Magellan RoadMate 1700 user reviews

Pros Less reprimanding when a wrong turn is made (instead of constant scolding "recalculating" voice notorious by Garmins), large, clear screen, great UI, fast recalculation speeds, no "upgrade" notifications, WAAS enables fast GPS lock on, simple to use.

Cons Abysmal standalone battery life, warning screen on bootup is buggy, suggested illegal turns (take left when I had to exit right for a jughandle), no traffic updates, synthisized voice mumbles street names at a lower volume when giving directions.

Summary I have owned many Garmins, and typically, I have bought the base model every year. However, I decided to try Magellan for something different, and I'm glad I made the purchase. The screen is enormous, and very easy to read while driving. Though it uses the same maps as Garmins do, the 1700 shows the exit signs when approaching an exit/merge while driving on the highway. I found this as a very useful feature that is more explicit to understand rather than the GPS simply suggesting "stay in left lane". The WAAS enables faster lock-on GPS signals, and the trip options make it easy to choose between fastest, shortest, less freeway, and most freeway. Though I rarely write product reviews on Cnet, this GPS deserves one in my opinion. There aren't many bell's & whistles on this GPS,so don't expect a music player, calculator, or slideshow photo viewer. It gives directions and it gives them well, and it's the best GPS I've ever owned. However, keep note that all electronics have their idiosyncrasies and this device had one as well. I did notice once it suggested that I make an illegal turn (left) on a 4 lane highway that had a jughandle on the right. If you use a little bit of common sense, you can take the jug handle and ultimately go left, but this only happened to me once and I don't feel that it is a deal breaker for anyone- assuming that it won't happen again. I just wanted to make everyone aware that this happened, whereas I never had this happen on any of my Garmins. Also, this is my first GPS with voice pronounced street names. Unfortunately, the GPS mutters the name of the street in a lower volume but briskly pronounced tone- unlike the "turn left" directions it gives. Though I'm used to GPS' that don't give the street name, I don't view it in a derogatory manner, but rather I feel that it's better than nothing. My pro's & cons, sum up the GPS itself in general, but note that i do not use the window mount. Some reviews have complained that it takes up too much window space, whereas I stow it on the console of my car. And by no means is this a GPS for large SUVs and RVs, I have a Honda Accord and I have no problems with its size. I wanted a portable GPS with a large screen size, and if battery life is not a matter, than this is the GPS for you.

Pros Great Large screen. Not too large what-so-ever! Makes using a 4.3 inch screen a thing of the past. Don't listen to anyone stating that this unit is to large for car use! Fits nicely in my BMW and Lexus SUV. Volume is louder than past units.

Cons My 3rd Megallan and the best yet.

Summary Just as you want a large screen smartphones... now get the same in a GPS. Don't waste your money on any 3.5 or 4.3 inch screen. Purchased from Walmat for 189.00... excellent low price.

Pros Increase in volume about all i can say.

Cons Product has worked fine for a few months now; It decided to die 300 miles into a crosscountry trip; last 2400 miles without its help;had to cancel a few side trips I had planned. Customer Service is a JOKE;let me explain below.

Summary Called customer service on a Wednesday; for them to send a replacement out they would have to debit my bank account $299.00; unit should arive in 5-7 b days; called Magellan Customer service 7 days out to check on the status; was informed product was out of stock (what no email notification?) I asked. No comment was given ; asked to speak to a manager; she looked over the problem; Wow she found one; they were waiting on FEDEX to pick it up. Called the next day to check again , FEDEX hasnt picked it up yet; (FEDEX doesnt pick up shipments every day?) I was told by the same manager I talked to; the previous day that she would followup on the problem. I was told by this manager that her Supervisor would follow up with me within 24-48 hours; that was yesterday and now its Friday 15:30 est . I'm beginining to think about Garmin.

Pros - Tremendous size
- Large touch buttons
- Super loud speaker
- Starts quickly; acquire signal qucikly
- displays more street names in-map

Cons - no extra features like hands-free, voice activation, or trip computer
- Flimsy mounting
- short battery life
- slight signal lag, may a common GPS problem
- Oh, some buyers say don't get the firmware update. It's buggy.

Summary The 1700 retains every good feature of smaller mainline Roadmates with a larger and higher-res screen.
For the excellent price, the only question is where to mount it. Some cars have blank dash space, and in those cases, sticky mounting squares are ideal. But it's far too big for the windshield unless you've got a massive van.