If you are in the market for a global positioning device with unsurpassed quality at a great price, the Magellan eXplorist 300 may be just what you need. Magellen’s "TrueFixTM" technology provides superior accuracy and reliability.
This state-of-the-art handheld uses 14 parallel channels, is supported by WAAS, and is EGNOS enabled for incredibly fast signal acquisition. Under most circumstances, you will get reliable accuracy to within 3 meters.
Choose from 10 languages and 11 grids (plus a user defined grid). You can store up to 500 waypoints, 2000 trackpoints, 20 routes, and 5 tracklog files.
New and Improved
The eXplorist 300 is basically the same as the eXplorist 100 and 200 models, but includes some exciting new features. A barometer and thermometer allow you to monitor changes in the weather, a barometric pressure altimeter provides information about your current elevation, and an electronic compass tells you the direction you’re facing - even when you’re not moving!By adding this trio of features, along with the TruefixTM technology, Magellan gives you a great value in a tiny portable package.
The waterproof case is made of rubber armored, impact resistant plastic, sealed to IPX-7 specifications. It measures only 2.1 x 4.6 x 1.3 inches and weighs a mere 4 oz. Although the unit is small, the 160 x 120 resolution backlit display measures an impressive 1.4 x 1.8 inches.
The built-in 8 MB base map includes cities, highways, waterways, parks, and airports of North America. (If you purchase your unit in the U.K., the base map covers Europe.)
GPS receivers are growing in popularity, and marketing competition is steep. Therefore, you should shop around for sale prices. You may find great deals on the internet and you definitely want to check out the range of add-ons and accessories available at Magellan’s web site and at most retail outlets carrying GPS receivers.
The Pros
- Ease of use - Operation of this unit can be learned very quickly. Even the first time user can easily navigate with the eXplorist 300. With one-button access, you can scroll through all the important features. There are three main navigation screens to deal with; you’ll see speed, direction, and distance to your destination, along with all the GPS information you need.
- Special Features - The electronic compass and temperature feature are great touches. Add in the barometer and altimeter and you have it all.
- Maps - The built-in background maps are excellent; you can literally zoom into intersections for marking waypoints.
- Battery life - The eXplorist boasts an impressive battery life of 14 hours and uses 2 AA batteries.
The Cons
- Maps - Although the built-in map is great, the inability to add additional maps is mentioned as a major drawback in most consumer reviews.
- Battery life - Although the battery life is long, frequent use of the backlit display can eat into battery longevity. (Note: the backlit is a nice amber color, which is easy on the eyes.)
Using the Magellan eXplorist 300: Some Basic Facts
As mentioned, the Magellan eXplorist 300 has some great features and these deserve special mention in this review. In some respects, the barometer and thermometer function like a portable weather station, adding a valuable benefit when you’re traveling in uncertain conditions.What’s more, the unit operates in a wide range of temperatures (from 14F/-10C to 140F/60C, your eXplorist is safe, though you may feel a bit uncomfortable at those extremes!). The barometric pressure altimeter operates at up to 60,000 ft (or 18,600 m) and the electronic compass operates perfectly, regardless of your speed (you can even be standing still).
The eXplorist 300 is very easy to use; when in doubt, any questions can be found in the well written User’s Manual, available online for download as a PDF. The special features, the small size, great price, and incredible accuracy of this unit meet just about anyone’s navigational needs.
About the Author
Janette is a hobbyist writer who enjoys using her GPS devices and educating people about GPS tracking devices, Magellan GPS receivers, and everything GPS!