The Magellan RoadMate 500 Plus has the same features as the RoadMate 500 but with twice the map memory space. It uses the same street-level detailed maps and turn-by-turn guidance, so getting to where you want couldn't be easier.

The RoadMate 500 Plus replaces the RoadMate 500's 128 MB CompactFlash memory card with a 256 MB card. Included with the receiver are four CDs of map data for the continental U.S. and Canada. Since the memory cards are twice as large, you can now save twice as much map data as before. And because the cards are also erasable and removable, you can have an unlimited supply of maps with whatever detail you need.

One thing that hasn't changed with the Magellan RoadMate 500 Plus, is how it guides you to your destination. Voice prompts alert you to upcoming turns as well as the route map showing your changing location. If you ever miss a prompt or turn, the message can be repeated and the receiver can recalculate your position to get you back on track.

The RoadMate 500 Plus has an equally sophisticated screen to display the routing information. The color LCD is a high resolution screen with both automatic and user adjustable brightness and contrast. So when it gets dark or you pass through a tunnel, the receiver automatically increases the brightness. The keypad is also backlit, so navigating is the same, day or night.

The display for the RoadMate 500 Plus does more than show information, it can also be used to enter data. By touching the screen, you can select individual letters and characters, or menu options. If you prefer, you can use the keypad to move a cursor to make the same choices. Either way you choose, there are also various shortcuts to make your entries faster. For instance, if you weren't sure how to spell a street name, you could enter just the first letter or the first several letters. The receiver would scan the map database and display the possible matches. You would then select the right street from the list.

The versatility of the Magellan RoadMate 500 Plus is further shown with its route selection options. You can choose to get to your destination in the shortest time, by the shortest distance, using freeways as little as possible, or making the most use of freeways. And it's not always necessary to know the address of your destination. If it's in the point-of-interest database, which includes businesses, ATMs, and airports, the route is calculated for you. So if you have the late-night munchies and want the nearest pizza place, the receiver will find it for you.

The map screen showing your position constantly updates as you move. If you want to see more detail, or less with a larger coverage area, you can use the zoom keys to move in and out. Plus you can select from 9 color combinations to get the map appearance you like best. There's also a feature to get instant location information for emergency situations. And the Magellan RoadMate 500 Plus receiver is Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) ready to give you a position accuracy to within three meters.

If you're not big on reading manuals, the RoadMate 500 Plus has built-in tutorials explaining the different screens and operations. And once you've made several trips, you can start storing you favorite destinations in the built-in address book. There's enough space for 100 destinations for three different users.