Magellan RoadMate 1475T Review

If you have $300 in your pocket, you have two different choices that you can make in getting your next Magellan GPS device. You can either settle for the feature-rich Magellan Maestro 4700 or for the refined Magellan RoadMate 1475T. If Bluetooth functionality isn't a major issue, the RoadMate 1475T is a better choice because the design and interface are both improved while maintaining a similar feature set to the Maestro models including the 4700.

Magellan RoadMate 1475T GPS Navigator

Design

The design gives the user a lot to see with a 4.7-inch touchscreen display that is redesigned making it standard out more from the other models, yet making it easier to plan routes and navigate across great distances. It is ultra-thin too so the device can easily be carried even when the driver decides to continue onward on foot.

User Interface

The user interface is just as good as the Maestro models with the nice OneTouch favorites menu providing quick access to all of the personalized bookmarks that lead to favorite places. Routes can easily be made just by a single touch to the favorite destination of choice without the need to key it in although the QuickSpell feature remains to be a part of the device. It is still a RoadMate device and that means that it is more focused on car navigation so users shouldn't really feel confused. The "Plan route on map" feature is by far the best user interface improvement that makes routing extremely simple.

Navigation Features

In addition to the 6 million points of interest highlighting famous places all across the country, the Magellan RoadMate 1475T has some powerful navigation features that make route planning a lot more sophisticated without overhauling the complexity of the user interface. Finding POIs is even more convenient on the highways because some POIs can be displayed near the upcoming exits so drivers will know in advance on what exit they should take to access a certain point. POIs look more attractive too as a lot of them are represented by their respective logos.

Advanced routing features are present in the Roadmate 1475T as well including multi-destination routing which lets you highlight different points and then let the device do the rest by calculating an efficient trip that helps you save the most time and money possible. Even simple routes can be calculated with ease and can be optimized to ensure that you reach your destination faster or get there using the most or least freeways.

Text-to-Speech is another strong point of the device as it speaks the street names that you encounter and give directions all with the same voice. Other nice extra features include the AAA TourBook which rates certain POIs and Member Roadside Assistance which is good during emergencies when repairs are needed.

Actual user review:
• "My brother, a serious RV'er and computer whiz, told me his friends were sold on either Garmin and Magellan. He said that these two used different logic and that people loved one or the other depending on how they think and suggested I use them before I bought one. I borrowed a Magellan and Garmin before taking a trip in the Washington country side and used them both together and apart. Both machines got you there more or less the same. However these features made a big difference:

The Magellan remembers just like my computer...(if I put in a "ya" it takes me to Yahoo) so I don't have to write out cities each time. It also helps narrow choices so when put in a "Fi" it will bring up all the streets starting with Fi. Having to write in "Washington" "Ellensburg" on the Garmin for each place I wanted to go in that city was a pain.

The Magellan has a trip planner so if you are going to five stops it gives you the optimal route. You can add, subtract, or re-order stops (addresses or POI, etc.) as you go. Garmin has a similar feature but it is spendy.

It gives me all the AAA info without going for the books. If you want a place to eat or sleep you know if you're looking at $ or $$$$ before you get there. Also it suggests interesting sights along the way and rates them. Garmin doesn't have this.

I like the way the Magellan is organized. I find things were at my finger tips and I didn't have to hunt for what I use the most.

The traffic warning feature doesn't cost a thing after purchase.

I love the Magellan 1475T and am glad I did my homework. " - Grace (Alaska,USA)

Bottom Line

The Magellan RoadMate 1475T is a somewhat improved version of the Maestro equivalent where the design is thinner and easier to handle. It handles route planning and navigation with great accuracy and the traffic link that it comes with provides live traffic updates without a subscription hassle.

Product Features

Personalize OneTouch search icons with your favorite places
Announces street names and directions at each turn
Features ultra-wide 4.7-inch touch screen display
Traffic Link delivers free, real-time traffic alerts for life
Highway lane assist helps you navigate the interstate

Technical Specifications

Display: Color LCD, 4.7 inch widescreen
Screen resolution: WQVGA
Antenna: Built-in
Map coverage: United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
Battery: Lithium ion
Dimensions: 5.2"(W) x 3.3"(H) x 0.7"(D)
Weight : 10.0 ounces
Expansion Slots: MicroSD card
GPS Accuracy Position: 3 to 5 meters
Included Software: NAVTEQ™ ON BOARD software
Voice Capabilities: Yes, navigation instructions and street name announcements
Bluetooth compatibility: No

Actual user review:
• "I recently purchased this Magellan RoadMate 1475T. This is the greatest GPS unit anyone can find on the market.

The biggest advantage of any Magellan is its routing capability. For example, when you only have vague idea of the address of your destination, a Magellan would provide adequate context for you to figure out where you need to go. One time, I had forgotten the street number and exact spelling of the street name. I simply type in whatever part that I could remember and the Magellan gave me a list of the road names to choose from. Eventually it took me to where I need to go.

Another marvel of a Magellan GPS unit is its bell sound signaling the turning point or highway exiting point. This is extremely useful in the complicated highways like in New Jersey, I never miss a turn with a Magellan GPS, but often take a too-early turn with other brands.

The spoken language of Roadmate is clearest of all the GPS units over Garmin or TomTom. I also like the seamless integration of the traffic information into the routing. It only provides the traffic incidents related to your route, or if you do not have a route, it provides only the incidents within 15-mile radius of the current location. It does not provide too much traffic information to burden you unnecessarily. With Roadmate 1475T, the traffic is free forever." - J.Chu (DE,USA)

List Price : ~~$249.99~~

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