Magellan RoadMate 1424-LM

GPS devices continue to storm the marketplace as their devices and software increase in popularity. While there are many smartphones and other portable gadgets that have GPS features, dedicated car GPS devices still excel in their simple touch-driven user interfaces and amazing accuracy at low prices. Magellan is one company that slightly struggles in the accuracy department, but they continue to improve after every new RoadMate device that they release. The Magellan RoadMate 1424-LM is one of Magellan's latest offerings and the "LM" suffix may be one of the biggest reasons to grab this sub-$180 GPS device.

Latest Update: The Magellan RoadMate 1424-LM is Now on Sale at Amazon.com

Magellan RoadMate 1424-LM GPS Navigator

Design

The Magellan RoadMate 1424-LM may look simple in looks but it supports with decent build quality for its price along with the standard 4.3-inch size that allows the Magellan interface to be integrated without a problem. It is also thin measuring roughly a half-inch thick. Those that have already used a RoadMate 1400 series device shouldn't be surprised.

User Interface

QuickSpell returns as one of the trademark features that made all of the Magellan devices great to use for new users. It works by presenting a QWERTY keyboard on the screen where the letters are large enough to touch with a finger. Once a few letters are entered, some of the letters on the keyboard are highlighted encouraging the user to press those letters in order to complete a known destination in the device's database. A list of matching places can also be selected for even quicker route planning.

Magellan users should feel at home with QuickSpell but newer users can try out the new OneTouch Favorites Menu that simplifies the route planning process even further by making bookmarked locations very easy to reach. The interface is brought up in a single touch and it displays some icons pointing to frequently accessed locations such as the Home or nearest gas station. It is coupled with distinct icons and features a great deal of customization where users can add favorite restaurants or other landmarks so that they can be accessed quickly as well.

The rest of the interface highly accessible with large colorful icons and buttons that are easy to touch. The home screen is minimal thanks to the lack of advanced features so new users should feel lost and may not even need to access the manual just to learn how to use the GPS device. The RoadMate 1424-LM simply works out of the box.

Actual user review:
• "I have windows 7 on my computer, and have no problem whatsoever, with upgrading to version (4.02) and the spring 2010 maps on this unit. Really love this GPS thus far! When you upgrade to the latest version, you get more accurate routing....no lag time that others describe. The autospell is really nice and makes entering routes really fast! Love the fact that there is no nagging "recalculation" and when it does reroute, it does so very fast and seamless. Interface is very simple and easy to understand....highly recommend! " - Russell (OH,USA); Amazon Verified Purchase

Navigation Features

The RoadMate 1424-LM is rather light when it comes to the navigation features but it should be just enough to keep entry-level users comfortable. This is because it's packed with preloaded premium maps so users can begin bookmarking their favorite local points of interests immediately. The RoadMate 1424-LM has users living in the United States, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico covered with over 6 million points of interests. Getting a 2010 device is important for getting the most recent database but buying a 2011 or future device is entirely optional as the device includes free map updates. Maps are delivered to the RoadMate at up to four times a year without spending a single penny.

The device performs just as well when the route is underway. The 2D and 3D map views fit the 4.3-inch display nicely and the auto night view activates automatically when night time hits so the driving experience isn't hampered at all.

Multi-destination routing is one the major feature that drivers need to plan a lengthy road trip. Simply select several stops or points in a certain order and the RoadMate will do the rest in calculating the most ideal trip. Spoken street names will guide users throughout the route by reading the street names aloud using text-to-speech technology to maximize safety.

Unfortunately, the device lacks a highway lane assist feature present in higher-end RoadMate and Maestro models. But those who are found of driving in the highway can still perform a quick POI search in any nearby highways for places to eat, stay or get gas. Doing this early could give you the idea to switch to the right lane just to reach that destination. AAA TourBook also serves as a nice extra that provides in-depth information on some of the best places to eat or stay in.

Bottom Line

The RoadMate 1424-LM is simple and lasting thanks to the free lifetime maps updates. The price between this device and the original RoadMate 1424 isn't that much either making it recommended for people that do not plan on adopting advanced features like Bluetooth which are normally found in devices that cost over $200.

Product Features

• Includes Lifetime Map Updates
• Large, ultra-slim 4.3-inch color touch screen with maps of the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada
• OneTouch favorites menu affords instant access to your personalized bookmarks of favorite places
• Built-in AAA TourBook provides ratings and descriptions on AAA approved places to stay, play, dine, and save
• Spoken street name guidance lets you keep your eyes on the road; multi-desitnation routing with route optimization

More user reviews:

• "I've now used the GPS a few times for local driving in anticipation of a long road trip in a few weeks. Being familiar with the routes i've so far used the GPS for, I know that the Magellan 1424 picked the best and most efficient route each time.

The first thing I did upon recieving the GPS was charge (by taking a test drive) then update the software. This was a very simple and straight forward activity. I did have some issues with receiving the free map update within 30 days of purchase, but this is still being worked on. I had to verify my date of purchase (via invoice) with Magellan customer service which has been completed and approved. Now, I guess I just have to download the new map.

I have read a bunch of reviews on how the GPS lags your current position by a bit. I did notice this during my first test drive. However, after updating the system this went away. There is no longer any lag between my actual postiion and the position illustrated on the GPS unit. " - Buck (USA)

• "I bought this GPS for my husband and he really likes it. The size is nice and it is easy to use. He told me that it's easy to use. We used it on a trip that we always take, just to see what it would tell us and I was surprised that it took us the route that we take instead of the obvious one! My husband is a home care nurse and this little GPS has been helping him to find patient homes without wandering around looking for addresses that are sometimes difficult to find. Well worth the money. " - S.DeWitt (WA,USA)

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List Price : $179.99

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