The relatively new Magellan eXplorist 610 GPS is part of the eXplorist series which includes the 510, 610 and 710 GPS units. From the outside they all appear identical; in reality, however, the price and number of features increases with each model. Specifically, unlike the 510, the Magellan eXplorist 610 GPS contains an electronic compass and barometer (for an extra $120 over the price of the 510). Similarly, the Magellan eXplorist 710 is at the top of the pile with the summit series detailed topographic and city series maps (for an additional $50 over the price of the 610).
Being somewhat of a newbie in the GPS world it was refreshing for me to see many mobile phone features used on the Magellan eXplorist 610 GPS – specifically, a three inch (240x400 resolution) resistive touch screen which even works with thin gloves on. The eXplorist 610 also offers several media options such as a 3.2 mega pixel camera with auto focus, video capture capability at 240x320 and the option to record and listen to audio voice memos via the built in microphone and speaker. Of course all of these media features can be geo-referenced; meaning that they will appear on your route exactly where you made them. Furthermore, the unit can also create waypoints, record tracks, enable paperless geocaching and route you from point to point.
