Magellan - Roadmate 2000 GPS Device Review

I bought this GPS to help me when I was a traveling saleswoman. Definitely MUCH better than online maps and directions printout! The GPS is easy to use and fits perfectly on my dashboard. It's big enough for me to properly see where I'm going, but not too big that it obstructs my view of the road.

The voice commands are great, it helps me pay more attention to when I should start getting back in the right lane on the highway before it's too late. The only thing is that at times, the voice commands and screen instructions do not match the actual map instruction. For example, I see the road highlighted clearly shows that I should make a right turn ahead, but the on-screen next turn instructions says I should keep going straight and so do the voice commands. I have found that in this case, you should follow the map directions, which does make you wonder at time why you have voice commands if you always have to double check the directions.

I like the different routing functions on the unit, such as Fastest Route, Shortest Route, Most Use of Highways, Least Use of Highways, and Avoid Tolls. What is also a life-saver is the Re-Routing function! If you miss a turn or choose to go another way, the GPS automatically picks up on that and gives you it's best route from that point. There is a day/night time mode, which makes viewing easier at night since the screen is not so bright.

I love being able to plan out my route ahead of time, especially as a saleswoman. I just input all of the addresses the night before in a "Trip", and the next day, I can just select my trip and go from place to place without waisting time entering the addresses. The "Points of Interest" has helped me find the closes gas stations, grocery stores, specific restaurants, hotels where to pick up clients, parks to eat my sandwich, etc.

The battery life is decent and can last a while, but don't forget the charger! I was ecstatic to find an update of the maps online after a couple of years (I was hoping to fix the voice commands/map discrepancies) but I was appalled at the price - $80!!! I wonder why I got the USB cable at all, because quite frankly, for the price of the update, I would rather buy a new unit with a new warranty, just in case. However, the customer service was helpful with me when I had problems getting satellite signal and sent me a replacement piece that broke off at no charge.

I have used this GPS a lot and overall I am very happy with its performance. It has always taken me to the exact location, or within a few feet of it. Apart from the discrepancies between the voice and map commands, which can be solved by following the map directions, I love this unit. I'll keep using it until it's worn out or absolutely out of date!