Magellan RoadMate 1400 Review

Magellan is a GPS brand that is highly known for its budget devices that have exceptional quality. Their main product line - the Magellan Maestro series had pretty amazing prices while having a decent set of features, but were a bit quirky unless you try getting a later model.

But later models of the Maestro series can be a bit expensive and now there is a new choice that average drivers will like and that is the Magellan RoadMate lineup. One of the earliest devices that was revealed is the Magellan RoadMate 1400. For an old model, it is still a pretty good GPS device for its price.

Magellan Roadmate 1400

Magellan Maestro 1400 GPS Navigator

Design

Just by looking at the Magellan RoadMate 1400, you will be amazed on how thin it is compared to the Magellan Maestro. When it comes to aesthetics, it looks expensive and the 4.3 inch wide color touch screen adds to the beauty.

Interface

Some GPS models require you to read the manual first before using the device properly. That’s always a good habit to practice, but the Magellan RoadMate is so easy to use that reading the manual is optional. It is really easy to choose destinations and navigate straight out of the box. Whenever you get lost, you can always click the “Home” button. The Centrality Atlas III processor makes gives the user some accurate and quick positioning which is needed for driving.

Actual user review:
• "This is the first GPS I have owned but I must agree with everyone that rated it prior to my purchase it is easy to use updates fast and so far has not sent me astray. I especially like the feature that does not keep telling you it is recalculating (if you do not follow the course it calculates)as my brothers unit does. I would recommend this GPS to anyone that is new to the GPS world and wants an easy to use unit that seems to have many features for the price." - Rando (Maryland,USA)

Navigation

The RoadMate 1400 is preloaded with US maps along with 1.3 million points of interest. Places can easily be searched in just a few keystrokes with its QuickSpell feature that predicts what you are spelling by highlighting letters that matches its list. This allows you to plan faster and know what destinations are available.

Planning with the RoadMate 1400 becomes more enhanced once you get to the part where you want to customize your own routes. You can opt to take the route that gives you the fastest time or shortest distance. Your routes can be set to avoid tool roads, freeways, or certain streets in case traffic gets busy. Multi destination routes can be planned as well so you can plan a trip with a maximum of 20 destinations. These can be saved and reorganized at any time just in case the trip needs to be repeated. When the unexpected happens, you can try the SmartDetour feature that recalculates your route based on detour information without any subscription fee required.

You can conveniently view the maps in 2-D or 3-D or try out the nice bird’s eye 3-D view to help plan your trips. The Auto NightView feature helps improve visibility at night by adjusting the color and contrast settings automatically.

Extra Features

There isn’t much extras included in the Magellan RoadMate 1400, but you can take advantage of its Address Book feature which allows you to add personal points of interest. There is also a tow truck icon that gives further information about your current location so you can plan from there.

Unfortunately, there is no Text-to-Speech feature which could let down drivers that do not want distractions. But for around $170, this is a great car companion to use when easy navigation is demanded.

More user reviews:
• "This GPS is a great product. It does one thing and does it well gets you from point A to point B. Who needs all the other [...] on a GPS Bluetooth, mp3, photo screen shows and who knows what. Fast satellite reception, easy to use, has lots of points of interest, able to store destinations. For the price its well worth it. " - J.Joseph (OH,USA)

• "The Magellan 1400 is a nice unit. I'm familiar with GPS, and this model is quite easy to use. Even a beginner should have no problems. Screen size and graphics are Tops. I've been using it everyday for at least a month, no hiccups. Price was good from Amazon, and quick delivery. Thanks." - T.Correll (NJ,USA)

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