Satellite navigation systems come in varied shapes and sizes and in an attempt to differentiate themselves every manufacturer brings out new products with unique features and design. Magellan with its in-car GPS system Roadmate 6000T makes it big. 

Physical

Magellan looks compact measuring 121.9 x 96.5 x 35.6 mm and weighs 307 g. It features a 3.5 inches diagonal touch screen with high resolution and the transflective TFT screen automatically adjusts to light conditions. It comes with built-in antenna and a handy SD card slot for storing unlimited data. The keypad consists of eight direct access keys in addition to power, repeat, volume and reset buttons. The operating range varies from 14 to 140 degree Fahrenheit.

Performance

Magellan Roadmate 6000T is the first satellite navigation to feature integrated receiver for LIVE traffic incident reports. The Bluetooth wireless technology allows making handsfree calls with your Bluetooth enabled phone. The microphone and built-in speakers make answering incoming calls easier.

You are never left alone with Magellan Roadmate 6000T. It guides you safely to your destination with turn by turn directions. With six million points of interest, the intuitive touch screen user interface allows you to enter or select an address. The points of interest include restaurants, gas stations, shopping centres and more, indicated by icons. You can get the phone numbers and detailed information just at the touch of an icon. You can save the points of interest in the address book to receive instant messages wherever you are. It comes with standard or “bird eye” 3D view that provides a clear perspective of the location.

Advanced Navigational Features

Magellan Roadmate 6000T not only comes with basic features, but with some higher end features as well.  It includes SmartDetourTM that directs you to an alternate route when there is snarl-up. The SayWhereTM text to speech announces street names, eliminating the need to gaze the screen as you drive. You can plan a trip with optimised routes using their Multi-Destination routing and Route Optimisation.

The entertainment features include MP3 player and a photo viewer. The rechargeable Li-ion battery enables enjoying entertainment on the move even if there is no power. The battery life lasts up to 4 hours.

Pros

• Intelligent Address Finder
• Unlimited Bluetooth Options such as setting an address book

Cons

• 10 individual unnecessary buttons when there is touch screen feature
• Lack of clear graphics for map setting
• Abbreviated Road Names

Verdict

Magellan Roadmate 600T comes with tempting specifications, and features such as address finder and Bluetooth are appealing. However, like all other products this road navigator is also packed with some drawbacks and ignoring them, it is easy to use and a perfect road companion.

Specifications

Physical Aspects

• Weight – 307g w/battery
• Size - 121.9 x 96.5 x 35.6 mm
• Display 3.5" diagonal touch screen: transflective TFT, full-colour, high resolution, backlit, automatically adjusts to light conditions.
• SD Card Compatible
• Antenna – built-in
• Eight Direction Access Keys, volume, power, reset and repeat buttons
• Operating Range – 14 to 140 degree Fahrenheit

Features

• Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity
• Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance
• 27 European Country Maps
• Points of interest database
• 20 Channel SiRF Star III, WAAS/EGNOS enabled
• Compatibility: MP3 and WMA audio, JPEG, JPG and BMP images
• Live FM TMC updates
• Trip Planner
• Speed Camera locations for France, UK and Germany