Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver
Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver - Affordable and featured filled.

Handheld GOS units have come a long way over the last few years. It seems like the screens keep getting bigger, their sizes smaller, and their price tags bigger. If you have a hardcore need for a serious handheld gPS unit, then you probably don’t have too hard of time justifying buying a $400 plus unit. But, for the rest of us, thats a bit much for something we may only use a few times a year. If you want a handheld GPS unit that has a color screen, lots of features, and a compact size, but don’t want to break the bank; then you should look into the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver.
The Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver might not be the biggest and most impressive handheld GPS unit out there, but it isn’t meant to be. What the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver is meant to be is an affordable handheld GPS unit that has a number of features that more expensive units offer, but at a fraction of the cost. Lets look at it this way, if the more expensive handheld GPS units are like a brand new family house, then the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver is like a new townhouse. It looks and acts like the more expensive units, but is built in a more economical manner.
So, just what makes the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver have a low price tag, but still comparable to the higher priced units? One of the things that keeps the price down a lot on the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver is its screen It has a much smaller screen than the more expensive units out there. To make up for the small screen though, the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver sports a full color display that is scratch resistant and designed to be able to read even in direct sunlight. One other feature that makes the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver less expensive is its overall size. While its not huge by any means, it is a tad bulkier than the higher priced GPS units.
The quick & dirty:
Where you can get one:
Amazon.com: $250
Why they rock:
- Bright, sunlight-readable and scratch-resistant screen is easy to view in almost any light
- Powerful processor handles dynamic routing and multi-tasking with ease; finger-friendly user interface makes navigation a snap
- Digital compass determines accurate direction of travel and allows user to sight and navigate precise bearings
- Barometric altimeter analyzes pressure differences to determine accurate elevation; pressure tracking helps user forecast weather conditions
- Expandable memory via SD cards (sold separately) allows storage of maps, audio, pictures and more
- Imports maps from Magellan MapSend product series as well as popular software like National Geographic TOPO and Mountain Dynamics
- Triton 500’s rugged rubberized housing is easy to grip; strap loop facilitates attachment to packs or clothing
- Waterproof construction keeps unit functioning; meets IEC 60529 lPX7 standards (submersible to 1m for 30 min.)
- Strong SiRFstarIII chipset provides rapid satellite fix and position lock in narrow valleys, dense woodlands and urban jungles
- WAAS-enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System) receiver delivers accuracy to within 10 ft. in North America
- Comes with preloaded basemap of the continental United States, Alaska and Canada along with a catalog of major points of interest
Seat-of-the-pants rating: 8 out of 10
If you want a handheld GPS unit just for the sake of having one, then there is no need to go out and buy a $400 plus unit. It would be like buying a hummer just because you have a gravel driveway. But, if you want some of the features of the hummer without paying for it, check out the Magellan Triton 500 GPS Receiver. It might not have all the features of the higher end units, but it will have enough to keep you happy. And with a price tag this low its hard to complain.
Looking to Buy? Check out these sites:
Amazon.com: $250