Lowrance Sierra

[haven]

Lowrance just announced a handheld device that offers a "premium navigation experience" at a reasonable price.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Endura/Endura-Sierra/

The Lowrance Sierra provides GPS, electronic compass and altimeter functions. It's pre-loaded with street maps (continental USA) and Intermap’s Accuterra high-resolution topographic maps.

The Sierra offers 32 GB of built-in memory, and a slot for micro SDHC cards so you can use mapping data from the Internet and from other commercial sources.

The Lowrance Sierra has an MSRP of $549 and will be available in May 2009. At that time, Lowrance will introduce other less expensive, less capable models as well.

The Sierra sounds pretty useful to me. Can someone fill me in on GPS devices from other manufacturers that offer similar functions?

Chip Haven

 

[tdesanto]

I like the aerial and satelite imagery option of the Delorme PN-20 and PN-40. This in addition to their top notch topo software: Topo 7.

 

[geodasher]

Sounds like a promising unit given the thin details. The design is a bit odd and clunky looking. The full set of buttons takes up space which makes the touchscreen small and the entire unit rather tall. Maybe the touchscreen is capacitive (doesn't work with gloves)--they don't say. Ease of use will depend a lot on the unit's operating system; I hope they have redone it from scratch but those buttons make me wonder.

A minor correction in your post. Internal memory is 4GB. A microSD card of up to 32GB can be used to add memory.

I use a Garmin Oregon 400t which has similar capabilities. It is controlled by a resistive touchscreen (only a single power button). Garmin has finally supplied Mac-compatible software so I'm happy.

 

[Bergger]

As the owner of a Lowrance Ifinder Expedition C and a Garmin Nuvi I will have to say that the new Lowrance will have to have dramatic improvements in ease of use and software manipulation for me to even consider it. Garmin is leaps and bounds ahead of Lowrance when it comes to this. While there are things I like about the Lowrance unit it is a nightmare when it comes to uploading maps and updating software. The Garmin Colorado is the next GPS on my list.

 

[Navman]

I must say that after using the touchscreen on my Garmin Oregon 400t and Nuvi 760, I have a hard time looking at a device that has buttons if it doesn't have any additional features that I may want. The touchscreen just works so well and is very fast to navigate.

I'll still want to take a look at these when they come out just to compare.

Edit: I see it comes with Intermap's Accuterra software. Hmmmm... I will take a closer look at this.

 

[esh]

I personally can't stand touchscreen interfaces on mobile devices. It usually requires me to look at it, and I would rather be watching the road. My Garmin III+ and 60csx is just fine with me (and cheaper/solid). The new JVC multimedia car head unit is all touchscreen now. I had to spend some time searching for the previous year's model that had tactile controls, without lack of any of the new model's features. Sure they have remotes, but for a primary interface I want buttons.

fwiw, I have a T-mobile G1 and a touchscreen ruggedized tablet. Give me good buttons anyday out in the dust and muck. Less screen real estate, but less chance of breaking your sole interface, replacing screen protectors or damaging your screen.

I am generally in harsh environments in a non-hermetically sealed vehicle. I want something that will last and not cost $700 for a new one.

 

[ntsqd]

WOW! Does that mean non Lowrance map files in a Lowrance? That's something just short of earth shattering.

OTOH, I can't say that I like the idea of a touch screen. I'm usually working hard not to touch the screen so it doesn't build up dust and dirt.

I can't recall which version of the Delorme software is running in my notebook, but I've been looking into using their USB antenna with my Garmin software as it is much easier to use and far less clunky.