Table Of Contents

1. What's In The Box
2. Mounting the RoadMate 1470 in the Car
3. Turning on the RoadMate 1470 For The First Time
4. Finding An Address
5. Finding A Restaurant
6. Navigating with the Magellan RoadMate 1470
7. AAA TourBook Data
8. OneTouch Menu
9. Traffic
10. Pros
11. Cons
12. Conclusion

Foreword

Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author. I recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision.

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Testing Notes: This review was written using a production, retail boxed version with software version 1.07 installed, and Navstreets version 35.

The unit was testing over several days of real-world driving, both on highways as well as back roads.

1. What's In The Box

Figure 1: Magellan RoadMate 1470 Retail Box

Figure 2: What's Included in the Box

The RoadMate 1470 includes the following items in the box:

• RoadMate 1470 GPS (Pre-loaded with maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico)
• Windshield mount
• Adhesive disc for dash mounting
• Vehicle power adapter
• User handbook
• USB cable

Figure 3: Magellan RoadMate 1470, Front

The RoadMate 1470's large, 4.7-inch LCD display is framed by a piano-black plastic case. Currently, most wide-screen GPS units have a 4.3-inch display. The 1470's larger LCD translates into bigger on-screen buttons that are easier to press, larger text that's easier to read, and a better map screen.

Except for the power switch on the top of the unit, there are no physical controls on the RoadMate 1470. All functions are performed via the touch screen interface.

Figure 4; Magellan RoadMate 1470, Back

The back of the RoadMate 1470's case is made of silver-colored matt plastic. A single, rear-facing speaking is located on the lower-left corner of the back of the device.

The RoadMate 1470's internal speaker is larger than those found on most other GPS devices, and produces deeper, crisper sound without distorting at high volume.

Figure 5: Magellan RoadMate 1470, Top

The power switch is located on the top of the RoadMate 1470.

Measuring 5.2 x 0.7 x 3.3 inches, the RoadMate 1470 is about the same thickness and height as Magellan's Maestro 4000 series, and almost half an inch wider. The 1470 is just slightly thinner than Garmin's nuvi 200 and 700 series units.

Figure 6: Magellan RoadMate 1470, Side

Figure 7: Magellan RoadMate 1470, Bottom

1. Micro SD card slot - A micro SD card is not required to use the RoadMate 1470, and is used only for backup up and restoring data
2. USB Connector - Power input from vehicle power adapter cable, or optional AC power adapter

Figure 8: Windshield Mount

The RoadMate 1470 uses an updated windshield mount that's smaller and easier to use compared to Magellan's previous mounts.

The lever at the base of the mount locks down to secure the suction cup to the glass on your windshield, and the ring around the ball and socket style joint can be tightened or loosened, as needed.

Figure 9: RoadMate 1470, Docked in the Windshield Mount

The RoadMate 1470 attaches to the windshield mount by sliding the GPS downloads on the cradle so that the slot on the back of the RoadMate aligns with the tab on the cradle. Then slide the GPS all the way down until it rest on the two 'feet', and you hear a click.

Figure 10: Vehicle Power Adapter

The included 12v vehicle power adapter is unusually large, considering it doesn't contain a built-in traffic receiver.

Figure 11: Standard Mini-USB Cable

A USB cable is used to connect the RoadMate to your PC and install firmware or mapping updates.

Figure 12: Adhesive Mounting Disc

An adhesive mounting disc is included for those who wish to mount the GPS on the dashboard instead of using a windshield mount. I don't recommend this, since the mounting disc can be difficult to remove later, but Magellan includes one just in case.