Very Good Value GPS
Written: Mar 27 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: small, durable, easy to use, accurate
Cons: Rudimentary route software (unable to manually target waypoints).
The Bottom Line: Inexpensive, accurate, easy to use ... Recommended!
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| a--rta--a's Full Review: Magellan MAP 330 Handheld GPS Receiver |
There are some very good reviews of the Map 330, so I'm not going to write a long and detailed report, I just want to add my 2c worth.
I have owned a Map 330 for over two years now. Many times I have looked to purchasing a new GPS, but I simply can't justify it. The Map 330 works like a charm, and whenever I play with the newer models, they don't seem that much better. I genuinely believe that the 330 is good enough for the vast majority of people.
Personally, I use the unit mainly when I am flying (general aviation). I have a mount, and I simply stick the unit into the mount, and then stick the mount (which has suction cups) to the front window of whatever airplane I am flying, fire it up, and I'm ready to do. If the airplane has a working cigarette lighter (which is rare), then I can attach the power cable, and not worry about batteries for the duration of the flight. I have to say that, for VFR flight, this little (inexpensive) unit is perfect. I have never had any problems with it.
The unit itself is small, and reasonably light. The user interface is excellent, and the manual is not really necessary since operation is pretty much intuitive for anybody with an IQ of greater than 80. The unit is also accurate, and can be used in a wide variety of conditions. In a general aviation aircraft, the unit never has a problem acquiring and tracking satellites. In a commercial jet, it needs to be positioned close to a window, because the extra thickness of the aircraft will block signals.
I do use the unit on commercial flights. It's rather nice to be able to look at it, and see EXACTLY where I am. Also, I like to be able to look at the continually updated ETA, and make an estimate of when we are going to land. This is particularly nice on a long flight.
The one and only gripe that I have with the unit, is the inability to manually move from one waypoint to another. For example, when on a trip that includes waypoint 1, waypoint 2 and waypoint 3, you cannot jump straight from waypoint 1 to waypoint 2. I guess it's not really a big deal, but it can be irritating occasionally, when plans change mid-flight, and I want to change the flight plan.
In summary, this is a great little product. For the price, I really don't think that there are many that are better!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
a--rta--a
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Location: Frisco, TX
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
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