Key points:
Text-to-speech
6 million POIs
Windshield and dashboard mount included
Trip planner
Accurate GPS positioning
Slow start-up and POI search time
Smaller 4.3-inch touchscreen difficult to see and input commands on
User-friendly interface
A straightforward portable navigation device, Magellan's RoadMate 1412 will reliably get you where you want to go. And, since it's a dedicated no-nonsense product, it does this without additional features to get in your way. Priced as an entry level PND, the compact unit measures just 4.57" x 3.27" x 0.73" and at 7.1 ounces is lightweight enough to tote with you on summer travels.
The 1412 comes with a suction cup mount for your windshield and, for states like California and Minnesota where mounting devices on your windshield is illegal, Magellan has also included a disc to mount the PND to your dashboard. The cradle makes snapping the RoadMate 1412 in and out of the mount a, well, snap.
Other included items include a cigarette lighter adapter, warranty information and manual on CD. You don't have to bother trucking to your computer to access this info if you don't want to. You don't need to actually read the manual to get navigation -- the RoadMate 1412 couldn't be easier to use.
The colorful graphic user interface has three simple but efficient main commands on the start-up screen: Show Map, Enter Address and Points of Interest. No explanation needed. When inputting an address, the unit selectively narrows down your choices so you don't necessarily have to spell out the entire city name or street.
Routing and rerouting is quick and efficient with no unusual quirks. If you have multiple destinations on your itinerary you can program them in all ahead of time using the trip planner feature.
One stellar aspect of Magellan's units is the spot-on GPS positioning. With every navigation command, the 1412 rings chimes so there is no doubt whether you're making the correct turn or getting off on the right exit.
Points of Interests (POIs) also don't disappoint. The database is extensive and up to date. The Magellan RoadMate1412 also includes POIs for when you're driving down the freeway. These POIs display what businesses are off each exit. The only complaint had with the POIs is that the search time is uncommonly long.
Despite its downfalls (i.e., long POI search, small screen...) the Magellan RoadMate 1412 will not disappoint. If you're in the market for a no-nonsense navi that won't hurt your budget, try the RoadMate 1412.
www.magellanGPS.com
Check out some of the other portable navigation devices we've reviewed recently:
Tom Tom Go 930i