Magellan eXplorist 500 Water Resistant Hiking GPS by Magellan
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Digital camera reviews of Magellan eXplorist 500 Water Resistant Hiking GPS
Digital camera Review: A solid choice
Summary: 4 Stars
I recently decided it was time to retire my trusty (but antiquated) handheld GPS, and I replaced it with a Magellan eXplorist 500. I don't yet have the optional detailed mapping software, so this is a review of just the base unit and the included software. I should also mention that this review is based on firmware 5.1.61, the latest available as of May 2005. Future firmware releases may add more features, but I advise all gadget buyers not to rely on such updates. Buy your toys for what they do today, not what they might do tomorrow!
Like most good GPS's these days, the eXplorist 500 includes basic street map data for the US and Canada. It probably won't include the street you live on, but it should have your freeways, highways, major surface streets, and points of interest such as airports. This basic map data takes up about half of the eXplorist's 16MB of built-in memory. The remaining memory can be used for your waypoints, routes, and tracks. If you happen to have Magellan's MapSend software, you can also download detailed street-level or topo maps. (But as I mentioned, I don't have this yet, so I can't review what it adds to the eXplorist 500.)
The approximately 8MB of free memory in the eXplorist 500 will hold a huge amount of waypoints, routes, and tracks. If all you care about is simple waypoint storage and navigation, you won't need anything else. However, the available memory is pretty meager for adding detailed map data. Don't panic, though: you can add a standard, inexpensive Secure Digital card to your eXplorist 500. No proprietary memory cards to worry about!
You can even attach the eXplorist to your computer's USB port and browse the built-in memory and SD card just like a USB storage device. This is very nice, though I should mention that you need to install a driver to connect to the unit, and you must use the included charge/USB cable. This strange cable actually screws on to the GPS--the eXplorist is water-resistant, so they could not put standard mini USB or power ports on it.
On to the physical features... The first thing you notice is the size. The eXplorist 500 is small, though thicker than you might expect. That's OK though, it fits your hand well, and it holds a battery with a claimed 17 hour life. My own informal test got me about 15 hours with the backlight on minimum, which I'd call close enough.
The next thing you notice is the screen. I haven't found the actual pixel dimensions listed in any of the specs; I would estimate it at 240x320. Whatever the value is, it is adequate. The screen is very bright and sharp, though limited to 16 colors. Compare that figure to a PDA and it sounds bad, but in practice I have found that it's enough to present a clear and readable map, which is what counts. You aren't looking at photos on this thing.
The controls are a joystick with built-in button, a surrounding array of 7 smaller buttons, and power and lighting controls on the sides. The buttons feel sturdy and work fine--they are all you could ask for.
The GPS receiver is definitely a cut above the one I bought a few years ago. It can pick up a signal in my house, where my older GPS could not. Thick trees can still confuse it though, but I'd expect that from any GPS.
As for the software: the first thing I'll comment on is the speed of map scrolling and redraw. I'll call it adequate, but not impressive. The map display itself is pretty standard, though highly legible. As you'd expect, you can move the cursor around to select points of interest or create waypoints.
The map can be full screen, or you can display two data fields with it: choose from bearing, distance to next waypoint, speed, heading, ETA, time to next waypoint, time to end of route, off course warning, direction, elevation, time, date, accuracy, average speed, and maximum speed. (The off course and destination events have an optional audible alarm.)
Besides the map, you have a fairly ordinary GPS status screen, trip computer (no customizable data fields), and bearing display (with 2 customizable fields, same as the map).
The included software provides for only the most basic data management. You can move waypoints, tracks, and routes in or out of the GPS. If you have some detailed map data, perhaps from a web purchase, you can add that to the unit too. (I presume that if you purchase Magellan MapSend software, it will have its own interface for adding a chunk of map data to the unit, or creating waypoints and routes.)
Magellan has also included GPS features and desktop software specifically for those interested in geocaching. The bottom line is that these features are useful, but could use improvement.
(...)
On the eXplorist, geocaches are filed in their own points of interest category, so you can choose not to display them. There is a special info screen for caches, showing data from the .LOC file: cache ID, owner, type, location, date placed, date last found, difficulty, hint, and terrain. (Note that the free .LOC downloads from geocaching.com do not contain all of this information. You need to be a paid member there to get more than just the basic data on a cache.) This information is nice to have, but long text runs off the right side of the screen, an unfortunate bug.
Hopefully future software updates will improve the geocaching features, but this is a good start. Overall the eXplorist 500 is a very nice unit, with the battery life and bright screen continuing to be impressive.
Digital camera Review: A solid choice
Summary: 4 Stars
I recently decided it was time to retire my trusty (but antiquated) handheld GPS, and I replaced it with a Magellan eXplorist 500. I don't yet have the optional detailed mapping software, so this is a review of just the base unit and the included software. I should also mention that this review is based on firmware 5.1.61, the latest available as of May 2005. Future firmware releases may add more features, but I advise all gadget buyers not to rely on such updates. Buy your toys for what they do today, not what they might do tomorrow!
Like most good GPS's these days, the eXplorist 500 includes basic street map data for the US and Canada. It probably won't include the street you live on, but it should have your freeways, highways, major surface streets, and points of interest such as airports. This basic map data takes up about half of the eXplorist's 16MB of built-in memory. The remaining memory can be used for your waypoints, routes, and tracks. If you happen to have Magellan's MapSend software, you can also download detailed street-level or topo maps. (But as I mentioned, I don't have this yet, so I can't review what it adds to the eXplorist 500.)
The approximately 8MB of free memory in the eXplorist 500 will hold a huge amount of waypoints, routes, and tracks. If all you care about is simple waypoint storage and navigation, you won't need anything else. However, the available memory is pretty meager for adding detailed map data. Don't panic, though: you can add a standard, inexpensive Secure Digital card to your eXplorist 500. No proprietary memory cards to worry about!
You can even attach the eXplorist to your computer's USB port and browse the built-in memory and SD card just like a USB storage device. This is very nice, though I should mention that you need to install a driver to connect to the unit, and you must use the included charge/USB cable. This strange cable actually screws on to the GPS--the eXplorist is water-resistant, so they could not put standard mini USB or power ports on it.
On to the physical features... The first thing you notice is the size. The eXplorist 500 is small, though thicker than you might expect. That's OK though, it fits your hand well, and it holds a battery with a claimed 17 hour life. My own informal test got me about 15 hours with the backlight on minimum, which I'd call close enough.
The next thing you notice is the screen. I haven't found the actual pixel dimensions listed in any of the specs; I would estimate it at 240x320. Whatever the value is, it is adequate. The screen is very bright and sharp, though limited to 16 colors. Compare that figure to a PDA and it sounds bad, but in practice I have found that it's enough to present a clear and readable map, which is what counts. You aren't looking at photos on this thing.
The controls are a joystick with built-in button, a surrounding array of 7 smaller buttons, and power and lighting controls on the sides. The buttons feel sturdy and work fine--they are all you could ask for.
The GPS receiver is definitely a cut above the one I bought a few years ago. It can pick up a signal in my house, where my older GPS could not. Thick trees can still confuse it though, but I'd expect that from any GPS.
As for the software: the first thing I'll comment on is the speed of map scrolling and redraw. I'll call it adequate, but not impressive. The map display itself is pretty standard, though highly legible. As you'd expect, you can move the cursor around to select points of interest or create waypoints.
The map can be full screen, or you can display two data fields with it: choose from bearing, distance to next waypoint, speed, heading, ETA, time to next waypoint, time to end of route, off course warning, direction, elevation, time, date, accuracy, average speed, and maximum speed. (The off course and destination events have an optional audible alarm.)
Besides the map, you have a fairly ordinary GPS status screen, trip computer (no customizable data fields), and bearing display (with 2 customizable fields, same as the map).
The included software provides for only the most basic data management. You can move waypoints, tracks, and routes in or out of the GPS. If you have some detailed map data, perhaps from a web purchase, you can add that to the unit too. (I presume that if you purchase Magellan MapSend software, it will have its own interface for adding a chunk of map data to the unit, or creating waypoints and routes.)
Magellan has also included GPS features and desktop software specifically for those interested in geocaching. The bottom line is that these features are useful, but could use improvement.
The desktop component, Magellan Geocache Manager, lets you open .GPX, .LOC and .GEO files and load them into your eXplorist 500. Geocaching.com lets you download cache coordinates as .LOC files, so this is an easy way to get geocaches into your eXplorist's memory. This software is serviceable, but it could be better, especially when you have multiple .LOC files to import.
On the eXplorist, geocaches are filed in their own points of interest category, so you can choose not to display them. There is a special info screen for caches, showing data from the .LOC file: cache ID, owner, type, location, date placed, date last found, difficulty, hint, and terrain. (Note that the free .LOC downloads from geocaching.com do not contain all of this information. You need to be a paid member there to get more than just the basic data on a cache.) This information is nice to have, but long text runs off the right side of the screen, an unfortunate bug.
Hopefully future software updates will improve the geocaching features, but this is a good start. Overall the eXplorist 500 is a very nice unit, with the battery life and bright screen continuing to be impressive.
Digital camera Review: Better then reviewers are giving it!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok i am going to start off by saying that i was looking at this unit and also the garmin etrex legend cx unit. I found both to be close how ever the magellan out performed it greatly. But first i would just like to say people who are having troubles with shipping and stuff like that is not important to put in a review and take stars off.
The unit has a wonderful screen with a much clearer and brighter display. When i stand out side i usually get atleast 4 gps satalites within the first 10 or 15 seconds. Also it works better in the car and such then most units. you can zoom in like crazy on this thing if only you could see houses and such i might be able to see my self walking to the car.
Know for the people who are complaining about lets say the mapping software you have to purchase or the rechargable battery. If they actually paid attention to things instead of the complained they would relize, 1) the rechargable battery is great but it also comes with a black battery peice designed to hold 3 AAA batterys inacase of the loss of the rechargable one 2) the mapping software which is 149.99 retail is given to buyers for 9 dollars after the coupon code that is located on the front of the box in a orange sticker.
The geocaching software is cool. You dont have to convert anything it sets everything up for you and uploads it instantly. I do how ever recomend you get a memory card because the maps that you can download can be quite big depending on how much you want to see. I hav enot had a problem with accuracy at all infact it usually will be accurate up to about 10-20 feet or so. Plus the big one that helped me is that the garmin etrex units are designed for only left handers which is so annoying. I do not feel comfortable doing this which is why i love the magellan.
and the usb connector/charger is a screw in on the back which people complain about but you konw what i enjoy the complete waterproofing that gives instead of a dinky rubber plug like the garmins!!!
If you are looking for a good unit with great reception and easy to read display then this is it and belive me you will love it!!!
Digital camera Review: Dont' buy this junk
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased my 500 in September, it's now January and it has never worked correctly at all. It would say that I am in Russia, then lock up (I live in NJ USA). The first time that I sent it it, my expense, Magellan support sent it back to me within 24 hours; and it was not fixed. It still said that I was in Russia and would lock up. The second time that I sent it to them, they sent me a shipping label via email. They had it in their paws for about 2 weeks. It came back said that I was in Peru and then lock up. I have an old Lowrance and never had a problem receiving a signal, it always locked on to my location (albeit a little slow), and it worked.
I've been trying to get a new shipping label for this piece of junck now for one month. First they said that they sent it to me via email, but they said that because I have anti-spyware sw on my pc that my Outlook is rejecting the label. But, I use web based email. Then they said that they will send a label to me via regular mail. It's been two and a half weeks and I have not yet received that label. They told me that they sent it out 3 days before Christmas and that I didn't receive the label because of the delays in mail due to Christmas and New Year's. But it's now January. Who knows, maybe I'll be lucky and receive the label before 2008.
It's clear to me that they have no intention of fixing this piece of junk. It was a mistake to buy it; don't you make the same mistake.
Digital camera Review: Explorist 500 - garbage
Summary: 1 Stars
I just bought this worthless piece of junk through Amazon. However it doesn't start up properly, won't even compute my starting point and is, frankly useless. The only thing more useless is Magellan's customer service - no reply despite several emails. Trust my life to this piece of junk if I'm ever lost in the wilderness? No way. It can't even get me to my property line.