Magellan RoadMate 1412, 1430 and 1400 Car GPS Review

The Magellan RoadMate 1412, 1430 and 1400 all have the same specification except with the Magellan RoadMate 1430 Live Traffic capability is included and the Magellan RoadMate 1400 does not include maps of Canada. All models come with an included SD memory card pre-loaded with NAVTEQ maps for the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada (not 1400). Magellan has targeted these models as value for money propositions for those looking for a GPS navigator for their car. The presence of the RoadMate 1412 in Amazon’s GPS BestSeller list indicates consumers agree.

Magellan RoadMate 1412

A large, wide aspect ratio color touch screen like the Magellan RoadMate’s 4.3 inch WQVGA display makes navigation maps easier to see and menus easier to navigate. For easier viewing at night, Magellan has included Auto NightView which automatically adjusts color and contrast for lower ambient light conditions.

A very helpful feature is Magellan’s SayWhere text-to-speech which announces street names included in navigation directions providing confirmation that you are on track without taking your eyes off the road to look at the navigation map.

Magellan have based their unit on the Centrality Atlas III processor which has an integrated GPS receiver. The Centrality Atlas III has high sensitivity for obtaining satellite locks in weak GPS signal areas. Atlas-III’s added hardware acceleration and software enhancements provide up to 30 channels for GPS with increased accuracy and faster time to fix.

If you are going to be using your GPS in local or familiar areas then one of its primary uses is going to be for locating businesses and services. The Magellan Roadmate 1400 models come with a large 6 million Points of Interest (POI) database which is categorized and searchable for finding what you want, say the nearest ATM, in quick time. The POI icons displayed on the map screen are interactive, revealing the address and phone number at a touch as well as plotting an instant route. There is also a Home icon to find your way home instantly from anywhere.

Navigating with the Magellan RoadMate 1400, 1412 and 1430

Numerous methods of creating a route give navigation flexibility with some common ones being:

Enter an address (QuickSpell provides quicker entry with a unique auto-complete feature)
Select entry from address book
Opt for a previous destination
Nominate a street intersection
Select a POI
Create a multiple destination route with the Trip Planner
Select your home address

Routes can be calculated on the basis of fastest time, shortest distance, least use of
freeways or most use of freeways.

Navigation Screens include a:

Map Screen Route - can be displayed in 2D or 3D

Split-Screen - opposing maps show route and a detailed view of an upcoming turning maneuver.

Maneuver List - displays all maneuvers to the destination.

The Main Menu covers two screens and provides icons to select detailed screens for map view, address entry, POI search, route to home, roadside assistance (displays current location information), trip planner and Exit POIs (displays POIs close to freeway exits) and User Options (customization).

If you encounter a traffic stopping problem you can use the SmartDetour function to have a diversionary route automatically calculated. Also, if you get off the planned route the Magellan RoadMate will automatically create a new route to get to your destination.

A sensible additional feature is Backup and Restore which backs up address book and other data to a SD/MMC card for later restoration if necessary.

LIVE Traffic Capability - Magellan RoadMate 1430 Only

The Magellan RoadMate 1430 incorporates an FM traffic receiver providing live traffic incident reports making it possible for users to avoid accidents, slow-downs, road closures, severe weather, road work and other traffic delays. Traffic incident locations and details are available on the touch-screen and automatic re-routing around upcoming traffic problems is available.