Review - Magellan's RoadMate Series

By Rich Charpentier

Magellan, one of the most well known GPS manufacturers in the U.S. market, offers a very high end portable GPS, the RoadMate. This GPS offers software created by the same folks who created the Hertz Never Lost system.

Several Roadmate's to choose from

Like other manufacturers, Magellan offers several versions of it's portable automotive system, the RoadMate series. This series includes the RoadMate 300, RoadMate 500, and RoadMate 700.

The basic functionality between each member of this series remains very similar. However, each unique member of the family is reviewed below.

RoadMate 300

Magellan's RoadMate 300 is the "intro" to the company's series. This GPS is definitely a usable and well designed device.

The 300 comes with a 2 CD software set for uploading map databases. The unit comes with 110 MB of built in memory. Users can also opt to purchase preloaded SD cards for the region of their choice, so memory expansion is available for the unit.

The interface on the RoadMate series is easy to learn, and users will quickly know how to use the system. Users can store hundreds of addresses for quick reference as well.

RoadMate 500

Like the 300, the 500 comes with a CD set of maps for the user to upload. In this case, the CD set has 4 CDs available. We assume this is for more detail.

Also similar to the 300 series the 500 has a fixed amount of memory available. The available memory for map loading is on 100 MB. However, on this model users can purchase expandable CF cards from Magellan, so expanding the memory available for maps is possible. Users can select to purchase a 256MB CF card as an add on to the system, thus expanding map memory.

RoadMate 500 Plus

Magellan now offers a newer version of the 500, the 500 Plus. While most features are similar, this device comes with a 256MB CF card included, and a windshield mount for easy mounting in your vehicle. These enhancements could be purchased from Magellan for the 500 separately. However it is nice to have them packaged together.

RoadMate 700

The 700 is the top end of the RoadMate line. This unit comes with all of Magellan's maps preloaded on it's sizable drive. Right out of the box users will have access to Magellan's map sets for routing and Point of Interest database.

As boasted by Magellan, the 700 is built on the same technology as the Hertz Never Lost system. This system has been useful to travelers new to any area the U.S. over. Users buying this system can feel confident in purchasing a system that has been proven time and again by business travellers across the U.S.

Many Shared Features in the RoadMates

On to the shared features! We've only listed the notable differences between each of the RoadMate options, but buyers will be happy to know there are many shared features on these devices. The biggest difference between the 300 - 700 is available memory, software for mapping, or in the case of the 700 a full map set already preloaded on the unit.

Each RoadMate offers some great features. Below we list the main features that span the series.

* Touch Screen Interface: All members of this GPS family offer touch screen simplicity. Simply tap the feature you want to access on the screen and you're off.
* Turn by turn routing, with voice guidance as well. The system will actually speak when turns are upcoming.
* Detailed mapping on each device. Note though that the 300 comes with a 2CD set, where the 500 comes with a 4 CD set, and the 700 comes fully loaded. The differences are not well clarified by the company.
* Built in tutorial. The 500, 500 Plus, & 700 all come with a on board tutorial. The 300 does not.
* Route Exclusion. Users can set areas they want to avoid when using the auto routing feature, and will be routed around the area.
* Multiple Destination Planning. Users can plan their trip on multiple destinations. That means the auto routing feature can plan trips on more than one destination, setting up your trip from point to point.
* 2 Million plus points of interest for the 500, 500 Plus & 700.
* Easy to use interface. The RoadMates all boast a very user friendly interface for even the most novice GPS user.

Insights on the RoadMates

Magellan has been a very popular GPS. Many sites like CNET and Consumer reports give the products high ratings. However, I've found some drawbacks that should be noted for any long distance traveller.

Just last year when planning a month in WV I purchased a RoadMate 700 several weeks before the trip. So I had an opportunity to test it out before making the journey.

The 700 worked right out of the box as advertised. No map loading necessary. The GPS got signal very quickly, even under dense tree cover. So, it is a very simple, and accurate GPS.

The next test performed was on the "Find" features. Finding items uses the POI (Point of Interest) data that comes with any map set for a GPS. I decided to look for the nearest campground. After using an old Garmin GPS V I knew what should pop up first. Angel Pond Campground, only a few miles from my house. On the Magellan it wasn't there.

I then performed several more "Finds" in my area. Knowing the area, and knowing the data Garmin had always offered, I had a set of expectations. Many local businesses in my area were not found! I checked my Garmin to see their POIs, and was stunned to find the Garmin offered many more POIs (Garmin offers 5 million plus, Magellan offers 2 Million plus).

As a last effort I looked up the campground in WV I planned on staying at for my month long contract. The Magellan had no information on the campground whatsoever. Since I did not have that data loaded on my Garmin I went to my computer and looked it up on Garmin's software set. Sure enough, it was there.

Next I looked up KOAs that I planned on staying at on my trip down to WV. Both were not found on the Magellan. However, I could punch in the exact address, and the Magellan would route me there. The Garmin software did have the KOAs listed. So I became extremely disappointed. I took a trip back to Best Buy and exchanged the 700 for a Garmin 2610. That saved me some money, and got me a device with more Points of Interest and Find Nearest Exit feature (which Magellan also lacks) See our review on Garmin for more on Find Nearest Exit.

The Magellan is a very accurate system. It is well designed, and works well when riding. If you know your destination its routing features will get you there. What is missing from this device is a robust database of Points of Interest for when you don't know where you're going. It is not always the case that on a long Airstream trip you know the exact address of a place you'd like to be. That's where the Magellan regularly falls down.

Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars.

This is probably the lowest rating ever for a Magellan. You're welcome to read other reviews at CNET & Consumer reports. I encourage you to do so.

If you're looking for a very user friendly interface, slick graphics, and good routing, the RoadMates are for you. If you're like me, and sometimes don't have the exact address of a last minute campground for the evening you might find yourself short changed with any of Magellan's RoadMates.