Customer Reviews
Caution! Not What It Claims! 
2008-06-10
First off, I would recommend any hiking GPS system as a backup to a simply map and compass. That said, I want to clarify something about this particular model. This is a basic beginner's device to learn about Navigation, Waypoints, Trails, GeoCache and all the additional methods that go along with these. It also has a good "Best Fishing & Hunting Times for Current Location" menu as well as "Viewing Sunrise, Sunset Times" and "Lunar Information". The Triton has all these features and a USA map already included. I would highly suggest a class in GPS along with this.
The biggest problem with Magellan Triton products is they have had some problems with their software in the recent past. After contacting SUPPORT, they assured me that anything not up to date would be processed accordingly. Uh-huh. But, the biggest faux paus was to read, "compatibility with National Geographic TOPO!® maps", stamped on the box cover and stated on-line, only to find out that it is not. Nor is the Triton 200 model. You are unable to download base map information to this device. I was able to download a trail (.gpx), but nothing else. The Triton Models 400 and above have an SD Card for this and they can upload map information.
The overseas support for Magellan is pure crap. I wasted over an hour with someone who knew nothing about the product. To make matters worse, not only did I pay for shipping, but when I returned the item, I had to pay for that as well. Not good business practices. I would try Garmin.
Also note that this version of Magellan does NOT download National Geographic Explorer 3D Series, even though they state they do.
Needs some work 2008-01-18
This GPS is great if you are using it all the time. However if you don't touch the screen every few minutes it shuts off. With no power adapter you cant use it for long with out touching it.
Also it has a hard time calculating distance. I drove away from a point and as the distance went up, it suddenly went to down. (went from 2500 feet to 1000 ft as i was driving away from the point). it was like it could not figure out what the straight line disance was to the point.
No maps, no software, no support... 
2008-01-11
The unit looks great from a feature list, but ... too many gaps to really be useful (yet?).
The ads all tout the ability to have great detailed maps downloaded, but in fact there are no current maps available, and Magellan support says "no information" on possible availability dates. The base map in the unit is very sparse, and really the unit is of little use until they get their software maps out. No doubt from previous product experience with them the DVD will cost at least another $100. Also none of their previous maps that you may have are compatible; to me this is rally a bad move by a vendor, to orphan all investment in their previous products- they should provide at least a conversion program.
The other big advantage advertised is the ability to use National Geographic Topo maps, which is neat, but very expensive! NG sells them only by regions, and they sell 9 maps at $99 each, and that only covers 21 states in total.
The software from their web site and CD in the package has 2 of 3 programs (Maplink versions) that only support serial link connections to GPS, but the Unit is USB, so neither work. Their tech. support person was completely not-interested in any of this information.
I'll be returning it, and going for a Garmin 60csx. Too bad, I believed the ads, and waited on this one! I've already contacted some other sales sites and they will update their ads!
Wait for bugs to be worked out or buy another brand 2008-01-07
After approximately 20 hours of using the Triton 300 in the field, these are my impressions.
The good:
Quick to power up and initialize.
Rugged construction and feel of case.
Clear bright screen.
Navigation fairly easy and intuitive.
Good battery life.
Compatible with National Geographic 1:24000 maps
The bad:
User manual is incomplete leaving out a lot of necessary information. Some of the information is just plain incorrect and unit will not function if directions are followed.
Unit locks up (every time) after connecting to TOPO! and Vantage Point (Magellan's software) requiring a battery to be pulled out to reset the unit.
Approximately 15-25 times in the twenty hours, upon pressing a key the unit would lock up. A continuous sound would emit as if the key was being held down. The only alternative was to pull the batteries out to restart.
Magellan tech support (India) claimed they would have one of their Senior members call be back within the hour to help with some issues. 20 days later....still no call.
Much difficulty connecting for map and waypoint transfers.
Overall Impression:
A ton of aggravation I could have done without!It is very obvious Magellan rushed product rollout despite tons of bugs in the software and inadequate documentation(Manual).
Recommendation: Unless you love frustration, wait for them to work out the bugs.
Not User Friendly 2008-01-01
This is my first GPS, and I have no idea how to use it. It has already locked up when reviewing the features with the instruction manuel. This product maybe better for somebody with more experience, but I will be purchasing something more use friendly.
Firmware\Software not ready for use. Wait on purchase. 2008-01-01
Triton 300 is amazingly easy to use with a smartly designed interface and simple menus that make navigation fun and effortless. The full-color crystal clear display shows all your maps and navigation information in brilliant, easy-to-view graphics. Instantly view all your maps, locations and saved tracks and waypoints using the intuitive scroll pad and direct-access buttons. Exclusive VantagePoint software ena easy management of maps, user generated content, updates and upgrades on your PC. View saved routes and tracks. Customize them for future trips or create new ones. Triton is designed for precision navigation, offering the fastest GPS positioning acquisition in the industry with the SiRFstar III chipset. An integrated high-sensitivity antenna provides reliable signal reception even in heavy cloud cover, canyons or deep woods. Built-in signal augmentation reception (WAAS/EGNOS) provides 3-meter accuracy. Rugged and water-resistant, your Triton 300 is built to withstand intense use, accidental impact and immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes (IPX-7). 3-meter accuracy - SiRFstar III chipset and integrated multidirectional antennae offer superior GPS accuracy using the Wide Area Augmentation System (WASS) Built-in base map of Contiguous U.S., Alaska, Canada and Worldwide Geographic Boundaries Antenna Built-in multidirectional patch Keypad Nine direct-access keys Receiver TrueFix 14 channels, WAAS/EGNOS Acquisition Time - Hot 20 seconds, Cold 60 seconds, and Initial 2 minutes Two AA Batteries (not included) provides up to 10 hours of battery life Dimensions - 4.65 x 2.16 x 1.22 Weight - 6.6 ounces (187.1 grams) with battery
Totally useless out of the box 2007-12-29
Rather than go into the hairy details of the two days that I spent trying to get this piece of junk to work, I will just outline some of the many flaws it has.
- The included base map is useless, providing no topographic information and showing only the largest highways and roads in the United States. This means that you should plan on spending at least another $75 - $150 for usable maps from Magellan or National Geographic.
- Magellan does not make software that is fully compatible with the Triton GPSs, so you will have to download and install Vantage Point from Magellan as well as three different third party software programs in order to convert the maps from their Mapsend software to a format that the Triton will recognize.
- Magellans Mapsend software is not compatible with Vista, though in truth is was not much easier to get the software to work with the Triton with XP.
- I have heard online that some people have been able to get the National Geographic maps to work, though these are purely topographical and do not have any searchable information on roads, cities, or points of interest unless you manually add it in the TOPO software that you must use in conjunction with the National Geographic software.
- It is possible that there is actually a way to get detailed maps into this GPS, but Magellan is being totally silent on the subject. Their website provides very little information on anything but the National Geographic maps, their instruction manual (which Magellan touts that you may never need since the GPS is so easy to use) does not contain ANY instructions on using ANY mapping software, and assumes that you have already transferred detailed maps to the GPS before ever opening (downloading) the instruction manual. I even tried for two days to get somebody at Magellan to give me telephone or E-mail support, but their customer service is some of the worst I have encountered.
Maybe in 9 to 12 months Magellan will have figured out a way to make these GPSs more than a headache, but until then I have returned my GPS and software and will be buying a Garmin.
