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Magellan RoadMate 1340, 1440 and 1470

It’s official now; Magellan has introduced three new models – the RoadMate 1340, 1440 and 1470. Each of the new models offers their One Touch interface, AAA TourBook, text-to-speech, Highway Lane Assist, exit POIs and multi-destination routing.

Here are the details:

Magellan beefs up features on RoadMate line

Though there’s been no official announcement, Magellan quietly rolled out three new RoadMate units at CTIA last week, and one – the 4.7” Magellan RoadMate 1470 (pictured above) – is already available at Amazon.

The new models add features to the entry-level RoadMate series that were previously found only on the Maestro line. For example, the RoadMate 1470 includes Magellan’s new “One Touch” interface, multi-destination routing, highway lane assist, and AAA TourBook features.

MiTAC completes purchase of Magellan

MiTAC has announced the completion of their purchase of Magellan’s consumer products division, and revealed some insights into their strategy and future plans:

• The Mio and Magellan product lines will coexist in the U.S., though they will share technological expertise
• Mio will add new “GPS-based lifestyle products” to their line, so maybe we’ll soon see their Mobile Internet Device that was on display at CES

UPDATE: TWICE is reporting that this or a similar device (they are calling it a UMPC ) will hit the market this fall at around $299.

Magellan Maestro 4350 review

The Magellan Maestro 4350 is one of several new models introduced by Magellan in 2008. This 4.3” wide screen navigator includes the updated “OneTouch” user interface, six million POIs, and text-to-speech. It also comes preloaded with maps of the entire U.S. and Canada, Bluetooth, live traffic and 3D buildings. Other features include AAA TourBook, an FM transmitter and QuickSpell auto-complete.

GPS predictions for 2009

Disclaimer: These are predictions and nothing more, so keep your sense of humor and please don’t sue me.

Auto GPS predictions

• A nuvi 8x5 series will bring lane assist and voice recognition together in one unit
• Garmin discontinues the nuvi 200 series; all Garmin nuvi models will now have text-to-speech
• Crowdsourced HD traffic comes to the US with the stateside introduction of the TomTom GO LIVE series
• TomTom releases a GPS receiver that utilizes alternative positioning information for improved accuracy in urban canyons
• More manufacturers display multiple route options visually, ala Dash and Insignia
• Navigon folds, caught between Nextar on the low end and MiTAC’s aggressive promotion of the Magellan line
• Red light camera alerts will move closer to the mainstream
• More downward feature creep -- expect to see Lane Assist on some mid-range Garmins, more units with lifetime traffic, larger screens, etc.
• Garmin announces a desktop application (possibly a revamped MapSource) that allows planning routes with POIs and transferring them to Garmin units with current City Navigator maps; it will be set up to allow users to opt into sharing anonymized tracklogs ala TomTom HOME
• Said application will support wireless transfer of data via ANT or Bluetooth

Update and analysis on the sale of Magellan

A little more news is starting to creep out on the sale of Magellan to MiTAC, giving us some insight into what this may mean for the GPS market. According to DigiTimes,

"Mitac will operate business for each of its three own brands, Mio, Navman (acquired in March 2007) and Magellan, independently, the company pointed out."

MiTAC also said that the deal includes Magellan's "brand, trademark, software, intellectual properties, operating staff, client base and marketing network."

Magellan to sell consumer GPS division to MiTAC

UPDATE: I've posted some additional info and a bit of speculation, um, analysis.

Magellan Navigation announced this morning that it is selling its consumer products division to MiTAC International, which also owns Mio. The transaction is expected to close in January. The Magellan consumer products division created the Magellan RoadMate, Maestro and Triton product lines.

Should I buy a refurbished or older GPS?

I'm seeing more refurbished GPS receivers advertised for sale these days. In many consumer electronics categories, such devices can be a good deal. But buying a refurbished GPS carries a special risk. Occasionally, some of these units come with outdated maps. Since there is no way to tell until you fire up the unit and look at the map version, I suggest you check the store's restocking / return policy if you go this route.

Navigating thru a winter wonderland

There's a confusing enough array of GPS units on the market, but around the holidays the major manufacturers start throwing out units you've never heard of and have never seen reviewed. Some are exclusive to one retailer, while others are bargain-basement stripped down devices. Here's what the major manufacturers have on tap for the holidays this year...