Established in 1986, the Magellan company led the way in the development of GPS devices and has more than 200 patents for the technology. The variety of Magellan GPS systems have been designed to provide accurate information whether on foot, on a bike, in a car, a recreation vehicle or a truck. For 2015, the Magellan RC9485 GPS navigation system is the newest in the line-up of devices that are designed with independent or company professional truck drivers in mind. The Magellan RC9485-LMB features top-of-the-line software in addition to exceptional connectivity, which provides real-time data transferred from the company’s SmartGPS Eco Cloud.
The RC9485 Features
Along with GPS function, the device allows truckers to enter hours of service whether driving, not driving or sleeping. The internal technology automatically calculates IFTA mileage, which is a handy information to have available at tax time. The Magellan also stores multiple destination routes, creates customized vehicle databases and driver profiles. The dashboard screen conveniently displays estimated time of arrival, trip time, vehicle speed and other pertinent information.
Containing integrated Bluetooth technology, a microphone and a speaker allows truckers to talk while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The loud volume capability of the speaker also ensures that the sound is adequately heard regardless of the size of the truck cab. The external audio/video input enables use of a backup camera, DVD player or iPod.
The GPS device is compatible with Wi-Fi, Android phones, smartphones or other mobile devices. While connected, the Magellan continually updates information that drivers need to know. The navigation system uses Landmark Guidance, which provides driving directions using landmarks. Data feeds clue truckers in to locations having the lowest fuel prices, the location of weigh stations and provides toll booth alerts. Drivers also get the latest weather reports.
The 7-inch HD, glass touchscreen provides drivers with a wealth of data at their fingertips. Customize the screen with menu favorites for easy access. The software includes traffic alerts that indicate problem areas related to traffic jams. PhantomALERT provides audio and visual alerts when approaching fixed speed or red light cameras. The highway lane assist and junction view graphics display road signs and directional arrows, which ensures that trucks change lanes or take an exit safely.
Additional Magellan GPS Features
• Address book
• Automatically adjusts brightness and contrast day and night
• Blackbox upgrade capability
• Customizable geo-reminders
• No-cost lifetime of updated maps
• No-cost lifetime of traffic alerts
• Ability to personalize truck data with vehicle height, length, width, weight and hazmat restrictions
• Itinerary planner for current or future single stops, multiple-stops or daily trips
• Street names verbalized
• QuickSpell assists in entering addresses correctly
• Seven million points of interest in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
• Exit points of interest
• Detour options displayed
• Bird’s-eye viewing in two or three dimensions
• No-cost PhantomALERT Basic with one year of updates
• Auto re-route for missed turns or exits
• Multiple driver login capability
• Equipped with a rechargeable 1100mAh Lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 30 minutes between charges
Magellan RC9485 Specifications
Dimensions: 7.63″ x 4.72″ x 0.6″ (193.8mm x 119.8mm x 15.26mm)
Weight: 0.80 lbs (363 grams)
CPU: Cortex A-9
Internal memory: 4GB
Extra memory: microSD card slot
USB port: USB 2.0 Micro
Functional temperature range: 14 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 70 degrees Celsius)
Screen resolution: 800 x 480 WQVGA
GPS accuracy: 10 to 16 feet (3-5 Meters)
Antenna: Multi-directional patch
Compatibility: Mac and PC
QWERTY/ABCD Keyboard
Optional Accessories
Heavy grip windshield mount with adjustable swivel ball and suction pad
Wireless Magellan new or refurbished back-up camera
PhantomALERT Premium that provides audio/visual alerts when approaching:
• Dangerous curves
• Dangerous intersections
• Fixed and mobile speeding cameras
• Railroad crossings
• School zones
The premium version also enables truckers to add to and share the points of interest database. PhantomALERT Premium is available with a one or three-year subscription.
Overall, the Magellan RC9485 GPS is user-friendly with a responsive touchscreen that glides seamlessly through icons or from page to page. The device offers as many if not more features compared to models costing two or more times that of the Magellan’s suggested retail price. You can get a great deal on Magellan RC9485 here.
| Rand McNally TND Tablet | Magellan RoadMate RC9485T-LMB | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Screen Size | 8 inch | 7 inch |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 800 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels |
| CPU | Cortex A7 | Cortex A9 |
| Memory | 1GB | 4GB |
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Dashboard Camera | Yes | No |
| Free Lifetime Map Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Guidance | Yes | Yes |
| Junction View | Yes | Yes |
| MSRP | $599.99 | $399.99 |
 | |
|
| Reviews | Reviews |