Customer Product Reviews

DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

An all-new, fully-integrated handheld GPS that is simple to pick up and use to find topographic and street maps with user-friendly buttons. No need to buy extra maps because the Earthmate? GPS PN-20 includes DeLorme's Topo USA 7.0 DVD software with updated U.S. topographic and street maps that you can export as needed to your unit. Comes with $100 worth of DeLorme Aerial Data Packets of U.S. areas of interest, including black-and-white aerial imagery, Sat-10 colorized satellite imagery and scanned USGS 7-1/2-minute quads using Topo USA's NetLink tab. The revolutionary on-device data layering lets you switch between map or imagery for the location your viewing. Transflective screen technologies built into the Sharp color screen delivers the latest in screen clarity for either bright-light or darkened conditions. Constructed to conform to IPX7 waterproof standards, the unit's housing sports an impact-resistant, rubberized body. Outstanding signal acquisition and retention. Easily exchange topo maps, routes, tracks and waypoints between your desktop and your GPS. Create road, trail routes, elevation profiles and 3-D flyovers with the included desktop software. Concealed battery compartment with SD card slot. Includes two AA batteries. Detailed instructional DVD and 1GB SD card with reader included. Navionics compatible. Dimensions: 2-1/2"L x 1-1/2"W x 5-1/4"H. Weight: 5 oz.

Average Customer Rating:

3.7 out of 5

16 of 25 (64%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.

Customer Reviews for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Nearly perfect for the price, July 24, 2009
By JLoom from Lincoln, NE

"I do not use GPS as often as some, but I have worked with 5 different handheld models in my lifetime, and this one has been the best. I am not sure why I have heard people say that the interface is difficult to understand, because this model is BY FAR the most user-friendly in my experiences. The buttons are relatively large and stick out quite a bit so its pretty difficult to accidentally push the wrong button and they are very responsive. The screen is bright and visibility is not easily washed out by bright sunlight. Another claim that I believe to be false is the supposedly weak battery life. For all that this machine does (backlighting, color screen, sound, etc.) the battery life is very reasonable. The only true qualm I have is that the maps do redraw slower than desired, but this has yet to impact the device's functionality, so I will still award it 5 stars."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 2 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

not good for caching, December 15, 2008
By borntocache from ny

"I bought this unit for geocaching, it did not have the accuracy of a garmin, i was caching with 2 friend that had a garmin 60csx and a garmin colorado they headed right for the hiding spot while i was looking 35 ft away on the other side of the trail.This unit didnt even come close to the paperless fetures of the colorado.Im going to return the unit and go back and buy a garmin either a 60csx or spend more than i want to and buy a colorado."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 3 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

4 out of 5

earthmate pn-20 gps, November 18, 2008
By tr2006 from NY

"It's better than the magellan that I have owned for 5 or 6 years. The screen is bigger and it picks up the satelites quicker. I don't like the fact that when you put it in your pocket, the reseption goes away. The downloads you get free with it are about 10 years old. It seems to me that they should be more up to date."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 4 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

4 out of 5

Very nice unit, November 11, 2008
By wombat83 from wi

"this is my second gps first was a garmin etrek legend! this delorme seems to be nice! aquires a signal very fast.. it has a ok base map but the topo software and 1 gb sd card makes it way awesome! Now u add some mapping from the $100 free and do some aerial images which are sweet! my only complaint so far is that when u transfer like a noaa nautical map and aerial map u cant zoom in far enough on the noaa map u cant read the depths and ect! and the images are too far out! now there might be a way to change that based on the transfer process! but all in all I am very happy with it and cant wait to use it more! seems good"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 5 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

4 out of 5

Delorme PN20, October 28, 2008
By pbhunter from Port Barre, La.

"Mapping software is a bonus for the price, display screen could be bigger and unit is slow when changing elevations but overall i'm satisfied and would recommend."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 6 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

PN-20, October 19, 2008
By BWKW from MT

"Best map GPS I have used out of four. A great color screen and an excellent topo map. What you see on your computer is what you get on the GPS. Also large buttons can be used with gloves. A great GPS for hunting."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 7 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

I wanted to keep this unit, but..., October 15, 2008
By WiscTJK from Stoughton, WI

"I got the PN-20 as a gift from my wife. The first one I received got a great signal, although it took a good half hour the first time, but after that I quickly and regularily got 6 or 7 satellites inside my house. But the card reader inside the unit broke the first time I tried to use it. It is fragile (obviously), but once the card is in, it is OK and really can't be damaged.

So I sent it back and got another. Well after 4 hours and no satellite connection on the second one, I am giving up and going to a Garmin Etrex Legend HCX. I will let you know how that one goes.

The maps, data card, card reader and overall package this came in were great and the map detail was excellent I thought. And the value is good to great if it doesn't break.

I didn't find it hard to use like some of the others, but I wasn't trying to download detailed satellite photos and such. Just read the starter pamphlet and watch the tutorial.

As usual, Cabela's was great. They went out of their way to make it right. First rate customer service. Todd"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 8 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

GPS to Complicated for Human use, October 6, 2008
By NCWoody from Asheville, NC

"I received my DeLorme PN-20 and read the manual, multiple times, downloaded the software, tried to configure the unit, etc. It still is in the box it came in and I'm not sure if I'll send it back or try again to get it to work. It is simply more complicated than it should be. I have two degrees in computer science and spent 30 years in the field, I know programming, systems and architecture, this thing is not user friendly.

Unless you need a very complicated, 'trail' type device, I would steer clear of the PN020. If you decide to purchase, be prepared to spend a lot of time figuring out how to use it (if you can).

I may try tackling mine again later this week. I alread returned from the trip for which I purchased it (didn't take it along).

Good luck."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 9 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Earthmate GPS PN-20, October 6, 2008
By trout802 from Central Vermont

"Very good GPS unit and extremely easy to use. Easy to make and review waypoints and routes. I like the ability to download DOQs and nav charts with the credit given you at time of purchase.
Only negative I have found is the unit eats a set of 2 batteries in 1.5 days.
I have found it extremely useful to scout moose with the contours and DOQs loaded.
It is a definate buy again...."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 10 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

My 1st GPS, October 6, 2008
By Bukbustr from Northern California

"I bought this based off of the reviews I read. Everyone said Garmin is the way to go but I opted for this one. Very slow uploads and difficult to navigate through. I'm pretty computer savvy but didn't help me with this software. Unit itself is nice and compact and seemed durable, but I sent it back. It has discouraged me from every buying a GPS unit unless I can test ahead of time.........Bukbustr"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 11 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

PN-20 review, September 30, 2008
By dawg51

"After reviewing several GPS units, I choose this unit because it was the only unit that had aerial "Google Earth" type maps. While I enjoyed the unit and this feature, the software was EXTREMELY buggy! I installed this on my work PC (controlled environment) with XP Pro and crashed my system 3 consecutive times. After uninstalling software, my PC was back to normal. This was alarming to me in the fact that XP has been out for quite some time and for software to do this is flat out ridiculous. On top of it all, the DeLorme tech support was arrogant to say the least. I returned the unit and will probably wait it out while other competitors add the aerial map feature."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 12 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

pn-20 gps, September 29, 2008
By zipp from nevada

"I found that this gps is not quite as good as advertised. If I felt right about it I would send it back and buy another brand but I used it for two weeks on vacation. It has good detail at very close range but at farther out 1-2 mile range has little detail."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 13 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Best overall package, September 3, 2008
By jetwrnch from tn

"The GPS doesn't have the best receiver by a small margin, but the features can't be beat for hunting. Download the DOQQ aerial imagery for your hunting area and you can see powerlines, 4wheeler trails, dirt roads, etc. I've been able to locate hidden ponds and other land features not available by topo alone. Transfer waypoints to the software and evaluate funnels, escape routes, etc. Tip: Use the $100 in free downloads to get JUST the aerial DOQQ imagery for 10 scents a square. A lot cheaper than the whole ADP download so you get hundreds of square acres for free. I do most of my scouting from home with the software then send it to the PN-20. If you love to use maps get DeLorme. If you just want to know where you parked get Garmin. DeLorme customer service can't be beat either."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 14 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Delorme Earthmate PN-20, September 1, 2008
By Huntnlife from Antioch, California

"First and foremost, this gps works great! I use it in mixed forest and heavy timber. It finds and holds the signal without any problems.
The second thing I like is the software. Delorme includes their topo mapping software, which is excellent. I'm not much with computers, but when all else fails, just read the directions. It displays in 2D and 3D, with split screen options, both at once. You can also view the same map coverage areas in Aerial, satellite etc, and preview any type of view information prior to deciding if you want to download it. It includes $100 free downloads, and prices are reasonable if you want even more.
I was able to pre scout an X zone that I drew a tag for, from the comfort of my living room! Combining the imagery with the topo maps allows you to focus in on natural features that are worth hunting( funnels, bedding areas, travel routes, etc vs. bare rock and open ground), saving tons of legwork, and gasoline!
The screen is big enough, and easy to view, and I especially like that it runs on AA batteries. I haven't needed to change them yet, but I always carry extras in the field.
I have only used it for a few months, but I love it!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 15 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

1 out of 5

Save your money, July 23, 2008
By Smokey32 from AZ

"I bought this thing and it broke on me the first day. Sent it in and it broke again. When this thing works it freezes up! Spend a little extra money and buy a trimble juno PDA"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

Review 16 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

4 out of 5

Delorme GPS, July 12, 2008
By MontanaExplorer from Livingston MT

"I purchased this unit to go on a trip into the Bob Marshall wilderness in Montana and it was everything I expected. The software is eaisy to learn the maps are accurate and all of the trails were on the program other than game trails and a few outfitter trails. The only complaint is that the routing feature for trails needs to be pre-loaded on your computer because it will not route trails on the hand held in the field... so know where you plan to go and send the routes before departure. Battery life is phenominal about 1.5 days in the field if turned off at night. Never had a problem getting a sattelite fix and the unit was very durable. Blows garmin and magellin out of the water for back country maping with trails and topography."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 17 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

PN-20, June 2, 2008
By Joecj7 from Orange Tx.

"This is by far the best GPS on the market. I've read other reviews, & did the research before purchasing the PN-20.
Delorme is so far ahead of the competition, no other GPS
compares! Thanks Delorme & thank you to Cabelas!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 18 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Awesome, March 17, 2008
By 3Cents from Eastern Oregon

"This is my first GPS, so I did a lot of research before buying. I was a little worried that this one would have a slow processor speed, but I am not disappointed at all. The included software is great, and all of the downloadable aerial maps are even better. Also, the Delorme company is great to work with. They come out with updates for the unit if there is something that needs fixed and are great with their customer service if you have any questions. I think this is the best GPS unit for the money period!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 19 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

Research and learn, February 8, 2008
By cherokeeskinartist from Elk Camp, Colorado

"I have been a Garmin user for many many years. The oldest version from the early 90s has gotten me out of many white-outs in the Rocky Mountains while elk hunting.

I Recently decided it was time to upgrade and I began the hunt. I read many reviews and test. "gpsreview.net" is very extensive and very informative. The Delorme came into play after reading the reviews and testing and thru this I decided to make my purchase. Unfortunately Cabelas is selling the Delorme which still has the 6.0 software and the older operating version... hate to say this... shop around and you'll find the new ones with the 7.0 software and newer processor (much faster). Cabelas customer support said they would start selling the new versions once the old ones are sold.

Anyways, I had read extensive reviews and articles by the time I had received my unit and within 1 hour out of the box I had a full set of topos of the entire State of Colorado. It took 42 minutes to read the initial instructions of what I wanted to do, then literally 2 1/2 minutes to load onto to the SD Card, and the rest of the time running around the house harassing my wife how cool this thing is.

So after a few times playing with the software and realizing how easy it was to download the aerials, I have been in heaven. The black & white areials are great, however load the color aerials and you'll be in heaven. Just remember that there are still areas out there that have older aerial photos still on file. Good tip is to look at google earth before downloaing. The aerials are basically the same ones used.

Next tip, never load anything onto the internal memory. Like one review below, you will wait hours for it to load. You can get 2GB SD cards and load them straight from the computer onto the card via a card reader (which comes with the unit) or the card slot on your computer. 200 sq km of color aerials took a little over 3 minutes to load on my card.

I have not had any problems with reception or signals. The unit picks up sats through the walls in my home. I have been in deeper timber without a problem and best of all it kept track while sitting in my console of my truck during a road trip.

Last thing, don't try to drive or navigate at faster speeds while using aerials, it will re-draw constantly and be worthless to the driver. Use the base maps loaded on the unit while driving to navigate and you won't be sorry. It has all gas stations, hospitals, food / rest stops, etc on the base maps just like a TomTom. However if you are about hunting, fishing or hiking this is a well rounded unit and the best on the market for the price and all the accessories (software) you get with it.

Last, do your homework and truly read all the reviews you can and you won't be disappointed when you make the decision. Don't forget, like every thing out there, lemons are found; just remember that when you call Delorme customer service... I hope you are fluent in english because they are based in the USA and have US citizens manning the phones. Their customer support is beyond 5 stars hands down."

Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Review 20 for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

Overall Rating:

2 out of 5

A stiff drink, good lighting and lots of patience., January 7, 2008
By wtcmedic911 from maine

"I have been a Garmin user for years now with the 60csx. I abide in the woods of Maine and have a fair amount of land with hills, dips, wet lands. I wanted it for the topo. All I can say is it takes a lot of time, patience to load it. In my woods in leafed out conditions, the Garmin gets and holds a fix very well. This unit I lose a liter of blood to the biting bugs before it get a lock and often loses it in the trees. If you want a good mapping program it is better then the Garmin for topo however for hunting, hiking and trouble free loading (except all the darn certificate numbers Garmin wants) get a Garmin. If you are mapping the woods get this, a drink and lots of bug repellant"

Would you recommend this product to a friend? No

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More Reviews for DeLorme Earthmate® PN-20 GPS

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