Magellan eXplorist 600

This GPS unit from Magellan requires routes to be downloaded firstly by converting them to the correct format on your PC, then saving them to the unit, which is only recognized by your PC as a removable drive – clunky compared to the Garmin system, but a lot more straightforward than some others. For inputting waypoints or routes by hand, it’s fairly easy, with a very positive joystick action. The ‘Mark’ and ‘Go To’ buttons are easy to use, but the menus aren’t particularly intuitive. On the hill it loses out only because the rechargeable Li-ion battery pack can’t be changed like AA batteries –pretty important on longer trips. Also, its 3D ‘Road’ page, which is still a useful screen, could be a bit clearer, as it uses a light yellow line. It’s nice and light though, and feels great in the hand. The large colour screen is a pleasure to follow.