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 860T GPS updates the popular RoadMate 800, adding real-time traffic capabilities (includes 15 months of traffic service), SayWhere™ text-to-speech, and added space for multi-media file storage. It does not have the new SiRFstar III chipset; you'll have to buy the RoadMate 3000T or 3050T for that. The 860T also has a shorter battery life than the 3000 series models, which may matter if you're going to use it as an MP3 player or photo viewer away from your car.
Here's what Amazon has to say in their Magellan RoadMate 860T review:
"While you're navigating your way to your next destination, there's no reason you can't entertain yourself along the way. The Magellan RoadMate 860T Multimedia GPS Travel Companion lets you do exactly that. With a built-in MP3 player and photo viewer, along with Magellan's leading GPS navigation system, there's nothing quite like the RoadMate 860T for your next road trip. This unit retains many of the features of the RoadMate 800, but adds something special, called Magellan TrafficKit. With TrafficKit, you can get live traffic incident reports, which helps you improve your navigation decisions and quickly reroutes you around trouble spots."
Compare prices on the Magellan RoadMate 860T
Here's what others are saying about the RoadMate 860T:
- PC Magazine is the first to hit the web with a hands-on Magellan RoadMate 860T review, giving it a weak 3 out of 5 star rating.
- The first Magellan RoadMate 860T review has been posted by users at Amazon.
I'll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other helpful resources:
- A PDF version of the Magellan RoadMate 860T owners manual.
- 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.
- Want to see how the RoadMate 860T stacks up against other units? Use this mobile Magellan GPS comparison tool.
Compare prices on the Magellan RoadMate 860T at these merchants:
- Check the current Magellan RoadMate 860T price at Amazon.com.
- Get a great deal on the Magellan RoadMate 860T at eBay!
From the official Magellan RoadMate 860T web page:
Avoid traffic with LIVE incident reports1 and automatic rerouting around trouble spots! The Magellan®: RoadMateTM 860T offers superior GPS guidance with easy-to-use touch screen menus and turn-by-turn voice prompts including street names (North America only). Enter an address or select a point of interest to instantly route to virtually any destination with everything you need to avoid accidents, road work and more as you travel. SmartDetourTM automatically reroutes around sudden freeway slow-downs.
Built-in detailed street maps and over six million pre-loaded points of interest make it easy to find the nearest restaurant, gas station, ATM, airport and more. It has never been easier or more fun to get around town or take long trips to distant locations. And if traveling abroad is in your plans, this GPS system comes pre-loaded with detailed maps of twenty-seven European countries that can be unlocked for a fee.
The “birds-eye" 3D view enables you to clearly see your surroundings with unique onscreen icons which show nearby services. Simply touch an icon to view address and phone numbers so you can call ahead for information and reservations.
It's easy to plan trips with multiple stops. Enter each destination and let your Magellan RoadMate optimize the most direct route between them from your current location. Rearrange the order, add or remove stops along the way and save your customized route for future trips.
Plus, you can take entertainment on the go with integrated music player, picture viewer and rechargeable battery.
It's the ultimate travel and multi-media partner.
1Annual subscription fee applies after introductory period.
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