Don't leave the tent without it

Author's Rating:

Pros: Larger database/basemap - Large LCD screen

Cons: Bulkier & heavier than Sportrak - Can't upload mapping software w/o optional memory

The Bottom Line: 
It's a high-tech toy that may save your life one day....

Author's Review
One of my biggest pet peeves is novice hikers getting lost in the woods, then requiring a rescue crew to piggyback them back to civilization. Not only does this make them look dumb, it also costs tax payers $50,000+ each time. Well, you can save yourself the embarrassment and public ridicule by staying home or investing in an economical GPS.

The Magellan Meredian Gold packs quite a KO punch in a relatively compact package. It comes factory programmed with 16MB of basemap. This includes cities, highways, major roads, lakes, etc. Compare this to the Magellan Sportrak Map and Garmin Legend, which both come preloaded with only 2MB basemap.

I got a chance to test the Gold while driving and it worked flawlessly. It was quick to find the satellite signal and grab a hold of it. It never lost the signal during the 2 hour drive through and over mountains.

The Gold displays significantly more backroads and smaller towns than the Sportrak and Legend. But, to my surprise and disappointment, some roads I use are missing from the Gold. Considering they are major roads and are included in the Sportrak and Legend, I was mildly shocked. But, it's not a huge deal, because overall, there are more roads and cities included, including populations. Bet you didn't know Hughes, Alaska only has 54 residents!

The Gold is basically a fraternal twin of the Sportrak (see my review), sharing similar looks, function and screens. The only significant differences are:

- Gold's viewing screen is about 25% larger
- Gold is bulkier and heavier
- The battery compartment is easier to open due to two sliding switches instead of a screw, like in the Sportrak
- Mapping software can't be uploaded in the Gold without an optional memory card. The Sportrak has built-in 6MB for this purpose

I purchased the Gold because I was able to get it at a ridiculous price. I paid $120 (no tax) at online auction (not ebay). It was a refurb but looks and works like new. I am quite thrilled with the price, considering this company sells the same refurbs in their catalog for $170. I believe new ones go for $200.

I do have one complaint about the Gold, which is that the battery cover does not close air-tight. Although it's rated to 5M and can be submerged for 30 min, I am worried that the looseness will cause water to get in and damage the unit. I do not know if this is because it's a refurb or if it's a design flaw.

If you plan on using the Gold exclusively for hiking, don't bother. That's an over-kill. It would make much more sense to get a basic GPS. Base models usually lack basemaps and other goodies, but it will help you backtrack to your car or camp without a search party. I have seen the basic Cobra GPS @ Circuit City for a mere $79 (after $20 rebate). Garmin eTrex is also relatively cheap ($89) and will keep you from getting lost and making the 5 o'clock news.