DWPC

As far as I'm concerned the XOG's ability to use highly detailed USGS topo maps ($5/quad downloadable via MapSelect.com) puts it heads and shoulders above other GPS units for trail use. The relatively low price just makes it an even better value. I paid only $219 at Cabala's, It also can be loaded with satellite photos and less detailed/larger area BLM topo maps, and you can also use Lowrance Mapsource software to make your own maps; I haven't tried that. You can see the downloadable maps and images for XOG on the MapSelect.com web page. Using MapSelect for the first time can be aggravating, but they have a step-by-step Help page. You must connect to MapSelect via your XOG to get registered and set up an account. The internal battery is only good for about 2 hrs, but I found an aftermarket USB power source that uses 4 AA batteries. Another forum reports that the short internal battery life is a software issue that should be resolved by an update one of theses days. Locational accuracy for trail navigating is superb; I can't say how it is for geocaching. I had no lost satellite issues in canyon country. My only XOG complaint are 1) the screen brightness in bright sun (requires a sunshade) But that's a problem with most touch-screen LCDs, and 2) programming a route using waypoints isn't very intuitive.

I was surprised to learn that CA law says its illegal to attach anything to your windshield. I'm curious whether anyone is aware of drivers who've actually received a traffic ticket because of a windshield-mounted GPS.

XOG can use Lowrance fishing and marine maps. It records tracks and can use straight-line, point-to-point navigation. I think you could simply mark a single point like a fishing spot using the cursor to add it to the address book. For external power you can use an aftermarket USB battery pack with four AA batteries. Its screen visibility is about average, meaning not so good in bright sun...I haven't seen an under $500 touch-screen GPS that is has good visiblity in direct bright sun. XOG is weatherproof either. Though you didn't ask, this GPSr is a killer GPSr !! It's the one I've been waiting for. The ability to load detailed USGS topo maps and satellite imagery from Lowrance Mapselect just blows everyone away, especially for under $250. That being said, if your Dad doesn't want or need the auto-nav street routing for in the car, he'd be better getting a handheld or fishing GPSr model.

I read that the XOG can connect to an external battery pack via the mini-USB plug for longer non-auto use. There's a discussion of the XOG on GPSPassion. Looks very interesting considering the price.

The XOG does record your track. I think the ability to use USGS topos makes it more useful on the trail. Here's a link to the only hands-on report on it I've found. Check pp. 4 and 5 of the thread. http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=98703

Here's another alternative for offroading that I plan to check out. Lowrance has just released a "crossover" model, the XOG, that's similar to the Magellan Crossover. It will also be able to display USGS and BLM topos and satellite images. Its very new and I haven't yet seen a review. I'm not concerned about battery life because I don't plan to to use it outside the vehicle.

My Sansa MP3 player uses MicroSD cards. I have one Kingston and one Sandisk, both 2GB. I've had problems with MS Vista reading the MicroSD adapters consistently, so I bought the USB/MicroSD adapter that Office Depot sells for about $8. It permits a MicroSD card to be read via a USB port and used like pocket flash drive, but after two weeks being carried in my pocket, the adapter's snap-cover lost its "snap"...it just flops around. It still works fine as a USB adapter, and the computer always recognizes the MicroSD but its not rugged enough for pants pocket duty. I haven't seen any other similar adapters, but they may be out there.

I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a Magellan Crossover, then I came across this new Lowrance XOG hybrid GPSr: Lowrance XOG Its apparently just shipping now and the only seller I found listing it so far is Cabela's @$300. I really like the USGS and BLM map options and what I read on Lowrance is very positive. I know their marine electronics are generally excellent. I'm wondering if that list price will be discounted in a month.

Can anyone tell me whether I can use any 3rd-party maps, eg, Delorme, in a Magellan Crossover GPSr? Also, I read that Magellan topo maps are "only 90 meter". Not sure what that means. Does that mean they only have 90M elevation detail? Thanks.

I haven't bought a GPS in several years and there are SO many now it would be a full time job to get familiar with them. Help and suggestions would be very appreciated. I'd like the following features: - auto routing for normal driving - point-to-point navigation and logging for offroading/trails - ability to load my own maps on SD/microSD - good size and bright display - easy to move from car to car. - it would be nice to be able to use my old Delorme Topo maps and not have to buy new software. - under $400 The Magellan Crossover seemed to fill the bill, but gets a lot of mediocre reviews for performance.

Hi...new member here. I've been using older mapping software; Delorme Topo USA v2, Street Atlas, and R-M Streetfinder in my PalmIII/GPS for several years. Are they compatible with any new GPS units. Having to replace the software (especially TopoUSA) adds a lot to the cost of a replacement. Though these apps a few years old, their maps are perfectly adequate for my use.)