Magellan Triton 2000

Today Magellan announced their new line of handheld GPS devices designed for outdoor use. One thing many GPS enthusiasts have been critical about regarding Magellan handheld devices is their ease of use. Magellan has completely rewritten their interface and Magellan says the new user interface is much easier to use. So what else will we find in this series?

The Magellan Triton will come in six different versions, and should be available sometime in September. We don’t quite yet have detailed specs on each model, but that will be coming soon.

The Triton 2000 will have a 2.7 inch QVGA screen, SD card slot, electronic compass, and a barometer. Those functions are fairly typical of high end handheld GPS devices. What isn’t so typical is a built-in 2MP digital camera, a flashlight, as well as a speaker and microphone. I talk frequently who use handheld GPS devices for various tasks where they need to mark locations on properties and take notes on those locations. A device like the Magellan Titon seems like it will be a great match for them.

Now, instead of trying to use the four way toggle switch to labor through typing out a note, you can now average the waypoint, take a picture of it with the integrated camera, then record a voice note about the waypoint you are at. The photos and voice notes will be associated with that waypoint. And at the end of the day when you have been working or geocaching too long and it gets dark on you…. turn on the flashlight to help see the trail while the Magellan Triton navigates you home.

Also somewhat unique for handheld GPS devices is the incorporation of a touch-screen. Previously this hasn’t been included on handheld devices due to the limited functionality they might offer but more importantly the ruggedness of the screen. So you can be sure when we get our hands on the Triton we will want to see just how rugged that screen is.

Like other devices in this class, the Triton is IPX-7 waterproof rated, and water submersible. So no fears taking the Triton along with you in your boat, canoe, or kayak. Magellan has also built a new software package called Magellan VantagePoint for map, tracks, media, and waypoint management. The software will be available as a free download from Magellan’s website.

What we notably didn’t see, and are somewhat surprised about, is a lack of mention of any kind of raster map compatibility to add satellite imagery or digital photography. They do say you can load National Geographic Topo maps onto the device, which leaves open a glimmer of hope, but we don’t see any reference to aerial photography being available.

The Triton 2000, described here, will retail for $500. Other models with smaller screens, no flashlight, fewer basemaps, etc will retail for as little as $130. Other models in the series are the Triton 1500 at $399, Triton 500 at $249, Triton 400 at $199, Triton 300 at $149, and Triton 200 at $129. All are expected to be available in September.