Customer Reviews
Magellan Roadmate 700
We purchased the Roadmate 700 from Amazon (refurbished), because we were moving to Seattle, WA. We previously used a Hertz System, which was developed by Magellan and it work without a problem in downtown Seattle and Eastern Washington State. The Roadmate 700 could not find a satellite in downtown Seattle, and often has trouble when we are near tall trees. (I assume the $60.00 external antenna would help. If you have two cars, you will need to spend $120.00) There are also glitches in the computer map, as there is one turn that it NEVER tells us to take, but always expects us to take. The unit has been repaired by Magellan in August, 2005, because it was changing routing directions several times during trip. (Pretty annoying after you exited from a crowded freeway.) Now in January the sound failed. I am now in the process of sending it back to Magellan for repair. Also, unless you have a speaker phone and plenty of time forget using the 800 number of help. E-mail process was a lot better, but fairly slow.
Could cause an accident
I've owned this unit for almost a year. And I can say it will get you to your destination, it's easier to use than it's competitor, and the voice is soothing, but that's all the positives. Now for the negatives. The windshield mount is a joke. Every now and then the mount will come off and the unit will fall either on your lap or the floor of your car. Imagine this when you're on a highway. It's happened to me at least a half dozen times on the highway. For a week or so everything would be fine, and I'd start thinking I didn't apply it properly, then BAM! On my lap it fell. I tried everything short of gluing the mount; I pressed it with enough force to send my fist through the windshield and still it would happen. Well I called the company for a refund even though it was nearly a year since I purchased, and they were kind enough to arrange a refund. I turned around and bought the competitor unit, the Garmin StreetPilot 2720. It's not as simple to program as the Magellan, and you'll have to spend at least an hour before you have a full understanding of the unit, but once that's over, the unit is a dream.
There were times when the Magellan would take up to 10 minutes to kick in with the satellites, so I'm sitting in my car like an idiot waiting for it. The Garmin is instantaneous. Also, the Magellan has this little antennae that came off when the unit fell off, lo those many times. Garmin's antenna is built in; one less thing to worry about. And no windshield mount! It comes with this small beanbag mount that really works. I was worried that it wouldn't be able to hold in a turn, but it firmly holds.
The driving directions are easier to view and the unit voice prompts you before you make a turn, and it tells you what street you'll be making the turn on; as opposed to the Magellan's "Get ready to turn." The only thing I do miss on the Magellan is the voice sounded more human, as opposed to the robotic voice on the Garmin, but then again, it's minor.
Oh, one very important thing. I read one of the reviews stating the "voice guidance is all you need." Well if you follow that, be prepared to be lost. I foolishly relied on the voice guidance when I first bought it and sure enough it would occasionally pass exits and changes. It's supposed to ping you right before you make a turn, and after I unknowingly missed my exit, I'd drive for a few more minutes before I'd be told to get ready to take the next exit or make a u-turn.
If you do purchase the Garmin, download the PDF version of the user guide so you can easily search for a feature you need to understand. Although the manual is less than 30 small pages, it was faster for me to do a search on a PDF to find out how to change driving routes from fastest time to shortest distance. Also, check the Garmin site for any firmware updates, which is very simple to do, especially when they supply you with the USB cable
Would I buy the Magellan if they eventually had real engineers who had enough brains to figure out you don't attach a $1,000 unit to a flimsy suction cup? Absolutely not. Garmin's quicker satellite hookup, better map view and clearer driving instructions make it a no brainer.
Best Car Navigation System
This is my second GPS system the Magellin Roadmate 760, It is very user friendly and has a clear voice when giving directions, I think Magellin makes the BEST! I dont even have an external antenna and this one is very portable and light weight. My first one was a different brand, very slow and I bought it because it was cheaper than the magellan 760, I bought this one after seeing one at a car rental agency.
