Magellan created a great GPS receiver in the 1990's called the 315. The Sportrak is the updated version of this great older GPS.

The Sportrack utilizes the same "software", and basic operation as the 315, so those upgrading will find this model to be very friendly. in fact, with the exception of a few mounts, nearly all the the software, cables, and other periphera standard with the 315,320, and 330 models is usable with the Sportrak model.

An important older feature common with Magellan, but not found in many other brands is "averaging." This feature takes the received signal of a stationary receiver and averages the data coming from the transmitting sattelites. This greatly improves accuracy.

A fantastic new feature added to the Sportrak is the integration of Wide Area Augmentation Systems. WAAS utilizes geostationary sattelites placed by the aviation industry. By incorporating WAAS into the Sportrak, it can become extremely accurate. I have used my Sportrak for geocaching ( www.geocaching.com ) and have experienced accuracy within 24 inches when averaging is utilized and two WAAS sattelites are active. This is comparable to far more expensive professional GPS units like the $5000 Trimble units that I have used side by side in field comparison tests with the Sportrak.

The Sportrak seems to be better on the batteries then its older brother, the 315.

Another feature worth noting is that the Sportrak internal components can be accessed, unlike previous Magellan models. This can prove advantageous later on when your unit is out of warranty and you want it to be repaired at a local electronics shop.

This GPS will prove to be more useful to you if you also acquire the Datasend software that allows you to update as many as 12,000 waypoints into your GPS ranging from Natural Interest points and campgrounds to Important places such as hosptials, small cities, and restaurants.

My model came with a protective cover that has an intergrated clip similair to those found on cell phones. This has been extremely useful, allowing me to clip the receiver on my pack shoulder strap or hip belt and head out.

You may find it interesting that this unit has nice reception even inside vehicles. It does not have an external antenna jack, yet it receives well if placed near a window. I have even used it onboard commercial aircraft, sitting near the window, and knowing where I was at, what cities were approaching and how fast I was traveling.

The Sportrak can be setup for primary use on land or for primary use as a marine GPSr. This model is highly resistant to water, and even floats!

It is designed for easy computer intergration, and has up to NMEA 2.1 capability. Some great third party software to use with this GPS is Maptech's Terrain Navigator. ( http://www.epinions.com/content_87781838468 )

Recommended: Yes