The Magellan RoadMate 1412 GPS is hard to beat for getting to where you want to go. I am an independent agri-businessman and I call on clients within my tri-state region. The Magellan RoadMate 1412 GPS has saved me time and fuel costs. For anybody out there who owns a diesel truck, the fact that the once cheapest fuel has skyrocketed to $5 a gallon knows getting lost is not an option. The RoadMate 1412 gives me the quickest route, helps me avoid road construction and traffic jams. Most of all it has saves me time and money for fuel.

The RoadMate has text to speech capabilities and a unique QuickSpell function. I can type in a name or address and the RoadMate 1412 corrects any misspelled words. The time it takes for the unit to lock on to a satellite is within seconds. I personally find the 4.3-inch touchscreen menu and route displays straightforward and easy to read. While I am driving, I can get voice turn-by-turn directions.

The SmartDetour function warns me about traffic jams or slowing traffic and gives me options to change my route if any are available. I purchased the Magellan RoadMate for less than $200 and used a manufacturer's coupon for $50. The net outlay for the Magellan RoadMate 1412 was less than $150.

Magellan RoadMate 1412 Features:

The 4.3-inch widescreen touchscreen display has an anti-glare coating that really helps when driving at day break when I start my day. There is nothing more beautiful than the sun rising from the hills and there is nothing more blinding than an early morning sunrise. I have the Magellan RoadMate 1412 mounted on the dash because there are local laws barring windshield mounted devices.

The RoadMate 1412 has an address book feature that I use for repeat customers. Over the past six months I have been adding all of my contacts. Currently, I can type in a name and my RoadMate 1412 immediately displays where I am and provides a route to the client. My RoadMate 1412 has become my Rolodex, mapping and expense report rolled into one device.

Magellan RoadMate 1412 comes with a SD card with maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The maps I care about in my region are up to date. Many of devices I looked at while trying to decide on a GPS were outdated. I find the Magellan unit has about the closest to current mapping that is available. There are over six million points of interest available through the mapping feature. It will tell you where the closest ATM, bank, restaurant or gas station is from your location. If a new business opens up, I am able to enter it into the device.

The voice direction feature is really outstanding. I have worked around farm equipment since I was eight-years old and my high-end hearing is wrecked. The voice utilized by the Magellan RoadMate 1412 GPS is clear and loud enough so I can hear the voice instructions. Some devices use voices that to me are virtually inaudible. I can hear all of the voice instructions, traffic warnings without any difficulty whatsoever. For my use, this feature is indispensable.

The Magellan RoadMate 1412 comes with a car charger adapter, an SD card with maps and a handy set up guide. It is abundantly easy to set up the device. The battery life is around 3-hours, but with the car charger I never have to worry about running out of juice. The only thing lacking is an A/C charger for the house. I purchased a A/C charger and a dash board mount for very little cost.

The Magellan RoadMate 1412 is a great buy and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable GPS.