Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB)
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Manufacturer: Magellan
List Price: $499.99
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Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB)
The first Meridian GPS receiver for serious navigators who want a vibrant outdoor viewable color display in a go-anywhere handheld system. 120×160 pixel, 16 color display for easy viewing outdoors. Features 16 MB built-in map with navaids ad obstructions, SD card expandability. Waterproof - it floats. External antenna connector. With rubber armoring in a classic platinum gold color.
The Magellan Meridian Color GPS receiver is just as at home navigating the highways and byways in your car as it is tracking through your favorite mountain trails. This top-of-the line GPS device features a preloaded 16 MB map database of North America, which can be augmented by detailed maps from optional CD-ROMs via the Secure Digital memory card slot. It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons, and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for three-meter accuracy.
 Map screen. View larger. |
 Compass display. View larger. |
 Road-view mode. View larger. |
 The Meridian Color is versatile GPS device that is perfect for navigating the highway or the trails. View larger. |
Compared to Magellan’s Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak’s 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions–6.5 by 2.9 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D)–making it not quite as pocketable (unless you have cargo pants). The bright color screen measures 2.2 by 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors. Compared with the staid monochrome screens of most GPS devices, the icons and mapping details jump off the screen. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn’t at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you’re driving, as you have to read the screen for turning instructions (though there are audible prompts) rather than hear a voice providing directions.
With a selected map region loaded into the memory, simply press the GoTo button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, the Meridian Color presented us with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us of the upcoming direction change. The set of beeps elevated to an urgent level when we were right on top of the turn. We used this to plot a course to Seattle’s Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results. However, if you’re familiar with the terrain, you may have found your way in less time with better shortcuts. If you turn off the Meridian while following a route, you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.
Magellan’s Meridian series offers Secure Digital (SD) memory card expandability, which is a bonus for adding a large amount of map data, especially for long trips. However, we were disappointed at its placement within the device behind the batteries rather than in an external slot. This won’t be a problem for most users, but it could be annoying if you had a number of maps spread across several cards.
We experienced good battery life during our test–Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with two AA batteries. If you do plan on frequent use in your vehicle, we recommend either purchasing the optional cigarette lighter power cable or using NiMH rechargeable batteries, which typically provide a longer battery life, as well as minimized cost in the long run.
Overall, we were pleased with this portable hybrid car/outdoor GPS receiver. The Meridian’s color screen definitely provides quick viewing details while out hiking or mountain biking, while the driving navigation features were indeed helpful in unknown locales. However, if you do plan on using your GPS primarily in your car, you should think about moving up to either Magellan’s Meridian Color Traveler (which includes a street map CD-ROM, vehicle mounting bracket, and power adapter) or the Magellan Roadmate (with voice instruction). –Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
Cons:
Note: All available screen shots were in black and white. The Magellan Meridian Color provides 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors on all screens and displays.
What’s in the Box
Meridian Color GPS receiver, PC cable, 2 AA batteries, wrist strap, and user’s manual (English/French).
The Magellan Meridian Color GPS receiver is just as at home navigating the highways and byways in your car as it is tracking through your favorite mountain trails. This top-of-the line GPS device features a preloaded 16 MB map database of North America, which can be augmented by detailed maps from optional CD-ROMs via the Secure Digital memory card slot. It also offers easy-to-read navigation screens, good-sized buttons and a thumb directional pad on the front, and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) for 3-meter accuracy.
Compared to Magellan’s Sportrak line, the Meridian is bulkier both in weight (8.5 ounces with batteries compared to the Sportrak’s 6.1 ounces) and overall dimensions–6.5 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D)–making it not quite as pocketable (unless you have cargo pants).
The bright color screen measures 2.2 x 1.75 inches and has a decent 160 x 120 pixel resolution with 16 colors. Compared with the staid monochrome screens of most GPS devices, the icons and mapping detail literally jumps off the screen. We found it to be nicely readable in the car and in most outside conditions, though it wasn’t at its best in direct sunlight. As with cell phones in the car, you will have to be wary with your usage. The Meridian Color can be a bit distracting while you’re driving as you have to read the screen for turning instructions (though there are audible prompts) rather than hear a voice providing directions (a feature of the Magellan Roadmate).
With a selected map region loaded into the memory (such as from the Mapsend DirectRoute CD-ROM), simply press the Goto button and select either a new or previously loaded waypoint or a point of interest (such as an airport or sports arena) to navigate to via a street route. After a bit of calculating, we were presented with a turn-by-turn journey that we could follow while driving. As we neared each turn, the Meridian Color emitted a set of beeps to warn us (which elevated to an urgent beeping when we were right on top of the turn). We used this to plot a course to Seattle’s Space Needle, and it produced acceptable results (though, if you’re familiar with the terrain, you may know better shortcuts). If you turn off the Meridian while following a route (say if you take a coffee break), you can return right back to it once you turn the device back on.
Magellan’s Meridian series offers Secure Digital (SD) memory card expandability, which is a bonus for adding a large amount of map data (especially for long trips). However, we were disappointed at its placement within the device behind the batteries rather than an external slot. This won’t be a problem for most users, but it will be annoying if you’ve got a number of maps spread across several cards.
We experienced good battery life during our test (Magellan boasts 13 hours of continuous use with 2 AA batteries). If you do plan on using it a lot in your vehicle, we recommend either purchasing the optional cigarette lighter power cable or using NiMH rechargeable batteries (which provide a typically longer battery duration as well as minimized cost in the long run).
Overall, we were pleased with this portable hybrid car/outdoor GPS receiver. The Meridian’s color screen definitely helps with quickly viewing details while out hiking or mountain-biking, while the driving navigation features were indeed helpful in unknown locales. However, if you do plan on using your GPS primarily in your car, you should think about moving up to either Magellan’s Meridian Color Traveler (which includes a street map CD-ROM, vehicle mounting bracket, and power adapter) or the Magellan Roadmate (with voice instruction). –Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
- Color LCD is very readable–routes and icons pop off the screen
- Controls well laid out, navigation screens are intuitive (especially for new users)
- Optional mapping software is easy to use and transfer
Cons:
- SD memory card slot not easily accessible
- We recommend a power adapter or NiMH batteries for extended car use
Early Adopters Pick: January 2003. The first handheld GPS unit with a full-color screen.
The Magellan Meridian Color is the first handheld GPS receiver to feature a full-color screen. Find your way with superior tracking and accuracy to within three meters, a built-in mapping database, and a high-color, high-contrast, backlit, 120 x 160 pixel display. The Meridian Color finds your location by tracking up to 12 GPS satellites simultaneously, and is also assisted by the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), so it’s accurate to within three meters or better.
The Meridian Color is ruggedly constructed and is waterproof, so you can take it anywhere, whether you’re navigating the streets or hitting the trails. It features nine customizable graphic navigation displays including a map, compass, and speedometer, and text readouts that show heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. You can choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums including latitude/longitude, the Universal Transverse Mercator grid, and the Military Grid Reference System.
The Meridian Color features 16 MB of built-in maps of North America–including interstates, highways, major roads, waterways, cities, airports, and more–that you can also expand by downloading onto an optional Secure Digital memory card (not included). You can store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints, and 2,000 track points, and the Save Track-to-Route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. Magellan MapSend software, available separately, lets you save hundreds of routes to your PC.
Other features include NorthFinder technology, which shows your direction even when standing still; sun and moon positions, which shows you when the sun will rise and set and the phase of the moon; a fish and game calculator, which shows you when the fish are likely to be biting in any location; and satellite status, which monitors the GPS satellites in view and gets information about their status.
Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB) Features:
- Full-color 120 x 160 pixel display; backlit for easy night-time use
- Uses WAAS technology for accuracy to within 3 meters or better
- 16 MB of built-in memory includes mapping of North America and unlimited expandability
- Rubber armored construction is impact resistant and waterproof
- Runs for up to 13 hours on 2 AA batteries; includes USB interface with cable
Magellan Meridian Color Handheld GPS Navigator (16 MB) Reviews
Magellan Promised Updates but Didn’t Deliver!
We purchased this item two years ago when the item was truly hot on the market. At that time, the Magellan website indicated that regular mapping updates would be available for all the Meridian products. On the contrary, NOT ONE update has been produced, and now we see where the Meridian product line is being discontinued. We would not have purchased a Magellen had we known that mapping updates were not going to be produced as promised. Regularly during the course of two years, we emailed the manufacturer of the Magellan products to inquire about the updates. Our replies continually indicated that the mapping updates were ‘on the way.’ They never were produced! Basically, our investment is now obsolete with no hopes of mapping updates, Magellan obviously cannot be trusted, and we won’t purchase another Magellan product again. With so many companies, including Dell, entering the GPS market, there’s no need to invest in Magellan again.
What a Bringdown
After losing an older Meridian Marine, I decided to make use of my software and buy this unit since I LOVED the previous model for a few years. When I received this model it seemed to be working fine when I initialized it. It came with antique version 4.02 firmware, marked from 2002. The unit refused all my software (specifically uploading REGIONS off the Topo, Nav, and World Basemap discs) until I upgraded the firmware to anything above v.5. When I tried to install v5.34 from the CD or v. 5.40 which I downloaded, it kept freezing and wouldn’t accept the firmware. I then called tech support (NOT open 24/7!…just California time 6am-5:30pm, weekdays). I spent a total of 3 hours on hold during my 4 phonecalls!!!! The obviously outsourced “tech experts” (trained British accents, probably in Pakistan) then repeatedly walked me thru the same steps to fix the problem as though they were encountering them for the first time! I even got the same guy twice. One said I’d get a callback the next day at 7:30 PM New York time. It never happened. After giving up, one of them transferred me to a “senior-technician” who did no better. After even she gave up, she said she had to look up something and would call me back within 30 minutes. Guess what….It never happened (again)! No matter how great the unit might be, I will never do business again with a sleazy excuse for a professional Company named Magellan (Thales Communications). Even the “worldwide basemap”, which I bought the unit for, only gave me an OUTLINE of Panama…no roads, no nothing!! In all my 58 years, with all my toys (boats/radar/stereos,medical electronics, cameras, etc,etc, etc), this is the single WORST response I’ve ever had to asking for HELP, especially on a BRAND-NEW product!
Magellan Color is Tops
This is the 2nd Magellan GPS I own, I also have a 315 series GPS. I had prior experience with GPS’s, (my 315 and military GPS’s) so it was really easy for me to get comfortable with this unit.
Turning on the unit, the first thing I noticed was the VIBRANT color display, which was the main reason I bought the unit. I bought a Sport Trac, but really wanted the color screen.
I think there are 7 screen on this unit. Satellite position, the map screen, compass, large data display, speed, position and the road screen. Each screen has data fields that are totally customizable, with no less than 12 different data displays.
This unit does just about anything dealing with navigation, map datum, unit of measure, time format, mils versus degrees, it does projection based on time, contour elevation, everything.
I bought the software containing elevation, and when maps are downloaded it shows the contour interval, I want to buy the turn-by-turn software, but it is kinda pricey.
The software is easy to use, the hard part is getting past the limitations. I used a SD card reader to put the images directly into the card, but I also hook it to the computer with a USB to Serial adapter, as you can download your track history onto your computer and replay your entire trip back in varying levels of speed.
Really there is so much this does it is hard to remember everything.
Some of the things i don’t much like are the fact you have to take the battery cover off and take the batteries out to get to the card, I use a 512mb card, and it is way more than enough space for whatever I need to put on.
You can put all your way points in the way the maps are put in, but I have not delved into that to much.
Another thing is when it is first powered up, you have to watch the screen for a disclaimer about using at your own risk, then have to hit enter to procede, if you don’t hit enter within maybe 20 seconds it powers off.
Well, I have used it alot, and I love it, the only thing better would be a Roadmate, but you get about the same thing at 1/3 the cost. I would highly recommend this unit to a beginner or advanced user alike.
Greatly satisfied.
This is my first GPS unit so I don’t have much to which to compare it. However, it served me well in the United Kingdom, Italy and in northern California. I am not the most technically gifted person, so it took a couple of readings of the manual and some hands-on experience to become comfortable. I found that downloading maps onto the SD card was the best, and perhaps only, way to have a sufficient number of maps available. Also, I mistakenly expected it to work more like my navigation unit in my car. My mistake. I am still happy with it though and don’t regret the expense. It definitely made travelling in Italy easier than previous European trips.
Travelmate - Meridian Color GPS
I am Turkish and live in Belgium but have to do a lot travelling to Europe and US. I use a Meridian Color GPS with 512Mb SD card where I store US and European maps together. It works fine and did not have any problem. I have two issues with this device:
1- Loading of the maps takes more time than I have anticipated. (A map of 48Mb that covers most of Belgium takes 3hrs to load on a 512MB with full options selected) I use a card writer for this but maybe it is due to my slow laptop computer. But still to long. You should prepare the maps beforehand, not at the last minute.
2- Reception is becoming very low especially when driving through narrow streets with apartments and buildings on both sides. GPs Device gives late response and shows your location with bigger error margin. (You can buy an external antenna but I never tried. If somebody knows whether this improves the reception significantly pls let us know)
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