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Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM

Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LMSeveral years ago before GPS systems were available for purchase and use by the average consumer, the news media reported a story about a family who lost their way in a large city. Before the driver realized how far off they were from their destination, the travelers found themselves in gang territory. While they tried to find the way to a safer neighborhood, shots were fired and at least one family member died.

This never has to happen again. While having a GPS in the car assists drivers in finding their way, the Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM helps them arrive at their destinations safely and on time. The RoadMate 5175T-LM not only offers a traveler’s TourDirector feature that assists in navigating unfamiliar areas, the 5-inch GPS also has Wi-Fi availability to keep the traveler connected. The Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM is ready to go right out of the packaging with six million interest points included along with maps of the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada.

This GPS navigation device is configured with a 5-inch resistive touch screen and WVGA resolution for easier viewing. The only actual control button is found at the top edge of the RoadMate 5175T-LM. The Mini-USB port is located on the bottom border and is used to both charge the unit and to connect with a computer in order to update maps and software. The microSD card slot, also along the bottom border of the unit, allows the user to expand the memory of the RoadMate 5175T-LM for more maps and information.

Cons: The Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM has an accelerometer that allows it to be held in either portrait or landscape positions. However, in the portrait position, the RoadMate 5175T-LM can only be rotated clockwise because the GPS antenna must always be pointed upward. The web browser doesn’t lend itself to browsing for any length of time. Also, when using the TourDirector, the person accessing the information finds that destinations are seen based on nearness and not either popularity or other ratings.

Pros: The RoadMate 5175T-LM Traveler offers a unit lifetime of traffic data and map updates. With the TourDirector, the user effectively plans travel time, sets itineraries and checks out local attractions. The Wi-Fi feature gives users the opportunity to both browse the Internet and update the software.

Included with the unit is the Mini-USB to full size USB cable required to connect the RoadMate 5175T-LM Traveler to the computer. A mounting cradle with suction cup is also included with the RoadMate 5175T-LM Traveler to allow the unit to be mounted on the dashboard or windshield. While traveling and hooked up, a 12 volt to Mini-USB adapter powers as well as charges the unit.

With the OneTouch sceen, Wi-Fi connectivity, lifetime map updates and navigator capabilities with live, spoken, turn-by-turn updates, the Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM provides a handy, easy to use GPS unit with a price, ranging from $199 to $246.49, that makes it a must have to help the driver arrive safely.