Magellan RoadMate 1212 Review

When it comes to getting easy directions to get around places, a simplistic GPS device often does the trick and that is where the Magellan RoadMate devices shine the most with the Magellan RoadMate 1212 being one of the most affordable GPS devices out there because it has been around for so long. At the same time, it delivers all the necessary features that should satisfy people that aren't looking for anything flashy.

Magellan RoadMate 1212 GPS Navigator

Design

When it comes to the overall looks, the Magellan 1212 is no different than the other Maestro devices, but this RoadMate device ends up being a bit thinner making it ideal for travelers to have at hand while traveling on foot or on the road. It is both stylish, and large enough with a 3.5 inch standard touchscreen.

User Interface

It should be very easy for people that never used a GPS device before to pick up the Magellan RoadMate 1212 and actually use it to plan their routes as the home screen only presents 3 large icons along with a separate options button. Either the map can be launched or the easy route planner where the learning process starts there. Magellan Maestro users should have no trouble with the interface because it feels more simplified.

Navigation Features

Although the Roadmate 1212 is one of the more basic models, it still offers an impressive collection of 6 million points of interest that are already found in the database allowing people to find the location of restaurants, gas stations, ATM machines, and other major landmarks in any of the 50 states in the US and parts of Canada as well.

It implements the famous QuickSpell feature that is often found in the mainstream units making it much easier for addresses to be keyed in faster without making mistakes. Anyone planning basic trips should have no trouble navigating with this device. The different 2-D and 3-D map views make it convenient for drivers to see what POI's are around their current location. Once a route is generated on the map, it can be customized further to ensure that the driver reaches his or her destination in the fastest possible time, shortest distance covered, or ideal route that avoids toll roads.

Text-to-Speech engines are present in the ordinary GPS devices and also in the RoadMate 1212 as well which pretty much makes this a solid device because of its accuracy in giving directions to places without the need to checking out the screen while driving. Driving is a lot safer and convenient thanks to this feature.

Actual user review:
• "This is our first GPS, when shopping I just wanted something cheap and with text-to-speech, this worked out nicely. I love having the street names said outloud while you're driving, we'd previously borrowed a friends without this option and it was annoying trying to look at it and drive. With this, you just set it and forget it! It tells you where to go, when to turn, all that good stuff. Just relax and drive! It may not have the millions of POI as the other ones, but we don't mind. The one problem I've noticed is that when I start it, it sometimes takes a few minutes to get a signal. Hasn't been that big of a deal, I've never lost the signal once I get it, but it's just when starting it there's a little delay. Otherwise, it works perfectly for us." - J.Miller (NY,USA)

Bottom Line

The Magellan RoadMate 1212 has an exceptional design with a good set of basic features. Even though its performance is not as good as the Maestro devices, it is still a reliable solution for regular drivers to trust. The budget price combined with its good accuracy and interface makes this a buy and even manages to squeeze in attractive extras including TTS support and SD memory card support.

Product Features

Pre-loaded maps : United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
SmartDetour automatically prompts you to route around sudden slow freeway traffic
6 million pre-programmed Points of Interest (POI) enable you to search and select nearby services, and recreation and business locations

Technical Specifications

Display: Color LCD, 3.5 inch widescreen
Antenna: Built-in
Battery: Lithium ion
Battery Life : Up to 3 hours
Dimensions: 3.3"(W) x 3.63"(H) x 0.7"(D)
Weight : 4.9 ounces
Expansion Slots: SD card
GPS Accuracy Position: 3 to 5 meters
Voice Capabilities: Yes, navigation instructions and street name announcements

More user reviews:

• "This is a great product. I bought approx 1 month ago and have already taken on a vacation. I used it to find several golf courses and restaurants with navigation right to the steps of my destination. Software seems to be up to date and accurate, as I've not had one instance of missing roadways or destinations in the software. A great buy for the money!" - J.Jones (TN,USA)

• "I shopped for this particular GPS unit at many retail shops and online alike. The best deal I could find was at Amazon.com. Shipping was reasonable(could have been free if I was willing to wait) and the price for the unit was unbeatable. I have been using it for a bit more than a month now and couldnt be happier. I would recommend this unit to anyone. It is so simple to use and has just the amount of features to be useful and not overwhelmed." - T.Estep (GA,USA)

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