So . . . Thinking about Magellan eXplorist 400

[+sequens vitae mortem]

I have been looking at the Magellan eXplorist series for a little while now, and I think the eXplorist 400 may be right for me. Has anyone had any serious trouble with it? So far, I've only used a Garmin Etrex because it was given to me as a gift about a year ago, but I feel I need something a little more substantial . . . Any suggestions? Ideas? Comments? Concerns? Thanks . . .

[+Danske]

I have the Magellan eXplorist 500 and like it. Not sure of the differences from the 400. Only thing that would be nice to have additional is the electronic compass, but not a big deal and not sure it is worth the extra money for me. I have had my 500 about 3 months, no problems and would purchase a MAgellan again.

[+Miragee]

If you read these Forums, you will see that many people have had horrible experiences with Magellan Customer Service. I have a friend who used to have two Magellan's. He has a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx now.

 

Another friend who has a Magellan tells his friends to get a Garmin.

 

I have a Garmin Vista C with the City Navigator maps and it auto-routes me around unfamiliar areas very well. I am glad I purchased a Garmin in the beginning.

[+CheshireFrog]

I have been looking at the Magellan eXplorist series for a little while now, and I think the eXplorist 400 may be right for me.

 

As I mentioned in a different thread, Wally World has the Explorist 500 in stock for $199. That's only $20 over what the 400 goes for, and it's color.

[+Walt Jabsco]

I have been looking at the Magellan eXplorist series for a little while now, and I think the eXplorist 400 may be right for me.

 

I have a 400 and have had no problems with it. It's worked perfectly for me so far. The only thing I've been wondering is if I should have gotten the 500 for the color screen. If color is not important for you, the 400 is a nice little unit, easy enough to learn, but also has a has a bunch of features (most I'll never use, like anchor)

[+T F T C]

I love my 500. Keyword: MY.

[smallengineguy]

Just bought a 500 yeaterday online. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[+cliptwings]

I've been using an Explorer 400 for about 8 months now and I couldn't be happier with it. I really like the black and white screen better, because (for me) it is much easier to read in bright sunlight. I also like the SD card storage, that let's me save multiple detailed map files as well as multiple geocache files. The filing system is fairly easy to understand because it is similar to the Windows system of filing items. What would I change? I would make it accept a standard USB plug like Garmin has, because the Magellan proprietary cord is not nearly as easy to use. I had a color Garmin before this one, and it was okay. But the 400 seems to keep a signal better with overhead interference, and I can read the display better.

 

If you can get a good deal on a NEW Explorer, plus the topo or streets software program, I think you would be very happy with it.

[+EScout]

Any owner of the 400,500,600 should get the swivel mount. It makes life easier because you drop the unit in the mount, which has the cord attached. You do not have to screw the cord to the back of the unit. Just drop/snap the unit in the mount and you have charging started and USB connection. I have one on the desk near computer. It is worth the $20 delivered (see ebay.)

 

There are other mounts specifically for the car.