Being in the technology industry, it takes a lot to wow this plethora of geekdom. It has happened only twice in recent memory. The first was when I bought my beloved iPod Touch and the second was when I was introduced to the Pandigital Novel eReader. Well a 3rdproduct has now completed this trifecta of infinite “wicked awesomeness”, and that is; The Magellan Premium Car Kit for the iPhone 4, 3G and 3GS as well as the iPod Touch 2g and 3g. (Tested on iPod Touch 2g and 3g)
Ferdinand Magellan was a Portugese explorer born c. 1480, and along with his crew were the first Europeans to enter the Pacific Ocean. They were also the first to successfuly circumnavigate the globe. It is because of his reputation in history, that his name is put on the modern day verson of compasses and astrolabes that he might have used.
Unboxing and setup was uneventful (disregarding my excitement). It came with a windshield mount, an adhesive disk, and a cigarette lighter adapter). Since I have previously reviewed the Magellan Tough Case, I was already armed with the Magellan Roadmate app as well as the AccuTerra application with the maps of NH and MA installed , all I had to do was connect the dots so to speak.
I mounted it in the usual GPS spot (on the center console of my car). It does allow for a windshield option, but I just happen to like its position. You should check with your state for laws regarding mounting any GPS unit on your windshield. A good place to start is HERE.. Once you click on your state, look for “illegal vehicle modifications.”
Within 30 seconds after starting up the Magellan Roadmate app, it found my position and was ready to guide me to my destination. The first place I wanted to go to was home. So I clicked the “one touch” button and selected home. From most points, there are two ways to get to my home, one being shorter than the other. I have clocked both routes and know which one is the shortest. Magellan products are the only products that take that shorter route. While it is only a ½ mile difference, it is still impressive. Other navigation features include realistic 3D landmarks and fully spoken street names. The lane guidance of the Roadmate app is convenient as well, especially when you are on a 4+ lane interstate highway, such as US1 or I-95.
Since it was tested on an iPod, what happens to the music ? Well as you start out your journey, you can also select the music player that is incorporated into the Roadmate app. You can choose to play your music through the device (car kit) speaker, or you can hook it up through your cars’ AUX port. You will not miss a beat, because while you are driving, the music will continuously play. If there is a turn coming up. It automatically pauses the song while it gives you the heads up of what is to come. Once it is done, it resumes playing from where it paused.
Other great features of this include, but are in no way limited to;
- Charging capabilities
- Rotatable for landscape mode
- Adjustable mount can hold most hard and protective cases
- Compatibility with any Navigation or Location based app (iPod needs to have maps onboard)
A full feature list is available HERE.
This is a definite 5-Star accessory for your iPod Touch or iPhone. It’s technology and abilities will amaze you. It will turn your iPod Touch or iPhone in the only device you will need. You can bank with it, you can talk on it, you can surf on it and email on it. Now, you can find your way with it, and even better than before.
Learn more at www.magellangps.com or simply click on over to Amazon.com and just get it.
Car Kit
The other obvious advantage is that installation costs are not incurred. So, while more pricey than a simple headset, portable kits are less expensive than the hardwire kits.