Magellan has announced the RoadMate 1475T, their first product with lifetime traffic. The 1475T is identical to the RoadMate 1470 I recently (and favorably) reviewed, with the addition of the traffic receiver. It carries a suggested retail price of $299 and will be available immediately.
Read on for the news release:
Following the recent release of the Magellan RoadMate series, MiTAC Digital Corp. is introducing the Magellan RoadMate 1475T to round-out the highly acclaimed series. In addition to the premium features available in the 4.7" Magellan RoadMate 1470, the Magellan RoadMate 1475T is equipped with traffic – enabled device (VPA) that offers subscription free, real-time traffic alerts, incidents and road congestion reports.
The free traffic solution is ad supported, where valuable offers and promotions of participating companies are delivered conveniently to the user. "Magellan is committed to providing navigation solutions that provide the best possible experience to consumers," said Mike Wagner, senior director of product marketing for Magellan. "The new Magellan RoadMate 1475T takes that commitment to the next level by offering users an enhanced ease-of-use and convenience with premium features like the built-in traffic link and the exclusive OneTouch user interface."
Like all new models in the Magellan RoadMate series, the Magellan RoadMate 1475T offers the revolutionary OneTouch(TM) favorites menu that puts personally selected addresses and searches just one click away. After the user identify and store preferred banks, restaurants and other destinations into the OneTouch favorites menu, the user can instantly obtain directions to closest preferred destinations anywhere they travel.
The Magellan RoadMate series also gives users searchable AAA TourBook(R) listings that include AAA Diamond Rated restaurants and lodgings, along with attractions, events and campgrounds – taking the guesswork out of planning a trip. Users can also access listings for AAA-Approved Auto Repair shops and businesses that offer AAA member discounts. All listings include the exact GPS location.
The new series also provides a toll-free menu for AAA members to access North America’s largest roadside assistance network.
The new Magellan RoadMate 1475T offers the following features:
- New 4.7-inch, WQVGA – color, anti-glare touch-screen display in an ultra-thin design
- Acclaimed easy-to-use OneTouch favorites drop-down menu with personalized search icons to easily find favorite places
- Features AAA TourBook listings and member Roadside Assistance menu
- 6 million points of interest (POI)
- Spoken street name guidance tells the user the street name and which way to turn before each maneuver
- Highway Lane Assist points the user in the right direction and ensures the correct lane will be chosen before the next interchange or exit
- Highway Exit POI search let the user find gas stations, restaurants and hotels near upcoming exits
- QuickSpell(R) with New SmartCity Search intelligently narrows searches and checks spelling when entering addresses
- Offers multi-destination routing with route optimization lets the user plan trips with multiple stops in the order they want or optimize a trip for the most efficient route, saving them time and money
- Includes NAVTEQ(R) maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico
The manufacturer’s suggested price for the Magellan RoadMate 1475T is $299.00 and is available for purchase. The Magellan RoadMate series ships with a windshield mount; a 12-volt vehicle power adapter; an adhesive disk for alternative, on-dash mounting; and a quick reference guide. For additional accessories, including cases, pouches and additional mounting options, visit www.MagellanGPS.com. Map updates for Magellan products can be purchased separately.
About Rich Owings
“My feeling is completely opposite. I will go out of my way to patronize Best Western Or Red Lobster. (I also got a couple of Red Lobster Flashes inviting me over this past Friday night). I feel that they are sponsoring my free traffic, AND I APPRECIATE IT. If the ad was blanking out the screen or a 1/4 of the screen or an 1/8 of the screen I could perhaps see some annoyance. But 3/16 of an inch? Robert you have a right to your preference as do I. Analytically speaking however, I agree with Spitfire, it is a very petty quibble.”
There you go dude – you’re seeing what I’m seeing – same point here
Guess everyone else is selfish to have everything free and go their way as well
I would complain if I am to pay $10.00 a month (remember that in the past?) and have to see the banner as well
But it’s free – scratching each other’s back – it’s strictly business and no brainer deal – works for everyone but not for rest of the customers – I’m shocked and confused
“Right, I get it. To have ‘free’ traffic I need to see ads. Something that isnt explicit in the product description.
But I have traffic turned off, and still see the ads. That is my issue.”
Understood – go ahead and share this feedback to Magellan to modify it to release new firmware with understanding if traffic is disabled then turn off the ads..
Hey folks,
After I played with the settings – so far *thumbs up* I’m happy with it
FYI: my background is in information technology with all fields and years of experience in computer field
It’s all about playing / experimenting / testing and give feedback to Magellan to release new firmware
I just played with setting GPS position – looks like it fixed the lag issue (that most of you claimed) – it’s pretty much accurate especially I turned off the auto zoom feature and zoom out a bit to see the upcoming turn to make..
It’s working nicely as I like to see – am gonna keep this nice toy for a long time
Unless Magellan release new GPS to be able to be tracked in case my GPS get stolen again – I can track this sucker to bust the theif
Just my 2 cents – I’m giving this product 2 thumbs up!
Wow guys…I posted something very early in this forum, mainly to say that I really liked the unit but the lag was very annoying. I wound up keeping the Magellan over returning and getting a Garmin 265 only because I saw one in action and it sucked.
So a few things–
1) The Lag issue is annoying but it is not the end of the world. The audio part works great in terms of turns it is just behind visually sometimes 30 feet. I have adjusted to this and live on. Spitfire—you mentioned a way that you may have corrected (or at least minimized this issue)—can you explain what you did by ‘playing with the GPS position’?
2) Magellan Support-overall I am okay with their service. They were very responseful when I logged the problem with the lag but after 3 emails back and forth they tell me that they turned it over to the right dept. I have had nothing back in a month. I also work in the IT field, and this looks like to me a classic case of sweep it under the carpet and hope that the customer does not pursue. I am hopeful that they see this forum and realize it is a problem with their unit..and they should fix it, but again–it is not the end of the world.
3) Ads-reiterating what others have said—deal with it. Nothing is free in life and any expectation as such is foolish, especially in the commercial market. The ads pop up for just a few seconds, I take a quick glance and it is gone….again, it is not the end of the world.
I have had the unit for about 2 months now (bought at BJ’s right before Thanksgiving) and other than lag, have never had a problem. True I am not driving hunderds of miles a day, but it does get used—and whether once or dozens of times, it is what it is—again, it a GPS—lets keep it in perspective.
I am sure that this post will trigger dozens of responses and so be it—it is personal preference—you can not please everyone all the time—
I posted a couple weeks ago about the software problems my 1475 appeared to have and was savaged by self-appointed magellan net police. Hoping he’s off at a donut shop now.
So, to finalize this for anyone interested, the problems with the 1475 (software V2.20) make its release beyond comprehension. To wit:
a) when zooming is auto and “normal” is “wide view”, unit does not return to normal after zooming in at an intersection. That one is pretty obvious. And massively annoying. Software problem.
b) sometimes it misses letters when I type; it SAYS them, it just doesn’t enter them. ?!! Software problem.
c) the voice mumbles at it gets further along. Its like getting directions from a teenager! “Turn right” is clear as a bell. “… in 0.5 miles” is subtly quieter”. “…Onto Tahanto Trail” is quieter still. Another software problem.
d) I can’t find documentation for the reset switch. Maybe it exists, I just can’t find it. The scary thing is that it’s part of the on/off switch so if I accidentally slide the switch to reset, does the unit smoke like Mr Phelp’s Mission Impossible tape recorder?
e) The unit often lags, but not always. And it has become lost once or twice. And it stopped tracking a couple times and had to be nudged.
Sorry, folks, I think a company who can release a product in this state does not deserve our money. Well, at least not mine. It’s inexcusable.
Wasn’t sure the state of things in the commercial GPS world, so I bought a Garmin 755T, about $50 more, to see if the product execution is as crappy. It’s not. The Garmin does exactly what it says it does. Haven’t run into any noticeable bugs. It unzooms, for example, and it doesn’t mumble. (You can even download different voices.
) The 755T has some really cool features, including a media player and FM transmitter you can use to pipe to your car radio. And some other nifty ideas. It has an “eco” mode that gives a route with best gas milage and monitors your driving to improve that. Etc. Both have traffic notices (and issues) and lane advice. By and large, however, I have to say I like the Magellan 1475′s user interface somewhat better. And the ability to add multiple destinations on the Magellan is head and shoulders above that of the Garmin.
But at the end of the day, the Garmin 755 works like a champ and the Magellan 1475 works like a prototype. Money is a bit scarce around here at the moment (the 1475 was a christmas gift), but spending $50 to get a unit that works was money well spent. The Magellan goes back to Costco this week.
No flames, please.
I use both 755WT and 1475T when I travel. 755WT has better traffic signal, inaccurate touch screen and simple(boring)sreen, no POIs display on screen, and much much lack of lane assist. From VA to Orland it only display lane assist only about 6 times.
Magellan 1475T has nice POIs on screen, One Touch is plus. Better search/find function, specially do much better on Find along on the Route, When I do in Garmin, it got stuck on search mode more than 20 mins that I have to reset it. Lane assit come up every main interstate HWY. I setup one touch with Flying J, Wal-mart, Camping and many frequen use POI in the One Touch Feature. try to do(spell) it in Garmin when you driving in 70+ mph.
Overall, I have to use both GPS to satisfy what I need in the road. Can someone combine the goods of these 2 into one?????
I use Garmin when I am home. Use Magellan in travel plus Garmin for Traffic info.
Has there been any firmware updates to clear up the 2.2 bricking and the lag of the vehicle on the screen ? Also, the 1475T is currently $149.99 at BJ’s…is it worth it with these problems? Does anyone know if the identical (but smaller screen) 1445T has any of the above mentioned problems? How is the routing ? I read the new company who bought Magellan (maybe here?) last year is already trying to unload it. Is it worth taking a gamble on a Magellan? These units are visually nicer than the others except for my friends’ Navigon. Need I settle for a Garmin?
Hey again,
I just got back from long road trip – 1475T did great job – noticed after I reset the gps position – it has greatly reduced the potential lag and much more accurate on the position instead of up to 100 ft off
But since I got new one after my gps stolen – didn’t upgrade the firmware yet because I don’t need voice.
The point is when I upgraded firmware on first gps – the gps position is no longer there, correct?
Like I said – I turned off the “auto zoom” feature and map viewing size – shift one step back instead of default view
Bingo the trick did work but again not sure if I should upgrade the firmware yet
The traffic report is pretty accurate here in Seattle
Has anyone checked out the new Cydle T45H online? You may have to go to their site as reviews are not in yet. I was in the market for the Garmin 755T/765T or the Magellan 1475T but may hold out for the Cydle.
Read this before you do:
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=17350
Rich, somehow I liked the look and feel of the previous GPS Tracklog website better than this current iteration—or is the difference due to me now using Windows 7? Nonetheless, they say change is inevitable but in this case it is not for the better.
Sorry to hear that. Is it just the look, or does it have something to do with function? I’d love to get more feedback from you. Also, did you see the post about the new design? Perhaps it will help… http://gpstracklog.com/2010/02/new-look-for-gps-tracklog.html
just a heads up , since the traffic isn’t really free (ad supported) I was able to turn off traffic an the ads by using a regular cable (5v lighter adapter to mini USB) and no more ads! again, nowhere on the packaging or site do they tell you it’s adsupported , this could be a class action waiting to happen….
Having spent way too much time already researching PNDs I have a few questions to ask the from the collective wisdom of this group before making my final decision. Firstly, about me, this will be my first PND. All my life I’ve navigated using paper maps and and Google Maps. I have only used a PND twice in my life, both was through rentals via Hertz, which basically is a Magellan device. The first time I used it was in Brussels and got a bit lost despite the device because I have never used one before and I didn’t have a paper map as backup!
Anyway, reason for getting a device now – I travel for work a lot and getting just a bit tired of carrying paper maps, which requires advance planning of the route I need to take. Most of my travels are major US cities, although London and Brussels is always on the list.
My main requirements:
1) segment avoidance (e.g. I don’t want to take I-95 to New York) – this is very important for me because, being a female traveler I don’t want to be driving through neighbourhoods I shouldn’t be in.
2) some form of traffic info and ability to re-route
3) early and multiple warnings of upcoming turn to take
4) lane assist (junction view is bonus but not required)
5) basic pedestrian mode is very nice to have but I also have Google Mobile Maps on my Blackberry so I can fall back on that or onto StreetWise/StreetSmart laminated maps (which I own anyway for the cities I travel to often like New York and London)
Not important:
1) bluetooth
2) extras like MP3, photos, etc.
3) Pin-point accuracy isn’t a big deal, consumer PNDs will always have a margin of error
So, it is down to the following devices:
Magellan RoadMate 1475T or Maestro 4700
Garmin nuvi 765T/775T or 1490T
They all have their own pros/cons and problems.
Based on my research, what I do like about the Magellan is the ability to explicitly tell it avoid one or more roads in the set of maneuvers it had mapped out and will re-route. Does any of the Garmin have this feature? On a Garmin I know you can specify “avoid highways” but that’s not what I want.
That said, what I can’t find any information on is whether the Magellan can be used in a basic pedestrian mode? I know most of the Garim, based on research, can do that (at least the ones on my short list) and the newer 12xx, 13xx, and 14xx models also supports enhanced pedestrian features.
I’d also like to hear others thoughts on total-cost-of-ownership. In other words what’s the cost of map updates for the life of my owning the device? I see that Garmin now has a “lifetime map” upgrade program for what seems to be reasonable cost, but what’s about Magellan?
After all the reviews, comments, etc., on the various websites, including this one, the above is my short list, and my “short short” list is RM 1475T vs. nuvi 1490T.
I’m looking for any thoughts people have on my choices and answers to my three questions above. Thanks in advance.
After having the 1475T for 2 months now, I am very impressed with it. I’ve used it on 4 business trips, and it has done a fantastic job. One time, it did get a bit off track when I made a slight detour to grab a bite to eat. I had time to spare, and finding where I was heading was easy, so I followed it just to see what it would do. It took me in the wrong direction when I returned to the main road, but just for two streets, them had me make 3 right turns followed by a left to take me back on route. That was strange, but much less worse than a previously borrowed TomTom which got totally lost in Seattle, going off freeway and in circles. Even in the Washington State wilderness, the 1475 was right on. And the lane assist was fantastic and invaluable.
As for the Best Western ads, which is all I have seen so far … as long as they are not vocal, who cares! They appear briefly, almost transparent, and I have not seen them that much as I tend to watch the road as I drive, with occasional glances to the gps screen, but not to stare at it. It has also been great finding various stores in nearby cities. In fact, I used it once returning home from the airport after a trip. My wife had picked me up at the airport and we knew traffic was a nightmare on the 55 Fwy on a Friday evening at 6pm. So I plugged in the 1475 before leaving the airport and told it take me home with least use of freeways. It was fantastic! Definitely beat sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway. I’ve used it around town some to see what it would select when I went a different route. Which brings up another very strong point of the 1475. It doesn’t say it’s recalculating, but within a half block of taking a different turn that it suggests it comes right up with the proper next turn and uses the road you wish instead of trying to take you back to the road it wants to go on, as the TomTom was so fond of doing.
Neil, thank you very much for sharing your experience after 2 months use. Your last statement is very encouraging as it shows the device is “flexible”. Based on all the comments I’ve read here and on another forum, and someone on another forum confirming that the Garmin cannot accommodate explicit route exclusions from a list of maneuvers I will spring for the RM 1475T and give it a try. Thanks.
You are quite welcome InBoston
I honestly am enjoying the use of the 1475T both at home and on trips. I got it for business trips, mine all being in California and Washington states where our clients are. It really has performed extremely well. I’ll be using it again next week for a trip in Northern California, San Jose to Hollister CA, and between Hollister where the courthouse is and Gilroy where I’m spending the two weeks. It will come in handy finding restaurants as well as guiding me from and back to the airport in San Jose, an area I am not the least familiar with. Yes I know the way to San Jose, Southwest Airlines … but not my way around there 
Well.. I went with this unit (Magellan 1475T)over the Nuvi 265WT. First of all, I went to the Costco in Cranberry Twp, PA (north of pIttsburgh) and they had already sent back all of the 1470′s in 1475T boxes. So the unit I received was the proper one. After one day on the road for sales calls I can honestly say that with the new software (2.20), this unit is FAST! It’s very intuitive, easy to use, and has a fast re-routing time. Also, it seems to just be quick when you navigate through it’s screens. Anyway, so far so good!
I bought a Magellan 1475T from Costco here in Los Angeles in November 2009. I upgraded to 2.2 software right after buying it. I liked the unit as it was very sleak and a decent size. Prior to this, I used to have a Plenio 7″ one that was stolen. My biggest problem was the lag. Although the lag is few seconds (may be 2-3) that translate to missing an exit or taking a turn. I go to all unknown places taking my son for audition. and it simply didn’t do the job. So eventually I returned it. Hoping that they must have fixed the issue by now, I bought another one from Costco last week. It has the exact same problem. It simply is not working for me because of the stupid lag. How can they mke a machine that fail to do the basic thing that it is supposed to be doing at the first place. Why have they not fixed it after this long.
Anyone is aware of any solution. If I can get the lag issue resolved I would like to keep it. I don’t mind the Best Western ad. Have no other complain.
Thanks for your help.
Ron,
it would appear that you are alone with this complaint as a two to three lag is unacceptable and renders the unit virtually worthless. Tell me, does the chime lag too?
I have no problems with my 1470/1475T (not quite sure which model), it works great and even exceed expectations. Perhaps you should consider firmware 2.03 (if still available). I downloaded it last November and it made a great unit even better.
I was under the impression that this lag is an established issue and some folks are willing to live with it and others may have found some solution. I was thinking the company must have done something about it. The chime, I don’t know. I’ll pay attention the next time I use it.
So you have no lag issue? Have to wait till weekend to do some research and check the 2.03 firware. Thx.
Ron, do you actually watch the screen as you’re driving … or keep your eyes on the road and go mostly by the audio prompts? I would hope the latter as you are driving in the L.A. area and may be on the same roads as me.
At any rate try turning off the auto-zoom at turns, and perhaps zoom out just a tad, one click from default, rather than looking at a close-up view. When zoomed out I find the display to be quite accurate. In either case though, the voice saying you are approaching your turn is just before the turn itself and is not a block or two off. Then the chime announcing the turn is pretty much right on 99% of the time, if not better. And if you do make a wrong turn, the 1475T is extremely fast and competent adjusting and getting you back on track without making you double back if possible.
On my current trip, the 1475T did a perfect job despite the construction detours at San Jose airport. I put my faith in it and followed its directions rather than trying to figure out the off road screen display, and it got me right through the confusing task of trying to exit the airport. I mean turns I was supposed to take were closed roads with detours going off in different directions. San Jose is about the worst airport I’ve encountered yet. The 1475T took me to Hollister, my destination, with ease.
Hi, I believe you are correct that the “lag” is an established issue. Its mentioned in other previous posts regarding the 1475T. From reading the posts in this site and others, it seems the lag is related to firmware 2.20. So if you have an earlier firmware versions, you won’t have the lag issue. Also, I don’t believe you can go back to an earlier version of the firmware once you’ve installed 2.20 (this is what I gather from the things I’ve read online).
Found at Costco for $129, also on Amazon for $149. The Costco price includes a $20 instant rebate that expires later this month…
I attempted to download the software update on my 1475T, which by the way I have been using with great success. I have had 1 or 2 instances of the unit locking up, but restarting solves it. The ad is a pain, but I can adjust. However, when I updated, explicitly following their instructions, my GPS was locked. It would not advance past the opening screen. I re-tried it and no change. I then called Magellan. When I explained the problem to them, the person immediately, without hesitation, and unquestioningly said that the unit must be returned and I would receive a new one! What? I have never heard of anything being this easy!!! It makes be believe that they were aware that there was this problem, knew that it was a fatal flaw, and did nothing to change it or make people aware!! Does anyone have any information or similar experience. I just get a bad feeling. If I could, I might take it back, but beyond the time frame. Thanks!
I returned my Magellan 1475T after about a week. I purchased a garmin Nuvi 780 which was ranked the #1 gps at top ten gps. it comes with MSN direct which gives you the same traffic info without the ads, plus weather and a whole lot more. it has an mp3 player that plays through your car stereo, and bluetooth for hands free cell phone calling through the gps, and much much more than the Magellan and although the Garmin sells for around $350.00 to $500.00 I found it on Amazon.com (brand new in the box, not refurbished) for $169.00 with free shipping, and no tax. It is far superior to the Magellan 1475T.
Only problem is that the subscription to MSNdirect is free for 90 days, then it is a one time payment of $29.00. until January 1, 2012, at which time the service will cease to exist unless there is a replacement. however, the MSN direct hrdware is in the power cord just like the traffic hardware is in the power cord of the Magellan 1475T is in the power cord. (without the power cord you have no traffic updates). That is why a new power cord for the Magellan 1475T is $69.00.
Perhaps if Costco charged a 20-percent restocking fee you wouldn’t be so cavalier and apathetic about returning the unit. It won’t be long before you’ll be saying the same thing about the Garmin 780. A GPS is designed to give navigational directions from point A to B. Anything else is fluff and worth paying for.
Nonetheless, have fun with your Garmin.
Phieus, I think you hit a tender spot. You know what they say … the truth hurts
Perhaps you should mind your own business and get a real life!!!
I bought mine at BJs at the beginning of March after favorable responses about this unit from some folks on this thread, particularly Neil. Now, I made sure that it was the 2nd edition unit (i.e. serial beginning with 079) which has the integrated traffic receiver, therefore no need for a “special” power cord with the traffic receiver dongle.
I did not upgrade the firmware right away to 2.20. I tested it driving around locally and I found that it is accurate and recalculates route quickly when I deliberately not follow it’s directions. Secondly I don’t set it to the most detailed zoom because I like to “see ahead”. I set it to 1 or 2 levels above the most detailed level and set it so it does not zoom after a turn (I find that feature very annoying). I did not find considerable lag. Secondly if you listen to the voice prompts it provides sufficient lead time notices about the next turn.
I successfully upgraded the firmware with no problems, took all of 10 mins or so. Again, I had no problems with the unit. The accuracy is sufficient for me. I loaned it to my brother-in-law who was visiting town in a rental car and he successfully used it – now he’s tempted to buy one for himself. I used it yesterday to head to an event in a town that I’ve never been to before and it was accurate in telling me where to turn, staying on the correct side of the interstate, etc.
For the $160 (with taxes) that I spent on this, it is a great value unit. Most importantly for me in choosing this over Garmin is being able to tell it to avoid a certain road in the route list it comes up with.
I am happy with it.
Hey again,
I’ve been laughing about people who complained about this product and switched to different brand (garmin, tomtom, etc)
I’m still enjoying this product Magellan Roadmate 1475T – past few weeks, I’ve been traveling thousands more miles especially in Alaska – it still rocks! No lag issue and has been accurate without any problem
Like myself and others have said – turn off the auto zoom and step back one step to have better viewing on what’s upcoming turn(s) and it’s working well
Like I said if you know how to work it around to get this to work – it’ll work just fine like it has been for me
One more thing – more of you are talking about luxury features such as mp3, and other add ons to GPS like Garmin or whoever is selling
Question is what if MP3 is not working properly or doesn’t have same features as mp3 player alone – I don’t think it’s worth extra bucks to have all in one product – I never believe in all in one crap but good luck folks *shrugged*
I just need a working gps but big screen and its features – this product does the job I need