Magellan Triton 2000

Navigation Pal Wears Too Many Hats — GPS or Multimedia Device?

The Triton is a GPS unit with ADD. It can’t decide whether it’s a MP3 player, a 2-megapixel camera or a video player. It also suffers from some clunky design decisions: Who wants the hassle of two-handed screen navigation while hiking? But the photo and video are handy additions for hikers who might otherwise leave them behind. Accidentally toss the stylus? No biggie, the touchscreen is easy to use with a fingernail. But beware — in an unguarded playful moment, we threw the Triton in the air and missed the catch. A 10-foot drop on soft soil knocked the SD card loose and froze the screen for 10 minutes. Word to the clumsy: Keep the Triton tightly in hand.

WIRED Waterproof. Uses highly detailed National Geographic TOPO! Maps that are available by the dozen in any outdoor store. Combination GPS and multimedia device.

TIRED Bulky, heavy and hard to hold. More fragile than some other models. GPS was about 30 feet off from our actual location on the provided demo map.

• Type: GPS Travel Companions
• Manufacturer: Magellan
• Price: $500