Magellan eXplorist 200 Water Resistant Hiking GPS
by Magellan
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List Price: Category: GPS or Navigation System See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Magellan eXplorist 200 Water Resistant Hiking GPS
Customer Review: Basic but Good GPS
Summary: 4 Stars
This GPS device is good for the use which I purchased it for. The included maps are limited but sufficient for my needs.
Since I use this with topographical maps with reference points printed on it, I don't use the internal maps.
If you need internal maps or to be able to download maps this isn't the one for you.
If you need an inexpensive GPS that just helps you pinpoint where you are and that keeps track of your route as you go, then this one will work great for you and is very reasonably priced.
Pros: It's accurate and low priced. It does the job it was meant to do. It's also rugged and a great size. It does a good job of connecting to satellites - especially in the open or even cloudy skies. The tracking feature is a big help for me. After a hike I can pinpoint exactly on my map the route I took using my mapping software (I use National Geographic TOPO for maps - since it doesn't matter which one I use because I can't download anyway). There's no need to buy the more expensive Magellan mapping software.
Cons: It's more difficult than it should be to set a waypoint. The little joystick takes some getting used to for moving around and entering in text. If you're in heavy tree or other cover, it sometimes has a hard time connecting to enough satellites to give a good fix, but it has always given me at least a 2-D fix which is usually close enough for my purposes (not as good for geo-caching probably).
I like this unit and recommend it for anyone needing a good, inexpensive GPS for hiking / hunting / camping purposes who use a paper / printed topo map together with the GPS.
Customer Review: An excellent entry-level GPS device
Summary: 4 Stars
I had been searching for a decent pedometer (for fitness walking) for a while and decided to give a GPS unit a try. I must say that I am impressed with the Magellan eXplorist in that it can tell me how many miles I have travelled as opposed to just counting steps; and being able to give me an indication of my speed is an added plus. I have also used the eXplorist in the car and found that it is generally able to pick up the satellites and get a fix if you leave the windows open (handy for checking speedometer accuracy). The menus and the navagation of the screens is fairly straight forward and I found that I was able to use most of the items without having to resort to the manual. I do, however, have to ding the eXplorist on a couple of items: First, the joystick is a bit clumsy to use - especially if entering a name for a Point of Interest. Second, some of the maps loaded into the unit appear to be out of date - at least for my area - as I saw one state highway on the map; GA 50; which was redesignated in my area as GA 520 about 15 or so years ago. Its not that big of an issue to me, but if you are using the unit for auotmobile navigation, you might want to keep it in mind when using the eXplorist 200. That not with standing, if you are looking for a decent entry-level GPS navagator at a decent price, the eXplorist 200 is certainly worth a look.Customer Review: Great Starter GPS
Summary: 4 Stars
I just started Geocaching a few months ago and after doing research on available GPSs in my price range, I decided to choose this one. It is a great starter unit that does not have so many functions that the directions on usage overwhelm you (we all know about VCR programming!) It has great screen readout, easy-to-program waypoints, and a nice size.
On the downside, it can be a bit slow initiating at startup and there is no PC connection capabilities. But then again, it's supposed to be a simple unit and with 16MB it should serve you well. However, I wouldn't recommend it for driving since it's not designed for that and there are models out there better suited for that purpose.
All in all, if you're looking for a great basic model, I would recommend it. The Garmin eTrex Legend is comparable but this Magellan has better accuracy, more channels, and more route capabilities.
I haven't regretted this purchase.
Customer Review: Magellan eXplorist 200
Summary: 4 Stars
I use my hand-held GPS units mainly for geocaching, hiking and hunting. I don't download any data into my GPS units, so I prefer more "basic" models. I started with a basic yellow Garmin eTrex, and it worked fine, except for losing satellite signals indoors, under heavy tree cover, and sometimes in the car. I just got my new Magellan 200 the other day, and it works great. I think it has several advantages over the Garmin: larger display screen, easier data entry, and it maintains a satellite signal indoors, under tree canopy, and in the car. Both my Garmin and Magellan work fine, but I would recommend Magellan if you are going into dense woods or into any other areas that might interfere with the satellite signal. My only complaint is that the Magellan doesn't have a carry strap like the Garmin.Customer Review: Superb quality! Great buy!
Summary: 4 Stars
You will not find a better built and performing entry level Gps for the money. I have always been pleased with the 200 and found that while geocaching it's simple to operate and easy to carry around. Small things like being able to float and the rubber armor are nice. The only two things that come to mind I wish the 200 had, is a dc power connection and more detailed maps (why I gave it a 4). Other than that, can't beat it. If you find yourself needing better maps and dc power you will have to upgrade to another level of Gps such as the Explorist 210,400 and above.