Magellan eXplorist XL

Pros: Large screen, simple AA battery usage, and SD memory card use is a winner.

Cons: Learning to use the unit is not intuitive to me, I gotta study it.

The Bottom Line: I find the Magellan Explorist XL GPS unit to be a really nice piece of equipment, which does a very useful function.It keeps me informed of where I am.

Review: The Magellan Explorist XL is rather a "Hand full" ... that is large in size and not the lightest GPS unit. The XL unit uses a SD memory card, which is a real advantage to my way of thinking ... I get to capture a chunk of map off of the Topo 3D map of ...

Pros: Amazing Screen, DryCell Power, SD-Card Expansion

Cons: Almost NO maps included at all adding them is EXPENSIVE, Hardware Locked w/Activation

The Bottom Line: If you have money to burn or somehow dont need maps GET this amazing unit. Otherwise think hard first. The Price tag is $150 more than listed.

Review: I was looking forward to this unit for some time. what I wanted was a handheld GPS with "pda" qualities. This means Expansion (SD CARD) and Large Full Color screen (3.5" nice) on top of that I wanted dry cell power (AA's) since I expect to still ...

Pros: Large color screen, removable SD card storage, portability, solid construction

Cons: battery life, poor base map - plan on buying additional detail map.

The Bottom Line: I love the large color screen. This GPS does everything I need and then some. I'm happy with my purchase.

Review: I wanted to buy a GPS last summer after a recent vacation. My cousin had a Meridian Platinum which was very useful. I decided to go for a color model. After a lot of research - I was ready to buy the Garmin 60C or 76C. I was put off by the small screen. ...

Pros: Bolbus screen, accurate, takes AA and good battery life.

Cons: Reading instructions required, difficult to reach Magellan tech support. Poor base maps.

The Bottom Line: I recommend the Magellan Explorist XL to anyone who can't afford the Garmin 70cs

Review: Using the Magellan XL for the first time was like learning to walk again, comparing of course to my older Meridian series gps. But through reading, tinkering and help from Magellan tech support I think I've got the hang of it. I bought the XL because ...

Pros: BEAUTIFUL Screen, can use rechargeable batteries, easy to use hardware.

Cons: USELESS basemap, HORRIBLE support, expensive detail maps

The Bottom Line: If you are somewhat technical and can solve your own software issues get the ExploristXL. Pray it doesn't break and you have to deal with Magellan/Thales

Review: I would tend to agree with the other reviews. The actual hardware is very impressive. The screen is gorgeous, the interface is easy to use, you can use rechargeable batteries. The base map is USELESS!!!!! Support is HORRIBLE!!!!!!! I have an ...

Pros: Large display, satelite reception

Cons: Very poor built-in base map, software problems, weight, no audible alerts

The Bottom Line: For roughly the same price, consider the Garmin GPSMAP 76C, which has the features missing in the eXplorist XL.

Review: This unit has a very poor built-in base map. I live near two large lakes in Dallas and the built-in map didn't show either lake. For the area where I live in north Dallas, it showed Interstate roads but that was about it. Very disappointing. I ...

Pros: Durable, easy to use interface, SD Card expansion, bright LCD screen

Cons: See my review.

Review: I purchased the Magellan explorist XL in Feb. '07. Since then I've been absolutely disappointed. At the time I was running Windows XP Pro at home and loved the GPS USB cord and being able to upload my tracks into Google Earth. Unfortunately I upgraded to ...

Pros: Nice large bright screen.
Easy to use button/joystick system

Cons: Awful . Horrible . Unacceptable SUPPORT

Review: I have owned my explorist XL for a while now and it does have some good features. Occaisionally, when trying to use it to navigate up a river, the receiver suddenly loses all satellites and I have to stop to wait on it to recover. Otherwise, it is ...

Pros: great unit & software. Can be used in a car with ease large screen

Cons: Caveat Emptor! Buyer Beware! No Warranty coverage. This comapny will not stand behind its products

The Bottom Line: I gave it one star only because the company will not stand behind its product. To me that means everything.

Review: Such a shame... the GPS is a really fantastic unit. Yes, it is expensive and you will need to buy Magellan's MapSend Software to use the XL's built-in mapping functions (which are very good). My unit has a problem with its voltage circuits and will ...

Pros: Great unit (when {if} the display works)!

Cons: Magellan customer service is the worst, least helpful, I have ever experienced.

The Bottom Line: I do NOT recommend the explorist XL or any Magellan product, because of Magellan's terrible customer service. Magellan has the worst customer service I have ever experienced in 74 years!

Review: I have had two other Magellan GPS units, and were very happy with them. But, I never had to contact the Magellan customer support people for them. Then I saw the Magellan Explorist xL , was able to get it at a great price, and was thrilled. That is ...