Customer Reviews
GaPitViper said:
i’ve owned the Explorist 210 for three weeks and feature no complaints. The accompanying Geocache Manager is simplistic but effective for loading geocache data into the GPS. It certainly beats entering it by hand just like the 200 and 100 models require. The unit is light and the twin level amber backlight is efficacious in low light situations. i haven’t taxed the reported 22M of memory yet. i purchased this unit specifically for geocaching and it definitely fills the bill.
netzotic “Tech Head” said:
After just a few hours of study, I chose the eXplorist 210 as my GPS unit of choice for geocaching. i’ve got only played around with a GPS unit once, so don’t really have lots of experience with other models. The 210 was chosen for it’s PC capability and 22MB of space for background maps. Non-PC capable GPSs don’t sell for a lot less, but you’ve got to plunk down much more money for a unit just like the 410 that has an SD card interface.
The price this is significant, but I took another user’s advice and looked online for the Outdoor Bundle – it saves you many of cash if you need the computer cable, the auto charger, the carrying case, and the Topo-3D software. I view all of those as essential, and highly recommend which you get them with the GPS unit.
Overall usability of the unit is excellent. i used to be in a position to determine tips on how to use the unit in little time without much use of the manual. The primary boot was a pain, probably as a result of residential neighborhood that i used to be in that gives a limited sight line. In keeping with the manual, the device should look for a couple of minutes and ask you inquiries to help if it doesn’t work in that timeframe. i discovered one sattelite only, so there has been no chance to get to this magic screen. While driving to work tomorrow i used to be ready to get signals and it’s worked fine since then.
On my first geocache trip, i used to be ready to about 30 feet of accuracy in thick woods. Sometimes it’d be less accurate, but judging by the reviews of others, seems it performed very well. 7 hours of use left me with a touch greater than half ot he battery life left.
I feel that this unit misrepresents somewhat in it’s claim of being USB capable. While the cable does use USB to connect with your computer, it’s really a serial interface with the unit. This makes it MUCH slower than a USB interface – a 20MB background map took about 7 minutes to download to the unit. Also, the serial connector is symetrical, so that you can connect the cable to the GPS the other way up, making it fail to work along with your computer. The special design of the port implies that you’ve got to purchase their cable – you may’t use a miles cheaper off the shelf cable. The manual doesn’t say the best orientation to exploit. In the event you connect the unit and get an “unrecognized device” message from Windows, flip the relationship around so the cable is pointing to the ground of the unit.
The Topo 3D software that came with the bundle was Version 1. I’ll review it separately, but thought I should mention that it doesn’t natively support this device. You’d like the eXplorist’s own software to transform files – an incredible inconvenience. i assumed the software was also flaky.
The cable interface and the software are reasons why I took away 1 star.
Overall, I’d say that with the Outdoor Bundle you’re getting the right GPS value for less than $200 total. In the event you’ve got more cash to spend, check out the eXplorist 410, which offers an SD card to save lots of larger maps to the unit. The Eastern Shore of MD, DE, and VA (Delmarva) takes up about 20MB total. For my trip to Canada this summer, I’ll likely ought to use a laptop several times to switch maps during my travels.
The 410 unit is barely about $30 more right this moment. When you buy the basic accessories, you’ll be spending about $150 more total.
Product Details
- Compact 14 channel WAAS GPS receiver with rugged, outdoor-sports design
- 22 MB available memory for downloading optional MapSend maps and digital content
- 10 MB built-in basemap includes roads, parks, waterways and more
- Includes Magellan Geocache Manager software
- 2.2 x 4.75 x 1.3-inches (W x H x D); 6.1 ounces; and a pair of.3-inch backlit display
The Magellan eXplorist 210 from Thales expanding at the popular line of Magellan GPS handhelds, the eXplorist 210 brings map expansion capabilities to the entry-level range of eXplorists with its high-speed USB data port. The Magellan eXplorist 210 is the sole GPS handheld in its budget to supply users the power to download and store as much as 22 MB of maps from compatible software. The hot Magellan eXplorist 210 proves that powerful GPS navigation doesn’t should be expensive. a enormous 2.3” grayscale display, precise three-meter positioning, high functionality, and a shockproof and water-resistant case combine with simple handling to make the compact GPS an indispensable navigation companion for all outdoor activities, from mountain sports and backpacking to cycling, hunting, and fishing.
Amazon.com Product Description The Magellan eXplorist 210 proves that powerful and reliable GPS navigation can also be affordable. With a compact, shockproof and waterproof design, this baby is built to resist regardless of the back country can throw at it. At an insignificant 6.1 ounces, and having the ability to download and store as much as 22 megabytes of maps while providing precise three-meter positioning, this pocket-sized 14-channel WAAS GPS receiver is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream.
 Map screen in position mode. View larger. |
 GOTO route screen. View larger. |
 Customize map information. View larger. |
 The Magellan eXplorist 210 delivers GPS navigation in a rugged, handheld device. View larger. |
When you have a fondness for the outside, there’s no reason you have to be a GPS expert with a purpose to benefit from GPS tracking capabilities. The eXplorist 210 features Magellan’s easy-to-use operating system, so that you can deal with your activities without compromising your safety. While you connect the unit for your PC, the folders at the eXplorist 210 is also accessed the same as any drive in your computer, and from there you access the data as you’ll a folder by yourself computer. In other words, in the event you know the way to navigate your PC, you’ll feel right at home with the eXplorist 210.
The unit offers 32 MB of memory, inclusive of 10 MB taken up by the basemap of major highways, airports, interstates, parks, rivers and lakes across North America. The remainder 22 MB is reserved on the way to download and store Magellan MapSend programs and maps, or specific waypoints, routes and tracks in your next excursion. A USB PC cable is included, as a way to let you perform software updates, in addition to download additional maps. This handy feature means that you can download precisely the maps and knowledge which you need on your excursion. In the event you’re hiking a piece of the Grand Tetons, you’ll wish to have the world’s hiking trails, ranger stations, and elevation contours at your disposal. The eXplorist 210 enables you to fine tune the info that you simply’ll need to your trip.
And don’t let its compact size fool you. This handheld — at a trifling 2.2 x 4.75 x 1.3-inches (W x H x D) — assist you to create and store as much as 190,000 personal attractions and waypoints, 150 files with 20 routes each, and 150 track logs with 2,000 points each. The included Magellan MapSend Software DVD can assist to optimize and manage your data and keep track of updates to new versions of MapSend maps. In other words, Magellan couldn’t have made it much easier than this.
The eXplorist runs on two AA batteries that last as long as 17 hours. an oversized, 2.3-inch grayscale, backlit display features an amber glow that makes it easy to read at night. Other features include a vertical profile, a celestial table, and a best-fish and hunt-time calculator. The eXplorist 210 comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What’s within the Box
Magellan eXplorist 210, user’s manual, quick start guide, and PC interface cable.
Related Geocaching Products
Magellan eXplorist 210 Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($74)
I chose this model because I wanted a GPS unit that I could access with my PC through USB and this seems to work very well. Included is a small application that will convert .loc waypoint location files to the .gs files that this unit uses.
When I plug the USB cable into the unit and then into my USB hub and power up the GPS unit, it appears as drive H:/ and I can move/rename/copy/etc. the files in the GPS unit without having to use the GPS interface, which is a time saver.
It has a nice readable map that can be zoomed out to see the whole planet, or zoomed in to a 100ft scale. It recognizes primary roads and highways in my town and knows the name of the lake I live near. Apparently I can also purchase and download custom maps from mapsend, but I haven’t tried that yet.
Without even reading the manual, just by fiddling with the gizmo, we were able to figure out how to find our geocache destinations, set a route, add waypoints, and choose custom icons for the waypoints from a selection of maybe 20 or 30.
I can’t comment on battery life because I haven’t worn out a set of batteries yet, but I think other people have commented on that.
This unit is accurate enough that it can tell when I *turn around in place and face a different direction* which is pretty amazing to me. I am very pleased with the performance.
I did take one star off because already the clear plastic over the display has gotten scratched. BE WARNED: the display is VERY EASY to scratch. I’m going to have to find a little leather case or cloth bag or something for it. As a comparison, I have carried my nokia cellphone around in my pocket with my car keys for about three years and there is no significant scratching on the display, but with this GPS unit, whatever plastic they chose, it got scratched up quite a bit with just a few hours in my pocket (with carkeys). I realize that wasn’t too bright of me, but I know there are more durable plastics out there because of my experience with my nokia, so… just be careful! Now the screen looks like its got dust on it that can’t be wiped off… 
Other than that, I am very pleased and feel that this unit is a good value.
Magellan SporTrak Map Waterproof Hiking GPS… ($50)
By the way – don’t purchase the add-on memory SD card accessory – this GPS doesn’t take add-on memory cards.
Magellan eXplorist 200 Water Resistant Hiking GPS… ($90)
The verdict — I bought the eXplorist 200. The base map gives you the major freeways, highways, and cities — even parks and national landmarks. The buttons and functions were the most intuitive of any of the models tested — very important when you have children operating the unit. The LCD screen is as big as the expensive models and highly legible in ambient light. My son loves it and the entire family is getting lots of hikes and geocaching done in the great outdoors.
What happens next? I will save up for a more powerful unit with a PC connection, map software, etc, now that we are hooked on GPS navigation. The eXplorist will remain with my son — like cell phones, it is always a good idea to have an extra one around…
RAM Mounting Systems RAM-B-166-MA5U Suction Cup Mount ($30)
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- Magellan Triton 1500 Waterproof Hiking GPS
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