Magellan eXplorist GC Waterproof Geocaching GPS
Magellan eXplorist GC Waterproof Geocaching GPS
- Easily connect to the Geocaching.com User Community and perform “Send to GPS,” create and sync Pocket Queries, and upload Field Notes
- Pre-loaded with the most popular geocaches in the world, found more than any others–get a complete out-of-the-box experience by searching and finding the top 1,000 geocaches worldwide
- Easy to use with an intuitive user interface, simple controls and menus, and vibrant graphics
- Vibrant 2.2-inch color transflective screen provides the best readability in direct sunlight
- A high-sensitivity SiRFstarIII GPS with three-meter accuracy puts you on top of the cache and make the find that much easier
Magellan eXplorist GC is the first GPS device 100% dedicated to geocaching that includes out-of-the-box paperless geocaching, seamless connection to geocaching.com, a brilliant color screen, rich graphics, and a simple user interface all packed into a rugged and waterproof device. The device is powered by two AA batteries for up to 15 hours of outdoor adventure along with a highly-sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS chipset that provides 3-meter accuracy. The device is made for geocaching with an uncomplicated interface and the ability to sort and search thousands of geocaches. Mark your find and quickly add field notes. Push all your logs to geocaching.com once you return from your day’s adventure. eXplorist GC has tons of fun and familiar graphics, such as smiley faces for logs and merit-based awards to show off your geocaching expertise. Additionally, the product comes packed with common outdoor GPS features, such as waypoint creation, a worldwide basemap, active tracking, and trip odom
List Price: $ 149.99
Price: $ 149.99
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Hugo D. Hackenbush
March 17, 2011A well-priced, well-made geocaching device for neophytes and those on a budget,
What is Geocaching? It’s an outdoor activity akin to treasure hunting, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to hide and seek containers (called “geocaches” or “caches”) anywhere in the world.
Sound interesting? Then you might want to give the Magellan eXplorist GC Handheld Geocaching GPS Navigator a whirl. It’s an entry-level GPS geocaching device that is perfectly suited for neophytes, yet has enough capabilities to suit the basic needs of geocaching veterans.
The good:
– No-frills geocaching device is perfect for newbies as it covers all the basics expected from a geocaching device;
– The eXplorist has a nice, colorful screen;
– The eXplorist’s interface is intuitive and easy to use, with very precise tracking and a nice compass feature;
-The eXplorist is small (but not too much so), ruggedly-built, waterproof and feels very comfortable in the hands;
– Battery life is stated by Magellan to be a very good 15 hours, but my experience with the eXplorist GC using standard Duracell batteries has averaged battery life at around 17-18 hours;
– The eXplorist has a “suspend mode” that preserves battery life;
– The eXplorist comes preloaded with 1,000 of the most popular worldwide geocache locations; it includes a highly detailed worldwide basemap;
– The eXplorist can accommodate up to 500 waypoints and 5,000 point tracklogs; USB interface is non-proprietary;
– Various plug-ins and firmware updates (as well as the device’s user manual) is (or will be) available through Magellan’s website, promising increased device functionality and software improvements;
– Optional 30-day trial for premium geocaching membership services, which allow for great features such as paperless caching, pocket queries and bookmarks (after the 30 day trial, there is a $30 annual fee or a $10 three-month fee for the optional membership service);
– The price is right for a GPS geocaching device of this caliber.
The bad:
– No other GPS capabilities besides geocaching included in package; no option to add external memory;
– Text is fairly small, potentially making reading a chore for those with strained eyesight;
– Software response is somewhat sluggish;
– Very basic features means this is a no-frills geocaching device which, while perfect for newbies, may not be satisfactory for more experienced (or wealthier) geocachers who are looking for more “bells and whistles” in their geocaching device;
– As mentioned earlier, in order to get the maximum benefit of this device, you will have to fork over either a $30 annual fee or a $10 three-month fee for premium geocaching membership services (IMO, totally worth the extra cost for the premium features).
All in all, considering its terrific price point and what you get right out of the box, the Magellan eXplorist GC Handheld is strongly recommended for newbies or those on a tight budget.
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