Category — DeLorme

When we last told you about the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40, we knew it was headed for release sometime this fall but we didn’t have an exact date, nor did we have any pricing information.  We sent an email to DeLorme requesting the details but didn’t receive a reply.  However, it seems we weren’t the only ones as all the requests have prompted DeLorme to finally publish the sought after info on their company blog.

The target release date for the PN-40 is October 15.  The keyword in the previous sentence is ‘target’.  The device has been going through beta testing out in the field for the past 5 weeks, but everything looks to be on schedule.  Now for price.  The target price is set at $399.95 but DeLorme reminds us that that price not only includes the PN-40, but also Topo USA 7.0 software worth about $100 and $40 worth of sample data downloads from the DeLorme Map Library.  In addition, a $29.95 annual subscription gives users unlimited access to USGS 7.5 minute quads, color aerial imagery, and NOAA nautical charts.

Now the PN-40 has two more beta stages to go through before it’s ready for release.  The company has roughly two months to pull it off, so we’ll keep our eyes open for any changes.

If you’re the type of adventurer that would like nothing more than navigating the brutal barrenness of the North and South Poles you’re going to need one of the most rugged, highly functional personal navigation devices available.  DeLorme looks to have your solution with the new 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset-powered Earthmate PN-40.  The next-generation model to the Earthmate PN-20, the PN-40 features DeLorme’s proprietary ConstantLock enabling satellite retention in even the most challenging environments.  Included is Topo USA’s 7.0 multifunctional desktop mapping software that allows you to create hiking trails, create routes from imported GPS tracks, and access supplemental mapping data in a variety of formats all of which are uploadable to the PN-40.

Other key features include IPX7 waterproofing, WAAS, 500 MB of onboard flash memory with an SD slot for expansion, a barometric altimeter, and a 3-axis electronic compass.  Look for the Earthmate PN-40 to hit shelves sometime this fall.

via delorme

DeLorme’s Earthmate PN-20 has received some pretty favorable reviews since it hit the market.  All the more reason to get excited about the next-generation Earthmate PN-40, to be released sometime this fall.  The Earthmate PN-40, a rugged PND device aimed at the outdoor adventure market, will be powered by a 32-channel STMicroelectronics Cartesio chipset allowing a nearly instantaneous satellite fix and DeLorme’s proprietary ConstantLock technology means you’ll never have to worry about bad reception, even in heavily forested areas.

A dual-core processor renders screens immediately and the Earthmate PN-40 sports 500MB of internal flash memory, expandable to an impressive 32GB via SDHC cards which can receive data while in the PN-40 via a PC USB connection.  The PND also has a 3-axis compass usable in any position, a barometer, and is WAAS-enabled meaning you’ll get position accuracy within 3 meters.

DeLorme says that what really sets the Earthmate PN-40 apart is its use of Topo USA 7.0 mapping software, included in the purchase price.  Topo USA software can automatically create trail routes, can receive imported GPS tracks which it converts to navigable roads and trails, saveable for future use, and allows access to other mapping types including USGS 7.5-min quads, NOAA nautical charts, and aerial imagery.

We look forward to Earthmate PN-40 release and as for how much it costs?  No word yet, but you can read more at the DeLorme blog for now.