Sound Advice: Magellan GPS unit gets the nod

By DON LINDICH, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 3:01 PM

Q I have a 2003 Acura with the factory navigation system. Sometimes it gets me lost due to the old map info, and upgrades are expensive. Is there any way to use another product in this system?

MIKE MCCARTY, PITTSBURGH

A An external GPS can't be integrated into the factory system, but you can certainly mount one on the dash and use it. If you plan on buying a GPS, I'd like to add the Magellan Roadmate 1470 to the units I recommended a few weeks ago.

One of the most beloved features of Magellan GPS units is the patented chime. As you approach your next turn or lane change, a pleasant chime or bell sounds so you do not overshoot the mark. I tested a Magellan unit a few weeks ago and found the turn chime hard to live without, leading to my purchase of a Magellan Roadmate 1470 for personal use. It has quickly become my GPS of choice.

The Roadmate 1470 lists for $249 and has a street price of $160 to $180. It is hard to pass up, because it combines generous screen size, accurate navigation and compelling features unmatched by competitors.

The Roadmate 1470 has a crisp 4.7-inch display, and the interface is quick and easy to use. Routing and directions are accurate. The Roadmate 1470 has 6 million points of interest (POI) as well as an integrated AAA Tourbook with detailed write-ups and AAA Diamond Ratings for restaurants, lodging and attractions. AAA members can obtain roadside assistance information at the touch of a button. Maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are included.

The Roadmate has an Exit POI button that appears on the left of the main navigation screen. Pressing it will display information about available facilities at upcoming exits. No more wondering if there is a McDonald's or your preferred gas station coming up; just press the Exit POI button to see. Lane Guidance with large, simulated road signs makes sure you stay on path. There's also text-to-speech for spoken street names. An optional traffic receiver (list $79, street price $41) provides real-time traffic information.

The downsides are few. Although the Roadmate 1470 adds 3-D maps, they don't look 3-D unless you zoom down to street level. Magellan's service and support have been criticized in the past, but seem to have improved greatly lately -- I have no problem recommending Magellan products.

If you want to try a Magellan GPS unit but are on a tight budget, visit Tiger Direct (www.tigerdirect.com). There you will find the Magellan Roadmate 1412 with its 4.3-inch screen, 6 million points of interest and text-to-speech for only $79, refurbished with a 90-day warranty. I bought one for my non-technical father to give him a taste of what a GPS unit can do, and he loves it already.

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