Features:

• 18-channel GPS receiver for faster satellite acquisition
• WAAS-enabled for 3-meter accuracy
• 2 MB internal memory for downloading maps
• Store up to 500 waypoints; 20 routes with 50 waypoints or points of interest
• Built-in compass and altimeter; includes USB port for PC connection

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
The Cobra GPS 500 features 18 parallel channels for faster acquisition time! Accelerated Satellite Acquisition Protocol gets you up and running up to twice as fast as any other recreational GPS receiver. Base Map includes continental U.S. state boundaries, Canadian political boundaries, European country boundaries and hundreds of worldwide cities.

Rating : - Cobra 500 has its problems, but...
We have had problems similar to the ones that many of the other reviewers have had with their Cobra 500. The first unit we had worked marvelously for over 10 months. Then one day while hiking my wife pulled it out of her coat pocket... Dead. She contacted (phone) Cobra service. They suggested to send it back in to them. It would be repaired or replaced. Three weeks we received a new unit. This unit was used simultaneously with a friends Cobra 500 on a hiking/geocache trip. The discrepancy was startling. Although we were standing nearly side by side the two units show a difference of over 500' from the cache site and the compass arrows were off by 31 degrees. After further testing we found out that our new "replacement" unit was the one that was in error.
Another call to Cobra and another bad unit back to the shop. We received out third Cobra 500 via FedX three weeks later along with a sheet from the technician tell us that the old unit could not be repaired. Therefore, they were sending us a replacement unit at no charge. Now understand, we were out of the original warrantee period by over a month. (This is the reason for the 2 stars.)
We immediately went out on a multi geochache hunt. Four finds in 2-hours. This third unit is the winner: acquires satellites within 30 seconds, updates continuously, and is accurate to within 10' of the stated geocache's Lat/long.
Do I like The Cobra 500? I like the third one. ( I just hope it lasts for a few years of heavy use.) Would I buy another Cobra GPS unit? No!!! Absolutely not!!!

To Cobra:
I have used your CB radios for over 30 years. Professional truck drivers convinced me that your radio products are the best. I agree with them. Your Corbra GPS model 500 left me with a bad feeling for your product line. In a little over a year you have reduced my positive feelings about your products that I have had for over 30 years. I feel like you submitted a product to consumers well before you should have place your name on it. I do not appreciate buying a "beta" unit when your advertising stressed the advanced technologies in your product. Your Cobra 500 was supposed to be faster and better than your competition. Maybe the third unit has those attributes.
Time will tell.