Strengths: Very easy to use, intuitive. Internal rechargeable battery. Great multi-destination feature. Bright clear color screen, clear sound. Recalculates destination if you get off track.

Weaknesses: CD Documentation could be better, however, it is so intuitive, don't really need to use.

Summary: This is a great portable GPS. Great for novice or non-techie. Take it out the box and begin using. Everything is pre-loaded. Has internal rechargeable battery (using AC power and car charger). The multi-destination feature is great for those that spend a lot of time on the road visiting customers. Just add addresses in any order and optimize! It provides the most efficient use of your time and gas. Other features include mp3 and display photos via SD card. The screen is clear and bright, voice is clear. Has multiple views for your destination. A bit pricey which is why i did not give it 5 stars. 4.5 stars appropriate. If you're looking for an excellent portable GPS and the price works, this is a winner!

Strengths: ease of use, preloaded maps, intuitive controls

Weaknesses: useless mp3 player and photo player

Summary: I recently spent 4 mos. in Louisiana, where street signs are nearly none existent. I borrowed a Magellan 700 from a co-worker, used it 12 hrs a day for 114 days straight, and cut my drive time by 70%. This series is the best. GPS manufacturers think no one uses the Mac OS, so buying a unit dependent on a computer to load maps is out of the question. The Magellan is pre-loaded with all of the US, as well as PR and the USVI, and Europe. I go to Europe often enough that this is a nice bonus. Having to pay an extra $249.00 to access the European maps already embedded in a device I already own is usury. I would rather they left out the useless photo viewer and mp3 player (if you can afford a Magellan, I'll bet there's a stereo in your car...). I'm looking for a way to dim the controls at night. and i would prefer they were red rather than bright sapphire blue. The windshield mount is included with the 800, I guess because enough 700 owners spoke up. Mine is broken (it came unglued). When Magellan opens tomorrow, I'll call them. So, drop the doo-dads, increase the attention to what folks use a GPS for, acknowledge there are Mac users in the world (otherwise, all included software is useless, and a waste) so we can add our own POI's, etc., and this is a nice unit. One of the accessories, the windshield mount, was DOA. Magellan's phones were incredibly backed up. i found a different cs number on their website, which connected me with a live person in a matter of minutes. My new parts will be here soon. The customer service rep was friendly and knowledgable, and even offered some useful product info regarding my co-worker's RM 700. I also learned that the 760 has features not found on the 800, but the 800 has the battery, which the others do not. So, there is no clear "top of the line" at Magellan, but enough choices to allow you to buy what you need. I'm still pretty certain I'll stick to my car stereo and iPod for music and use the Magellan only for navigation.

Strengths: Voice routing very good, 2 mile turn warning, 1/2 mile turn warning, ding-ding at turn. Moving maps are cool!

Weaknesses: Slow to acquire signal, short battery life, re-routing in known area is awful, can't preload LAT/LONG on Computer, can only select one waypoint at a time.

Summary: Not what I was expecting for my first commercial GPS, very disappointed! (Experienced in jet GPS systems) List of observed weaknesses: 1. Slow to acquire signal 2. Short battery life 30 minute max 3. Re-routing in known area is awful as the voice pesters you to turnaround when you know there is a shorter / better way 4. Can't preload LAT/LONG on Computer--big disappointment 5. Can only select one waypoint at a time. Online description implies you can select multiple waypoints at the same time. 6. Routing via a street crossing / lat long not possible 7. Too bright at night and no external knob to adjust---have to go to software menu to adjust 8. Menus get stuck in do loop when selecting routing 9. Menu structure poorly designed 10. Poor documentation and included software for such an expensive device 11. Previewing routing on device is awkward Bought this GPS for my wife and she loves its simplicity. I was expecting more fidelity for the money.

Strengths: Easy to use, voice prompts, visual display, re-chargeable battery

Weaknesses: none.

Summary: This item was easy to use out of the box. Many of the "complaints" I read in other reviews were not the case with me. Although there is very little in the way of instructions, I was able to figure out how to use the unit while waiting at a stop light. It worked wonderfully and I have used it to go to known locations to get a feel for the unit. When I went off the scheduled directions, the unit would re-route within seconds. The voice prompts, display, etc. make this easy to use. I wonder why they added the MP3 player and camera accessories; maybe they should add a (useless) toaster on the next model. Magellan should stick with what they do best (GPS system) rather than adding useless add-ons. Another plus is the rechargeable battery which allows you to load in addresses without having to be plugged into the car charger.

Strengths: Out the box

Weaknesses:

Summary: It was easy to use out the box. Plugged it in & learned to use in a couple of minutes. I haven't yet tried the MP3 - however, I didn't purchase it for that - the GPS system. I love the fact that it locates me whereever I am.

Strengths: Works with batteries and cigarette lighter adapter. Easy to follow directions. Voice prompts excellent. We have tried many GPS Systems and by far the RoadMate 800 Automotive GPS System is the best.

Weaknesses: Screen could be bigger.

Summary: The RoadMate 800 Automotive GPS System is by far the best GPS system we have owned and used. If the screen were a little bigger it would be the perfect product. We have enjoyed it immensely and would not ever consider traveling with out it.

Strengths: Everything you need to start using out of the box; color display; maps pre-loaded; 6 million POI's!; portable (use in multiple vehicles); light weight; load pictures from digital camera memory card

Weaknesses: Too many menu steps on some tasks; dim display in bright sun; some edit features are difficult; no need for MP3 player

Summary: I first used a RM700 (loaned by a friend) on a trip to Florida and quickly became hooked on having a gadget that pretty much prevents getting lost and losing valuable vacation time searching for places. I decided the RM800 was worth the upgrade from the RM700 and so I now do not have to borrow a GPS unit from a friend anymore. I bought this unit primarily for my wife who usually calls me several times during trips to the big city asking for directions (not easy to help over the phone!). This device is easy to use, has so many POI's pre-installed, and is non-intimidating to a non-techie that my wife took off using it like a pro the first time she used it. This is an outstanding unit that make your fear of getting lost disappear into the sunset.

Strengths: Easy out of the box use.

Weaknesses: System sometimes locks in the routing function. Very accurate; sometimes it instructs you to pass the location you want; gives a warning at .2 miles and tells which side of street it is on.

Summary: I've used this for 2 weeks and I'm extremely pleased with it. As an RV I really appreciate the camping database when I happen to need to stop before my planned destination. One time problem of being instructed to continue on a dead end street, this was a city street. Highway use was flawless makes it very easy to navigate through a city environment.

Strengths: So far so good.

Weaknesses: Nothing yet!

Summary: Because of the typically high price on the 800, I was thinking of getting the 300 or the 760. I had borrowed the 760 from a friend of mine and there is a big difference in the 800. I noticed there was a delay on the 760 with registering the location in some places. Also, the gooseneck wasn't included in the 760 so the one purchased separately was always coming off the windshield. I think Magellan realized they needed to include it so now it's an original item. The suction on the 800 gooseneck is great. So far no problems. Another new feature on the 800 is it shows other landmarks besides the road you're driving on. I haven't tried the photo or mp3 player yet. I don't really see any need for that addition, but I guess they had to do something to stay ahead of the GPS game. I'm glad I paid a few extra dollars for the 800. The upgrades they've made from the 760 are well worth it.

Strengths: Great out of box performance.Great maps and points of interest.Turn warning.Auto adjustment for day/night

Weaknesses: Detour feature is tempting but took me off the highway and onto 25 mph side streets.No hard copy of manual.Too bright at night.On/Off button is easily pressed when carrying in a backpack.

Summary: The maps and Points of Interest would persuade me to buy this unit again so I am rating as Very good - would purchase again. I did not rate it One of the best - highly recommended as there are units with larger screens and I have not evaluated these newer units. I found this unit to be a good buy for the price. 1. I found it easy to take out of the box and use immediately without reading any directions. 2. Great maps and points of interest. User can see points of interest as you drive. User can select types of points of interest. For example, we had car trouble, this gps located a car dealershop while our other built-in gps wanted us to go to a car dealership much further away. This was impressive. I believe maps were more up to date than the built-in unit in our car. 3. I liked the turn warning. The default is 2 mi. and .5 mi. I believe this is configurable but I was very happy with the default setting. 4. It quickly acquired my location. This was much better than my previous unit. 5. I used it in rainy whether and it worked flawlessly. 6. I found the Detour Feature to be both good and evil. It can take you out of the way on small 25 mph streets. This option kept popping up when I hit traffic on the highway. I finally couldn't resist and tried it. It made my trip longer, oh well. Good idea but be cautious if you use it. 7. No hard copy of manual. This would be nice to have for reference if you are on vacation. 8. I found routing to be great for the most part. I missed turns and for the most part re-routing was good. We did have two bad routes. One lead us past our destination on the right only to make a u-turn and then left turn into the location. The other took us on surface streets rather than the freeway. Other than that routing was great. 9. The unit has an auto adjustment for day/night driving. I thought the timing of night mode was great. However, it was very bright at night and illuminated the rear seat of the car where my baby was sleeping. I had to turn the unit off to get my baby to go to sleep in the back seat. I think brightness is adjustable but out of the box it was too bright for us. 10. The on/off button is too sensitive. I've found the gps on after putting it in my bag. This kills the batteries.

Strengths: Easy to operate, good visual information, portable, suction cup holds the GPS well, touch screen is a bonus

Weaknesses: Volume not incredibly loud, takes "most use of freeways" quite literally!

Summary: I have used 3 GPS systems in the past 2 years - a Pharos GPS for my Dell Axim, a Garmin StreetPilot III, and the Magellan RoadMate 800. Of them all, I've found the RoadMate to have the best interface, display, and performance. The included suction cup mount looks somewhat fragile, but holds the GPS well. The anti-glare screen works well, and even the rear seat passengers can see the GPS information. The split-screen (for turns, etc) is a little annoying at first, but not very distracting after awhile. With numerous category choices, and the ability to scroll to a destination, push the screen, and route to it, this GPS is pretty simple to operate. Best of all, the built-in battery prevents the unit from resetting when I restart my car (unlike other units). Some RoadMate 700 users I know say that their Magellan takes too long to acquire satellites, but I had no problem with my 800 ready to go in less than a minute.The low volume is a little concerning, especially when the radio is on for the traffic reports. Also, when I told the RoadMate to "Route using most highways", it took me quite literally and wanted to route me tens of miles out of the direct path to get to my destination. Use the "shortest time" or "shortest distance" feature instead.I have no reason to use the built-in MP3 player or photo viewer. I can see no reason why Magellan included these except for marketing purposes.

Strengths: Intuitive UI, great touch screen, look and feel very similar to NeverLost from Hertz.

Weaknesses: Car charger catastrophically failed after only 8-10 hours of use. Unit complained that battery charge was critically low, then shut off.

Summary: Checked charger (DC lighter adapter), and it was so hot that it would burn your fingers. Also smelled burning plastic. Good thing we were still in the car, or it could have started a fire. Have written to Magellan to see what they will do about this, but cannot recommend due to possible poor safety performance. If the charger is getting hot enough to melt, why isn't it tripping a breaker or fuse? Why isn't there one in the charger itself? Very disappointed with an otherwise excellent unit.

Strengths: gtood voice to lead you

Weaknesses: too expensive for what you get. lousy directions

Summary: This machine tries to get you to turn up a one way ramp onto the highway. it happened twice to me.You pass an exit it suggests and tries to get you to turn right at next road and its the on ramp to highway. It also tried to get me turn down a dirt road when the road turned right further up.Cant tell difference between car or truck or bus like one system has that feature on it and is alot cheaper in price. I will not recommend this to anyone and if i could would get my money back but i am out of luck

Strengths: easy to use

Weaknesses: none

Summary: i got my roadmate 800 two weeks ago. i'm happy with the product so far.i would like to know whether i can update the map software in future...........any response will be highly appreciated.

Strengths: It's a GPS. Traffic re-routing is a nice feature.

Weaknesses: It Freezes up ALL the time!!! Touch screen is dreadful. Wayy too touchySizeGUI 3d mapping not smooth and car goes off the path sometimes.Takes too long to aquire Signal. avg 2 mins

Summary: Freezes up all the time!!It has left me stranded for minutes because it froze and I had to restart it.it takes minutes to find a signal.its big, heavy and cumbersomethe winshield mount is the worst i have ever used. it never sticks.Touch screen is the worst i have ever used. extremely touchy which means you will be going back and hitting cancel a whole lot.Battery life is also dreadful.Stay away from this GPS. I have to update it to see if the software gets better but DEF go with a GARMIN instead.