The processor does seem slightly burdened, but that's because of the detailed topo maps. I also know that I made a few errors when compiling the maps from TOPO 3D to my hand held, and I could have made them in such a way as to speed load times. Delorme has a forum, and the engineers seem to log on and listen to what people want. They did a firmware update within a couple of days, based on some early suggestions. My understanding is that you'll be able to load the next release of Street Atlas USA maps onto the device, which are more like the vector type maps on other units and they will reduce the load on the processor for those times when topo maps aren't needed. My feeling is that while it is noticeable, the processor speed doesn't detract from the utility at all.
I have found that it is fairly accurate, and I can pick up a good signal inside the cab of my Tacoma. I have never owned another GPS unit before, although I did borrow a Magellan Explorist 500 for a week. I did like that the Magellan would give me mph down to the 10th of a mph. The Delorme gives whole numbers.
I really really like using TOPO 3D that comes with it. I really wound up getting two products, as TOPO is a very powerful program by itself. I have not yet downloaded any of my free aerial images yet, so I can't comment on those.
One last thing is that it picks up signals very quickly, and I have been using it all week on the same set of off-brand alkaline batteries. They claim 14 hours on 2 AA's, but I know I've already gone past that. I think they print all their test results under worst case scenarios.
I will update this with a much more thorough review when the arctic blast that we are having lifts, and I get a chance to use it for a driving/hiking/camping trip over the course of a weekend and really put it to the test. Hopefully within a couple of weeks.
unk03:
