Details on the Magellan Triton series

UPDATE: Read my Magellan Triton 1500 review.

As promised, here is more information on the forthcoming Magellan Triton handheld GPS series that I posted about earlier today. I just got off the phone with a Magellan rep and was able to ask some key questions; here’s what I found out…

The touch screen on the 1500 and 2000 will have a lockout — a hold button under a flap — to prevent accidental use of the interface. The touch screen interface is designed to be primarily used by your finger, though a stylus (and five spares) are included for detailed work like selecting a specific go-to point on the map.

I confirmed that the unit can display raster imagery, so users will be able to load 1:24,000 scale National Geographic TOPO! maps (and Weekend Explorer 3D), which are compatible with all Triton units except the Triton 200. Third-party map developers can partner with Magellan to create additional maps for the unit, so there is little standing in the way of us seeing aerial photos for the units at some point in the future.

The VantagePoint software, used to transfer maps and data to and from Triton units, will
be compatible with existing Magellan eXplorist units and future auto
units. I don’t believe you will be able to transfer raster imagery like National Geographic TOPO! to an eXplorist though!

Geocoded photos can be added to waypoints.  The unit’s battery life is being conservatively estimated at 10 hours of intense use. This number may change as Magellan conducts further tests.

I had to ask about support, because Magellan has a weak reputation in that arena. The answer I got was that they paid a lot of attention to this issue in designing the series. It’s all built on one platform (as opposed to the eXplorist series) which they say should make it easier for the company to support and provide future upgrades.

Magellan Triton features on the different models break down as follows (links go to PDFs):

• Magellan Triton 200 – 2.2" QVGA color screen, built-in base maps, SiRFstar III chipset, waterproof to IPX-7 design. $129 retail.
• Magellan Triton 300 – All the above features, plus it adds the ability to upload maps using the included VantagePoint software onto 10 MB of internal memory. $149 retail.
• Magellan Triton 400 – Adds an SD card slot for uploading maps and geocaching data. $199 retail.
• Magellan Triton 500 – All the features of the Triton 400, plus an electronic tri-axial compass and altimeter. $249 retail.
• Magellan Triton 1500 – This is one of two Tritons that have a touch-screen, which at 2.7" makes the unit a little larger than the lower level models. It includes an SD card slot, LED flashlight, and a speaker and microphone. $399 retail.
• Magellan Triton 2000 – All the features of the Triton 1500 plus a 2MP camera, electronic tri-axial compass and altimeter. $499 retail.

All Triton models are expected to ship to U.S. retailers in September and Europe in October. Available accessories include cases, bike mounts and vehicle mounts.

Related posts:

• National Geographic TOPO!