Magellan eXplorist 210 Review

The Magellan eXplorist 210 GPS is a low cost handheld that can do double-duty as an auto navigation system (with the added purchase of Magellan DirectRoute software). This attractive combination makes the 210 one of the most popular Magellan handhelds. The 210 comes with a cable to transfer maps, waypoints and other data to and from a PC, a capability the eXplorist 200 lacks. The 210 is very similar to the eXplorist 400, except that the 210 has 22MB of built-in memory, whereas the 400 utilizes an SD card for memory.

Compare prices on the Magellan eXplorist 210

Before we hear from others, here's what Amazon has this to say in their Magellan eXplorist 210 review:

"...The unit offers 32 MB of memory, which includes 10 MB taken up by the basemap of major highways, airports, interstates, parks, rivers and lakes across North America. The remaining 22 MB is reserved for you to download and store Magellan MapSend programs and maps, or specific waypoints, routes and tracks for your next excursion. A USB PC cable is included, which will allow you to perform software updates, as well as download additional maps. This convenient feature allows you to download exactly the maps and data that you need for your excursion. If you're hiking a section of the Grand Tetons, you'll want to have the area's hiking trails, ranger stations, and elevation contours at your disposal. The eXplorist 210 lets you fine tune the data that you'll need for your trip..."

More eXplorist 210 reviews

• Customer reviews of the eXplorist 210 at Amazon have been quite favorable.
• GPS Information.net has a review of the eXplorist 210, 500 and 600, with a special focus on geocaching.
• Personal Computer World offers this review of the eXplorist 210.
• Associated Content gave a 95 out of 100 rating in their Magellan eXplorist 210 review.

Here are some other resources that may prove useful:

• PDF versions of the Magellan 210 owners manual are available in ten different languages.
• A Magellan GPS comparison tool lets you see how the 210 stacks up beside other models.
• Robert Lipe, of GPSBabel fame, maintains this eXplorist FAQ page.
• And here is a Magellan eXplorist 210 FAQ page.
• There is an active Yahoo eXplorist discussion group.

Compare prices on the Magellan eXplorist 210 at these merchants:

• Check the current Magellan eXplorist 210 price at Amazon.com.
• Buy the Magellan eXplorist 210 GPS at REI.com.
• Get the Magellan eXplorist 210 Hand Held GPS Receiver or the Magellan eXplorist 210 Outdoor Bundle with MapSend Topo 3D Software at Tiger GPS.

From the official Magellan eXplorist 210 web page:

22 MB of available memory in the compact, easy-to-use eXplorist 210 make it an incredible value. Add detailed MapSend® maps (using high-speed USB connection) to the available memory for topo or street navigation. Other great features include advanced file memory system to easily access your data and vertical profiles to see how tough the route ahead will be.   

Real GPS plus 22 MB Available Memory

• TrueFix™ Technology - Accurate & Reliable
  TrueFix GPS technology takes advantage of 14 parallel channels, 2 dedicated for WAAS and EGNOS Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems for fast signal acquisition, minimal signal loss and reliable accuracy to within 3 meters.
• Built-in mapping
  The robust built-in North American basemap provides a convenient way to navigate while viewing roads, parks, waterways, airports and more.


• Easy-to-use
  Full keyboard with joystick for one-button access to the map, marking points of interest, goto routes and menu. Even the first-time user can easily navigate with the eXplorist 210.


• Track Logging
  Store up to 150 track log files, each with 2000 track-points, to easily find your way to your favorite spots or take that great hike again and again.


• Four navigation screens
  View speed, direction, distance to destination and all the GPS information you need on four easy-to-read customizable navigation screens.


• No access fees
  Your eXplorist 210 is ready to go with no satellite access fees and no activation fees, so go ahead, use it all the time.


• Satellite status
  Monitor the GPS satellites in view and get information about their status.


• Languages
  No matter your language, there’s a good chance your eXplorist displays it. Choose from English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Dutch or Norwegian.

Built to perform on the most challenging and rigorous adventure.

• Large backlit display
  Easily view all the GPS information you need to make your adventure fun and safe, even at night. The amber glow of the backlight protects your vision at night so you can see both your eXplorist and the path in front of you.


• Rugged construction
  Rubber armored, impact resistant plastic allows you to confidently take your eXplorist 210 on every adventure.


• Water Resistant
  eXplorist 210 is water-resistant, so you never have to worry about it getting wet.


• Warranty
  We pride ourselves on building rugged and reliable navigation products that you can depend on, backed by a full one-year warranty in North America (2 years in Europe).

Related posts:

• Handheld GPS buyers guide
• GPS for hikers
• GPS for geocachers
• GPS for cyclists

Comments

[John explorist]

Magellan uses a very complex file system. Some may not like it. Still, you have the internal GPS memory plus cards, and the file system makes it easy to find something. If I upload a route where the roads don't really show on the detail maps, I can put a lot of them in one file, say 200. Now I just find the waypoint file and tell the Magellan explorist 500 http://www.highspeedsat.com/explorist500.htm to make that the active POI (it calls waypoints 'points of interest'). I really like this, because there is no limit to how many waypoints could be on a card, each neatly filed away. If I don't want waypoints cluttering the screen, I get rid of any active file of POI's.