Magellan eXplorist 300 Review

UPDATE: The Magellan eXplorist line has been officially discontinued. For an overview of our current recommendations, check out our handheld GPS buyers guide.

The Magellan eXplorist 300 GPS is one of eight models in the eXplorist line (16 if you differentiate between the North American and European models). With that many different models, you can bet there is confusion over the differences between them, so here's the low-down on the 300. It is very similar to the eXplorist 200, except that the 300 adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter (features found only in the 300 and 600 models in the eXplorist line). Moving further up in the product line, the 400, 500 and 600 models add SD card slots so that you can load maps to the unit. With the 300 you are limited to the built-in 8 MB base-map.

Several readers have posted Magellan eXplorist 300 reviews at Amazon.

Compare prices on the Magellan eXplorist 300

Here's what the editors there had to say:

"...Explorers will appreciate Magellan's one-button access, which takes you directly to the functions that matter most: the menu, navigation screens, personal points-of-interest, "go to" routing, and backlight. In addition, the eXplorist 300 stores up to 500 waypoints, 20 routes, and five track logs with up to 2,000 points each, providing ample storage even for avid navigators. The unit also supplies a built-in North American background map, which offers convenient access to roads, parks, waterways, airports, and more..."

Here's what others are saying about the eXplorist 300:

• Kathie Kingsley-Hughes offers an eXplorist 300 review from a geocacher's perspective.
• Two readers have reviewed the eXplorist 300 at ZDNet.

A few other resources that may prove handy:

• Links to PDF versions of the eXplorist 300 owners manual in ten languages!
• Want to see how the eXplorist 300 stacks up against other handhelds? Use this Magellan GPS comparison tool.
• Software for the eXplorist series.
• Still have questions? Ask someone who owns one at the Yahoo eXplorist message forum.

Compare prices on the Magellan eXplorist 300 at these merchants:

• Check the current Magellan eXplorist 300 price at Amazon.com.
• Get the Magellan eXplorist 300 for an amazing price at eBay

From the official Magellan eXplorist 300 web page:

An incredible value, the eXplorist 300 features Magellan® TrueFix^TM technology for superior accuracy and reliability.  eXplorist 300 gives  you a trio of advanced tools for even easier navigation. The barometer and thermometer provide information on changing weather. The 2-axis barometric pressure altimeter easily determines your present elevation. And the electronic compass shows your direction, even while standing still.  eXplorist 300 includes 8 MB of built-in maps, three navigational screens and 8 MB of memory to save 5 track log files, 500 points of interest and 20 routes. By putting all of this together in one compact package, the eXplorist 300 offers an unprecedented value.

Compact Mapping GPS, Delivers Like No Other

• TrueFix Technology - Accurate & Reliable
  TrueFix GPS technology takes advantage of 14 parallel channels, supported by WAAS and EGNOS Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems for fast signal acquisition, minimal signal loss and reliable accuracy to within 3 meters.



• Built-in mapping
  8 MB of built-in North American maps provide a convenient way to navigate while viewing roads, parks, waterways, airports and more.



• Barometer and Thermometer
  Like carrying your own little weather station, now you’ll know what might be rolling in.



• Barometric Pressure Altimeter
  Keep track of your elevation no matter how high your adventure takes you.



• Electronic compass
  The built-in 2-axis electronic compass points you in the right direction even when you are standing still. No need to carry another piece of equipment.



• Easy-to-use
  One-button access takes you directly to all of the most important features. Even the first-time user can easily navigate with the eXplorist 300.



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



• Track Logging
  Store up to 5 track log files, each with 2000 track-points, to easily find your way to your favorite spot again and again.



• Three navigation screens
  View speed, direction, distance to destination and all the GPS information you need on 3 easy-to-read navigation screens.



• No access fees
  Your eXplorist 300 is ready to go with no 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.

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 300 on every adventure.


• Water Resistant
  eXplorist 300 is water resistant.



• 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).

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