Pros: Expandable memory! Good size. Light weight. Large backlit screen. Electronic compass.
Cons: Eats batteries. Electronic compass needs re-calibration after changing batteries.
The Bottom Line: This is an excellent GPS receiver! You won't regret getting a Meridian Platinum! If you don't need an electronic compass and barometer, get a Meridian Gold.
orangehead911's Full Review: Magellan Meridian Platinum Handheld GPS Receiver
My review adds facts about the electronic compass and memory, to that of the review by 'imbroke' (great review!).
How I made my decision
I had visited http://www.magellangps.com and Garmin's respective websites to compare technical features of their various devices. It came down to selecting between three different models; Garmin eTrex Vista (GEV), the Magellan Meridian Gold (MMG) and the Magellan Meridian Platinum (MMP).
I went to a couple of outdoor retailers to compare the look, size and feel of these three devices. The GEV is a little bit smaller, but feels heavier. The GEV also has a smaller screen compared to the MMG and MMP.
I was told, on several different occasions, that both the MMG and MMP were better than the GEV. After numerous recommendations, I decided to go with Magellan. I would say that the expandable memory feature was THE one feature that helped me decide. Left with only two models to choose from, the final choice was an easy one. I decided to get the MMP. The MMG has expandable memory just like the MMP, and also has 128MB of built-in memory, but no electronic compass and no barometer.
Expandable Memory
The second thing I did after receiving the device (paid $249) was to buy a memory card. You have to get a memory card if you want to upload stuff to the Meridian Platinum. Its built in memory is not user modifiable at all.
The card type used in the Meridian is Secure Digital, or SD for short. The Magellan website incorrectly specifies that maximum memory handled by the Meridian is 64MB. I contacted Magellan customer support to find out if the published memory limit was indeed that of only 64MB. I was told that they had successfully tested with 128MB SD cards. I also asked if I was limited to using Magellan branded SD cards, they said no.
To recap memory support;
1. You can use any size SD card (min. 16MB, max. 512MB)
2. The SD card you use can be from any manufacturer.
Prices on SD cards vary a lot, so search a lot. A 16MB card should cost about $20, a 512MB will set you back about $180!
I bought a 256MB SanDisk SD card from Costco for $65 + tax. Very good deal! I have managed to load all of the state of California onto the SD card, and I have a lot of space left.
You can save and retrieve waypoints and routes to/from the SD card. You can copy maps, waypoints and routes in and out from any PC equipped with an SD card reader/writer. You are not limited to using a SD card reader/writer for transferring maps etc. to and from the Meridian, you can also use a serial connection. Comparing speed using the standard serial port transfer to an SD card reader/writer, is like comparing an old tired VW Golf with a brand new Ferrari! You would want to get a SD card reader/writer! At least if you are going to use the mapping functionality of the Meridian. A good quality SD card reader/writer with a USB connector can be purchased for about $15.
Electronic Compass
The electronic compass is really nice as it gives you heading and bearing standing still. It appears that the technology in the MMP is still in its infancy. The electronic compass has to be re-calibrated each time batteries are replaced, or the device has been dropped to the ground. It is not much of a task to re-calibrate the electronic compass, it usually takes less than a minute, it's just that it has to be done so often. Re-calibration of the electronic compass is of course only needed if you want to use the electronic compass. There is an option to use GPS satellites for compass functions instead, but that requires you to be moving at 0.5mph or more.
Another downfall of the electronic compass is that it sucks the life out of your batteries. With the electronic compass active, you get about 9 hours of battery life. Turning the electronic compass off, and using the satellites for compass functions, gives you another 5 hours of battery life from fresh batteries.
Basemap/Detail Map Functionality
The MMP comes with a 16MB basemap for North America. Not a lot of detail. A number of detail maps can be loaded onto SD cards and used in the MMP. I have 5 detail maps on my SD card currently. A menu option in the MMP allows you to select which map on the SD card should be used as the detail map.
Update 1 (2003-09-13):
I recently purchased the European Streets CD from Magellan. I must admit that I was not impressed. The streets etc. will not show up until you've zoomed in quite far (about 1.4km scale). If you are planning on using the device in Europe, you would also have to get the Worldwide Basemap CD. The Worldwide Basemap CD, as the name hints, holds a basemap of the whole world. You would then create a region for upload to your SD memory card. Unfortunately, due to bugs in the MapSend software, you're only allowed to create regions of a maximum size of 32Mb. 32Mb is not enough to hold all of Europe in one region. I know that they are working on updates to their software, so hopefully they will have that limitation removed going forward.
I do have a workaround for the region size, both on the basemap and all their other mapping software. Email me if you want to know more about the workaround.
Update 2 (2004-03-20):
A couple of months ago I received an offer to buy a copy of MapSend DirectRoute from Magellan for $99 vs. a list price of $170. They currently retail it for $149. DirectRoute is aimed at people that want their Meridian to be able to provide turn-by-turn navigation. After updating my Meridian's firmware to the latest version (DirectRoute requires version 5.0 or later), I created a map of the San Francisco Bay Area and uploaded it to my receiver. I promptly went out to try it. :-) It works great! The level of detail on the map on the receiver is perfect for driving. The algorithm used for routing needs some work though. There's no way to specify the type of route you want, e.g. Fastest, Shortest etc. I find that to be a minor flaw. All and all the routing does what you would expect it to. Setting up a new route is as easy as creating a GoTo point. I recommend getting MapSend DirectRoute if you are going to use your Meridian in a vehicle. Furthermore, if you have been thinking about getting either Streets and Destinations or DirectRoute, spend the extra money and get DirectRoute as it has everything that Streets and Destinations has, plus routing.
Accessories
If you, as I, are going to use the receiver both in and outside the car, there are some things that will make it even more useful. Magellan has two accessories that I find very useful, and quite frankly, I am kicking myself for not getting them earlier.
1. Vehicle Mounting Bracket
Is great for, not only holding the receiver,
but also to allow you to easily see maps,
your location etc.
2. PC Data Cable w/Cigarette Lighter Adapter
If you're planning on using the receiver
with a laptop or other computer (with a serial port).
This cable includes number 3. Almost ANY mapping
software will interface with the receiver and will
provide up-to-the-second location and traveling
information. I personally use AAA Map 'n Go when
I go on road trips.
3. Power Cable w/Cigarette Lighter Adapter
If you don't want to connect to a laptop,
but do want to save batteries.
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