Magellan GPS Car Kit Cradle for iPhone Shipping
1For those of you who have waited weeks to get your hands on Magellan GPS car kit for iPhone, the wait is finally over. A while ago Magellan decided that it was better off getting into the business of iPhone. Roadmate 2010 is a decent GPS app that gives you a similar experience to what you get on a standalone Magellan GPS. So you can technically replace your standalone GPS with Magellan GPS on your iPhone. But what if you own an iPod Touch?
That’s the main problem with GPS apps today. They provide support for iPhone, but a lot of people prefer to use their iPod Touch to get the job done (some even don’t own an iPhone for that matter). We know that Apple may be planning to add GPS functionality to future generations of iPod Touch. So that problem will be addressed. However, those who already own an iPod Touch and want to use it as a standalone GPS can use Magellan GPS cradle for iPhone to get the job done.
Magellan cradle for iPhone has a GPS receiver that not only works with your Magellan Roadmate 2010 app on iPhone but also other GPS apps that you may have. The cradle also charges your iPhone and keeps it tight on the road. The noise-cancelling, hands-free speakerphone is a plus.
The kit is not cheap by any means. You can always save $20 on the price by registering your Magellan GPS app on its official website (and get your coupon). But even at $100 + s/h the kit is too expensive to try. Considering that Magellan Roadmate will cost you $70+, you are looking at the total cost of $200 for having the ability to navigate on your iPod Touch. The cradle is certainly interesting, but it’s too costly at this point.
Would you invest in such a kit?
In answer to your question: Yes, I would invest in such a kit. I do not own any of the features it offers (cradle, charger, Blutooth handsfree) and I feel it is not that great a premium over the sum I would pay for competitive, independent add-ons. This device is specifically designed for the iPhone, and is a one step process to place or remove from the cradle, unlike competing bits where cables would have to be attached & removed each time the phone is removed from the car.
In addition, the utility of having one slim device I carry with me has value. I know of few who would take their GPS in their pocket to the restaurant, but most would take the iPhone. IF you’re wandering around an unfamiliar area, having the GPS with the ready ability to find your car again would be handy! At least you wouldn’t need to leave a trail of bread crumbs.