November 1, 2007

Magellan RoadMate 1200

GPS Tracklog is talking about the stealth-ily launched Magellan Roadmate 1200 model.... "What?!" you say? Yea, that's what I thought too. The unit is an entry model unit with a limited number of features going for it, and a price to match. The unit uses a 3.5-inch screen, and 48-state maps + Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The unit looks a lot like a slimmed down Magellan Maestro 3100.

There's got to be something more to having this, because if you are trying to get a low price on a Magellan, you can go with the Maestro 3100 for less than $200, while the new RoadMate 1200 is currently priced ABOVE $200. As the RoadMate 1200 becomes available maybe the prices will drop faster than the Maestro can. This could be a way to get unique models to a few select retailers so they can claim lowest price on a Magellan, or simply a Black Friday GPS Deal type move.

Update: More from the Magellan Website below:

Magellan, one of the fastest-growing GPS manufacturers in the world, today unveils its Magellan RoadMate 1200 at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association (SEMA) event in Las Vegas. The Magellan RoadMate 1200 features an ultra-slim, pocket-sized form factor that offers “turn it on and go” auto navigation functionality. This, combined with its attractive retail price of just $229.00, makes the Magellan RoadMate one of the most compelling entry-level GPS units in the industry.

The new Magellan RoadMate 1200 is designed for easy portability and features a brand new sleek pocket-sized form factor, a full-size 3.5” bright, anti-glare touch screen and a simple, intuitive user interface designed for fast input with a minimal amount of keystrokes. It also features a clutter-free menu and map screens that incorporate stylish icons and graphics that are clear and crisp to the user.

“IDC expects vendors to ship 20.3 million units worldwide in 2007, meaning hundreds of thousands of consumers will either purchase or receive a GPS unit this holiday season,” said Christian Bubenheim, vice president of product marketing for Magellan. “With a price that consumers can afford, the Magellan Roadmate 1200 delivers a highly portable design and powerful features, making it one of the most sought out holiday gifts for 2007.”

In North America, the Magellan RoadMate 1200 comes preloaded with the latest NavTeq maps, which cover the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It also features 1.3 million points of interest (POI) data, such as gas/petrol stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, airports and more, with contact details such as phone number, address and the travel distance.

The Magellan Roadmate 1200 will retail for just $229.99.
Complete details can be found at www.magellangps.com.

All new Magellan RoadMate 1200 models feature:

1. New 3.5” QVGA full-color, anti-glare touch-screen display

2. Acclaimed easy to use, intuitive user interface

3. Fast and precise SiRF® GPS chipset delivering superior
GPS performance and navigation
4. 2D and 3D Mapviews with auto day / night mode switching

5. Trip computer and Trip planner

6. QuickSpell™ intelligently searches and checks spelling when entering addresses

7. SmartDetourTM prompts drivers to route around heavy or stationary traffic

8. SD card slot for maps

9. USB port for PC connection, power

The Magellan RoadMate 1200 ships with a windshield mount and cradle, a 12V car power cigarette lighter adapter, an adhesive disk for alternative on dash mounting and a quick reference and user manual. For additional accessories, including cases, pouches and additional mounting options, visit http://www.magellangps.com.