+lukerdog Posted July 14, 2006 Posted July 14, 2006 Hello... my name is Lukerdog. I am about to purchase my first gps unit so I can start geocaching. After a lot of research, I am leaning heavily towards a Magellan Explorist 210 because of the usb cable/computer interface and the built-in memory, as well as the price. Does anyone have any advice about this unit one way or the other? Thank you, Lukerdog Quote
+racerboy6996 Posted July 14, 2006 Posted July 14, 2006 as far as i know this unit is very similar to the model 200 with the exception of the 210 is capable of uploading of waypoints from computer. And it has larger internal memory. Here is a side by side comparison of the 2 units - GPS comparison I have owned the 200 & found most of my caches with it & I think the 200 is very reliable and accurate. As a matter of fact my explorist 200 seems to be more accurate than my etrex legend 60cx. I would say if you are on a budget or have no need for all the fancy bells and whistles I would definitely go for the 210. If I would have waited to get it instead of the 200 I probably wouldnt have upgraded to the 60cx so quickly. Hope this helps... And I am sure someone with more info will chime in shortly.... P.S. If you do get a gps that has waypoint upload capabilities I recommend becoming a premium member just so you can create pocket queries.... Quote
+briansnat Posted July 14, 2006 Posted July 14, 2006 Its a good unit for the money, though most newer units from Garmin also have a USB interface. The big sticking point for many with Magellan is their reputation for customer services which ranges from terrible to abysmal. Quote
+hiikaash Posted July 14, 2006 Posted July 14, 2006 I would prefer the 210 Magellan, becuase of the cable, memory, and software for starters get the 210 Quote
+DconBlueZ Posted July 15, 2006 Posted July 15, 2006 (edited) I have a 210, like it a lot, my only complaint is the cable connection to the unit is poorly thought out. You have to hold the GPSr in one hand, hold the cable in place with your other hand, and then screw it in with your other other hand. I thought I'd outsmart 'em and just leave it attached to the unit all the time, but after about 4 months of that my cable went intermittent, had to buy another one. Here's how it goes: Drive to location near cache. unscrew connector on GPSr, use GPSr to find cache, return to car, screw connector back on, drive to next location, rinse, repeat all day. Sigh... Edited July 15, 2006 by DconBlueZ Quote
ki4eyo Posted July 15, 2006 Posted July 15, 2006 I agree, it is hard to hold and attach the cable at the same time. Quote
+geognerd Posted July 16, 2006 Posted July 16, 2006 I have a 210, like it a lot, my only complaint is the cable connection to the unit is poorly thought out. You have to hold the GPSr in one hand, hold the cable in place with your other hand, and then screw it in with your other other hand. I thought I'd outsmart 'em and just leave it attached to the unit all the time, but after about 4 months of that my cable went intermittent, had to buy another one. Here's how it goes: Drive to location near cache. unscrew connector on GPSr, use GPSr to find cache, return to car, screw connector back on, drive to next location, rinse, repeat all day. Sigh... Why are you going around with the cable connected? Are you powering it while driving? Quote
+DconBlueZ Posted July 16, 2006 Posted July 16, 2006 I have a 210, like it a lot, my only complaint is the cable connection to the unit is poorly thought out. You have to hold the GPSr in one hand, hold the cable in place with your other hand, and then screw it in with your other other hand. I thought I'd outsmart 'em and just leave it attached to the unit all the time, but after about 4 months of that my cable went intermittent, had to buy another one. Here's how it goes: Drive to location near cache. unscrew connector on GPSr, use GPSr to find cache, return to car, screw connector back on, drive to next location, rinse, repeat all day. Sigh... Why are you going around with the cable connected? Are you powering it while driving? Prezactly! By my calculation I have saved about $25 in batteries and spent $30 on new cable + shipping... Today I just ran the suckers down. Darn the AAs, full speed ahead! Also found out today that when the batteries get low, the GPSr starts getting goofy. First the cache was 15 feet to my left, then 60 feet ahead, turned out to be +500 feet behind me. (Today's learning Note: Don't wait until the last minute to change the batteries.) Quote
+geognerd Posted July 17, 2006 Posted July 17, 2006 Also found out today that when the batteries get low, the GPSr starts getting goofy. First the cache was 15 feet to my left, then 60 feet ahead, turned out to be +500 feet behind me. (Today's learning Note: Don't wait until the last minute to change the batteries.) From what I've read and experienced personally, the accuracy and stability of most GPS receivers suffer when the battery level is low. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.