Magellan Meridian Gold Handheld GPS Receiver

WAAS the Difference?

The addition of WAAS technology to your Magellan GPS hand held receiver goes a long way to improve the accuracy of your position fix. WAAS, developed by the U.S. government, calculates errors in the GPS signal then transmits correction messages to WAAS capable GPS receivers like the new Magellan Meridian receivers. Your Meridian GPS receiver will provide you with greater accuracy, not only from WAAS signals, but also when receiving correction signals from the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) for when you're hiking in the Alps or navigating the narrow streets of Barcelona your Meridian GPS will guide you accurately along the way. Projected specifications for the upcoming Multifunctional Transport Satellite-based Augmentation System (MSAS) for Asia suggest that your Meridian receiver will be compatible with this system as well. As a result, you will enjoy the security of better than three meter positioning accuracy throughout much of the world.

How is the View?

You can easily monitor a great deal of information on the easy to read backlit display by taking advantage of the various informative screens at your fingertips. With the Map Screen you can track your progress on a moving map that also displays roads, waterways, parks, cities and more. Stay on course while monitoring speed and distance to your destination with the Compass Screen. When you're on the road, you can use the Speedometer Screen to keep track of multiple trip parameters like heading, distance and E.T.A. The Navigation Screen gives you a clear view of six customizable navigation parameters and a strip compass, while with the Large Navigation Screen you can view your navigation data with large, very easy to read text. There is also a Large Data Entry Screen that provides the same easy on the eyes advantages for when you input data. A "3-D" Road Screen gives you another easy path to follow. With the Satellite Status Screen, you can track up to 12 satellites simultaneously and monitor their signal strength and position.

Ready to Go

Your Meridian GPS receiver is a powerful navigational tool straight out of the box. To start with you have a huge, built-in 16MB database of U.S. cities, interstate highways, political boundaries, major waterways and airports. The internal flash memory has room to store 20 routes, 500 waypoints and 2,000 trackpoints; and its non-volatile which means it doesn't require battery power so your information remains safely stored even if your unit loses power. Special abilities include Save Track-to-Route, Northfinder with Sun/Moon Positions, a Sunrise/Sunset Calculator and Built-in Help. Meridian series GPS receivers also support several languages including English, French, German, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch. The rugged rubber armoring and high impact plastic that encase this GPS receiver provide superior protection in the harshest environments. Your Meridian series GPS receiver is waterproof (IEC-529 IPX7 standard) and it floats so it can survive a dunking and come back for more.

Expand Your Horizons

It's easy to expand your Meridian's abilities as needed. Memory can be boosted by simply purchasing optional SD Memory cards (available in a number of different capacities). SD cards are extremely easy to use and with the additional memory you can not only save additional routes etc., you can also use the added memory to download and use Magellan MapSend software that provides a wealth of valuable map data to assist in your navigation. Besides the extra map info available from MapSend software, adding MapSend to your arsenal also opens up additional tools within your GPS receiver. For example, with the addition of MapSend Topo for the United States your Meridian GPS receiver can calculate your vertical point of track and provide a horizontal profile. With the addition of any version of MapSend software, you have a handy address search at your fingertips.

Write A Review

Magellan Meridian Gold GPS (December 29, 2005)

Ease of Use		(3/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(2/5.0)
Overall Rating		(3/5.0)

Reviewed By: Michelle m Carter - Bass Harbor, ME

If you purchase the Magellan Meridian Gold GPS I highly recomend also purchasing the Mapsend Topo software. I use this for hiking and before I bought the Topo software I didn't find it very useful. the down fall is tah the batteries don't last long and last even less time with the Topo software. Over all I think this is an OK GPS but wish I had Spent the extra and gotten a better one.

Lost? (December 05, 2005)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Barbara B. - Boise, ID

You'll never be again with this product. It's very easy to use and has all the features I want.

GREAT (December 03, 2005)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Brian S. - Williamsville, NY

What a great thing to own!

A Winner (December 02, 2005)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jeff H. - Carrboro, NC

I have owned the Magellan Meridian Gold 'MeriGold' for 6 months now. It has been everywhere from the wilderness of the Linville Gorge to the streets of DC. The MeriGold's quad antenna gives it great performance, and I can't remember the last time it's ever dropped a sat. This includes heavy canopy and urban usage. It will usually lock onto at least three 'birds' when I'm inside my home, which is pretty impressive. Unlike many other GPSr devices, you don't have to hold it against the window to get signal. The rubberized body helps protect against shock and it is a sturdy device. I have no complaints about battery life, either. I use the MeriGold several times a week and probably change the battery every 2-3 months. I am very satisfied with this purchase overall. There are a few minor complaints, however. Many people will wish for a color screen, but IMHO it's not worth the expense. The basemaps that are loaded with the MeriGold, like most GPSr devices, are very barebones. Upgrading to the MapSend is almost necessary for use in populated areas and will tack on an additional cost to your purchase. Also, once the battery meter gets below a third or so, the MeriGold has a difficult time holding satellite locks. Overall, very small quibbles with a device that has so many great uses. This thing has saved me many times when I've been lost. Being a guy, it saves me from stopping and asking directions, and most times I don't even need a map to figure out how to get somewhere!

Go for the Gold (December 01, 2005)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Michele G. - Dallas, TX

The Magellan Meridian Gold GPS system is called gold because like the Olympics, you have to earn the title to win the GOLD! The Magellan Meridian Gold GPS is easy to read and makes navigation idiot proof for people like me who are directionally challenged!

Awesome (December 01, 2005)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Kathryn A Deardorff - Hemet, California

What an awesome product, easy to see and use!

great product (December 01, 2005)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Robert S Cullen - Santa Clara, CA

I really enjoy this product and highly recommend it.

Good GPS (July 21, 2005)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(3/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Bill S. - Chicago, Illinois

While I like the Meridian Gold I have to say their are a couple of things that I believe could be improved. First off the Gold should come with a SD card and Mapsend. It should not be optional for the price of this unit. Second the user manual could use some work for it's lack of detail. Also while Meridian is still using a serial cable instead of USB makes no sense. A good unit? Yes. But could be a great unit with above additions.

My second GPS......and it works great! (April 09, 2005)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Quentin L. - Litchfield, NH

I bought this GPS for a multitude of reasons. Map out hikingcamping trips, get into Geocaching, and just general activity tracking stuff.
It is my second GPS. My first was an older unit I purchased on EBay several years ago, and they are night and day.
This unit is very easy to use, and picks up satilite lock very quickly. I have had very little trouble with signals under trees, and the accuracy when finding GEOCACHES has been fantastic!
The user controls and menus make sense, and are easy to use. I have not manhandled it, but it feels quite rugged.
I have read a number of reviews, and decided on this unit because of all the good 'ink' I have seen it get. So far, the unit has met or exceeded my expectations.

Magellan Meridian Gold (January 15, 2003)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Dave S. - Apple Valley, MN

This is a break-through product. Maps take up too much memory on most hand-held GPSs. However, with the removable memory cards, the Meridian's memory is unlimited. And now, there are contour maps for fishing lakes available for the Meridian. I found the meridian to be very easy and intuitive with a very short learning curve for the basics. But the unit is also very powerful if you take the time to learn its advanced capabilities. The antenna is extremely sensitive. It is capable of locking onto satalites inside a frame house. I expect there to be no problem maintaining lock while carrying the Meridian in a pocket while hiking in heavy woods.

EASY TO USE (October 09, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: STEPHEN P ALFLEN - HASTINGS, MI

Many of my friends have GPS units and they don't use because thye are so complicated. This unit is so easy to use and program. I also like the size of the controls and screen. It's one of the few that I do not have to use my glasses to use.
Really happy with the product and bang for the buck on this product.

Magellan Meridian Gold a few negative items (September 23, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Richard S. - Flint, Mi.

this unit being my first purchase of a GPS, after much review of units i chose the Magellan Meridian Gold last fall, after using in various conditions i like the unit but do have some negative point.
1. i probally am not a isolated case but have had numerous problem w/ units on/off button being activated by traveling in your breast pocket or even in the nylon case, resulting in unit turning off when you do not want it to also some times on which leds to item #2

2. unit seems to really go thru non- rechargable batteries, even high priced brands (ie. duracell pros, etc...)i justed purchased rechagables so have not seen how they last yet, highly recommend optional power cord to be used as much as possible, also invest in a battery checker because it normally just one of the 3 batts that are dead, i use this inexspensive meter alot and save alot of money on batteries. unit really is batt hungery in cold conditions.

3. not real impressed w/ deatail of my state regarding the TOPO cd map.

4. do not feel docmentation streeses enough the possibilty of losing all of your waypoint when you go to load more map info off your cd, recommendation is write all point down or download & save in seperate directory, still not sure what actual happened but no warning appered as i was doing the download.

Magellan Meridian Gold (August 28, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Kenneth R. - Fort Worth, Texas

Excellent GPS unit for the first time user or the more experienced navigator. It is loaded with standard features that will provide you with tons of information. It is loaded with detailed base maps that will show you were you need to go. Later on if you want to upgrade there is no need to buy another GPS unit. You can purchase the optional memory cards in a variety of storage sizes and customize you GPS unit with the optional Mapsend CDROM. These options will greatly enhance the performance of your GPS unit by providing highly detailed maps and points of intrest.

Magellan Gold GPS (August 16, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Don D. - Eliot, Maine

Super Value. Very detailed map and easy to access.
100 % satisfied with instrument, other than problem described below.
Problem encountered between computer and Magellan in uploading software to V3.12 as downloaded from Thales Web Site.
Have written to Support @ Thales for assistance.
Will let you know how this comes out.

Meridian Gold is a Great Buy (July 15, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jerry B. - Wahpeton, ND

I ordered the Meridian after numerous comparisons with other units, as this is my first GPS. Once I received the unit, I was impressed. It was simple to use right out of the box. I turned it on in my house and it locked on and computed my position - amazing! I was adding waypoints and routes within minutes.

The data fields present in the different views are customizable to suit individual needs and the views can be turned off if not needed at all. The detail of the built-in maps was impressive. It appears to have all the state highways as well as the interstates and US highways. It has airports, rivers, lakes and the database of cities is impressive as well. Living in North Dakota, I was pleased to see how many small towns are in the database - ones down to about 100 people are in there.
The zoom level on the map goes from 100 ft to a centimeter to 1700 miles (world view).

The unit fits comfortably in my hand. It worked well picking up satellites lying on the front seat of my van. It also worked flying, although I did have to put it up off the seat there to pick up satellites. Walking out in the open I was able to track with WAAS to within 2 feet of a waypoint.

I can't really think of any thing this unit is missing. Overall, this unit is very impressive. I am very happy with my purchase.

Magellan Meridian Gold GPS (May 20, 2002)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Dan C. - Des Peres, MO

After receiving the unit, I had very little trouble getting it up and running. I was a little disapointed regarding the lack of detail in the basemap. It only shows major highways and roads.
If you want any king of detail you need to purchase the Mapsend Streets or TOPO software and download it and you have to also purchase a Secure Digital card to hold the downloaded maps. This is an additional cost of about $100.00 if you find deals.
Other than that, the ubit works perfectly and offers a wide variety of viewing options and customization.

Megellan's Meridian Gold (May 06, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: John W. - Maryville, TN

Overall, this is a great product. The larger base map of the Gold model is worth the difference in price from their low-end model with only 2 meg of base map. The unit is sensitive and finds the satellites with little trouble. It updates once per second keeping you well informed of your location. Tracking against the map appears reasonable, with only a couple of occassions seeming to be "off the road". I had one bit of trouble, the wires inside the case were blocking the add-on memory card from seating. I opened the case (there was no warranty voided statment), and moved the wires aside and have had no problem since. If you're looking for a reasonably priced GPS, this could be your choice!

Well worth the $, but has known defect (April 15, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jay B. - Cleveland, Ohio

I purchased the Magellan Gold and 64MB SD memory and Mapsend Streets and Destinations. I have to say, I like the product! Mapsend takes a little getting used to, but after installing it into the Meridian, the whole package makes for a very nice all-around GPS. I do recommend purchasing a card reader if using SD cards and Mapsend. Downloading 64MB to the SD card from Mapsend took about an hour using a reader, so I could only imagine how long it would take without one.

I have two complaints about the Gold. First, there was a wire blocking access to the SD card slot. This was a manufacturing error, and has been documented by others as well. My assumption is that since this is a newly-released unit, this manufacturing problem will be addressed and nobody in the future will ever have to deal with it. The present solution to the problem is to either remove the back of the unit (6 screws), or return it for repair. The job is may be easier to do yourself than to be without a GPS for the replacement time.

My second issue with the Gold is that the power button is not recessed, and can easily be pressed to power off the unit. While you are given a 5 second period of time to cancel the power-down, it doesn't help much if you don't realize you hit it. Maybe future firware upgrades will address this issue.

I updated the firmware on the unit to v2.08 as soon as I got mine, and this was both easy and straightforward from the directions and file given on the Magellan website. I'm planning on using my Gold on water and on land, and the Gold can be switched to be suitable for either. Other than the two issues described here, I am extremely pleased with this rugged, fully-featured GPS.

Magellan Meridian Gold GPS (March 28, 2002)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Marty K. - Chester, Virginia

The Meridian Gold is better than advertised. After installing the batteries and a quick read of the Quick Start Guide, I was out in the neighborhood working the various screen displays which are easy to customize to personal likes and needs. I did discover that my device did not have the latest version of the operating system, but the free download from the Magellan web site was quick and easy.
The built in base map is more than adequate for highway travel and the "track" which is created on the map screen as you drive off a main road then in fact displays the secondary road/route. The screens are easy to read, even in bright sun.
I found that the position of the buttons (on the front and close together) which control the various functions made it easy to use with one hand- unlike some other brands where the buttons are on both sides of the unit.

VERSATILE GOLD (March 04, 2002)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: ROBERT P. - SHELBY , N.C.

THE MERIDIAN SERIES GIVES A BROAD RANGE OF USERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND UPON A UNIT THAT OFFERS MANY BASIC FEATURES. THE 16 MG BASEMAP INLUDES MOST ROADS,RIVERS, AND COASTLINES,BUT BEING ABLE TO LOAD OPTIONAL MAPS WITH STREET DETAIL TO READILY AVAILABLE SD STAMP SIZE CHIPS IS A MAJOR PLUS. I PUT MAPS FOR A TRIP FROM CANADA TO MIAMI AND BACK BY A DIFFERENT ROUTE ON ONE 64 MG CHIP. THE OPTIONAL GOLD SOFTWARE IS ACCURATE AND QUITE DETAILED WITH ABOUT HALF A MILLION TOTAL POINTS OF INTEREST. THE OPTIONAL TOPO MAPS GIVE A NEW DIMENSION TO HIKING GPS WITH VERTICAL PROFILES. I GIVE THE MERIDIAN HIGH MARKS SINCE IT DOES ALL THAT IT PROMISES AND LETS THE OWNER TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF ITS FLEXIBILITY.

Meridian Gold by Magellan is truly Gold (February 25, 2002)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(2/5.0)

Reviewed By: Michael D. - Universal city, TX

Upon receving my newly purchased Meridian Gold GPS I was very impressed with the quality of the product. It was complete with batteries and quick start guide to get you from the box to full operation.
A few short questions and your GPS is showing you where you are standing!
As an air crash rescue professional I know that this product will be of great use to me in the field!

Comparison Specifications

12 Parallel-Channel Receiver
500 Waypoints
MapSend Compatible
20 Routes, 2000 Trackpoints
1.75" x 2.2" Display size
Vertical Screen Orientation
Backlit Display (120 x 160 pixel, grayscale), Backlit Keypad
Up to 14 hours operation from 2 - AA batteries
16MB Built-in U.S. Database
Built-in Quadrifiler helix antenna

Additional Specifications

Expandable Memory Capacity with optional SD Memory Cards
WAAS Technology
Indefinite User Data Backup (non-volatile flash memory)
Acquisition time: cold - less than 2 minutes, warm - less than 1 minute
Position Update Rate: 1 per second
Operating Temp: 14 degrees F to 140 degrees F
76 Datums plus 1 User Defined
Maximum Velocity: 951 mph
Operating Altitude: up to 60,000 feet
Waterproof to IEC-529 IPX7 Standard

Manufacturer Specifications

Rugged Rubber Armoring & High Impact Plastic (and it floats)
Save Track-to-Route
Satellite Status Display
Built-in Help
NorthFinder with Sun/Moon Positions
Sunrise/Sunset Calculator
Vertical Profile of Track (requires MapSend Topo for U.S.)
Horizontal Profile (requires MapSend Topo for U.S.)
Address Search (requires any version of MapSend software)
Supports several languages

Dimensional Specifications

8 oz.
6.5" x 2.9" x 1.3"

Magellan Meridian Gold Warranty Details

1 Year Parts and Labor

Authorized Retailer

Official Stamp of Approval from our vendors.
No Sales Tax*

* except in Kentucky. Blame it on the NCAA.
Free Ground Shipping

A free ride for most orders over $50.
50 Year Legacy

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word ...
Fast Service

The Pony Express of online retailing.
Easy Returns

Love it or leave it. 30 days to decide.

Magellan Meridian Gold (Gold)

Handheld GPS Receiver