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Customer Review :
really 3.5
Good product for the price, but don't expect anything spectacular! It's slow to connect to the satellite, which also implies it's not going to work everywhere! The routes were often not the quickest, most accurate, or best-- but will get you where you're going. Some addresses (e.g. for 911) were not accurate-- maybe because of rural location? Nice size, but not the best product avaialble. Depending on how much you use a device liek this --- a phone GPS programm may be a better option. Note, I really think 3.5 stars would be more accurate -- and even at that the high number of stars is based on price more than anything!
Rating : 
Okay GPS...Still Prefer my TomTom
This GPS is an okay unit and will get you where you want to go eventually but not always the quickest/best route. I live in rural Alabama and don't require the use of a GPS often but when I did attempt to use this GPS it has several problems.
It took a very long time to connect to the sattelite upon start-up. I tried several times to save my home address only to find out that this unit doesn't recognize the 911 addresses that have been in place for over 5 years. I had to use the sattelite coordinates settings for my home. My TomTom One immediately recognized our 911 addresses and even recognizes National Forest Road Numbers. I contacted Magellan to bring this problem to their attention and was basically informed that their mapping system is different and they have no plans to update and to continue using my TomTom. What kind of company tells you to continue using another product? Customer Service was rude and provided no help.
I attemped to use the GPS to go to several known addresses using quickest route and the GPS directions were not accurate and actually added miles to my route.
For a basic beginner GPS this is okay but I still prefer my TomTom and will continue to use it.
Rating :
Great No-Frills Starter GPS
Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation devices were expensive luxury items only a few years ago. But with advancements in technology, these devices have become far more powerful and much less expensive these days. Because of these factors, GPS sales are on the rise, and the major GPS manufacturers are scurrying to cover all the bases and offer all of the desired features at attractive price points. While some of these devices also act as MP3 music players, show picture slideshows, and even offer Bluetooth connectivity with your cell phone, not all of us desire these frills or want to pay for things we really don't need. For those of us that just want a simple GPS navigation aid, to help us get to our intended destinations, and don't want to overwhelm our bank account to acquire such an item, Magellan offers the low cost RoadMate 1210; a no-frills pocket-size navigation device with a 3.5-inch color touch screen.
The Magellan RoadMate 1210 comes preloaded with maps and points of interest for the contiguous 48 United States, as well as Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It offers a OneTouch favorites menu, providing instant access to your favorite places and searches, and makes it easy to search for your favorite points of interest, such as a restaurant, hotel, store, etc. Entering your destination is easy with the touch screen keyboard, although it is NOT a standard QWERTY style keyboard like most of the higher end GPS devices offer. With Magellan's "QuickSpell with SmartCity search" feature, the device will simplify your address entry by auto-completing your address and city searches based on matches in its built-in database.
The 1210's accuracy is rated at 10-16 feet (3 to 5 meters), and the built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery will last from 2 to 3 hours, based on brightness setting of the display. The unit measures roughly 3.1" H x 3.7" W x 0.7" D, and weighs merely 4.9 oz. Of course the outer case is made of "high-impact" plastic, which is pretty common among most GPS devices manufactured today. The box contains the following: RoadMate 1210 GPS receiver, windshield mount, adhesive disc for dash mounting, vehicle power adapter, and a very basic user handbook. The handbook is more of a quick start guide, so if you want detailed information and instructions for this device you will need to download the full operator's manual from the Magellan website.
After using this device for a couple of weeks I had some real mixed feelings. I have tested and used several different GPS devices over the past few years, from many different manufacturers, so I have experienced everything from the most basic to some very feature rich models. The RoadMate 1210 is closer to the bottom of the barrel when it comes to included features. No bells and whistles here folks. The 1210 will get you there but it does so in modest style. Powering up the device and waiting for it to acquire satellites typically takes between 30 to 60 seconds, which can seem like an eternity when you are in a hurry. Entering addresses into the 1210 was a bit tedious, as I am so used to using a QWERTY style computer keyboard every day. Still, the auto-complete address feature worked nicely, usually requiring me to just start typing a few letters and it would discover the correct street name and/or city for me. Navigating with the 1210 was just as easy. The somewhat smallish 3.5" display is bright, colorful and easy to read. The voice commands are clear and easy to understand, with simple "turn left" or "turn right" type audible navigational direction. Since the 1210 does not include Text-to-Speech technology, this device will not read off street names. As with any GPS, this device will not always take you to your destination in the way you feel is most practical. But in the 12 test trips I made with the RoadMate 1210, it always got me to the correct location.
For the price I feel that the Magellan RoadMate 1210 is a pretty good buy. Although you can't expect the feature set normally found on higher priced models, Magellan still should have at least included the specific USB cable that is needed to hook the device up to your computer. This cable is needed for performing software and map updates, as well as adding more points of interest. When a cable is required to perform necessary updates to keep the item current, I think that cable should be included with the product. There is just no excuse for this exclusion. If you wish to take advantage of live traffic updates then Magellan makes you buy a special adapter, which lists for roughly eighty bucks. Ouch, that adapter costs nearly as much as the GPS device itself! Overall I think this particular model is aimed at those looking for their first GPS. While I prefer a larger LCD display, the 3.5" display of the RoadMate 1210 is adequate, provided you have it mounted fairly close to you. However, the lack of text-to-speech is a big issue for me. I don't like to have to take my eyes off the road to look for street names, and the majority of GPS navigation devices today include the text-to-speech feature, which announces the street names for you. This device will simply tell you things like "Turn left in 100 feet." Well what if you experience multiple cross streets in a busy city; which one are you supposed to turn left onto? Well for a few bucks more you can get a GPS that speaks the name of streets for you, and I would highly recommend that upgrade to everyone. For instance, the Magellan RoadMate 1220 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator is the next model up from the 1210, and it includes text-to-speech street name announcing for just a few extra dollars. While not a perfect 5 star product, the Magellan RoadMate 1210 is a decent performer and will help guide you to your destinations reliably.
Rating :
Nice entry level is GPS
Does the Magellan 1210 have every bell and whistle of the the higher end Garmin Nuvi, or even the other Magellan products: No of course not. But does it provide more than adequate utility at a very competitive price point: absolutely!
Set-up is a snap as the unit comes fully charged, and the bright, good sized 3.5" screen features intuitive menus and a surprisingly good auto-complete feature. To date, I have found path-finding to be solid, but I would not discount other reports of inaccurate or erratic routes as I haven't really put this to a complicated test.
Moreover, if there is one feature that is sorely missed, it is the voice reporting of street names. While this is admittedly not a feature that is claimed, it is nonetheless much easier to navigate via GPS when the street name is announced, particularly in urban environments where streets have little spacing between them. Of course there are other bells and whistles that are lacking, but more than anything this is something that would prompt me to upgrade to at least the next level.
That said, the Magellan 1210 is very competitively priced, and if you are looking for a basic entry point for a GPS unit, I can recommend it without reservation.
Jake Mohlman
Rating :
Can't Go Wrong At This Price
I've been a Garmin user for many years, and this is my first experience with a Magellan GPS. Given that I'm used to a wide screen, the screen on this RoadMate 1210 seemed tiny to me, but other users who've never used a wide screen may not even notice. (the size of the screen by no means detracts from any of the 1210's functions)
Pros:
- it was very easy to set up and worked right out of the box. If you've ever used any brand GPS before, you'll have no problems using this one and getting around all the functions within minutes. Otherwise, just download the PDF user guide available on the Amazon page.
- I really liked the QuickSpell with SmartCity search. Once you've entered the city, and start entering the screen, the GPS starts to guess which street you have in mind from its map database, and removes the letters that are not available.
- The GPS does not say street names (but most basic models don;t), but otherwise the voice was easy to understand
- Once you start navigating, this little icon with a gas station picture appears on the screen. If you select the icon, you can see the closest gas stations, restaurants. I thought this was a nifty feature since you can easily click on that icon instead of going back to the main menu to find the same information.
- I had a couple misdirected directions - such as when I needed to find the nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond, and the GPS sent me to a middle school - but overall the directions were accurate. I think any GPS can make mistakes, especially with finding a specific business since those open and close so often. Entering an address is your best bet.
Cons:
- not the fastest start-up time, and at one point I stood in my driveway for 5 minutes before the GPS found a signal
- I was not crazy with the re-routing function on this GPS. At one point, I missed my destination and my last GPS would have done a quick re-route and allowed me to get back to where I needed to be. The RoadMate 1210 stalled for a while and I had to keep driving aimlessly while it tried to re-route, and then it seemed to give up altogether...not sure if maybe mine had a glitch...
- as mentioned by other reviewers, all the advertised extra features actually cost EXTRA, but I guess you can't expect too many bells and whistles for this price
As my title states, I don't think you can go wrong at this price - especially if this is your first experience with a GPS. The RoadMate does the job it's supposed to, and gets you where you need to be - 99% of the time anyway. I think it's a good starting point, but once you get the hang of it, you'll probably want to upgrade to a nicer unit with more features.
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Editorial Review :
TomTom is going for the ultimate in portability with the 2008 ONE 130 by integrating a nifty fold-out mount right into the devices. No more trying to figure out where to stash that big, clunky mount in your car -- just pop it off, fold it up and carry the whole thing in your pocket. Of course, the ONE 130 series also features the plug and play ease of use, rock-solid navigation, and sleek designs we've come to expect from TomTom. Easy to Use right out of the boxClear Directions from the sensitive touchscreen display with turn by turn spoken directionsTomTom Map Share lets you instantly modify street names, street direction and POIs on your own device and benefit from others' corrections"Help Me!" Emergency Menu gives one-touch access to local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitalsPreloaded Complete Maps of the US and Canada with TeleAtlas dataEasyPort mount is foldable and slim for easy portabilityPOI icons easily find gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more along your route. Customize by adding your own points of interestTomTom HOME free software is a landing page for your TomTom on your computer that ensures that your TomTom is always up-to-date and access additional featuresQuickGPSfix speeds up the time it takes to fix your GPS position to help you drive off more quickly.Traffic-Capable with optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delaysDaily Fuel Prices, available as an optional service, finds the lowest priced gas on your route
Customer Review :
very nice GPS
This is a very good product from TOMTOM
1. very easy to use
2. recalculates the roads very fast (compared to other GPS)
3. 2D/3D views are there
4. night mode is there
5. it can be connected to PC for regular updates (though the maps are a bit old and can not be upgraded fir free of cost - but that does not create any problem to me)
6. It will not tell you the name of the roads (ONE 130S does) but show you the name(current road / next road / freeway / exit / road speed limit / your speed limit / time to destinations etc)
7. the battery is not very good; need to plug in to the charger to start
8. Its as good as new (though factory refurbished)
9. got a $20 mail in rebate easily
10. value for $ is more than 100%
11. Less POI (not a problem for me)
12. serves the basic purpose with more than 100% satisfaction
Rating :
not accurate
After a 3.5 hour download to update maps (on dsl) it got me off the interstate 4 miles south of the destination and proclaimed I have reached my destination in the middle of the woods. It also tried to put me back on the interstate two times in different locations going the wrong way, north instead of south. Also two times the resturants that it directed me to were not there.
Rating :
Insane Routing
I bought this in a pinch (my other unit was in another car) and I used it for 2 trips. On both trips, I knew where I was going but just wanted to make sure I got through some inter-city areas. The Tom-Tom couldn't even get a correct route for the highways. On both trips, the Tom-Tom wanted me to exit to take back roads instead. For example, in going from Chattanooga to Atlanta, you take a highway east for 5 miles then exit on a highway south. I had the unit set to the default "fastest" route. But it had me exit onto country roads which added 30 minutes to the trip. On the second trip, it tried the same thing but I ignored it. And it repeatedly wanted me to exit the highway.
The routing can't be trusted on the Tom-Tom 130. And isn't this the one basic thing that you want from your GPS unit?
Rating :
Disappointed
When the voice is telling you to turn right or left it does NOT name the street, hwy or Exit number, very confusing if there is a split in the highway/road or multiple options.
Rating :
Good to be my second GPS
This is my second GPS, my first one was a Garmin eTrex Vista, so this one is better in almost every sense. I really like this GPS, I have used it a couple of times and it has found every POI I have entered it. The mainly reason I bought it is because my wife is new to the city we live in. So I thought it will be good not to spend too much money on a state of the art GPS, this one does its job and it does it really good. My wife has not complained about it, she really like it.
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