Magellan CrossoverGPS (The GPS Formerly Known as the RoadMate2500T)

Magellan introduced their new Magellan CrossoverGPS, previously called the RoadMate 2500T, paving the way for multi-talented GPS units to strut their stuff both on the road and in the wilderness. The unit is pre-loaded with streetmaps and TOPO maps, and is waterproof to get you from your front door to the cabin door in comfort. This should be an interesting implementation and one that might do well as an auto gps, but suffer the consequences of trying to do too much when taken off-road. My key concern would be size, but I’ll delay judgment until I see the unit and use it.

More information from the press release follows:

Vehicle Navigation
Magellan CrossoverGPS (previously referred to as the Magellan RoadMate™ 2500T) offers voice-and text-prompted turn-by-turn driving directions with pre-loaded street-level maps for the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The easy-to-use system features a 3.5 inch color touch-screen display with a 3-D birds-eye map view. The vehicle navigation mode delivers the fee-free SmartDetour™ feature to help drivers route around freeway traffic; SayWhere™ directions with audible street names for extra driving confidence; and optimized multi-destination routing for the quickest and most efficient routes when making several stops. Its searchable directory of nearly 2 million points of interest helps users easily find restaurants, lodging, gas stations, banks and other useful businesses and services. The system also provides a MP3 player and photo viewer for added entertainment value as a travel companion. In addition, users have the option to add real-time traffic capabilities to avoid delays and get to their destination faster.

Outdoor Navigation
To help users find their way through land areas without streets, Magellan CrossoverGPS delivers pre-loaded topographic contour maps, plus the ability to create and go to waypoints and routes or backtrack. The outdoor navigation mode provides guidance using GPS coordinates for geographical locations, such as the latitude and longitude of a starting point and a desired destination. Other convenient features, like the compass screen and the ability to save a base camp location, make the Magellan CrossoverGPS easy to use even for novice navigators. The integrated battery lasts up to eight hours for extended cord-free operation during outdoor activities.

Add Lakes Data, Marine Charts or Extra Topographic Detail
Similar to Magellan GPS receivers for outdoor navigation, the CrossoverGPS allows users to load mapping software via optional SD memory cards to enhance navigation capabilities for hiking, off-road excursions and water sports. The Magellan software line provides additional topographic maps to enhance the detail of the topo content preloaded on the Magellan Crossover. In addition, Magellan MapSend Lakes and MapSend BlueNav XL3 provide useful information like fishing hot spots and marine charts for saltwater activities.

Add Real-Time Traffic Capabilities
Available in early 2007, the optional Magellan TrafficKit will allow the Magellan CrossoverGPS to display map screen icons that show traffic jams and conditions that impede the normal flow of traffic, such as accidents road construction and lane reductions. Drivers are automatically rerouted around traffic unless they choose to see traffic alerts for information only. Drivers can also choose to see all or specific types of incidents, and can learn details about each by touching the associated icon. The TrafficKit will retail for $99, which includes three months of traffic service.

Small, powerful and portable, the Magellan CrossoverGPS measures 3.4 x 4.3 x 1.1 and weighs 8.5 ounces. The system has a built-in lanyard hook and ships with a Sports Guard™ sleeve for easy gripping and protection in any environment. For information on Magellan Crossover accessories or other Magellan navigation products, visit www.magellanGPS.com.

November 1, 2006

Magellan CrossoverGPS (The GPS Formerly Known as the RoadMate2500T)