Satmap Active 10 Plus with GB Outdoor GPS Map

This is the first walking GPS device I have bought or used so I have nothing to compare it with, but my first impressions are very favourable.

I did not find the Sat Map immediately intuitive to use as I imagine a touch screen device might be. However, having read the comprehensive downloadable user guide and taken time to familiarise myself with its method of operation, I do now find it straight forward. The screen is a good size and clear to view. I have also used the Route Planner on the Sat Map web site and found it easy to transfer routes to and from my Sat Map using the provided SatSync software. It is a pity, though, that the size of map area displayed on the Route Planner is limited to about 15cm X 13cm rather than being full screen

I have had my Sat Map for about 3 weeks and used it on local walks of up to about 7.5 miles. I have very rarely had to consult my paper OS map despite only having the 1:50K maps installed on my Sat Map. I find it much quicker and easier to glance at the Sat Map to check that I am still on course or which path to take rather than having to stop and get out my paper map and compass. I have taken the wrong choice of path 2 or 3 times partly because I do not have the extra detail available on a 1:25K map and partly due to unfamiliarity with the Sat Map. But it quickly becomes clear that you have gone off your route and it is easy to get back on track.

I bought the Sat Map to give me the confidence to get out and explore unfamiliar areas and this it has done. It is great being able to plan a route and follow it knowing you can always see exactly where you are (always a slight concern of mine when using a paper map) so you should never get lost.

On the downside, I don't think I would have even considered the Sat Map at its full retail price. Maps, available from Sat Map on SD card, are expensive but I think they are for all GPS devices. County 1:25K maps are available varying in price from about £28 to £135. Standard local OS Explorer maps are not available but a site-centred 30km x 30km 1:25K map will cost about £60. The retail price of my local paper OS Explorer Map 133 is £7.99. It would be nice to be able to buy a digital version for a similar price.

Update 20/02/2012 - Cost of Maps

I have recently become aware that SatMap's maps can be very much more expensive than those of some other companies. For custom mapping, where you choose the area you want, Viewranger, who provide maps for certain mobile phones, charge £25 for 1000 sqkm of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 mapping. SatMap have a guide price of £51 for their equivalent offering. Quo sell 10km x 10km tiles at £1.89 + VAT each, so 1000 sqkm would cost £22.68. Garmin sell 600 sqkm units for £19.99. Memory-Map charge £25 for 750 sqkm.

Which maps you can use depends on which device you have. You can only use SatMap's own maps on a SatMap and I think the same is true of other dedicated GPS devices from the likes of Garmin and Memory-Map. Mobile phone users might be lucky enough to find several companies offering digital maps for their phone, particularly if they own an iPhone.

Although I've only had my Satmap for 2 months, so far, it's done everything I've required of it.
Given that I acquired mine with the full GB 1/50,000 mapping for a very similar, if not better, price than the Memorymap 3500, I would say that not only does the Satmap appear to be a far better device (based upon customer reviews I've read for the Memorymap 3500), it is also better value. Additionally, the Satmap (so far) has worked well and proved dependable. Admittedly I've only used it for short walks of a maximum of about 2 hours, but the rechargeable battery life appears to last well, and I've had no trouble picking up a satellite fix even beneath dense tree cover. I've also found it to give reasonably accurate grid references which I've used for plotting a survey in a cad program. One minor gripe is the awkward way of changing from the rechargeable battery to AAs, which could for example be a bit of a pain if the rechargeable pack runs out in the middle of a hike, say in lousy cold, wet weather somewhere out on the moors, and spare AA batteries are used instead.

The only couple of major downsides I've experiencesd (which are no fault of the device itself) is the expensive 1/25000 mapping, plus the fact that the map cards won't work on other gps devices, or a pc. Additional mapping software still needs to be purchased for plotting and / or displaying routes (on Ordnance Survey maps) on a pc, unless an annual subscription to the Satmap internet based mapping service is taken out, not good in my opinion.
Based on my (short) experience to date, I can thoroughly recommend the Satmap (especially if it comes bundled with the full GB mapping), but with the caveat of rather expensive additional mapping, for which I'll give the product 4 out of 5.

Arrived very quickly - standard post. I was impressed with the packaging - compartmental box very strong.

To set the scene I have walked, cycled and skied around the world and in my younger days was a competitive orienteer. Therefore I like OS maps!

If you want a "miniature" electronic satellite map reader then forget this product. If you want a satellite map reader that is very well built, feels strong and has a large screen that you can read clearly, is easy to navigate around the device then this is the product.

The instructions are clear and well laid out, it takes a little getting used to some of the terminology eg convert Trail to Track. Follow what it says on the screen and you will not go wrong. The joy stick is easy to use as are the buttons. I love the screen brightness technology - able to read the screen in strong sun light or the red screen for night. To save battery power reduce the screens brightness.

I purchased the combined pack that includes the power pack - works all day and night! (But you need to manage the power usage eg do not have screen on 100% of the time).

Bike mount is very good - strong and will not move. I have taken over very rough ground at high speed. Able to place mount anywhere you want.

All software is upgradable; I have Linux on my PC which satmap does not support BUT they will provide micro card with updates. The the only failing is my use of Linux although I have found various ways around this if you want to download and save/plan your walks/rides/ski.

I forgot to mention - I did use it when I went skiing (off piste) no problems at all except it is heavy in the pocket.

I regard this product as the "Rolls Royce" of satellite navigation aids.