Rated 
Outdated Map Updates + Hardware (Sound) Failure = Avoid
Started Feb 12, 2006
Strengths: A running unit will help you find your way in most North American Locations
Weaknesses: Outdated Mapping Updates. The Sound Died on my unit.
I have used the technology of the Roadmate through the Hertz Neverlost, and figured it would be worth it to get this unit. I was skeptical about purchasing a new piece of hardware for over $1000 considering it hadn't had any kind of track record before. But, I loved the Neverlost system, so I got it 2 years ago.
Great! At first. Then, I noticed that the sound started sounding strange, like hissing and whatnot. And then, the sound.... just.... failed. No voice prompts, no *ding dong!*
For trying to navigate, try having a GPS unit guide you with no sound. It ain't good. So now I unplugged the unit. Over a grand, and what I understand is that it's hardware failure. It doesn't add up that this unit, 2 years old, could do this. My father has electronics that are from the 1980's and they still work. And they cost alot less than a thousand bucks.
There is also the problem of outdated maps, even though they are sold as updated. Case in point, my 4.26 version software. Try taking the Frederick (MD) exit off I-70 east and there's an exit configuration not in the software. I just bought the software just a few months ago, and there have been a number of routes that aren't working.
In Atlanta just this week, I drove on the exit to reach a hotel north of the city in Lothian on I-20. The unit showed there was a mile to go before the exit but the exit was behind me when I realized that the mapping was wrong there.
I want to swear by the company and the unit I purchased. But it's now a failure. Beware before you buy. At the very least, purchase some kind of product insurance. In the meantime, I have notified Magellan and plan to check with the Better Business Bureau and check on another course of action.
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