Magellan Explorist 210 North America Review

Magellan’s eXplorist 210 is a great navigational device for hunters, backpackers, and geocachers. It’s also very convenient for motorcycle use, if you purchase the available mount for the device. It comes with 22 MB of available memory, and you can add additional maps and detailed routes. It works with a computer via a USB port. You can move,copy, or rename files in the GPS unit without using the GPS interface. It does not work in real time, however, you can set up files and transfer them to the device, if you want to preplan your route.

The map is very readable, and you can zoom out to see the entire planet, or zoom in to a scale of 100 feet. It does recognize primary roads and highways, as well as lakes, parks, and other points of interest.

It comes encased in rubber with an impact resistant plastic screen, however, the screen has proved to be very easy to scratch, so purchasing a holder would be a really good idea. The eXplorist 210 is light at only 5.8 ounces including batteries, and measures a mere 2.2″ W x 4.7″ H x 1.3″ D, so it’s very small and convenient to carry with you. And it’s waterproof, so it’s a great outdoor device.

The power comes from 2 AA batteries, which hold up to 18 hours of continuous use. It recognizes ten different languages, and 75 grids, including Lat/Lon, UTM, OSGB,MGRS, Finnish, German, Swedish, French, Irish, Swiss, USNG, and1 User Grid.

You get four different navigational screens, including, map, compass, locater, and satellite status. The satellite lock in is accurate and quick. You don’t get as good reception indoors, as you would with some of the other manufacturers products, but it’s adequate for outdoor use.

There are nine direct access keys on the keypad and a joystick. The screen is very easy to see, considering its size, and the back light works wonderfully. Battery power holds up well with the use of the back light at night.

All in all, given the price of the unit (barely over $100), this is a great device for outdoor use. Car navigation may not be that great in the 210. You don’t get all the extras that you get in more expensive units, and the screen may be too small for use when driving. But for geocaching, camping, hunting, even motorcycle use, the eXplorist 210 can’t be beat for the price.

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Add MapSend® maps for topographic or turn-by-turn street navigation to the 22 MB available memory. The high-speed USB port and simple file memory system make it easy to download and manage coordinates and other information from the Internet.

Built-in basemap makes navigating major roads and highways easy. View your position in relation to major points of interest.

Advanced features include a vertical profile screen to see an elevation graph for the path ahead. You’ll know exactly how tough (and how much fun) your trek will be.

Intelligently designed for comfortable right or left handed use, the clearly marked keypad provides one-touch access to all your most important features. Joystick controller makes scrolling the simple menus fun and easy. The large backlit display is easy-to-read day or night. Customizable navigation screens show your location, speed, direction, and distance to destination and more, just the way you want it.

This is real GPS plus 22 MB available memory.

Features

• 22 MB available memory – Add detailed MapSend®maps, store tracks, waypoints and more
• Easy-to-use – Navigate in seconds with simple menus, one-button shortcut to key features and joystick control
• Built-in maps – North American or European basemap shows major roads, parks, waterways and many points of interest
• Large backlit display – Clearly see your GPS information day or night
• USB data port – Manage maps and waypoints and download coordinates from your PC
• TrueFix®technology – Reliable accuracy to within 3 meters
• Simple file system – Save, organize and access all your stored data with ease
• Vertical profile – View graphical elevation changes for where you’ve been or where you’re going
• Geocache Manager – PC application to download and organize coordinates from the Internet
• Track logging – Store 150 track files with 2000 points each
• Four navigation screens – Map, Compass, Locator and Satellite Status deliver easy-to-use information
• Advanced power management – Two AA batteries provide up to 18 hours of use. Save power with “auto-off”.
• Rugged construction – Encased in rubber armored, impact resistant plastic

Specifications

·     Product Number: 980771-72A

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