veebee

I've narrowed it down to these two models based on research and reviews and I'm not sure which will be the best fit for me.

The prices are somewhat similar - in the $250 range or so, and that's fine. They have some different features (csx has an electronic compass, altimeter; PN-20 has topo maps included).

I'll be using it pretty much for geocaching, so it needs to have decent battery life, ability to pick up/hold a signal under tree cover, visible in sunlight, etc, and these are the things that the reviews don't concur on .

Does anyone have thoughts about which is a better unit to get for my needs? Thank you in advance.

Andy

The electronic compass is usefull for getting a bearing when you are standing still. A regular GPS only gives you that when you are moving. I've always wanted to try a PN-20. The 60CSx is going to work very well in heavy tree cover. I don't know about the PN-20. Does Delorme have a return policy on it? It might be worth getting it to try out. The satellite images might be helpful when geocaching.

TeamDeLorme

Hope you don't mind me chiming in here...

The PN-20 does not have an electronic compass, the new PN-40 does. Both devices work very well under heavy tree cover.
DeLorme has a 30-day money back guarantee on all of our products, no questions asked, including opened software.
I would recommend for you to check out the DeLorme forums (DeLorme Forums – GPS, Topo & Street Mapping Software and XMap GIS) as well as the Groundspeak forums (Groundspeak Forums -> GPS and Technology)
as there have been many discussions by geocachers about both devices.

I hope that this is helpful!

-Brian

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Team DeLorme

Andy

Hey Brian. Thanks for chiming in. I've been comparing the PN-20 and PN-40 on your site. Does the 40 come with the same map data preloaded as the 20? Am I reading the specs wrong or does the 20 come with USGS, aerial, satellite images and the 40 comes with an option to add those through a map subscription? I need to get down to my local REI store and demo one of these. I still have my original Earthmate GPS "the brick", with serial/PS2 connections!

veebee

The PN-40 does look attractive, but at $350, and not quite available yet, I'm leaning towards the PN-20. In addition, if I get a refurbished model, I'll spend a lot less. That one isn't returnable, however, if I don't like it. Which is what my big concern is.

At this point my concern is the slowness of refreshing. Is this a problem? Since this is for geocaching only, I don't need superfast refreshing. But, how much patience does one need until the maps refresh?

TeamDeLorme

Andy, here is the breakdown:

The PN-20 and PN-40 BOTH come with a worldwide basemap installed, the one on the 40 is a bit more detailed. BOTH come with a copy of Topo USA 7.0. Once the detailed topo and street maps are transferred from the software to the GPS the level of mapping detail on the GPS is exactly the same.
BOTH devices (and the software) give you the ability to view USGS Quads, Color Aerial Photos, NOAA Charts, and SAT 10 Imagery. We provide a certificate with the included software that gives you a sample amount of these different map types, to give you a taste. You then have the option to purchase the MapLibrary subscription card which entitles you to UNLIMITED map downloads for an entire year for $29.95.

Well, It looks as though the "local" REI for you is the "Marina" Store. Unfortunately, the do not stock the PN-series devices at that particular location. It looks as though the closest stocking location to you is the "Mountain View" Store. They may or may not actually have a PN-20 in stock at the moment, I would call ahead. I know that they don't have the PN-40 yet, as they have yet to hit the shelves.
We actually have a rep out in the SF area this week, maybe you can track him down at the airport when he flies out this weekend!

Again, I hope that I've been helpful!

-Brian

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Team DeLorme

Ronct110

Brian,

This is an old post, but I am very interested...

I just joined this forum and starting to look into replacement GPS, and I am leaning towardds the PN-40 or Garmin unit, and also for my Northern California Land Rover Club use www.nclrclub.org

Might be more than a dozen of us looking to buy for trail use; is your rep avail to join us/demonstrate the PN-40 for PR (Delorme) purpose? Our club and personally hit the 4x4 trails once a month in Hollister SVRA (near Gilroy) and every other 2 months trails in California/Oregon/Washtington, and most importantly we are helping our local state parks map/mark gps points/locations in newly developed park.

Let us know if Delorme is interested in doing a demo of PN-40, and perhaps even discussion on how we canshow case PN-40 to existing Land Rover owners and perspective. PM me and I can send you my cell # and contact info.

Thanks!

Ron
Board of Directors NCLR