|
| Magellan eXplorist 400 Handheld GPS | 
 enlarge | Brand: Magellan
Category: CE
This item is no longer available
Avg. Customer Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 20358
Color: White/black trim
Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: No
Tracks: 5
Native Resolution: 120 x 160
Display Size: 2.3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 2.1 x 1.3 x 4.6
Array:
MPN: 980771-04
Model: 980771-04
UPC: 763357109399
EAN: 0763357109399
ASIN: B0007RPW22
|
| Customer Reviews:
 For Wilderness Use January 29, 2007
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
I'm using this in an area where, as usual, there is no map data for the trails and roads. Navigating through old and obscured trail systems or just passable terrain, to known trails I've been on is very cumbersome requiring switching between screens and allot of thumb work when I should have my chin up navigating. Even then, the functionality is very limited. Seems a big step forward on the software would make this product a really great tool, but so far it's only a novelty item. In order to view the other trails in the area previously recorded I will need to purchase the $100 Mapsend software which contains no useful data for me, only provides the functionality of editing/creating my own base map. A function I can only do on my laptop, something I usually don't carry out into the wilderness.
Basically I bought this to use it to document my assaults on various ridges, passes, peaks and unknown road systems, while understanding my proximity to previously traveled routes to help me make progress. So far it's a 0/5 points in this department.
If you want to find your way back to points this is useful, however for other types of navigation involving linear objects, such as trails and roads, waterways the software isn't there yet.
 Weak software, weak support and weak quality January 8, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I purchased a Explorist 400 wilderness bundle (canada edition) last week at wall-mart for 249$.
After openening the package, i imediately notice the black dots almost everywere on the screen. Plus, the screen seem to have a LCD retention problem, well for 249$ for a full package, i won't complaint.
Then, i noticed a cd labelled FIRMWARE UPDATE, after installing it in the pc, i noticed that it does not support the explorist 400!!!!
Then, i started the installation of TOPO CANADA that came with it, it seems fine until i tried to transfer maps to the GPS, the sofware don't support USB tranfer!!!! and they gave it with my USB GPS......
You have to convert the maps using another software bundle with the GPS, well ok, after all i just have to do this once....
I install the software, follow the instructions... and it don't work...
I went on the web for help and find out that NOBODY can make the canadian edition to transfer maps! They bundle uncompatible software with the GPS!!!
I then call Magellan to ask about what i can do and they answer that if i want to use the include TOPO cd, i have to link a laptop to the gps and follow the direction on the laptop screen!!!! What a nice wilderness bundle!!!
I know that the USA edition come with TOPO 3D that should let you transfer files without problems, but this canadian edition is really a big joke.
This is my last Magellan product, my father have a lot of trouble with his RoadMate, a friend of mine have trouble with is explorist going dead after 3 week....
I'm now the proud owner of a Garmin Legend CX, wich for 50$ more gave me a colour screen, intuitive software, great backlight, great battery life and great reliability... quite a difference from the magellan
No support! November 2, 2006
6 out of 15 found this review helpful
I paid 300+ dollars for a NEW Magellan GPS less than a yearand a half ago from boat Us and they have already declared it obsolete. If you expect any support DO NOT BUY Magellan.
 Fun little GPS September 12, 2006
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I've been using GPS devices for nearly 15 years. This device is very cool. If you are planning on using it for Geocaching, consider getting the Magellan Mapsend DirectRoute in the US. I also purchased the Mapsend TOPO thinking that is what would work best for Geocaching.
Unfortunately, getting to the AREA of the cache is often difficult in urban environments. The DirectRoute is MUCH better with this device as it will get you to the general area and then you can switch to direct arrow once you are out of the car!
Non-Intuitive and Ultimately Defective September 10, 2006
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
I purchased the Explorist 400 with Mapsend for wilderness travel. Getting the detailed maps set up were far from intuitive, taking several hours to figure it out, and I am computer literate. Once set up, it did function well for four days in backcountry, then the screen froze into tiny dots. I was able to reset it, but since then it cannot effectively pick up satellite signals -- it will find, maybe, one signal even if standing in a clearing. Either the antenna or some other electronic component is defective. A reload of software did nothing.
I contacted Thales customer support, and my email was ignored, other than a form email telling me I would receive a response in 24 hours. Maybe the email went to the Bizarro universe, but I'm still waiting for my reply.
Any piece of electronic gear can be defective, but the poor integration with detailed maps and a total zero for customer support earns this product ZERO STARS.
Buy the Trex instead.
|
|
|
Copyright
©
2006 Adminpal LLC | |
