
Magellan recently added eight new RoadMate portable car GPS models to its 2010 lineup, including 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen 2000-series models, 4.7-inch screen 3000-series models (model 3065 shown here), and a new, 5-inch screen 5054 model. Prices range from $169 to $299. It’s a very competitive market, with Garmin and TomTom launching new models, and smartphone apps improving steadily, so Magellan aggressively added new features. These include free lifetime traffic detection and avoidance, and free lifetime map updates, depending on the model purchased (higher-end models offer more freebies). Other distinguishing features include AAA Tourbook (a Magellan exclusive), a traffic wake-up function that can be set to pre-load traffic conditions before you get in your car, automated mileage tracking for business purposes.