Magellan RoadMate 5045 ReviewWhen it comes to GPS devices, big screens are always a good thing and usually do not carry any major disadvantages since they are usually mounted on windshields or dashboards. The only risk is that people need to shell out some extra cash to bag one of these devices and compared to smaller devices of the same price range, they often come short of features. However, not everyone may use these features and what is more important is how updated the device is. Fortunately, Magellan recently released their very first 5-inch RoadMate model. The Magellan RoadMate 5045 is out to make a huge impression packing all of the essentials including free lifetime traffic. Latest Update: The Magellan RoadMate 5045 is Now on Sale at Amazon.com
DesignThe 5.0-inch screen design makes a huge difference especially when compared to the smaller 3.5-inch RoadMate devices. In addition, the design of this particular model features the same curvy bezel as the other 2010 RoadMate devices so it is sure to stand out from the rest. It is still fairly portable too, weighing just 6.4 ounces. User Interface
Standard routes can be planned using the QuickSpell for user input. The QuickSpell feature has been around in many RoadMate devices and continues to be useful as it highlights certain letters as a destination is typed in. This lets people complete their destination names faster. Pressing the button on the upper right brings up the exclusive OneTouchTM favorites menu which is an even faster way to plan a route. This menu was introduced in past models and it looks great on the large display. It features several icons spanning two pages including the "Home", "Gas", "Emergency" and "ATM/Bank" buttons by default. All these buttons are customizable and additional ones can be assigned to other favorite POIs. Key Features
NavigationThe RoadMate 5045 features just enough to impress people that drive cars, trucks, and SUVs. It is fairly accurate in keeping the position updated and there are several ways to generate a route to a destination. Users can opt for a route that has the shortest distance or shortest travel time. They can also set routes that use the most or least freeways for their convenience. Once these drivers get used to the basic features, they can start making more sophisticated routes that consist of multiple stops. The multi-destination routing is used here and managing and reorganizing routes is made simple with the approximate times shown. There is even an optimize button to let the RoadMate plan the most efficient route based on the given POIs. Even if size isn't the biggest concern, the 5045 is an updated model when it comes to maps as it has preloaded maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico with around 6 million points of interest ranging from the restaurants to gasoline stations. It once again makes use of the AAA TourBook Guide to help users decide which places in the area are best to stay or eat in. Many cars in the US frequently take the highway to reach long destinations, but they need to be on the right lane to make the proper exit. The Highway Lane Assist completely eliminates the frustration of missing an exit due to a wrong lane by directing drivers to the right lane in advance since the route is preplanned. A list of restaurants, gas stations, and other POIs can also be optionally listed as an exit approaches. Real-time traffic updates are brought to the RoadMate 5045 whenever needed and no subscription is required. This affects the way routes are planned in a positive way since the route is made to avoid traffic jams. Bottom LineIt is likely for Magellan to release more 5-inch GPS devices in the future. For the meantime, the Magellan RoadMate 5045 is the freshest one out there and is sure to stay with its adequate features and an affordable price tag. List Price : | ||
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