7. Lowrance IWay 500c

The iWay's installation is more complicated. The product package greets the user with several bags of loose screws and plastic pieces and an installation manual that could see some improvement. It's a different concept from the Roadmate, but has its advantages.

After sorting out all the different pieces, it then became apparent that the iWay offers two different types of installation options. The first is also based on a suction cup system that requires users to connect several plastic pieces together using provided screws. Instead of employing a flexible arm, Lowrance chose a removable plastic link between the GPS unit and the suction cup. The user is able to fasten and fix the device in pretty much any direction desired. In direct comparison to the Magellan, the link system requires both hands for adjustment and is not as easy to use, but provides significantly more stability. While the Roadmate's arm cannot prevent the device from shaking while driving, the Lowrance design shows almost no movement at all.

The iWay's suction cup and link to attach to the navigation unit.

The suction cup is a different caliber than the Roadmate's. We did not test the suction strength in detail, but suffice to say that it seemed as if it would break the windshield glass before it would detach itself from the GPS unit. Indeed, considering the significant weight of the iWay, Lowrance decided to go with one of the strongest suction cups we have seen to date. Once it is placed on the window, the cup can be easily removed by lifting the cup's rubber surface. Installation however requires turning a switch that can break fingernails.

As an alternative to attaching the device using the suction cup, Lowrance offers a nice choice: The GPS unit can also be attached to a three-leg stand that consists of a bendable metal base covered in thick rubber. The legs can bend in virtually any position, and therefore can create a stable base for the GPS unit in almost any environment.

The rubber base had a sufficient grip in all the cars we tested. We didn't manage to make the stand slide during our test period, even when it was placed halfway on a 45-degree angle in the Corvette. Disadvantages of the stand are the fact that it is heavy (26 ounces) and the material attracts dust quickly and therefore is a challenge to keep clean.

The iWay installed on the provided stand in a 2003 Subaru Outback.

Compared to the Magellan, the iWay brings a longer cable (45") connected to an oversized plug that integrates the speaker for audio output, volume control and an earphone jack. The swivel in the center of the plug allows it to connect to the cigarette lighter in tighter center consoles, such as in our Subaru Outback. But we certainly wouldn't complain if Lowrance found a way to reduce the size of the plug. The earphone jack integrated in the plug is a nice option for users of cassette adapters who do not want to go through the hassle of cabling the iWay 500c directly to the car stereo.

Lowrance iWay 500c installed with the suction cup link in a 2003 Subaru Outback.

The iWay 500c will keep users busy for some time to figure out the installation process. Once assembled, the system however can be easily installed and removed in any car within seconds.