+user13371 Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 (edited) Warning: Some people might find this post egotistical and self serving, as I've included quotes back to other posts I've written. In the past few days, I've received a couple of PMs and some comments have been made to me in the public forums asking basically the same question, paraphrased as: Why do you hate DeLorme? Why are you always bashing the PN-40? I don't hate DeLorme or the PN-40, and present a handful of quotes to illustrate this: ...Under ideal conditions, it can be extremely accurate. And its paperless cachng feature is neat (though it could be better). And it's orange, which is good unless you don't like orange. ... if most of your GPS use is caching related, you could be really happy with it. DeLorme's PN-40 selling point is that 100% of the USA street maps and contours at 1:100K come in the box with the GPS; and 100% of the USGS 1:24K are available optionally for $30 -- along with all of the aerial imagery you have the patience to download. From one place, supported by the device manufacturer. The maps are NOT always beautiful, but they are pretty good, adequate, on par with what I've seen from other GPS vendors. At this point in time and at its price point, I think the PN-40 the best GPS available for a serious geocacher. It's accurate, has nationwide street and topo maps in the box and option for loading more at a very modest price. Variety of maps and imagery available is without peer for what can be downloaded from one place. And they ALMOST have the paperless thing nailed ... do yourself a favor.... Go to REI and buy a PN-40. ... the wide coverage of DeLorme's data subscription, for all imagery types, is one of its biggest selling points. I'm sometimes annoyed and discouraged by how tedious it can be to get the maps I want, and trying to figure out what will fit on my "itty bitty" 16GB SDHC card -- but at least the maps and imagery I want are all available from one place and only cost me $30/yr for access. ...The PN-40 may be the most accurate hand-held GPS I've ever used. ... my tests with averaged waypoints for fixed locations show it to be much better than these devices that I have personally used... ...In many areas the PN-40 is a technically superior unit to the competing Garmin models. DeLorme is first and foremost a MAP company ... And their customer support is outstanding... It's ironic that some folks are now branding me as a hater, while some of the above comments had other folks calling me a fanboy. I am neither -- I just call 'em as I see 'em. The PN-40 is an outstanding GPS - but it's not perfect. I'll talk the pros or cons whenever they are on topic. That makes me neither a fanboy nor a hater. It's called being fair. There are some people who really don't get that -- a small cadre of users here (5 or 6 that I can think of) who clearly have an unconditional love for the PN-40, and cannot help spewing that into ANY conversation about the product, whether their specific points are on-topic or not. So if I ever seem harsh in my criticism of the PN-40, it may very well be in rebuttal to some of those real fanboys. Especially those who don't understand that a discussion of some flaw is NOT an invitation to tell everone how you love everything else about it, or that the detail being discussed doesn't matter to you personally so it shouldn't possibly matter to them. To those who come in like that, it's not the GPS I dislike- it's those kinds of posts. Edited April 2, 2009 by lee_rimar Quote
+Rockin Roddy Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Hang on while I run my post past the fanboy club committee! Rockin Roddy President DeLorme Fanboy Club! Quote
+Maingray Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Hear hear Lee. Sorry you got branded like that.... they are just GPS units, and really...none of them are perfect so to defend to the death as some people do is...well, a loopy. Quote
+Rockin Roddy Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Yeah, those 7 posts truly define your stance.... But, I will wait to post my "rebuttal" until I have heard back about my post (it's being screened for content right now). Rockin Roddy President DeLorme Fanboy Club Quote
+Rockin Roddy Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Hear hear Lee. Sorry you got branded like that.... they are just GPS units, and really...none of them are perfect so to defend to the death as some people do is...well, a loopy. Have you ever noticed that some of the fanboys only jump in when there's misinformation being presented?? What's really loopy is making statements intended to mislead! But again, my rebuttal is being proof-read, it's coming! Rockin Roddy President DeLorme Fanboy Club Quote
+user13371 Posted April 2, 2009 Author Posted April 2, 2009 At the request of the moderator, I have edited post #1 here. Specifically, I "retooled those last two paragraphs to be more mellow." I also took advantage of this opportunity to tighten up the wording in a few other spots. I think the real message is intact, so I am truly sorry if some of my original word choices obscured that for anyone. Quote
+Rockin Roddy Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 One who truly apprecites the friendlier, less personal changes, THANKS! My rebuttal is still in the proof-reading stage, I hope to have it ready soon! Rockin Roddy President DeLorme Fanboy Club Quote
+user13371 Posted April 2, 2009 Author Posted April 2, 2009 Don't take it personally Roddy. The specific lines I changed were not about you. Quote
+Redwoods Mtn Biker Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Until we get a unit that is perfect and pleases everyone for every use (hmm), I'm personally grateful for folks that offer a balanced perspective. Thanks Lee. Quote
Grasscatcher Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Lee, I personally think several of your posts could have been a lot more negative and STILL would have been fair. If, in one's opinion, some feature is good, then, they should say so and say why. AND, if a feature is lacking ( either missing OR doesn't work properly) then they should also describe that and say why. How much more fair could you be? It's an opinion, and everybody's got one...... Instead, the fan club (I call them the cheerleading squad) pushes the PN-40 as the absolute cure for every problem from terminal cancer of the big toe to bad breath! ....and do they really have to get their opinions/submissions screened? (by Delorme?) How can that then be considered a valid honest opinion? It's The maps, the maps, it's all about the maps and APs. Get real! The maps are really not that accurate or great and the APs get pixelated and fuzzy before you get zoomed in to a detailed level. There sure were a lot of caches found and trails logged before there were maps IN GPSs. Let the unit's actual GPS results stand on their own merits. Forget all the BS fanfare. Actual side by side comparisons and pics carry more credibility than subjective opinions. Yes, I'm 100% Garmin, but I don't care for several of their (newer) models either......and have sent constructive criticism ( but still scalding) letters to them about deficiencies. Quote
+Jeff in Pa Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 I missed what happened for you to post this one Lee > LOL I will say that I enjoy your posts because of your straightforward ways. You are always giving you honest opinion even if it may sound like a bash to some here. I like my PN-40 but I will never marry it! One marriage is enough! Seriously though I do dislike the "lovers" jumping in for a quick "Rub" in any given post. Keep it up Lee! Quote
+Maingray Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 One marriage is enough! Seriously though I do dislike the "lovers" jumping in for a quick "Rub" in any given post. love it! Quote
+user13371 Posted April 2, 2009 Author Posted April 2, 2009 Thank you to all who have replied favorably to post #1. I really didn't intend it as an ego stroke, but it's still pretty gratifying. The best use of this thread for me will be to back-link it -- any time I say something critical about the PN-40 (that does happen, sometimes ) I can make it easier for anyone who is interested in context without having to search all over for it. Quote
+OpenTrackRacer Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 Good post Lee. I've found a lot of people can't deal with an unbiased point of view. As one who is device and brand agnostic (and has gotten grief as well), I feel your pain. Quote
+Rockin Roddy Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 (edited) Lee, I personally think several of your posts could have been a lot more negative and STILL would have been fair. If, in one's opinion, some feature is good, then, they should say so and say why. AND, if a feature is lacking ( either missing OR doesn't work properly) then they should also describe that and say why. How much more fair could you be? It's an opinion, and everybody's got one...... Instead, the fan club (I call them the cheerleading squad) pushes the PN-40 as the absolute cure for every problem from terminal cancer of the big toe to bad breath! ....and do they really have to get their opinions/submissions screened? (by Delorme?) How can that then be considered a valid honest opinion? It's The maps, the maps, it's all about the maps and APs. Get real! The maps are really not that accurate or great and the APs get pixelated and fuzzy before you get zoomed in to a detailed level. There sure were a lot of caches found and trails logged before there were maps IN GPSs. Let the unit's actual GPS results stand on their own merits. Forget all the BS fanfare. Actual side by side comparisons and pics carry more credibility than subjective opinions. Yes, I'm 100% Garmin, but I don't care for several of their (newer) models either......and have sent constructive criticism ( but still scalding) letters to them about deficiencies. Yes, Lee has given a lot of good info, but he has also led people astray in many posts...it happens no one can be right all of the time! I have looked up to Lee in the past, he has shown a great deal of knowledge, some of his posts are helpful...not all. And YES, please do let the units stand for themselves. Give honest and helpful information, not tell people things like the PN-40 is a brick without mac (or that mac users are out of luck forever and always), or people are wasting time and money on the map subscription or telling someone that TOPO 7 must be learned in order to use the PN-40...I could go on (and no, not all of these examples were related to Lee). Many side-by-side tests have been made, you can search the results and form your own opinions there! I love your "screened (by DeLorme)" comment, you have me mixed up for someone else? Someone here DOES have a tie to DeLorme, but it ain't me and I need not clear a single word past DeLorme...see how misinformation is misleading?? I sent MY comment off to GS to make sure I wasn't overstepping the boundries...since I've yet to hear back, but note that they did ask Lee to tone his post down a bit (THANKS again for making it so much friendlier), I assume it must be? Or they don't care...either way, Lee and I have shared a few PMs and I'll leave it at that...for now! But, glad you jumped to that conclusion, it did make me laugh! I see you must think my comment was to be aimed at Lee, sorry, another assumption missing the mark! You may also think I am the only one who has questioned Lee's comments (even calling them bashings)....not hardly. As for the maps comment, I agree, many caches have been found before the maps, but it's so much better with them in my (and many many others') humble opinion...and I note a lot of people have mentioned carrying paper maps with them even with their GPS (and not just to back them up as some will suggest, although this is true of a percentage, I'm sure). I've also noted a lot saying they no longer need to! So, apparently maps is a good thing?? I also find it funny how, if the maps aren't everything, I see a lot asking why they can't have aerials on their units... As I told Lee, I try to give fair and balanced information, and I also tell people to make their own decisions based on information they found and know is unbiased...and showed them where to get this info. I also give opinion based on my own personal experience, not hearsay and outdated information...I sure wish everyone would do this! Giving truthful and helpful information to those asking the questions is the right thing to do, telling them half-truths and misleading them isn't helping them or yourself. Now, you call me a cheerleader because I stand up to those misleading and bashing? That's fine by me, I'm more than happy to defend DeLorme from misinformation, potential users shouldn't have to worry about being led astray! And yes, I tongue-in-cheekedly named myself president of the fanboy club, just poking a bit of fun, I do have a sense of humor! Am I sometimes overzealous with my defending DeLorme, possibly...we're all human! I wonder why you felt the need for this thread though, Lee...and, are we on-topic?? Rockin Roddy President Delorme Fanboy Club Edited April 2, 2009 by Rockin Roddy Quote
+Team CowboyPapa Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 You mean like the one above ya? Roger that and Good Show, Lee! Quote
+RRLover Posted April 3, 2009 Posted April 3, 2009 Lee : I've always thought your posts demonstrative both of critical thinking, and being well balanced. You've shown both an appreciation of what works, and good reasoning towards how, and why some things could use improvement, don't change your style, you are an asset to both forum communities. If some find your candor gruff, well, so be it, life can't be "warm and fuzzy" all the time, nor should it be. Norm Quote
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