This model from Magellan GPS System is a must-have for people who love the outdoors. This pocket size, egg shaped, rugged GPS system has features like a 3-axis compass, barometer, altimeter and a thermometer which will surely appeal to all the adventurers out there.

Display and Design

This one is as tough as they come with weather proof, water proof and shock proof hard rubber packing which adheres to IPX -7 standards. The display supports 16 colours with backlight and gives you clear and sharp displays in all lighting conditions and at night. The eXplorist has a joystick which makes it easy to navigate through the menus. The Li-ion rechargeable battery on this model keeps it powered up for 17 hours straight before the next recharge.

Navigation

The eXplorist uses TrueFix GPS technology with 14 parallel channels. The WAAS/EGNOS Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems support ensures fast fixes and accuracy up to 3 metres. The Navigation on Magellan is very easy even for first timers with four screens of easy to read information and an on screen keyboard to key in the destination. Besides, the joystick based interface ensures that you reach all the essential option in one press. This model has 8 MB for in-built memory for maps and 8 MB of additional memory which allows it to store 5 track logs (2000 track points), 20 routes and 500 waypoints. Slot in an SD card and you can store huge amounts of tracking and routing data and you need not delete anything to make way for something else. You can add street maps, detailed maps etc. using the Mapsend facility on to the external SD card. You can also download geo cache co-ordinates for accurate navigation using the Geo Cache Manager and easily organise them using a PC-style interface.

The Area calculation feature allows you to calculate the area covered by three waypoints or POIs easily. The three-axis compass always keeps you on track irrespective of the location. The thermometer and barometer makes it a pocket sized weather station and the Barometric Altimeter will show you the elevation of your position with history along with a pressure profile.

Connectivity

The eXplorist features a high speed USB slot for PC Connection and an SC Card slot for unlimited memory expansion.

Verdict

The eXplorist is one of the best outdoor GPS packages available in the market. It is one mean machine with an all-weather, shock proof exterior and loads of useful features. So if you are a person who loves adventures, the eXplorist will ensure that you are on track anytime and anywhere.

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