This thread discusses the Content article: Magellan Mobile Mapper 6 Preview

I am going on a 3 week camping/canoeing trip. Would the mobile mapper be a suitable device for me. I need something that is water resistant(proof) and can do multiple tasks. Main purpose is GPS navigation but I would also like to listen to music, play games, write notes and take quality pictures. Hows the battery life?

gv
The Magellan Mobile Mapper is an excellent unit that is rugged enough for your use. The unit is running Windows Mobile 6 and have a high sensitivity GPS receiver.
Do you have any GPS Navigation Software in Mind? I would recommend trying the trial of Fugawi Global Navigator. It has a Google earth plug-in that will allow you to download sat imagery to the MM6 for your trip. The points you can download from our site will work with most software and GPS devices.
The unit has a water proof rating of IPX7 so if you flip the canoe no worries about the GPS. The camera is only 2Mp but for most uses that is more than enough. Some really cool features you my like are the Electronic compass and barometer.
Even better its a Windows mobile device that runs off AA's. pretty much all others on the market use built in or removable lithium batteries. Problem with those is when your in the middle of the bush with no charger or a solar charge with no sun. I recommend using a NmH AA solar charger and bring a couple sets of AA lithiums as a backup.
It will run MP3 no problems (scare those bears away). As for gaming you will probably have a hard time running something with alot of 3D graphics for the unit only has a 400Mhz processor.

Note: Before going on your trip we recommend installing a backup utility to the MM6 and back up all your settings. That way if you have any electronic problems in the bush you will have a working copy to revert to.

Cheers
Admin www.gpsculture.com - Pointing out your world.

Thanks for the info. Do you have any other suggestions on a good multiuse gps. I may also need a tracking device also that will work in remote areas.

I would also recommend purchasing a non rugged PDA with GPS like the MIO P550(lacks camera)and put it in a rugged water resistant PDA case such as the Otter box. As a camera I recommend the Olympus 770SW. I have this camera and it is very rugged and has a 7Mp camera and can be submerged in water. I have taken mine to the beach for a whole day, it spent 80% of its time underwater in my pocket. I recommend a separate camera for the added resolution and functions.
If you can live with out the games and other PDA functions a good rugged hand held GPS is recommended like the Magellan Triton or the Garmin 60CSX. The triton will be almost identical to the Mobile mapper less the add capabilities associated with the windows operating system.

Cheers
Admin - gpsculture.com "Making GPS easier!"

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Hey I have the Olympus 770Sw also. I use it for all occasions. I also have a Garmin Hand held that I use for collecting waypoints and track points which I use to geotag my photos.

Thought I would share since I was browsing this site.

"I'll be back"

lostNOmore

Hello again lostNOmore,
Thanks for the post. Would you like to submit a tutorial on how you use you 770SW for geo-tagging. There is a section of the forum where it is recommended to share a story or two with other users. http://www.gpsculture.com/gps/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=55&func=showcat&catid=7


Admin

I found a retailer in Southern Alberta that will have the Mobile Mapper in stock very soon and they said I can play with one before buying. Ill let you know how it goes.

Would the Mobile mapper be a good solution as compared to a laptop for offroading?

What about Magellan's product support for this device? I see it is part of their professional line a different branch than their consumer products. Is the support for the MM6 as bad as the support for recreational products?

Will do.

Magellan Product support is a lot better now.

I got to use the Magellan mobile mapper 6 and it was great. I would recommend that anyone who is looking for the best all around GPS for work and play this is it. I hate to sounding like a salesman when I dont make any commissions on this product. This is finally a winner from Magellan. Hope the price drops to around $500