Magellan's RoadMate 800 multimedia GPS
posted September 30th 2005 8:30AM
So Magellan is throwing down an entry into the crazy world of
multimedia GPS systems: the
Magellan RoadMate 800 does all that fancy GPS
stuff, including automatic rerouting (if you miss a turn or decide to grab a Slurpee before heading along the
recommended path), 6 million points of interest, and maps for the US, Canada, and 27 "unlockable" European countries
(you heard that right, they're on there, but you'll need to pay a fee to use them). How does the RoadMate have room for
all this crap useful information? With a 4.5GB 20GB hard drive, that's how. To utilize all that space,
the unit can play your MP3 and WMA files and also display your pictures on it's 3.5-inch display. You can also view
pictures off of SD and MMC cards, or transfer them to the device to make room for some more photos. The RoadMate 800
should be shipping next month for around $1099.
Update: Looks like there's actually a 20GB hard drive in there, but just 4.5GB is allocated for
user storage.
[Thanks, Allory]
When I read unlockable, I thought of some possibilities... You could have stunts and feats you had to perform to unlock certain cities and missions, turning real life into GTA3.... Hey, I didn't say GOOD possibilities!
View photos? Dont these sort of units usually have a 256 color screen? Maybe they are UPPING the spec sheet on these?
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How can a 3.5 inch display provide any kind of useful map? I've held off on buying one of these toys because they just don't seem as practical as a good old fashioned map.
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Is it possible that Magellan is not announcing any traffic updates on that new unit?
Yeah - or the roadmate could have the "Hot Coffee" mod like in GTA-SA!
tennis guy, your comments got me thinking for a second, then i realized, yes, a map is big, but the information you're looking for is far smaller than the 3.5" screen.
The GPS display will change as you progress along your trip, it's not a constant overview of your route. You can set it like that, but most people use the turn-by-turn view. Unless your map talks and tells you directions while you drive, these GPS units are far superior than any map you've ever used.
@1: that would be funny. you have to get to your destination in x minutes, and other things like that :)
For 1099 I can Buy a Head Unit with GPS and a 7" Display.
Seriously someone needs to explain to me why these things are so expensive.
Christopher, they're so expensive because you can port them from 1 vehicle to another in about the amount of time it takes to unplug it from your cig lighter.
Sure, I would rather have a 7" display - I would REALLY rather have the whole shebang integrated with the factory stereo/HVAC like some lux cars now... eventually it will be standard
Rand McNally sells what some agree is a better alternative (myself included) for $1083.05 less...
http://www.randmcnally.com
I don't look forward to the day when GPS costs less. You know then that it has worked itself too far into our society. If you can't think of the implications of that, try harder.
i think i actually has a 20 gb hard drive, with 4.5 gb available to the user for music, etc.
I have a Garmin c320 and I think it's great. It's not perfect (What is) but it's much better and easer then a paper map. Especially when youre just by yourself.
They are kind of expensive but then just get one that has the basic routing features. It doesnt have to play MP3s or display pics.
These Magellan things work quite well, I have one. Just one annoying point, it keeps telling me to spend money and upgrade to the 2005 version of the maps. But I am waiting for the 2006 version. So every time I turn it on it reminds me I have "old" 2004 maps.
'We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when I turned on my Magellan RoadMate 800 multimedia GPS' just doesn't have the same ring to it...
These are really just crippled PDAs. I don't know why people would buy these instead of a jacked up PDA or a laptop with separate GPS. You get much more bang for your buck that way.
Hey #7 Christopher... Where can you get a 7" screen with GPS installed for $1099?
I tried out the Roadmate 700 a while back. It sucked. It can't locate a GPS signal on an overcast day. I tried two units and both went back to costco. Then i start seeing refurbs all over the web. I hope this new one is better than the crappy 700 series.
I actually agree with #3 - the screen is too small to be useful.
#14
Soon it will.
I've had my Roadmate 700 for about 9 monthes now. It works great, even on overcast days. I've used it from New York to Florida with no problems. The small screen means that I can mount it on the dash (or right above it) so it's in my line of sight as I drive which I think is safer than looking at my laptop in the passenger seat. It is so easy to use that my wife is now taking it frequently from my car to use in hers. It is very portable and I will defintely buy another one if this one ever dies.
You can get'em directly from CSO Radio. They are a direct Magellan dealer and they offer free shipping. Their number is 732-942-1101
I bought the Magellan 800 and used it for 28 days, but thankfully I bought the Garmin NUVI 350 before the 30 day return policy on the 800 was over. I returned the 800. The Nuvi is superior in every way, especially it's size and user interface. You may want to see my review of the OLD 800 on http://www.technologyevangelist.com Please spread the good word on the NUVI.