Magellan RoadMate 700 Review

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide or check out our other Magellan auto GPS reviews.

The Magellan RoadMate 700 is a mid-level model in Magellan's RoadMate line of auto navigation systems. With touch-screen controls and built-in maps of the U.S. and Canada, this unit is ready to go, right out of the box.

A popular unit, the RoadMate 700 received an average 4 (out of a possible 5) star rating at Amazon, from 116 reviewers. This is what the editorial staff at Amazon had to say about the unit…

"This powerhouse GPS unit just keeps gaining in popularity. Recently bestowed the honor of being named one of "Oprah's Favorite Things for Holiday 2004" it's just getting better and better every year. With the previous version of the RoadMate 700 lacking in included accessories this years RoadMate 700 hits a home run as Magellan has wisely included in the package a windshield suction cup mount, a 12V DC vehicle power adapter, 110V AC power supply, USB data cable, universal cradle and of course a user's manual.

The Magellan RoadMate 700 offers a powerful dash-mounted navigation tool with turn-by-turn voice prompts, making it easy to get to new and unfamiliar locales anywhere in the lower 48 U.S. states and Canada (For a fee it can be loaded European maps using the Magellan web site and the included USB connection cable). It also features a bright color TFT LCD screen (2.25 by 3 inches), touchscreen input, WAAS reception (for 3-meter accuracy), and multiple ways to select your route and then view it on screen…"

Here's what other reviewers are saying:

• GPSInformation.net reviews the Magellan Roadmate 700 and 500.
• PCMag.com gave the Magellan 700 their Editors Choice award, and a 4-1/2 out of 5 star rating. The two readers who chimed in weren't quite as enthusiastic.
• ZDNet gave the Road Mate 700 a 7.3 out of 10 rating, while 126 of their readers rated it at 7.0.

Other resources that you may find useful:

• The official Magellan Road Mate 700 web page.
• A PDF version of the RoadMate owners manual.
• See how different models stack up against each other with this Magellan GPS comparison tool.
• There is a Magellan RoadMate message forum at GpsPasSion.
• There is also a Magellan GPS message forum at Yahoo, and an alt.satellite.gps.magellan UseNet group.