Posted to GPS 2009-06-24
If you are looking for a new GPS unit that can get you to grandma's house and back without getting lost, while still being easy on your budget, then you may want to check out the Magellan RoadMate 1430. Offering users a variety of high end features that once could only be found on the more expensive units, the RoadMate 1430 offers you the option to travel like a pro without having to pay the added price. With a 4.3" wide screen WQVGA color touch screen, the RoadMate 1430 is the perfect companion for the person who is always on the go and loves to drive to new, interesting locales whenever they feel the urge. The RoadMate 1430 measures 4.57" x 3.27" x 0.73" and weighing only 7.1 ounces this GPS offers users a wealth of functionality in a portable package. It also comes pre-loaded with 6 million points of interest that allows you to enjoy the trip while getting you where you need to go.
FeaturesIf you have ever been stuck in traffic in an unfamiliar location without a clue to get around it, the RoadMate 1430 offers you an alternative. It comes equipped with a SmartDetour function that can calculate the quickest detour around the traffic incident. This feature also allows you to select the amount of distance you would like to have the unit keep you on the detour for. Options vary from 3mi, 5mi, 10mi, 12mi or a custom distance so you can pick up on your route where you left off after getting past the traffic incident which prompted the need for the detour. The RoadMate 1430 also makes typing addresses and searching for points of interest even easier. As you type it will turn off the letters that have no relevance to the address or city you are entering, eliminating the possibility of misspelling a location because you happened to hit the wrong letter. It also comes equipped with the QuickSpell function that will offer you a list of possible locations based on a few key strokes allowing you to choose your destination quickly and easily. The best feature is that the RoadMate 1430 offers the users the option to receive traffic updates with the optional Magellan TrafficKit subscription. The TrafficKit can re-calculate routes based on traffic conditions and offers a different route if necessary. The unit comes equipped with three months free allowing you to test drive the feature with the option to purchase a subscription from Magellan's website if you like what this feature has to offer. PerformanceThe Magellan RoadMate 1430 performs quite well out of the box and programs routes in a short amount of time. It's easy to enter desired locations, due to the typing features that this unit comes with. Volume levels are good and users should not expect any issues with hearing the directions, even at highway speeds. Where this GPS lacks is in the fact that it doesn't allow you to search for a point of interest (POI) when on your way to a set destination and it's not the best at re-calculating your route when you miss a turn. In order to search for POI's you will need to cancel your current route in order to find a destination in your vicinity. The RoadMate 1430 does offer users the ability to search POI's at upcoming exits, but that only comes in handy if you will be spending most of your travel time on the highway. When it comes to route re-calculation, this unit performs the task most of the time, but it usually requests that the user either cut a U-turn or backtrack to the last direction request, instead of finding another way to get you back on track without causing possible injury. SummaryIn conclusion, the RoadMate 1430 packs a lot of functionality into an affordable, portable package. With 6 million points of interest and the ability to be notified and the optional TrafficKit, this unit offers a variety of features that you may expect to find only on the pricey GPS units. So if you are looking for a GPS device that can get you were you want to go then the Magellan RoadMate 1430 may be the one for you. Pros
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