Magellan eXplorist XL Large-Screen Color Handheld GPS Receiver

Details

NOTE: This item has been discontinued by Magellan. For the top-of-the-line handheld GPS, try the Magellan Triton 2000 (click here), with a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, and color touch-screen!

The biggest thing to hit outdoors navigation just got a whole lot bigger - thanks to the Magellan eXplorist XL. The eXplorist XL combines the ease-of-use and power of the eXplorist 500 with a 3.5" diagonal, sunlight viewable, high contrast color TFT LCD screen.

The advanced, yet easy-to-use Magellan eXplorist XL ensures navigators can easily see where they're going with a rugged handheld GPS. It also delivers unlimited map storage with 30MB of available internal memory plus expandable memory through a built-in SD card reader/writer. The Magellan eXplorist XL's enhanced capabilities offer exceptional versatility for camping, boating, fishing, hunting or driving.

Measuring 6.4 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches, the water-resistant Magellan eXplorist XL delivers WAAS-enabled, 3-meter accuracy; a built-in base map of major roads, highways, parks, airports and waterways; plus the ability to store an unlimited number of waypoints, routes and track logs through SD-card memory expansion. Adding to its ease of use are its backlit keypad and joystick that provide one-touch access to key features and built-in help files. Its advanced PC-style file management system and high-speed USB data port allows users to easily download and access compatible Magellan MapSend mapping software so they can drive to a destination using MapSend DirectRoute software, then switch to MapSend Topo 3D USA to hike or hunt, for example.

The included Magellan Geocaching Manager software simplifies the fast-growing GPS activity by loading geocaching data directly from the Internet to the Magellan eXplorist to eliminate the need to print website information or manually enter GPS coordinates into a receiver. Also included is the new Magellan MapSend Software DVD, which makes it easier than ever for customers to take advantage of the power and advanced capabilities that MapSend maps add to their Magellan handheld. You'll receive free data management software plus the ability to purchase and install newly released versions of the MapSend line's most popular software applications directly from the DVD.

eXplorist XL Key Features:

• Large Sunlight Readable 3.5" Color Display
• Unit size 6.4"H x 2.9"W x 1.33"D
• Limitless Map Storage via Built-in Secure Digital Card Reader/Writer
• 64MB Total Memory
• 28MB High-detailed Built-in Basemap
• 30MB Memory available for Digital Maps and Content
• High-speed USB Data/Power port
• User Preference: Choose 4 AA Alkaline (not included) or 4 Rechargeable AA NiCad/Li-Ion batteries (not included)

Additional eXplorist XL Features:

• 14 Parallel Channels with WAAS enabled
• IPX-7 Waterproof and Rubber Armored
• One-touch access to Key Features
• Back-lighted Keypad with Joystick on Front Housing
• Compatible with Magellan MapSend software
• New Magellan Geocaching File Manager software
• Advanced PC-style File Memory System
• Advanced PC-style system enables easy switching between map files. In a few clicks, change from Street maps to Topo Maps to Lakes maps depending on your adventure.

Q: Did I get the right software?
A: Yes. All new Magellan products come with a MapSend DVD v.1.06, depending on your unit (the versions correspond to different units, NOT how "up-to-date" the software on the DVD is). This MapSend DVD contains free MapSend Manager and MapSend Lite software, which are essentially trip-and-waypoint managers. Also on this DVD are DirectRoute v3 and Topo 3D software available for unlock, meaning that you can purchase them directly through Magellan for the retail price. If you saved money and bought the software from us, such as DirectRoute v3, then the box will contain a way to unlock the software yourself without paying any extra fees. Typically, you will enter in your unit's serial number to "unlock" the software. The most up-to-date version of DirectRoute is v.3, and this is contained within the MapSend DVD. There is also an option to purchase Topo 3D USA v.1.5 or v.1.0 on the MapSend DVD. Topo 3D USA v.1.0 comes on CD-ROM and and v.1.5 comes on the MapSend DVD. There is no difference in the map data; the v.1.5 is optimized for use with newer eXplorist units (but still works with older units), and with an internet connection makes for a cleaner install. If you have an older unit or older PC, you'll want to stick with Topo 3D USA v.1.0 on CD, which must be purchased separately. So the MapSend DVD v.1.x contains the most up-to-date software available from Magellan; if you need DirectRoute for automotive navigation or Topo 3D for outdoors navigation, you're covered. The numbers are convoluted, but the top-notch software is there.

Package Includes

Package Contents:

• Magellan eXplorist XL unit
• User's Manual
• Quick-Start Guide
• Magellan MapSend DVD with unlock available
• PC Interface Cable (USB)

Tech Specs

Physical

• Case Rubber armored impact-resistant plastic, water-resistant seal
• Base Map 29.9 MB built-in North America
• Size 2.9" W x 6.4" H x 1.33" D (W 7.37 cm x H 16.26 cm x D 3.38 cm)
• Weight 12.25 oz (347.28 g)
• Display 3.5" diagonal, 16-color, high resolution, transflective TFT (176 x 220), backlit
• Memory 30 MB user data
• Data Storage Unlimited / Secure Digital (SD) Card compatible
• Antenna Built-in multidirectional patch
• Keypad Nine direct-access keys
• Joystick Eight-way easy scrolling w/ push-in instant enter
• Operating Range 14 to 140°F (-10 to 60°C)

Performance

• Receiver TrueFix 14 channels, WAAS/EGNOS
• Acquisition Time Hot: 20 seconds, Cold: 60 seconds, Initial: 2 minutes
• Update Rate Once per second
• Accuracy 3 to 5 meters (10 - 16 feet) - WAAS/EGNOS, < 7 meters (15 feet) - GPS only
• Velocity 0.1 knots (RMS)
• Dynamics 6 g
• Grids 76 including Lat/Lon, UTM, OSGB,MGRS, Finnish, German, Swedish, French, Irish, Swiss, USNG, User Grid - (90 Max)
• Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian

Power

• Source Four AA batteries or 12 V USB adapter
• Battery Life Up to 19 hours continuous use

Reviews

 

Bobs Explorist, August 08, 2007

Reviewer:

Robert Fink

I like the GPS very much. My only complaint is that the hardcopy documentation is not adequate. For someone new to a GPS there should be more examples of how things work. They can be found in the PDF, but it would help to have them in the hardcopy which accompanies the device

 

eXplorist XL, July 29, 2007

Reviewer:

Darrin

I bought the XL to use as a multi-purpose GPS and it is great for almost everything I want to do. I mountainbike, run, and use it to navigate while driving. It is a little heavy (because you are carrying around 4 AA batteries) but the benefits far outway the weight. Mapsend is definitely NOT very intuitive, but I've used Garmin software and it isn't much better. This is definitely an area for improvement in the future of recreational GPS. The large screen is this unit's best attribute...it's great! But keep the backlight turned down low when possible or you will be replacing batteries often. The XL has a vertical profile screen that shows elevation changes just like Garmin products do. The difference is that Magellan calculates elevation when the unit sees 4 or more satellites whereas Garmin builds a barometric altimeter into their product. I have never had an instance where this was not good enough because the super sensitive receiver always sees several satellites. This is a nice feature that Magellan does a terrible job of advertising. The biggest downfall of this product is the USB cable. When using the cigarette power adapter, you have to plug it into a port built into the USB cable and it makes for a really akward setup. I bought an extra USB cable and cut and spliced the wiring from the power adapter so that I would have a nicer setup than what Magellan offers. I've been using this unit since June of '06 (over a year). I recommend it, or if you want to spend more, the Garmin MAP60 is also really nice.

 

eXplorist XL, June 19, 2007

Reviewer:

Julie

I really like this item. It has a large screen and many great features.

 

Explorist XL, May 24, 2007

Reviewer:

Doug Parchman

the huge screen with color takes the fun associated with using GPS technology to a new level. it's awesome!

 

eXplorist XL, May 16, 2007

Reviewer:

C H LaClair

Very large easy to read screen. Quite a bit larger and heavier than my eXplorist 600 but still easy to carry. Good batteriy life with AA batteries. Easy connection to computer that won't have the stripped screw problem I've had with my 600. Mapping leaves a lot to be desired. Will have to purchase MapSend in the near future.

 

great gps, May 11, 2007

Reviewer:

todd

great GPS mapsend software a little tuff to figure out nice large size screen