Up for Review: Magellan – RoadMate 1430 GPS
For those who visit new places quite frequently, the Magellan RoadMate 1430 is a welcome addition. It has the capability to point out the major attractions of a place or even suggest the secluded roads for less traffic congestion. This GPS is a good companion of delivery personnel or for those who frequent different cities for business purposes. Many real time traffic report capabilities are integrated into the Magellan RoadMate 1430.
It is equipped with Centrality Atlas III 30-channel GPS processor, which is extremely sensitive. It has a menu system with large icons for Show Map, Enter Address and points of Interest. There is another screen for trip planner, exit POI’s and the setup menu. The exact location is indicated by a Home icon. There are 32 categories in the Magellan RoadMate 1430 POI. These include Gas stations, Coffee and Restaurants. The user has the option of further refining his search. The route is highlighted in green on the map screen. The one big disadvantage of this GPS is that it does not display ferry landings, U-turns, unpaved roads or any other obstacles on the road which could be avoided.
The Magellan RoadMate 1430 portable car GPS is extremely sensitive about traffic. It has a built-in real time traffic receiver which enables the user to view a list of current nearby traffic incidents. The traffic icon can notify about a recent accident, lane restriction and road work. Consequently, it can reroute the user around these traffic conditions. There is a Smart Detour Function which helps to avoid delays too.
The mounting bracket is a bit clumsy as it needs two cables to set it in place. However, after being mounted on the windshield of a car, it is very easy to use. Its volume is good enough to be heard over the sound of the car’s engines and the noise outside. The text-to-speech option works quite well in the Magellan RoadMate 1430.
Magellan RoadMate 1430 Features and Specifications Review:
• Screen size: 4.3”
• Traffic and weather updates: Yes
• Portability: Yes
• Text-to-Speech: Yes
• WAAS enabled: Yes
• Hard Drive storage: Yes
• Download capability: Yes
• Built-in base maps: Yes
• PC connectivity: with optional cable
• Voice Prompts: Yes
• Backlit display: Yes
• Color display: Yes
• Battery Life: Up to 3 hours
• Battery included: Yes
• 3D map view: Yes
• Accepts data cards: Yes
• Antenna: Yes
• Auto sort multiple destinations: Yes
• Auto re-route: Yes
• Avoid highways/tolls mode: Yes
• Choice of route setup: Yes
• Map provider: Navteq
• Warranty terms – Parts: 1 year limited
• Warranty terms – Labor: 1 year limited
Navigation is fairly easy in the Magellan RoadMate 1430. The main menu prompts the user to enter the address. The user has the option to enter city, zip code, previous city, address and previous intersection. The Magellan RoadMate 1430 has a 4.3” screen. The large bright display helps to navigate even at night. Images can be viewed in 3D also. It has preloaded base maps of United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. A removable media card also allows the user to upload additional map data. The WAAS enabled GPS receiver allows the user to stay connected despite heavy cloud cover, wooded areas and canyons.
All is well with the Magellan RoadMate 1430 except the suggested retail price. It is a bit highly priced at $349.99 MSRP but can usually be found for under $200 at Best Buy or Amazon.com. On sale, the RoadMate 1430 is one of the best in its price range.