Review:
Magellan
Magellan® offers easy-to-use advanced GPS navigation for driving, hiking camping, biking; whether you're making your way about town, across the country or around the world. The simple menus and intelligent design of your Magellan GPS adds a new level of fun and peace of mind as you navigate with superior accuracy.
The RoadMate 9055-LM GPS is an amazing navigation device. When you open the box, it is already loaded with maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. You can purchase a European map as well for about $100, but you have to download it while in the U.S. or Canada.
By having a 7” screen there is no problem seeing the details on the screen. The digital buttons are also larger so typing is a breeze. We found that taking the time to fill out the one-touch screen makes using the device while driving much easier. The one-touch screen is a bunch of buttons that indicate different locations you preset. They can be home, school, work…any place you visit often.
Along with that are the points of interest page. It is great when you are on the highway and want food, coffee or a pit stop. It will generate a list of nearest locations and all you have to do is touch the one you want. The AAA TourBook® is inside and provides ratings on approved places. It really is easy to operate on the move as long as you take the time to read the manual ahead of time.
When following directions the screen will display the exact signs coming up on the highway. It provides realistic views and directions of the road you are looking at. This was one of our favorite features about how the 9055-LM gives directions.
In addition, the GPS speaks the name of the road and which direction you are to turn. This a great feature that allows you to keep your eyes on the road. The ability to map out multiple destinations in order ahead of time is nice to keep momentum on a busy day.
The 9055-LM is equipped with blue tooth and is pretty easy to hook up. The only drawback is the microphone picks up a lot of ambient noise. We tested this feature driving 80 mph all the way down to putting the car in park.
Overall, the Magellan RoadMate 9055-LM GPS Navigation system is a brilliant co-pilot to have. It provides directions visually and orally with very distinct clarity. The female voice is also quite pleasant. We recommend this to anyone who wants to make driving easier and less stressful.
Although Magellan® and Good Sam have teamed up to produce the all-new RoadMate® Pro 9165T, a robust GPS device that is specifically designed for those who love to "RV", we love this GPS unit for every vehicle because of the 7 inch touchscreen and the ease in use. We like to call this the GPS for dummies! We didn’t have to spend hours with a user’s manual. We could figure everything out just by playing around it.
It is an added treat that this intelligent navigator will plan routes according to your preferences, making the drive much more error-free and enjoyable for you, your family, and friends.The RoadMate® Pro will be invaluable on your travels as it is pre-loaded with U.S. and Canada campground information from Trailer Life Directory, and Good Sam discount locations. The 9165T will give you guidance on million points of interest (POI) near and far, pet-friendly parks, and RV service and parking.
And, the device comes with a Heavy Duty Extension Mount that is extremely versatile and designed for vehicles with deep dashboards. We found we liked having it down between the seats so we weren’t annoyed at night time, having it in the window. With the one touch changes, we feel safe changing the sounds, and lightness while driving.
We love all how we can plan and customize routes in advance to become familiar with their route before driving it. Turn-by-turn spoken directions let them to keep their eyes on the roads. There are also many easy to figure out preferences on the GPS unit itself. No more trying to read something that is so small, it is worthless for someone our age!
The eXplorist series are advanced, rugged and waterproof handheld GPS with navigation solutions perfect for the novice geocacher or the experienced backpacker or outdoorsmen. They fit comfortably in the palm of your hand with features that vary with each model allowing you to find the one that fits your needs perfectly.
I was very thankful that we had the eXplorist 710 with the national park maps when we got lost on the small roads trying to get home. It was able to direct us through the smallest dirt roads that I barely even noticed were there!
The touch pad is fairly easy to navigate through, although I do recommend playing with it a little to familiarize yourself before you take it out on the road or trail.
When inputting the destination you can enter it by City, zip, or directly from your address book. From there it guides you through the process and you are on your way! It informs you of a turn at 2 miles, .5 miles and then a bell rather then telling you the name of the street. It is nice that you don't have to rely on taking your eyes off the road trying to locate and read street signs. The screen keeps you informed of distance to next turn, distance to end, current speed, and time to end.
There are many points of interest so you always have access to restaurants, gas stations, campgrounds, rest areas, and entertainment. It comes preloaded with the City Series and Summit Series maps.
If you are hitting the trail with this unit there are many fun tools to enhance your trip. You can create your own waypoints and record all your outdoor adventures with a 3.2 megapixel camera, a microphone, and speaker. There is a 3-axis electronic compass to keep you on track.
If geocaching is your plan the eXplorist series offers you a way to enjoy paperless geocaching. You can visit the Magellan website to download waypoints and geocache destinations.
The eXplorist 710 is the ultimate GPS for whatever your adventure entails or throws at you. Whether on road, trail or water you can be rest assured you will reach your destination!
The Triton 2000 is a hand held GPS that has a large color touch screen, 2 MP camera, voice recorder, LED flashlight, and SD-card expandability enable you to take pictures and capture sounds, to record your adventure as you navigate and store the information to share with others or reference yourself later. 3-axis electronic compass, built-in barometer and more!
...Fiftysense Product Review Panel