How to Choose a Magellan Navigation System

A navigation system for your car can save you in an emergency, help you find a great seafood restaurant, get you back on track, or plot an entire road trip. There are many systems to choose from within the Magellan Company, but it will not take long to narrow your choices down. Here is how to choose a Magellan navigation system for your car.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Make a budget. Most car units cost between two and six hundred dollars, so decide what you’re willing to spend.

2. Check out the Magellan GPS Web site. It has an entire listing of their newest products so you can focus on the products with the features you want and/or need (see Resources below).

3. Decide on two or three products you will research further. You are going to need more input on the units than the company that makes them is offering.

4. Search review sites by performing an Internet search with the word “review” followed by the product name. See what non-biased, third party reviewers thought about the products.

5. Ask your friends. See if anybody you know has the Magellan navigation system you’re considering or at least one similar to it. See what they do and do not like about it.

6. Try it out. When you can, go to your local auto dealer or electronics store and ask for a demo of the product to determine its ease of use.

7. Shop around. Do not just buy the unit from the first retailer you visit. Make sure to check with online stores and local retailers for sales and other discounts.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the Magellan Web site for popular accessories like maps for North America, Mexico and a dashboard unit mount.
• Consider crossover or pocket-sized devices. These can be used in cars and then taken with biking or hiking when you go off road.
• If you plan on using your Magellan navigation system in one area most of the time, make sure you get service in that area and that maps are available for it as well.