8. Logbook: Usage Impressions

When multiple devices are based on the same technology and offer the same capabilities, purchasing decisions are usually not based on manufacturer specifications alone.

In this case, both navigation systems rely on similar map data and offer only slight differences in hardware specs. We expected the basic navigation functionality not to differ in most usage scenarios - and were quite wrong with this assumption.

Both devices differ in their concepts - the Magellan system representing a very compact system whose technology has been used for several years in a similar way in some rental car navigation systems. The Lowrance system is clearly bulkier than the Magellan and is a member of a new group of car navigation devices that resemble the screen size and functionality of a typical pre-installed in-car navigation system. Both devices were tested over a four month period in everyday situations - not only to get familiar with the units but to illustrate advantages and disadvantages of each system, which typically do not show their existence in a short-term test.

Getting Ready To Go: Installation And Initial Satellite Reception

Customers who buy a portable GPS device expect the unit to be ready to use shortly after turning the car's ignition key. As described earlier, the Magellan can simply be clicked into its cradle while the Lowrance device is marginally more complicated to install due to its size and weight.

Both systems usually established satellite connections in acceptable times, but unpleasantly surprised us on certain occasions with unexpected and significant delays that taught us to always carry a map with us - just for such cases.

In general, the Magellan and the Lowrance systems need significantly more time to find contact to satellites in geographical areas that are different from the last active position of use. However, the Roadmate 700 was consistently able to determine the current position within 60 seconds or less, with most connects established in less than 20 seconds. The system however appeared to dislike snow storms, as the device needed between seven and 23 minutes to find satellite reception during major Midwestern snow storms.

The iWay 500c is equally reliable in areas that are close to the last active position with satellite connections that are established within fewer than 60 seconds in most cases. Surprisingly, the device had difficulties finding satellite connections when moved from Chicago to San Francisco: While the Roadmate found its connection in less than 30 seconds, the iWay needed more than 17 minutes.

Similar delays happened every time we powered the device up for the first time after moving it between Los Angeles and Chicago throughout the test period. This is when the signal amplifier comes in handy: The unit shortens the time for satellite connections considerably, but adds cables to a dashboard - which is not only little aesthetic, but also adds an extra piece to the luggage when traveling.

Surprisingly, the iWay also appeared underpowered when it came to the calculation of long routes that covered multiple states. A generation of a route from Chicago to Key West, Florida, was even terminated due to "not sufficient memory" and on a second and third try took more than 11 minutes to establish. Even worse, we decided not to wait for the unit to complete the generation of the route, but to get on our way instead. This caused the unit to recognize us "off route" and start the calculation process all over again, causing delays of more than 25 minutes. Considering the $800 investment, this cannot be considered acceptable even when time is a less important factor - such as on vacation trips. In contrast, the Roadmate calculated nationwide routes just as fast as local routes. Even a route from downtown Los Angeles to Key West was generated in less than five seconds.

Both systems had trouble getting reception in downtown areas, regardless of whether we were in Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco. When office and condo buildings grow into the sky on both sides of the street, it is a good idea to keep a traditional map handy. Despite a signal booster, the iWay always lost its signal in a matter of seconds, got confused and would have sent us on the way to the Sears Tower straight into the Chicago River. The Roadmate loses its signal almost instantly in such environments as well.