Fletch
Excellent write up as always, you offer better detail and user information than Magellan!
I have to disagree with you regarding one comment you made.
"The CrossoverGPS isn't nearly as capable as a dedicated handheld GPS, such as Garmin's GPSMAP CSx (which by itself costs the same amount as the CrossoverGPS). If you're doing serious geocaching, the CrossoverGPS isn't going to replace your handheld anytime soon."
This is only true since the CrossoverGPS is not ship with the more detail Topo mapping software, but you can add the more detail Magellan Topo software and it will be just as good as any handheld GPS system. I think the purpose for this unit is so one does not have to buy or carry multiple GPS units for different purposes.
As always, there is never going to be a perfect unit for everyone, but Magellan have picked up their pace and seems to be offering new products every few months which is exciting.
The only issue I find is that for those of us in this field, we are having a difficult time remember and keeping up with what unit offers what features.
I carry the CrossoverGPS unit as an all purpose PND unit personally, if I was to go camping, skiing, boating and only wish to carry one GPS unit, the CrossoverGPS is the obvious choice.
Magellan have came up with an all purpose GPS at a price everyone can afford which is great. I personally appreciate what Magellan have done so far with offering desired PND systems at an affordable price.

I notice the pictures shown on this review does not show the hand lanyard slot, shown in the 2500T..has it been deleted?
Thanks, great review as usual.

Fletch,

Good review, but there are two points I take issue with.

First, you mention that the POI capability of this unit is better than the much larger (but older) database in the Garmin Nuvi 660/680. You chock this up to the fact that the Magellan uses newer NAVTEQ data when in fact that real reason is that the Magellan products in general just do a much better job on POI's. I base this point on the fact that ALL the older Magellan GPS's are equally good at POI identification despite the fact that they ALSO use the same (or older) NAVTEQ database that the Nuvi series uses. Furthermore, the Nuvi series fails to find MANY long established POI's dating back well before automotive GPS's even existed. Your review should give credit where credit is due.

Second, you rank the routing engine as "good" versus the Nuvi's as "excellent," even while admitting that the Magellan system is more accurate in its time estimates. The Magellan system also tells you which side of the street to find your destination, which many other products don't do at all. Further, your hypothetical tests don't take into account the real mistakes that the Nuvi system falls prey to.

For example, The Nuvi 660 had me exit a major street only to have me get right back on it to continue on my route. Even my old Magellan Roadmate 700 never made a mistake like that, and I suspect the new Magellans use the same routing engine. Also, the Nuvi system, when presented with two similar Interstate options is too aggressive in trying to make you choose the one it likes best, even if you've already chosen the alternative and are well on your way down the alternative choice. The Nuvi 660 tried for almost 40 miles to make me go back to the other interstate, even though that would have added at least an hour to my trip. This is one example where telling the Magellan to use "Most use of freeways" would quickly overcome this shortcoming, but you never mention the power of this feature (which the Nuvi lacks). If the Nuvi 660 had this option, it would have quickly given up on trying to send me back to the other interstate.

I would be more than happy to email you details of the route in question so that you can plug it in to all the GPS's you test and post results. This is the same route that I noticed how poor the Nuvi's POI system is, by comparison to not only my old Roadmate 700, but also to a Roadmate 800 we had running alongside the Nuvi. Let me know if you'd like the info.

Hypothetical routes provide only so much information for comparison, but there is no substitute for real world testing, especially in areas that you may already know present problems in navigation.

That is not to say that the Roadmate 700/800 has never failed to navigate properly, but in my experience the failures have always been on a relatively minor scale, while the Nuvi 660's routing engine repeatedly made some major errors. That to me is not what I'd classify as an "excellent" routing engine, especially when the "time to destination" estimates are consistently wrong (by your own admission)...

For those who may think I hate Garmin products it's only fair to add that I own a GPS60cs that I love (except for the lack of an SD expansion slot) and I was extremely impressed with the Nuvi 660's feature set and quality of operation in all ways except the most important one ... it's ability to navigate accurately. I hated having to return it, but I've been spoiled by my old Magellans...

Regards,

Exactly Steve.

I hate how the Nuvi 660 does the same thing to me you describe. Takes me off a freeway for 1/2 mile through local streets with traffic lights and then puts me back on to the SAME freeway again. Insane.

If you want the most accurate GPS NAVIGATION unit? Buy ANY Magellan GPS.

If you want the nicest looking screen? By a Garmin Nuvi.

I prefer getting to my destination accurately. This is why I use Magellan 6000T. And with more routing options.

Is it possible to download tracklogs to a computer with this unit? I had a RoadMate 360 and I know that I couldn't with that, but since this has the outdoor features, I am hoping it will be different.

very very nice review you
anserd all of my Q & A. ill
buy one now thanks....

TIM - Magellan does not provide a utility to download tracklogs to the PC from the CrossoverGPS. However, you can connect the CrossoverGPS to your PC via USB and browse the entire file system. So in theory, if you could figure out where it stored the tracklogs, you could open them manually on the PC manually. Haven't personally tried this, however, so I can't vouch for it.
--FLETCH

Fletch,
Very good review! I ordered a Crossover based on your review. I then tried to order the detailed Topo map on SD but only found the one for France listed on the Magellan website. Where can I get the North American Topo SD? Thanks,
Tom

I just called Magellan, and they state that they will be releasing their MapSend Topo 3D USA on SD card in June 07.

And thanks for the outstanding review. On your write-up I ordered one.

Really excellent work. I have been bouncing around the web trying to find some INFORMATIVE information on which GPS to purchase. I have never owned one before. At first I wanted the Crossover, (I sometimes go hiking with the kids, and if I were to get hurt or something, the 10 year old could backtrack out) but the smallish POI scared me. I own a diesel pickup and often push the limit on the fuel gauge due to REALLY having to get to a job site, NOW; so deisel POI's are a must have. I could care less about restaurants. Given that, I had narrowed my choices to the 6000t, the Garmin c550 and the TomTom910. After reading this and your 6000t review, I have given up on the 6000t, due to it being dated. There seems to be a support issue with the tomtom, as well as traffic issues. That leaves the c550 and the Crossover. The crossover has traffic issues, as well. I think I'll punt. I'll sign up for two months of the Verizon VZ stuff and wait for the Magellan Maestro 4040. Updated maps and POI'S? Less clunky design? Good Magellan features? My wife neeeeeeeds trueview!

However that may be, your articles are the only informative information out there. I'll never have to see Bonnie Cha point at a touchscreen again. Thank you.

Excellent review. Much, much better than the manufacturer's documentation, which is extremely limited, much like the intellectual prowess of Magellan's customer and tech support personnel.

Am I the only one having trouble routing to rural street addresses? (Maybe its my intellectual prowess that is limited!) The GPS only lets me enter to a zip code or city name, and when the rural street doesn't show up in the street list for that city, I can't get a map to the rural location. I called tech support, but the poor girl didn't know what the word "rural" meant! When I explained "rural: in the countryside," she thought I meant in another country -- not the U.S., which obviously also described where she was! The conversation would have been funny had it not been so frustrating!

This is a great review. If I buy this GPS and use it for 1 year, I would still learn less than what I learnt from reading this review. So, Thank you.

I have few questions, I was also reading comments from from folks who bought this at Amazon. There are folks who say this things looks up if you keep enlarging it and needs to be reset. I wonder if this happened to any of you.

Also, I am concerned about limited and outdated POI, I was wondering if any of you have any experience with Magellan. How often do they update the software of this unit? Does the unit come with any free software upgrade with for any period? Do the upgrade the map database? Does the unit come with upgrade of the map software / map data / map POI? Can we pay for an upgrade? How much does it cost? If yes, will I paying for one time upgrade or for any number of upgrade released by Magellan over a period.

Anyone who has experience with Magellan, you comments will be extremely helpful for the rest of us.

Can POI databases be purchased that are in the Magellan format such they can be directly loaded to the Crossover ?

Magellan CrossoverGPS Firmware 1.76.03 released

According to both the Magellan web site and technical support, the review is incorrect in saying "If you need more detail, you can add Magellan's MapSend Topo maps for 30 meter topographic map..
If you do decide to buy additional Topo maps from Magellan, " Nor can you buy maps of Europe (although they clearly have a European model) or anywhere else. So, I returned mine. Has anyone better info than this from Magellan?

If anyone wants an LCD screen protector for their Crossover, 2200T or simliar, the disposable screen overlays made by HP for their iPAQ series are a perfect fit.

Regards,
Thomas

Excellent review. Two thumbs up for all the info you provide.

This device looks like an affordable device for dual-sport motorcycle use. The only deal breaker for me is the inability to listen to music while in map mode. In a car you still have your audio system, but on a bike you are singing to yourself in the wind. Do you know if there are any plans on fixing this in future updates?

Excellent review. Two thumbs up for all the info you provide.

This device looks like an affordable device for dual-sport motorcycle use. The only deal breaker for me is the inability to listen to music while in map mode. In a car you still have your audio system, but on a bike you are singing to yourself in the wind. Do you know if there are any plans on fixing this in future updates?

Excellent review. Two thumbs up for all the info you provide.

This device looks like an affordable device for dual-sport motorcycle use. The only deal breaker for me is the inability to listen to music while in map mode. In a car you still have your audio system, but on a bike you are singing to yourself in the wind. Do you know if there are any plans on fixing this in future updates?

Magellan CrossoverGPS Firmware 2.14 released. This one gives its interface the Maestro look. I'm scared to try because "Once the update is installed, it can not be reversed. You can not revert to the old interface."
http://www.magellangps.com/support/notes.asp?supportID=510

Hi,
After reading your review and looking at the Crossover in a shopping center, I ordered one from Ebay yesterday.
I will come back to give you my first impression. I found it for 280 $ USD + 20 $ shipping, brand new.
Thanks for making such exhaustive review, it is REALLY appreciated.

Hello. I too am having problems entering rural streets and addresses, as well as major interstates. I am in Fort Collins, and I can't find a way to find the intersection of two roads, or can't enter a known address. Then I searched the POI's, and it pulled up the exact address, routed me through said intersection, and led me there. Minor annoyance. Had it for about 3 months, and I love it. Not perfect, but pretty doggone good.

Ken

took the plunge and installed the 2.14 firmware.

The update process went quite smoothly.

Noticed quite a few changes.
1. added time and speed to nav screen when a route is not in use.

2. put direction (N S E W,,,) in upper left corner, so it shows even when a route is selected.

3. menus are slightly different but not does not seem to be a problem.

4. The BIGGEST difference is that on the navigation screen the map has a green background. I haven't road tested it yet, but from the light coming thru my office window, it appears that this makes it easier to see the map details.
- note outdoor map still has white background.

5. added AAA options

Even though the instructions say it will wipe out the address book, mine was still there when the update was finished. Still it would not hurt to have it backed up "just in case".

These were the main things I noticed after the update, overall I have a favorable impression of the changes.

Jim,
Did you get the AAA functions after the upgrade? I do not see this on mine. I do have the little "Tow Truck Icon" on the main menu. This is works for AAA on my 4040, but does not have the same function on the Crossover. I really like how this upgrade makes it look like my 4040! I did the upgrade shortly after I bought it so I do not really have anything to compare it too, but I sure like how the maps look after the upgrade. Chad

After looking at it, it was not the full AAA, just the tow truck that shows your current location so when you call AAA you can tell them where you are.

After using the crossover on a few trips (both on and off road) I thought I would leave a little feedback.

I think Magellan had a great idea with the Crossover, to take road navigation and add in the topo features.

The crossover does great with the road navigation, I am very happy with that part of the gps, especially the map color changes from that firmware release, the night map is very pleasing to use.

However I feel that they dropped the ball and did not execute on the great idea.
The inability to group waypoints in folders, or groups, the inability to transfer a gps saved waypoint to the pc, and the inability of the outdoor navigation to use the .mgln files on the sd card have really disappointed me in the crossover unit.
Plus the fact that the outdoor nav system doesn't use the topo 3d maps, and they STILL have not released detailed topo maps for the crossover N. Am.

Just about all of these issues could be fixed by programming (firmware). I would hope that Magellan would make this a priority and get a new firmware release that would fix these issues and make it a terrific gps that I could recommend to others.

Jim.

Fletch,
I add my comment to all the others: Great Review!
One note: I have the Meridian GPS with MapSend Topo. It took FOREVER to load a region from my computer to the GPS (serial only). I found that the Region Upload function creates a .img file in the Magellan directory (/export/images) which I then copied to my SD-RAM directly and it worked. I think this may be the same compression used on the Crossover SD card. Have you tried doing this with the Crossover? There may be a problem with the 32Mb region size limit.

We are considering buying the US version of the CrossOver, but want to add a map of Europe with all of the streets of the major cities. Is there an SD card available to add maps of Europe? We see that there is a European CrossOver, but want the ability to use the unit in the US and Europe. Any suggestions?
Don

I upgraded from the 2200t and installed the 2.14 update immediately. The 2200t was more sensitive than the Crossover (I compared them side-by-side) but mostly while inside the house. I'm still happy with the Crossover's sensitivity and I'll keep it.

The 2200t didn't have route optimization and I didn't notice if the previous Crossover firmware included it, but the 2.14 upgrade has it. I've found that you can navigate to Lat/Lon coordinates and start a route by vehicle, then continue in Outdoor mode but it's a little involved. You have to input the coordinates in the outdoor mode, name and save them. Go to vehicle navigation mode and select the waypoint you just created out of your addresses. Re-save the waypoint into your vehicle navigation addresses and then you can navigate by the nearest roadway to the coordinates. You then have to transfer back to the Outdoor mode and continue navigating to the waypoint.

BTW, Consumer Reports rated the Crossover 4th behind the Garmin Nuvi 660, Nuvi 350 and Tom Tom Go in their review of portable GPS units.

Hi, Fletch,
Thanks for the superb review.
I recently bought the crossover gps and upgraded the firmware to V2.14. The route optimization is good, but I can't find the feature for a “start location” for a simulation route, other than starting from the spot where the gps is physically at currently.
That feature is useful when you want to review the route at a different city where you'll be driving , prior to getting there by plane.
I know that feature is available on the Canadina Tire Nextar W3G unit , but is it available on the crossover gps unit? If it is, how do I access it ?

Similarly, on the trip planner where you have multiple destinations, how do you view the route between the intermediate destinations on the simulation mode ? i.e How do you get the unit to resume from an intermediate location, instead of the very first location? for example, when you start the trip from home, to stop A, to stop B , stop C and to stop D, how do you view the segment between stop A and B ?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Joseph Lee

Your review is really nice but I do not see (or I miss it) the test of 1 key features (highlighted in Pros), the battery life.
Did you test it? or other users?
I mean, is it really about 8hours, in which conditions (full backlight or default settings)?

thanks

The battery life is really very close to 8 hrs, even with the backlight on.

I echo Joseph Lee's questions - I haven't found a way to do what he is asking.

Like this GPS very much, it's a performer BUT half the reason I bought this "Crossover" was for the topographic maps and the ability to enhance these maps by purchasing the Mapsend Topo SD card, the trouble here is that the North American map SD card is still not available. Multiple calls to Magellan about my complaint have not revealed a release date as of October 2007 ----- very disappointing.

Bought one in early Oct and overall I like it. The routing engine is a little clunky and after the 2.14 update the Trip Planner does not work as documentation indicates it should. Like the text to voice and although POIs limited easy to add your own interests. Suffered a couple of auto resets without incident, and had to force a reset once. Two really annoying points- poor documentation and very poor Mag Cust support. Price on unit seems to be dropping with new online below $250 CDN

Does anyone know if you can get a world base map for the CrossoverGPS?

I am a taxi driver in San Francisco, and have been using the 2200T for several months now. I don't know how I got along without it!

Often in our cabs the cigarette lighter no longer supplies power, so long run-time on internal battery power is essential. This rules out almost all other GPS units I know of.

I am considering buying a CrossoverGPS and have a question that I didn't see addressed here:

==> Is the map data newer (2007) on the CrossoverGPS than on the 2200T or is it the same (2006)?

The 2200T is my first GPS, and I wonder about some features compared with other GPS units out there. Care to give me feedback?

Turn-by-turn works well, except for a few map data errors such as turn restrictions, house numbers one block off, one way steets wrong. Nothing that serious. Turn-by-turn is what I find the GPS most useful for.

I wish the non-route map was more useful. There are just not enough street labels in view for it to mean much. The short alley streets are all labeled, since the labels are fixed there. But longer streets are not often labeled within view, since their labels are apparently fixed somewhere along their length, but not in the view window.

==> Do any GPS units allow the labels to slide along the street/road, so they appear within the view window? That would be much more useful.

Since the non-route window is not very useful without sliding labels, I find that I stay on the screen that has the compass and speedometer. Driving various vehicles, having a speedometer I can trust on the GPS is a great feature. And I find it is accurate within 1 mph.

I wish that screen would show current location by house number,street, and city, instead of street, city, and zipcode. Obviously the GPS knows street numbers since it can route to them, so why not at least have the option to display them? (Psst...Magellan...hint hint!!) House numbers are much more important than zipcodes, at least to me.

==> Are there any other GPS units that display house numbers on non-routing screens?

==> Are there any other GPS units that have a screen similar to the compass, speedometer, and location text on the Magellans?

Hi,
I just bought the Crossover and having loads of fun with it. Thanks for the excellent review!
I have a copy of the canadian topo CD and Street and Destination. Does anyone know now I can upload the maps/regions to be used in Crossover?
I uploaded a test region to the SD card (*.img). How do I recall that inside the unit?
Many thanks!

has the firmware been updated to correct the sluggishness and slow route recalculations mentioned in the cnet reviews ?

Has anything been done to correct the slow route recalculations and sluggish operation listed in the zdnet review ?

very disappointed with their maps. I called Tech support and they told me they were 2006 maps. My home subdivision was established in 2003, yet none of it is included. Another friend lives in an older part of town (built in the late 70's early 80's) The Crossover cannot find him or any of his direct neighbors. I had issues with on-ramps listed where they are not, also a change done by our city many years ago. They say a new update is coming in 08 yet i will have to pay for it!!! I had an old Magellan from the late 90's with road maps and I would venture to say this one is not any better. Calculating trip times are not even close to realistic. The time was estimated off traveling 45 MPH when the speed limit is 65 MPH. I cannot recommend anyone buying this unit.

Hi I have a Crossover GPS, am pleased with unit , I purchased Map Sent Topo Canada, on the advise from Magellan , they now tell me it is not compatible with my Crossover, does any one have a way to make it compatible.Would like to transfer portions to s d card.
Thanks Bill

The review was really great; much more information than what I could pull off the Magellan web site or claw out of the "tech" support people I talked to when I phoned their toll-free.

I received the Maestro 4250 as a gift which is great for street navigation, but am still considering exchanging it for the Crossover as I also wanted something that I could use for the occasional fishing trip. I was surprised to read Bill's comments about the TOPO Canadian maps not being compatible with the Crossover (I was told otherwise by Magellan); that alone will likely prompt me NOT to buy the unit unless I find different information. I inquired if the the Canadian TOPO maps offered good detail for lakes as I see there is a US Lake map download available, but nothing for Canada. The person I asked said yes, but when I asked more pressing questions, he waffled completely on his response. I get the sense that he really didn't know what he was talking about.

Can anybody in Canada tell me if they are using the Crossover unit successfully for marine navigation or fishing (depth, waypoints, etc.) and if the TOPO software available as a download off the Magellan site is decent?

Thanks Much In Advance!

Todd - the CrossoverGPS was good for its time, but the new Garmin nuvi 500 is much better. Plus, Magellan will be discontinuing the CrossoverGPS (and replacing it with a new model) pretty soon.

I would have liked the nuvi 500, but couldn't afford it. I bought a refurbed Crossover on eBay for $129.00 plus shipping. I also have a Garmin Vista (monochrome screen) with the topos, but the screen is really small. I like this screen much better. I am going to get a extra mount for my boat. have not taken it out yet to see what the base maps show for waterways yet. Wonder if you could transfer the CD topo infomation to a SD card? I think someone asked that question, but didn't get an answer.

I bought the crossover to use on jeep trails. Maps are not good detail but adequate. Only used the unit 3-4x before the screen cracked with normal pressure on the screen - adult owned, never dropped or damaged. Before Oct 08, Magellan would repair the unit for $90 but now only offers to sell "refurbished" units for $159. Way too expensive for a material defect. Unit was out of warranty though I doubt that would make much difference. Magellan website & email support are terrible. Finally called them but the support group is limited to corporate policy - no leeway.

Anyone know if I can buy a used street magellan unit for less than $100 and trade the screens myself?

I just bought a refurb Crossover on e-bay for under $50.