This Magellan eXplorist 510 review is all the proof that you need that there are a number of different features that will provide you with everything you need while you navigate through the great outdoors. There are a lot of different GPS devices out in the marketplace. Each of them has their own purposes. When you’re planning on hiking and spending time outdoors, you need a GPS that is specifically designed to handle all of the elements.
The Magellan eXplorist 510 Review Has Features
The eXplorist 510 has a number of features, which is why it’s one of the most highly sought after devices in the marketplace. Beyond being a great GPS device that features paperless geocaching and has a very easy to use touch screen as well as maps loaded with various different features. There is also the following built inside:
- Camera
- Microphone
- Speaker
There is a 3.2 megapixel camera loaded into the eXplorist 510 that features a microSD card slot for you to store all of your photos on and easily transfer them to your computer. There is also a geo-reference on all of the images so that it’s easy to know exactly where you took the images.
The microphone makes it very convenient to record all of your voice notes when you’re out in the field so that you don’t need to bring a pen and paper. You can record tracks, make comments about routes or make any other necessary comments that you need to save for later.
The speaker allows you to play back your messages at a later time and transfer them to paper, email or store them right on the Magellan.
There are many other features that makes the Magellan eXplorist 510 review so enticing, including over 20 characteristics with each cache that allows you to view, search and filter with the device. This includes the name, location and descriptions as well as difficulty and terrain so that you can explore unchartered territory or use the maps to help you decide exactly where you want to go.
The Magellan eXplorist 510 Review is a Compact GPS
The Magellan eXplorist 510 review also focuses on how it is very compact. The 3.7 x 5.8 inch screen makes it easy to see all of your maps, cache information and photos while still making it very easy to keep in your pocket or backpack until you need it. The waterproof aspects of the device also make it easy to take wherever you go. This ensures that you can take it camping, hiking, fishing or anywhere else without worrying about the technology short circuiting if it were to get wet.
Another aspect to the Magellan eXplorist that makes it a very unique GPS product is that it only takes two AA batteries to run. You don’t have to worry about plugging it into the wall to recharge or having it plugged in anywhere else to ensure that it runs. Simply carry a few backup batteries with you and you can have 16 hours under normal conditions. There are various power management settings inside this handheld GPS system too, that allows you to tweak and customize to last even longer.
Accurate maps are in the palm of your hand so that you don’t have to waste valuable storage space in your bag with maps. You can use this bonus space for more drinks, binoculars or any other kind of technology you want to take with you when you head outside to start exploring.
The Magellan eXplorist 510 review is strong because of how compact and powerful it is, making it the only type of map you ever need to pack with you when you plan on spending time hiking or trekking around the country.
The Downsides of the Magellan eXplorist 510 Review
When you’re shopping for a hiking GPS, there are many different brands and many models within each of those brands. It’s important to check out all of the features so that you can choose the best one for you and your purposes. Every GPS on the market has a few downsides and it is these that can determine which model you actually select. Depending upon what you plan on using the GPS for, these downsides may not even be applicable to you.
One of the first is that the compass is a little jittery. This means if you stay stationary and pull up the compass on your GPS, it may be a little shaky to tell you the direction. That said, a few steps in one direction usually clears up the issue so that you know if you’re headed in the right direction or not.
Another aspect to consider with the eXplorist 510 is that there is no radio. There are many GPS units that don’t have a radio because it is very expensive to add this feature inside. As long as you have a mobile phone or radio with you when you’re outside, this isn’t an issue. The Magellan is a very affordable trekking device because of the lack of this feature. Should you decide that a radio is a factor that you must have, you need to plan on spending quite a few more dollars on a GPS for yourself.
Finally, the shutter speed on the camera has a little bit of a delay. The camera component to the Magellan eXplorist 510 is a great item to have but it shouldn’t be the only reason that you buy the device. The camera works similar to the ones that are inside of hundreds of models of cell phones. It takes a moment or two for the shutter to go off upon pressing the button. This is fine if you’re taking photos of plants and landscapes. If you’re taking action shots, you should be relying on a more professional camera anyways.
Every hiking GPS has its downsides, so you need to determine which features are the most important for you. The Magellan eXplorist 510 review is very strong, regardless of the downsides.