Let's look at one of the best-selling GPS devices on the market today, the Satmap Active 10 Plus. A lot of investment has gone into this unit which boasts a large bright screen, easy to use buttons and electronic compass. This GPS generates satellite maps on a rendering of OS maps, powered by SD cards plugged into the side of the device. Once loaded, the cards bring up a totally lifelike rendering of the well-loved OS map series, and you're ready for the trail.
Usability of the Satmap Active 10 Plus is one of its strong points. The screen has a pan and zoom ability which allows you to focus right in on lifelike, full-colour topographical features so you always know exactly where you are. The screen is generous at 3.5 inches square and you'll find map cards for the UK, Europe, America and beyond. Satmap have built this device around the quality of the maps, and it shows.
The Satmap Active 10 Plus is designed as easy to use and intuitive. The custom map cards power up a full-colour detailed map, available in scales of 1:50,000, 1:25,000 and more, depending on your area of navigation. You'll find a zoom facility, pan, electronic compass and €Trail Up' or €North Up, Trail Up' function which lets you navigate the way you want. The Satmap Active 10 Plus actually puts you in the map, what you do with it is up to you!
In terms of the handy essentials, the Satmap Active 10 Plus comes with rechargeable batteries, x2 AA and it's always good to have a set of spares for out on the trail. The device itself is not small compared to some GPS these days but neither is it a great lump in your hand, and sturdy side and front-mounted buttons are easy to use even with gloved hands.
The strength of the Satmap Active 10 Plus lies in its versatility. It can be as simple or as complex as you want: if you need just an on-the-ground navigator, it'll do that easily and in style. If you're more of a tech-junkie, you'll find super advanced features to play with such as advanced GPS tools, route planning options and points of interest. The Satmap Active 10 Plus feels like it means business: it's very sturdy in the hand or in the backpack and looks like it could do just fine on a rainy day. The satellite lock is good, consistent and strong and the device is practical on the move. A couple of aspects to consider with the Satmap Active 10 Plus include length of battery life (take some spares) and cost of the map cards as part of the overall package.
Usability of the Satmap Active 10 Plus is one of its strong points. The screen has a pan and zoom ability which allows you to focus right in on lifelike, full-colour topographical features so you always know exactly where you are. The screen is generous at 3.5 inches square and you'll find map cards for the UK, Europe, America and beyond. Satmap have built this device around the quality of the maps, and it shows.
The Satmap Active 10 Plus is designed as easy to use and intuitive. The custom map cards power up a full-colour detailed map, available in scales of 1:50,000, 1:25,000 and more, depending on your area of navigation. You'll find a zoom facility, pan, electronic compass and €Trail Up' or €North Up, Trail Up' function which lets you navigate the way you want. The Satmap Active 10 Plus actually puts you in the map, what you do with it is up to you!
In terms of the handy essentials, the Satmap Active 10 Plus comes with rechargeable batteries, x2 AA and it's always good to have a set of spares for out on the trail. The device itself is not small compared to some GPS these days but neither is it a great lump in your hand, and sturdy side and front-mounted buttons are easy to use even with gloved hands.
The strength of the Satmap Active 10 Plus lies in its versatility. It can be as simple or as complex as you want: if you need just an on-the-ground navigator, it'll do that easily and in style. If you're more of a tech-junkie, you'll find super advanced features to play with such as advanced GPS tools, route planning options and points of interest. The Satmap Active 10 Plus feels like it means business: it's very sturdy in the hand or in the backpack and looks like it could do just fine on a rainy day. The satellite lock is good, consistent and strong and the device is practical on the move. A couple of aspects to consider with the Satmap Active 10 Plus include length of battery life (take some spares) and cost of the map cards as part of the overall package.