Do you even need a GPS? Maybe.
If you do, the Magellan Meridian could be what you need.

I am not sure why I thought I needed a GPS Now that I have one I might be able to do without it but I know I would be reaching for the empty spot where it was. A few of the uses for me are: navigating TO the launch site, obviously marking productive spots for the future, retracing a drift where I had a good bite among others.

When I decided I needed a GPS I started where I typically do and began to do some research. Being a 'computer guy' I started on the Internet. There are some great sites providing reviews and technical information on GPS I will list those for your use as well. The first thing I found was not surprising. It is the same qualification for anything anyone will acquire. There is no solution that does everything for everybody. I am not sure why we ever look for anything that is 'perfect' in every way. The problem is that one or another attribute excludes or shapes another.

For instance, smaller equipment is easier to carry, store, use. Many items have been miniaturized so I am not saying it can not be done. But there may be a tradeoff. With a GPS you give up a better antenna and screen size. If you are rarely in cover then the antenna limitations may not be an issue. Size may also determine how easy the controls are to access. I mention this as my first inclination was for the Garmin eTrex. There is quite a bit of technology and function in this unit. Ultimately though I new that I would want the better antenna of the full size handheld. Garmin has a long time offering in this niche - the Map76.

Magellan seems to have set that unit as the benchmark to beat. In my research I decided they had.

The two major factors that sold me were the huge memory capacity and the installed base map. Next on my list were the antenna, rugged construction and ease of use. >>cont'd

The last factor is apparently something that Magellan has improved markedly from some past reviews I read. I am one of those who rarely reads a manual. For basic use you can jump right in with little reading and be using most of the GPS functions in an hour or less.

All controls are easily manipulated. Many functions could be performed with one hand only. One caveat to this is that the power button is too easily depressed in the event that you had the unit in a pocket or in a bag where it could get inadvertently depressed. You will get a warning but if it is in your pocket that is of little use. This is a minor issue and many users have detailed how they made a 'fix' for this.
As for functions, aside of what you would expect for a GPS in general it offers some nice perks. It has a solunar calculation for 'good' and 'excellent' fishing times. I think I would use the tide chart more if offered (the Garmin Map 76 has a tide display. Others swear by the solunar table and when it comes to tides most anlgers I know will fish when the can whatever the tide is. There is a vertical display that offers enhanced data if you have topo maps loaded.

The huge built in memory, largest in the handhelds at 64 MB allows a very detailed internal map. Also helped by the memory are the tracking. This unit offers the most accurate backtrack of handheld units. If the built-in memory is not enough you can ad an 'SD' card up to 128 MB which can hold area maps to load or unload and your personal data can be moved to the card.

Battery consumption has been very good in my use. I can go about 12 hours or more without the backlight and if used extended periods at night it may drop to 8 hours on high setting. This unit is worth a comparison if you are in the market. Check here for links. <<back

Here are some helpful links when considering a GPS

Magellan Meridian

Excellent GPS sites which offer reviews and information on how GPS works.

Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel's GPS Information Website

Sam Wormley's Global Positioning System (GPS) Resources

There is a Yahoo group specifically for Magellan Meridian that offers excellent resources and advice from users.

Yahoo Magellan Meridian Group

For additional information try this Google Search

GPS