher resolution screen. If you
have good near vision you'll probably like the Vista, if you
don't you may well prefer the larger size of the Plat.

Vista records a more detailed and accurate tracklog while the
Plat can store almost unlimited numbers of tracklogs on the SD cards.

Controls on the Vista are optimized for handheld use - not so
good while it's in a case or mounted on a dashboard.

Vista's compass feature requires that it be held level while the
Plat has a 3-axis compass that is easier to use.

Vista is much smaller and you may be inclined to take it along on
more trips since it fits easily in a pocket.

The map quality may vary between the two depending on your
location in the world. I'd give the edge to Vista in the US,
Plat. in Canada, and a tie for Europe. At the moment users have
figured out how to create custom maps for Garmins but not for
Magellans yet. But the process is not easy.
>
> I'm a biker & I'm interested in plotting my routes & seeing what average
> speed etc I do so I'm inclined to go for the Vista.
>
> Is 24Mb memory really enough & a few people have commented on reception
> under dense undergrowth & other conditions.

Depends on how many maps you need to load at one time. 24 MB
should be plenty for hiking/biking, etc. but a bit limiting for
people driving across the entire US or Europe without access to a
laptop or other PC along the way.

I haven't noticed much difference in reception when both units
are held optimally (vert. for Plat.; nearly horiz. for Vista).
The Plat. is a little more sensitive to satellites near the
horizon while the Vista is a bit more sensitive to those overhead.

<snip>

Thanx for all the replies!!

Garmin Vista it's going to be.

Cheers

Craig