DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Handheld GPS
- 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset; dual-core processor for blazing-fast performance
- 500 MB of available onboard Flash memory; support for high-capacity SD cards (SDHC) up to 32 GB
- 3-axis electronic compass; Barometric altimeter
- More detailed onboard base map data for the U.S., now with secondary and connector roads, along with major highways
- Fast USB 2.0 data transfers to in-device SD card–no external card reader required
The Earthmate PN-40 is a high-sensitivity, high-performance, bright-color-screen handheld GPS that offers an unrivaled selection of display options including up-to-date DeLorme Topo USA topographic maps, color aerial imagery, USGS 7.5-min. topographic quad maps, and NOAA nautical charts. The Earthmate PN-40 is a high-sensitivity, high-performance, bright-color-screen handheld GPS that offers an unrivaled selection of display options. Click to enlarge. With its 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset and DeLorme ConstantLock technology, the PN-40 acquires satellite signals quickly and retains them in the most challenging GPS environments. Map and imagery displays are lightning-quick thanks to a powerful dual-core processor. A three-axis electronic compass can be used with the PN-40 held in any position, while a barometric altimeter provides reliable altitude readings. The on-board base map includes major highways and thoroughfares worldwide plus secondar… More >>
DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Handheld GPS
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5 comments
Ronald W. Hansen on September 6, 2009 at 5:13 am
I bought this thinking hiking trails would be on the maps that I install. This is not the case. Disappointment #1. I get the topo software on the computer and think I can download maps from there onto the PN40. I tried for a couple hours and gave up. My wife tried for a few more hours and gave up. Now I use it a pedometer basically since there are no maps for where we walk. Also several streets on the maps are wrong, showing streets leading where there are none and have never been. If you follow the streets on the maps, you’ll be going through vacant fields and several fenced yards. Everything I try does not work or I fight it for several frustrating attempts, then next time back to square 1. Even using as a pedometer it’s not working exactly correctly, for example I reset, then walked 3.2 miles in 45 minutes and it showed my average was 3.5mph. This is not correct as I’m relatively sure at the pace I walk I would cover more than another 0.3 miles in 15 additional minutes time. So to summarize I’ll still rate it a 4 but I’m very disappointed really.
Paul S Boyer on September 6, 2009 at 6:36 am
This is one of the more expensive GPS units. It has a nice case, and is supposed to be water-resistant. I am a beginner at GPS, so this review is from a novice’s viewpoint.
The big failings are, first: Maps must be loaded using a Windows computer, which I do not have. It is incredible that DeLorme can’t make the simple software which would suffice to run Topo on a Mac, but their management is just without any imagination, I guess. I tried to get an old clunker Windows computer set up just to service the PN-40, but finally gave up., It is just too much work and expense. I finally found a partial work-around with the Mac, enabling me to load more maps. However, there is still no Mac driver for the Topo program, so I am stuck with a one-year subscription to map updates which I cannot access.
Second major failing: there is no good foreign map support, not even for Canada! That is really ridiculous. Where do they think we will be using this device? New York City? Again, this is mismanagement on a high level.
The learning curve is steep, especially since the user manual was missing from my package. Everything needs a manual. I can download one from the DeLorme website in pdf format, but that does not help much when in the field.
This GPS is useless for driving, because the screen is far too small. It is only for hiking, which makes its small size actually an advantage.
The unit eats batteries. Mine uses two fresh sets a day. That is very unreasonable.
Final conclusion: Don’t get one of these things if you plan to be in Canada. Better yet, just get a map. Maps are really far more efficient in most respects. The satellite location can be done with a very cheap GPS unit, or by looking at the position of the sun, using a compass, and reading your map. What you really need is just a map, which you can fold up in your pack. A map uses no batteries. When your GPS has finished off its last battery, it is dead.
Ivan R. Keup on September 6, 2009 at 6:37 am
Received unit 12-15-08. Very steep learning curve for the included TOPO-7 software. In side by side comparisons with a Garmin Etrex Summit HC, the Garmin is consistently more accurate. After a few days the unit started locking up when connected via USB to a computer. Found the 8 pin connector had 3 pins with weakend springs. Connector is poorly designed.
M. Barrus on September 6, 2009 at 8:58 am
I’m a hardcore geocacher. I purchased the Delorme Earthmate PN-40 specifically for geocaching. I was going from a Garmin 60csx. I have over 10,000 geocaches that I load into my 60csx currently. I could never figure out how to load those geocaches/POIs into the PN-40. Every time I loaded in a pocket query, my computer would crash. I tried for three days to get the stupid thing to work and was disappointed. The software was extremely difficult if not impossible to use. I returned the PN-40 for a full refund. If you want a fancy GPS, get a Garmin 60csx. If you want the fancy and cool gsp, get the Garmin Oregon 550t.
North?? on September 6, 2009 at 11:06 am
i ordered this thing with some christmas cash. i’m not real big on depending on a computer to navigate for me, i like a map and a compas just fine. with everyone talking about GPS and whatnot, since it wasn’t my money i figured i’d give it a shot. i ordered this from amazon after reading a review on a garmin i was looking at had made mention of the pn-40. the reviews i read were all pretty accurate, it’s not the most intuitive piece of equipment but it seems accurate and rugged. unfortunately, after less than 24 hrs out of the package it started making a terrible noise then locked up. i turned it off an back on, then it did it again. i’m chalking it up to a fluke, but has anyone heard of this happening? i gave the 3 stars because i think if this thing works, it will be really nice to bring along on my next hike. otherwise, it’s a cool looking paper weight.
*** the replacement came in. the gps is right on. i set checkpoints and when i go back to them using the track back feature it really does take me exactly where i was within just a few feet. the road navigation isn’t necessarily the most direct, but it will get you there with a little patience. since this was purchased for off road navigation though, it’s a non issue.
the map software is intense, but i look forward to learning and could see how it’ll be incredibly useful. the battery life is great if you don’t sit around constanly hitting buttons keeping the backlight on. with just occasionally checking location, i managed a couple days out of 1 set of batteries.
initially i was a skeptic, but now i’m sold.