Question: I have a 2003 Acura with the factory navigation system. Sometimes it gets me lost due to the old map info, and upgrades are expensive. Is there any way to use another product in this system?

MIKE McCARTY, Pittsburgh

Answer: An external GPS can't be integrated into the factory system, but you can certainly mount one on the dash and use it. If you plan on buying a GPS, I'd like to add a new recommendation, the Magellan Roadmate 1470, to the units I recommended a few weeks ago.

One of the most beloved features of Magellan GPS units is the patented chime. As you approach your next turn or lane change a pleasant chime or bell sounds so you do not overshoot the mark. I tested a Magellan unit a few weeks ago and found the turn chime hard to live without, leading to my purchase of a Magellan Roadmate 1470 for personal use.

It has quickly become my GPS of choice. The Roadmate 1470 lists for $249 and has a current street price of $160 to $180. At those prices it is hard to pass up as it combines generous screen size, accurate navigation and a truly compelling feature set unmatched by competitors.

The Roadmate 1470 has a big, crisp 4.7-inch display and the interface is very quick and easy to use. Routing and directions are very accurate, showing Magellan's Point-A-to-Point-B navigation abilities to be top-class. The Roadmate 1470 has 6 million points of interest and an integrated AAA Tourbook with detailed write-ups and AAA Diamond Ratings for restaurants, lodging and attractions. AAA members can obtain local roadside assistance information by touching a button. Maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are included.

The Roadmate has an "Exit Points of Interest" button that appears on the left of the main navigation screen. Pressing it will display information about available facilities at upcoming highway exits. No more wondering if there is a McDonald's or your preferred gas station within the next few exits. Lane Guidance with large, simulated road signs makes sure you stay on path, and, of course, the Roadmate 1470 has text-to-speech for spoken street names. An available traffic receiver (list $79, street price $41) provides free real-time traffic information.

The downsides are few. Though the Roadmate 1470 is touted as having 3D as well as 2D maps, the 3D maps don't look very 3D unless you zoom down to street level. One of the past gripes from GPS enthusiasts is that Magellan's service and support lagged well behind that of industry leader Garmin. It seems Magellan's customer support has improved greatly lately, so much that I have no problem recommending their products.

If you want to try a Magellan GPS unit but are on a tight budget, visit tigerdirect.com. There you will find the Magellan Roadmate 1412 with its 4.3-inch screen, 6 million points of interest, maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and text-to-speech for only $79, refurbished with 90 day warranty. I purchased one for my nontechnical father to give him a taste of what a GPS unit can do, and he loves it.

Go for the 1470 if you have the funds, but at less than $80 for the 1412 you will be extremely happy with the bargain you have found.

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