Magellan RoadMate 2036 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My first GPS (Garmin 255wt) was stolen, so there went $170 and a window. Then I went to Garmin 765, which was ok, but I didn't like what I paid for Bluetooth that didn't work well. Then I went to a Garmin 1250, which was basic, but somewhat slow and worthless. In March I fell for the Motonav, which was awesome, except for the fact that it couldn't recognize a traffic jam on I95 if it was sitting in it for an hour. That went back, then I used the 1250 until I found the TomTom XL 350. TomTom has the best traffic and the smartest routes, but.... yeah, the fun ends there.
So, after 8 months, I decided to try the Magellan 2036. Lifetime traffic and a great price, plus lots of features, so what the heck? Oddly, the first sales guy at BestBuy way back when recommended Magellan to me, but I went Garmin. Lets just say I won't be buying another GPS for awhile.
In a nutshell, I really can't name anything I dislike about this unit, which is amazing, because I am picky. Fast satellite acquisition? CHECK! Great user interface? CHECK! Smart routing? CHECK! Excellent traffic interface? CHECK! It just does everything right. Garmin has a nice UI as well, but the Magellan is just a cut above.
Some highlights:
- The ONE TOUCH screen is awesome. Add favorites, searches, etc., all accessible from hitting one button. This is a simple item that you will use endlessly.
- POI searches are fast and the presentation is gorgeous. Search "coffee" and you not only get Starbucks, Dunkin, etc., but you also get their logos. The logos are great. Makes it easy to see what is what and they are just snazzy.
- AAA searches and reviews are also very nice, but not as expansive.
- The user interface is great. Touchscreen is responsive, keyboard is nice, everything flows.
- Scrolling the map and changing views couldn't be easier.
- Magellan 3D view is superior to all others.
- Map scrolls and zooms are super fast. Movement is always smooth.
- Plenty of options and they easy to find and set.
- The mount is easily the best of the bunch!!
Negatives:
- POI searches are static, while Garmin and Motorola update as you drive. Minor niggle.
- Can't change the triangle to a car or the voice to something sexy and British.
- NAVTEQ traffic instead of Clear Channel, but the NAVTEQ on Magellan somehow crushes Garmin. I can't explain it.
I got this on sale for $129. It was a steal and I'd recommend it to anybody.

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