Showing posts with label maestro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maestro. Show all posts

8/14/2011

Mio C320 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Mio C320 4.3 inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I got this for $150 on black friday. while it does have a few minor faults, for the money it is probably the best GPS out there. the main thing this unit has going for it is how customaziable it is. in the past month, i have changed the following on my unit:

- added text to speech ( a feature normally found on the more expensive 520 version)
- added newer maps with 6 million POI (again, found on the more expensive unit vs. the 1.5 million found out of the box)
- edited the skin of the navigations screen and changed/removed buttons for ease of use

these and other features, such as an optional video player, and many other custom features, can easily be found on google and several gps forums.

obviously, customzing the unit to this extent is not for everyone, and if you are not technically inclined, you might not get the full value out of your c320. however, if you have a decent grasp of computers and software in general , you should take advantage of this great gps - great out of the box, EVEN better once you get to work with it for a few weeks.

--

Update: 5/29

Ok so it's been about 6 months since I got this GPS. In that time, I've downloaded newer maps (now have 12 million POI's), downloaded a custom skin that adds a ton of usability features (easy access to applications like word doc, video player, etc) as well as improving the overall looks, and done some fine tweaking on the settings to improve the TTS. (The applications can only be accessed through a hack, by the way).

However, in adding all these features (most of these were intended for the more expensive C520), my GPS unit started to operate alot more sluggishly. The map would take a few seconds to update after turns, which was unacceptable. There was a noticeable lag between button presses and responses. Like I said, this was probably because all these added features were never meant to be run on the processor of the C320.

I wound up removing all the extra features I added, but I still have text to speech and the newer maps. I also defragged the drive , which helped alot. The lag is very minor but still noticeable. I'd still recommend this unit if you can get it for cheap, as it's better than almost any other sub $150 unit out there.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mio C320 4.3 Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Product Description:
Travel in style with the Mio DigiWalker™ C320. Great for business travel or your next family vacation, the Mio DigiWalker™ C320 is the perfect travel companion. A stylish, portable device combining GPS based personal navigation with a full featured MP3 audio player, the C320 makes it easy to get where you're going and makes sure you're looking good along the way. The most striking feature of the C320 is the widescreen display with its unique splitscreen interface. Designed to deliver every bit of information you need as you travel, you can easily keep an eye on upcoming turns, selected Point of Interest categories, or detailed trip information as you travel. Navigation has never looked this good.To make sure that you're up and running right away, the C320 comes preloaded with maps of the entire U.S. as well as over 1.7 million Point of Interest locations. This robust map data will make it easy to navigate to virtually any restaurant, gas station, hotel or nightspot you may be looking for. Family vacations, business travel or simple day trips are more enjoyable than ever with the C320.Every adventure needs a soundtrack and the C320 includes a full featured MP3 player to make sure that you're in tune while you're in motion. For the ultimate audio experience, the C320's MP3 player boasts a number of custom EQ settings, a built in speaker and a 2.5mm headphone jack. And finally, the Mio DigiWalker™ C320 also features an integrated SD memory card slot so it's easy to carry your entire music collection with you.

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8/12/2011

Magellan Maestro 4050 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (with 3 month free traffic) Review

Magellan Maestro 4050 4.3 inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Do you really need a GPS device?? If you are reading this review the answer is probably yes.

We have used them for a number of years and I'm now at the point where I wonder how we ever got along without one. No more trips to the computer for confusing Mapquest directions or frantic searches to find the car atlas after a wrong turn. Both facts leading to a significant reduction in "marital moments."

I could give many examples where GPS has "saved the day". Here is a recent one:

This summer my wife and our three small children traveled from Chicago to South Dakota for a wedding (I had to work). Like many rural wedding, each part of the event was in a different place. The church was in one town, the reception in another and their hotel in a third. After the wedding she wanted to visit cousins on their farm in Southern Minnesota, followed a stop in the Twin Cities. Lastly, she was going to travel to Northern Minnesota to spend some R-n-R at a lake cabin.

The night before the big trip I added all of the addresses in our GPS unit. I then labeled them: church, reception, hotel, farm, Twin Cities, cabin. Now all she had to do is press the right address and go. No worries about missing a turn or taking the wrong road, even on a pitch black rural night. If she decided to change her plans the Magellan would take care of it. GPS units figure out the route from where you are to your location, something Mapquest can't do. The peace of mind that the Magellan gave both of us was worth its purchase price alone.

I have to tell you that even a basic GPS unit could have done the above routing task. In fact, for most people, a basic unit is all that they need. However, sometimes you want something more. Does the Magellan Maestro 4050 deliver this "more?" Read on to find out!

Unit Overview

The Magellan Maestro 4050 is really an evolution of the popular Road Mate series. However, there are many significant improvements. First is the fact the 4050 has a large 4.3" screen. Although the typical 3.5" screen would work fine, I like the larger screen as I suffer from FFS or Fat Finger Syndrome. A bigger screen gives me a bigger on-screen keyboard when typing in an address. This results in less error and less growling on my part.

The icons have also changed with this series and now they have a friendlier, more polished look. The Maestro units use the very popular (and highly sensitive) SiRF star III GPS chipset which acquires signals quickly. Like other Magellan units, the underlying OS is Windows CE. The Maestro also has a built in battery that should allow a couple of hours of use. This would make it possible to use the unit outside of the car for a short period.

Routing

In my opinion, routing is the most important function of any GPS unit. Magellan units, in general, have always had excellent routing engines and the Maestro is no different. The maps on my unit are dated from late 2006 and so they are pretty recent.

Adding an address (or intersection) is a snap. Older Magellan units (like the Roadmate 300 series) ask for a street first. When you added a common street name like "River" or "Washington" you were forced to pick from a dozen or more choices ("North River," "River Drive," River Road," etc.). Later models, including the Maestro series ask for the city first eliminating a lot of confusion. It is amazing what a simple change can do to make a product more useable. Thanks Magellan!

I had no problems entering addresses, even difficult ones that have confused other units. I think that this is in part due to the fact that the maps are newer and therefore, more accurate. Magellan units always ask for your route preference ("shortest time," "least use of expressways," etc). Many other units require that you dig into menus and sub-menus to do this which often causes undesirable results. For instance, when traveling in a city during rush hour it may be easier to take regular roads in lieu of expressways. Since the Magellan always asks routing preferences this is easy to accomplish.

Naturally, it is very easy to exclude a particular street or routing direction (perhaps you know that street is under construction). You can also route up to up to 20 different locations using the "trip planner" option. The Maestro will then "optimize" the list for you making the trip more efficient. This option would be great for a delivery driver who has to travel to multiple locations on his route. The Maestro also tells you what side of the street your destination is on. Surprisingly, many other brands do not. Knowing what side of the street your destination is on can be really important, especially if it is on a busy, multi-lane street.

The unit can present map data either as 3D ("bird's eye view") or in a traditional 2D map view. It will automatically switch to a nighttime map at night. I really like the fact that Magellan products always give you a clear indication what direction you are traveling by placing your direction directly on the screen. This is much more convenient than using a "north pointing" arrow which other units have.

The Maestro is very good at giving your multiple, clear, auditory and visual indicators of your next maneuver. I have used other units (the Mio brand) where I couldn't even figure out what the maneuver icon was telling me (it looked like a letter from the Klingon alphabet). This has never happened using Magellan units (and I have used them for years).A really useful feature on Magellan units is the "locate" key. This function tells you were you are, the closest cross streets and even a computer generated address (when possible). When you are on an expressway it will tell you the last and next exits and their distance. The locate button is really useful if you ever need roadside assistance (or when you just want to know where the heck you are).

The Maestro also has a "detour" function. If you are traveling on highway at lower than expected speeds, the Maestro will ask you if you want to take a detour. If you agree you can choose the length of the detour in miles. The Maestro will then get you off the highway for the designated number of miles and return you back afterwards. Great if an accident is up ahead.

The Maestro features text to speech (or TTS) which will give your specific verbal directions, like street names. Professional reviewers love this feature. I think it is pretty cool, but units that don't have this function are perfectly useable too.

Like other Magellan units, the Maestro is excellent at recalculating your route where you go off course. If it can calculate a route based on the new road that you are on, it will do so. Other brands can sometimes insist that you need to take their original calculated route and they will tell you to "turn around" or "make a U turn" when you don't have to.

POI Data Base

If the heart of a GPS unit is its routing engine, its soul is its POI Data base. Virtually all GPS units have such a data base and virtually all have inaccuracies and omissions. With that said, using a POI data base can really enhance your trip. I think the Maestro has the best POI data base ever. It feels like the programmers were thinking of me when they designed it.

First, you have a standard POI data base, but it is huge at 3.5 million entries. Even more important, it is reasonably current. I didn't find stores that had closed years ago as I have in other systems (including some older Magellans). The data base is very extensive covering tons of categories beyond core POIs (gas stations, auto services, ATMs, hotels, restaurants). There are many categories perfect for people like me, who go on family car trips. Campgrounds, grocery stores, pharmacies and even veterinarians are listed (to name a few). When appropriate, a general category will offer subcategories. For instance, the grocery category includes grocery stores, specialty food stores, convenience stores and Liquor stores. Stores like Target and Wal-Mart are typically under represented on many GPS units, but well listed on the Maestro. I was able to find both when searching locally. The standard POI data base not only gives you distance but also direction from your location (some other brands do not). It may be easier to go to a store that is 20 miles ahead rather than backtracking 10 miles. Naturally, you can not only search from your current location but you can also search around another address/city, like your destination. Perfect if you have to reserve a hotel room.

Many Magellans, including the Maestro have a unique and useful feature called "exit POIs." When you are on an expressway you can search for core POI services at upcoming exits. The Maestro will tell you the distance to the exit and the core services available (like gas). Touching the gas icon will then allow you to look at the various choices for that category (like Shell or Mobile). Since it only gives you services around the exits, the "exit POI" function can be extremely useful when traveling.

The 4050 also has the AAA Tour Book built in. This is a fantastic resource that combines the power of GPS location with tour book data. Now, when you look for a restaurant, you not only get a name but a detailed description, plus a rating. The AAA Tour Book gives information on rated hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, approved auto repair shops and other information like special events that may be happening in a particular area. You also get a phone number so you can make your reservation. The Tour book will also tell you if you can get an AAA discount (for AAA members). It is a really wonderful and unique resource. No other GPS manufacturer has it.

In addition to all...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4050 4.3 Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (with 3 month free traffic)

Product Description:
Re-engineered for easy use, the Magellan Maestro 4050 Portable Auto GPSSystem is the first portable vehicle navigation device to offer drivers the convenience of voice command capabilities. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road as you direct the Maestro 4050 with voice commands. Say "Nearest Restaurant", "Chinese Food", and select the restaurant of your choice. Then make a hands-free, Bluetooth call to order take-out and let the Maestro 4050 audibly guide you with turn-by-turn street name directions to the destination. With the Maestro 4050 at your disposal you're equipped to go to virtually any destination in the United States and Canada. And if you're concerned about traffic en route, you can maximize the Maestro's optional live traffic update feature -- just turn it on and you'll know which roadways to avoid.

Click to see a video on the Magellan Maestro 4050's Voice Command system.
View larger - Side view



Easy to use navigation features SmartDetour and auto re-route. View larger.

Access built-in AAA information from your GPS touch screen. View larger. AAA-enabled
With built-in AAA travel information, the Maestro 4050 gives you instant access to the most trusted source for trip planning, searchable AAA TourBook® listings, Show Your Card & Save® locations for member discounts, approved auto repair facilities, attractions, events, and more. The Maestro 4050 also provides AAA members roadside assistance details, with exact location and a toll-free number. Plus, the Maestro 4050 is Bluetooth-enabled so you can connect your Bluetooth cell phone directly to AAA for immediate help when you need it most.


Note: AAA member roadside assistance requires AAA membership.


Easy-to-Use Navigation
Enter virtually any address on the freshly designed graphical touch screen, or select from 4.5 million preprogrammed points of interested and get turn-by-turn voice guidance to anywhere in the entire United States and Canada, right out of the box. Just turn it on and go. SiRFstarIII gives you the fastest GPS position accuracy in the industry, while SayWhere™ text-to-speech tells you the street name for each maneuver so you can focus on driving. Smart buttons and Magellan's unique QuickSpell™ function enable error-free spelling to minimize steps and give you a customized route to your destination with just a few screen touches.


Bluetooth, Traffic Updates, and More
The Maestro 4050's Bluetooth wireless technology lets you make hands-free phone calls with your Bluetooth-enabled phone. The voice command and control function further enables hands-free operation so you can keep your eyes on the road. You can store or sync numbers and contact information through the easy-to-use touch screen, and even place calls directly through the Maestro 4050's integrated microphone and speakers. Add the optional Magellan TrafficKit™ to this device and you'll be equipped with live traffic incident reports, so you'll never get stuck on the freeway.


Additional Product Features



    Voice command: Voice command control enables hands-free operation. The 4050 is the first portable GPS in the world with voice and command control
    Sophisticated and simple: Streamlined touch-screen buttons minimize steps to locate a destination
    Sleek design: Integrated GPS antenna provides excellent satellite reception in a slim and compact design
    Graphical interactive maps: Maps and destinations for the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico are built-in, so you can travel all over the U.S. and Canada and always know where you are and where you're going
    Traffic-enabled: Add the Magellan TrafficKit™ to your Maestro 4050 to get live traffic incident reports; activation and subscription fees apply
    Bird's-eye 3D view: Clearly see your surroundings in 2D or 3D; also choose between Map View, TrueView™ 3D split screen, and Maneuver List
    Rechargeable battery: Navigate even when you don't have access to power
    Multi-destination routing: Select up to 20 destinations and choose the order that best fits your needs
    SmartDetour™: Automatically prompts you to route around suddenly slow freeway traffic
    Auto re-route: Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you make a detour
    Auto night view: Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing
    QuickSpell™: Easily enter addresses with unique auto-complete feature that even corrects spelling
    Complete mobility: Transfer to any vehicle with no installation
    4.5 million points of interest (POIs): Optimized database to easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, and more. And with smart location you can search by name, category, and region. There's even a Coffee category so you can quickly find caffeine whenever you need it.
    Interactive POI icons: Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination, see name and address, and get an instant route
    Customizable route method: Fastest time, shortest distance, least or most use of freeways, avoid toll roads
    Route exclusion: Select streets and freeways to avoid so you can get there your way
    Address book: Create and store personal points of interest for easy reoccurring trips
    Instant locate: One touch shows your location; quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services

What's in the Box
Magellan Maestro 4050 Portable Auto GPS System, windshield mount and cradle, adhesive dash mount disk, cigarette lighter power adapter (12-24 watts), AC wall power supply/charger, quick reference guide, reference manual CD, USB cable, and a 3-month subscription to the Magellan's real-time traffic update service.

Product Description
4.3" Wide QVGA Screen / Sirf Star III / 4.5 Million Points of Interest / US - Canada - Puerto Rico / Rechargeable Battery / Voice Recognition / Bluetooth 4.3 WQVGA Color Touchscreen w/ Anti-Glare - Improved On-Screen Graphics for Easy Readablility SayWhere Text-To-Speech Technology Dictates Upcoming Street Name & Distance to Turn Bluetooth Enabled TrafficKit Ready Pre-Loaded Detailed NAVTEQ Maps - -50 States, Canada & Puerto Rico American Automobile Association (AAA) TourBook Travel Information 4.5 Million Pre-Loaded Points of Interest - -Search for Businesses, Restaurants, Parks, & More Multiple Destination Routing with Route Optimization QuickSpell Quick & Easy Address Entry Integrated Rechargeable Battery - Approximately 3 Hours Battery Life

About Magellan
Magellan is a leader in the consumer, survey, GIS, and OEM GPS navigation and positioning markets. Recognized as an industry innovator, the Company is the creator of the award-winning Magellan RoadMate series and the Magellan Maestro portable car navigation systems, the Magellan eXplorist and the Magellan Triton outdoor handheld navigation devices, and the Hertz NeverLost car navigation system, the best-selling single frequency GPS survey product line on the market. The Magellan Maestro series includes such unique features as built-in AAA travel information and voice command and control driving which no other portable GPS manufacturer in the U.S. or Canada offers. The company is recognized worldwide through its Magellan brand and has experienced dramatic revenue growth as GPS technology has proliferated across a range of consumer and commercial applications. The Company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California with European headquarters in Carquefou, France.

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Magellan Maestro 4210 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan Maestro 4210 4.3 inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I got a 4210 2 weeks ago. Used to have a Roadmate 760 before. 4210 is very quick to run on and get satellite reception. Extremely easy user interface - my 10 year old daughter got it without any instructions. Display is wide, bright and excellent in day light as well as at night. Very compact and easy to carry in a pocket. Will work in pedestrian mode as well - really neat and a nice feature over my previous bulky unit. It has AAA assistance but not detailed information on AAA sites. Does not announce street names like Roadmate 760 did (but I don't care for that feature - it is annoying). Lacks bluetooth connectivity. I have not found any accuracy problems. Bottomline - a pretty good unit.

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Product Description:
The Magellan Maestro 4210 delivers the best navigation experiencepossible by featuring a new, intuitive user interface that guidesdrivers to their destination via voice and on-screen prompts. It alsoincludes a new, ultra-thin design, an advanced, easy-to-use featureset, and more.

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8/10/2011

Magellan Maestro 5310 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan Maestro 5310 5 inch Portable GPS Navigator
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Just to clarify: I own this unit and while it's exactly what I was looking for (needing neither Bluetooth nor Voice Command) I can clarify the inaccurate information stated above - the 5310 has neither of these features.The Magellan Maestro 4050 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator has both features available for those who are interested.It is possible that we'll see Voice Command came out as an upgrade for the 5310 as it did for the 4050, but it's not there now.That said, this is a great little unit with a large, easy-to-read screen, great AAA extras, good maps and a very intuitive user interface.I'd highly recommend it and at $350 Amazon has one of the best prices I've seen (it's $500 elsewhere).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 5310 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Product Description:
The Maestro 5310 delivers a superior navigation experience, in an ultra-wide 5" screen that makes it easy for customers to enter their destination and go. With large icons and buttons, it is now easier than ever for drivers to get to their destination. Advanced features include integrated live traffic alerts, a highly intuitive user interface that guides drivers to their destination with on-screen prompts, 6 million points of interest, and more. Built-in Navteq Maps includes pre-loaded maps of the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The included Live Traffic Alert service comes with a free 3-month subscription, and provides both real-time traffic updates, and reroutes drivers when an alternate route is available.SmartDetour prompts drivers to route around heavy or stopped freeway traffic Exit POIs make it easy to access commonly used POIs while driving on the freeway AAA TourBook travel information for the United States and Canada AAA member Roadside Assistance details AAA Show Your Card & Save member discount locations Atlas III GPS Chipset 5-10 meters GPS Accuracy 1900mAH Li-Ion rechargeable battery, up to 3 hours Route Calculator Methods -Fastest Time, Shortest Distance, Least Use of Freeways, and Most Use of Freeways Option to Avoid All Toll Roads Basic VantagePoint Support Dimensions -Height 3.61 x Width 5.64 x Depth 0.79 (9.18x14.34x2.03cm) Weight -6.9 ounces (196 grams)

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8/01/2011

Magellan Maestro 3250 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic and Voice Command Review

Magellan Maestro 3250 3.5 inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic and Voice Command
Average Reviews:

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I actually had ordered the 4250, but the seller accidentally sent me the 3250 and I decided to keep it since the only difference really seemed to be size, and I found the 3250 to be bigger than I thought.

I did a lot of pre-purchase research and had settled on Magellan partly due to the AAA integration, but then chose the Maestro **50 series because of the integrated live traffic updates which I think is a GREAT feature - especially since I work in a high-traffic part of the Northeast which I think has some of the most infamous and even nightmare-inducing roads.

I really enjoy the voice command features although I wish more of the system responded to them.For example, it would be nice if they could build in for basic commands to always be recognized (e.g. "Cancel" or "Yes/No").

I am finding the touchscreen to be easy to use and responsive, but would have liked a volume control wheel on the side of the device so that I could control the volume without having to back out of another screen I might be on.

Entering of addresses is definitely improved over older Magellan GPS devices that I've used in rental cars - a suggestion here, however, would be to make the type screen set up like a standard keyboard (think Blackberry) instead of laying out all of the letters in alphabetical order, but this isn't a big deal.

I love the Bluetooth integration, and it works great with my phone even though it wasn't on the pre-loaded list (the only thing it doesn't pick up are SMS messages, but I'm okay with that).A suggestion here would be if it could automatically connect to my phone when I turn it on (like my Bluetooth handsfree does) rather than forcing me to manually connect them both each time which is kind of annoying.

The only other issue I'm having right now is with turning the device on...Sounds strange, I know, but it doesn't seem to always want to come to life when I hit the power button - even if I hold it in for a few seconds.It comes back on easily when I leave it plugged into the car, however with GPS thefts on the rise, I have taken to unhooking it and keeping it with me.

Overall, it's a great GPS for the money and the live traffic, AAA integration, and voice response are, in my opinion, its best features.You can't really go wrong here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 3250 3.5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic and Voice Command

Product Description:
Magellan Maestro 3250 Auto Navigation System

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7/19/2011

Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Review

Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3 inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
So after reading a ton of reviews on Amazon, I realized that a lot of the reasons people rated something positive or negative was because they were comparing their new GPS to an older one.So to be fair, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to.First off, it arrived from Amazon in three days using their free standard shipping, which was great.It looked brand new and included every accessory you would need, AC and DC chargers, USB cable, travel case, window mount and dash mount adapter, along with some software to help get you started.

Like some of the other reviewers, the first thing I did was upgrade the firmware to v.4.60.It took me about 10 minutes which included registering the unit with Magellan, which is required to download the upgrade.Since I didn't use it before the upgrade, I can't really speak to the benefits, but I haven't had any issues with the unit freezing up or crashing.I also signed up for the 3 month Traffic Service trial online.

Overall, the menus are very intuitive and easy to use and for the price, really can't be beat.Comparable Garmins seem about twice as much.The unit starts up fast and is quick to determine routes and re-routes.The only negative thing I've noticed is it does take longer to start up after parking the vehicle in a garage as opposed to on the street, either way, 30 to 45 seconds vs. 10 to 15.The traffic service is surprisingly accurate and updates constantly.The accuracy of the maps and POI's seems to be about 2 to 3 years off, which from what others say is about average for units of this price.Mine came loaded with S/W version 29.Magellan is selling an upgrade to version 31 on their website for $80 and calls it their 2008/2009 map.So I'm guessing this is the 2006/2007 map.

The Bluetooth syncs up fairly easily to make and receive calls, but I could not get it to sync up my phonebook or text messages with either of two different Motorola cell phones.The volume is pretty weak and call clarity is about what you could expect, but in a pinch, it makes a decent hands-free device.Can't really be used with the windows down.Overall, for $129 with free shipping, I think this is a great little device and have had no issues with getting it refurbished, although be aware it does only come with a 90 day warranty.Hope this helps.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3 Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)



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6/17/2011

Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3 inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I spent a lot of time researching a GPS unit to purchase. I "settled" for the Magellan 4250 because I couldn't justify the additional $100-200 to purchase a similar Garmin product and I stayed away from TomTom because a retail store rep mentioned that those units were returned pretty frequently.

I took this unit with me to Las Vegas and it got me from point to point without issues. Directions are clear and the interface is pretty straight forward. Entering addresses is quite easy, route calculation is reasonably fast. It has a day/night mode and is quite visible even in direct sunlight. My only complaint with the screen is that the unit is still too bright when in night mode and the brightness is set to the lowest level.

I used the Trip Planner to enter multiple destinations for my trip up to Vegas. This made going from one point to the next easy as I didn't have to make any address entries or search for a POI. I just click on Guide Me, select the destination from my saved Trip and I'm on my way.

POI was very useful. You can search POI by Name, Category or AAA TourBook and then search near you, in a city or near an address. I like the breakdown of POI Categories, very user-friendly. If you have a Bluetooth compatible phone, you can contact the POI if they include the phone number. Just select the phone number and you'll be connected via the built-in speakerphone, which works pretty well. A feature that I didn't think I would use is the ability to choose what POI icons (coffee shops, shopping areas, gas stations, atm/banks, etc.) appear on the map. I found this feature quite useful in searching for a nearby coffee shop.

AAA information is great, I actually used this to find a nice breakfast restaurant. It gave me the restaurant hours, diamond rating and dress attire. Additional AAA TourBook information include these categories: Accomodations, Restaurants, Destinations, Attractions and Events. I found the Events outdated, but I was told by a Magellan sales rep that AAA will be releasing quarterly updates. As of this review, AAA still has not released any updates, they hope to have it up sometime in late 2007. Looks like they are waiting up to the last minute.

AAA Members have additional benefits, see AAA's website for more details. One notable benefit is an extra year warranty.

The Voice Command feature is a nice extra, but it will most likely go unused.

Bluetooth was not compatible with my phone (Cingular 8125), however, I was able to test it using the Sony Ericsson W800 and it worked flawlessly. When you receive a text message an icon appears on the map and you can read the message directly on the screen. The same goes with phone calls. The only downside is that you can't import your contact list.

Live Traffic information is free for 3 months and it looks like $40 per year subscription, quite reasonable. When you have the unit plugged into the FM power/receiver, you'll see an icon on the bottom right hand of the screen indicating traffic status, or if there are any issues on the way to your destination. I have yet to determine how fast/accurate the traffic updates occur.

A nice feature with this unit is that once you have entered your destination, you can look at the direction list and if you see a street that you don't want to include (let's say because you know it has heavy traffic), select that direction/step and you can exclude this from your route. Nifty.

If you are into customizable icons/voices, they are not built-in.

Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and would gladly recommend it to family, friends and strangers reading reviews on Amazon.com.

Job well done Magellan!

*** 2007-11-29 Update****

I've had the unit for about a month now. I have additional comments.

Auto Detour: If you are in traffic, the unit will suggest a Detour. I've only used it once, but it came in very handy.

Traffic: I've come to the conclusion that this is pretty accurate, though I wish there was an option to use the Auto Detour feature before actually hitting traffic.

Exit POI: While on the freeway, I can check to see freeway exit Restaurants, Lodging, Gas Stations and Auto Service Shops. The unit displays the distance to each Exit POI.

Voice Command: I didn't think I would use this much, but with proper annunciation, I found it more convenient to say "MagellanGo Home" instead of pressing the options on the screen.

Size: Since this is my first GPS unit, I may be taking it's size for granted, but I like that I can fit it in my jacket pocket.

Customer Support: When I first got this unit, I couldn't register the product, so I called Customer Support. They were very helpful in helping me register my product. I also had to call them a second time to get assistance in activating my Traffic Subscription, again they were very helpful and was able to resolve my issue.

My Complaints:
- At times the unit is a little slow to respond when an option is selected
- There is no quick/easy way to add a POI by name to the Trip Planner
- Text to speech doesn't always come off well (i.e. Los Angeles/CA-60 W is read "Los Angeles Forwardslash C A Dash Sixty W")
- Searching for a POI by name takes about 15 seconds
- I upgraded my phone to the AT&T Tilt, Bluetooth usage is limited to making and receiving calls

That's about it. I still recommend this unit.

*** 2008-07-30 Update****

I upgraded the firmware on my unit to version 4.60 and I felt the need to update my review. Magellan has improved quite a few things:

- Improved visual cues on the map makes navigation easier
- Bluetooth connection is now automatic, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from a friend without having the need to re-connect my Tilt. I was even more pleased when I was able to dial a POI phone number without re-connecting. (Still no SMS or Contact support for my Tilt, but that is probably an OS issue)
- Map scrolling is faster
- Re-route calculation is noticeably faster
- Magellan even fixed the text to speech issue I mentioned in my last update

One of the features I wish Magellan would improve is the time it takes to do a POI Search By Name. I use this feature quite a bit and waiting the 15 to 20 seconds to display a result set just seems too long.

I'm pretty sure there were other improvements that I haven't seen, but the fact that Magellan has released at least 2 firmware upgrades since I bought my 4250 states that they are committed to improving the user experience for their products.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "Job well done Magellan!"

*** 2009-07-12 Update****

Magellan released yet another firmware update, version 4.86, and I have to applaud them for their latest fixes/additions:

- POI Search By Name time has finally been reduced! I searched for a store (whoselogo resembles a bullseye) and search took 4-5 seconds, very fast! There are still times when it takes around 10 seconds, but that didn't happen too often.
- Map drawing speed has also been increased when you scroll around, it is quite noticeable.
- Voice Command is more responsive.
- Lastly, Magellan added 2 new turn chimes, one for a left turn and another for a right turn. Very nice.

Alright, consider this my last review update (unless Magellan releases another firmware upgrade). I officially have no more complaints.

Thanks Magellan!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3 Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Product Description:
Maestro 4250

Say a command and enjoy hands-free control of your Maestro! Make phone calls with your Bluetooth-enabled phone. Get LIVE traffic reports! Maps of the U.S. and Canada, 6 million points of interest (POI) and AAA TourBook information enable you to easily find destinations. Use the intuitive menu on the 4.3" wide color touch screen and get an instant route with voice guidance.

Features:

    Voice command: Voice Command & Control enables hands-free operation. See video.

    Sophisticated and simple: Amazingly easy-to-use, route to your destination in seconds without even needing to read the instructions.

    Ultra-thin & stylish: The thinnest personal navigation device available combines style and functionality in a pocket-sized design.

    4.5" WQVGA color touch screen: The large touch screen shows your position, Points of Interest, route, ETA and more on the interactive map.

    Hands-free phone calls: Bluetooth® wireless technology and built-in microphone enable you to make calls using your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.

    LIVE traffic capability: Integrated traffic receiver sends real-time incident reports to the screen with alerts for slow-downs, accidents, road closures, severe weather and more. Maestro automatically prompts you to reroute when a quicker way is available. A FREE 3-month service subscription makes it easy to avoid traffic. (Requires activation. Fees apply after introductory period.)

    AAA TourBook™: Built-in guide gives you instant access to AAA approved and rated lodging and restaurants, recommended attractions, discount locations and roadside assistance.1

    Pre-loaded North American maps: Built-in maps enable you to travel all 50 United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

    6 million Points of Interest: Pre-programmed POIs make it easy to find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, coffee and more. Search by name or category near your position or near any city.

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6/03/2011

Magellan Maestro 4350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth & Integrated Traffic Review

Magellan Maestro 4350 4.3 inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth & Integrated Traffic
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
As this is a lengthy review, those not wanting to wade through the entire text can find a summary under the 'Conclusions' heading.

Test Conditions:
All tests were conducted in the Northeast U.S. Although I don't own another portable GPS, I do have a factory installed navigation unit in my 2006 Audi which I've utilized for several side-by-side comparisons (the Magellan is actually for my wife's car).

Updates to the 4350's operating system and navigational firmware are available at no-cost from Magellan's website. These significantly improve the functionality and stability of the unit and if you own one you'd be making a mistake not to install them. The procedure is made relativity easy by the CD based instruction manual that comes with the unit. It took me about fifteen minutes to bring my unit up to date and in a month of testing since, it has never crashed, frozen, or seriously misbehaved. All findings posted here are based on a unit updated to the following: OS Version 00.42.01.0919 and Navigation Version 8.3.2.64084. As the 4350's were just released in September 2008 there are no map updates available or required. Startup:
If powered by an ignition controlled power source the 4350 turns on/off with the car. Otherwise pressing the power button for about two seconds turns it on.
Acquiring satellites happens very quickly - we're talking seconds, not minutes. Only once, inside my house during a very heavy snowstorm, did it take longer (about two minutes) to lock. Display Screen:
The display is plenty bright and the touch screen feature is very sensitive (sometimes too much so). An optional power-saver feature dims the screen somewhat between turns when using the built-in battery. I found this very useful as besides saving the battery it tends to catch your eye when it 'wakes up' to normal brightness. Since that happens about five seconds before the first spoken notification regarding the next turn it gives you a visual heads-up that a verbal instruction is imminent (so if you happen to be blaring Hendrix on the car stereo you have time to lower the volume a bit). Touching any part of the screen will also restore it to full brightness.
The menu system is well organized and intuitive. There are a few things I'd change but overall it's very good.Audio Quality and the MP3/Photo/Video Player:
The audio is loud and clear even with the volume all the way up, which was never necessary for me. There's a male or female voice option for each available language (English, Spanish, and French).
Like most units in this price range the 4350 announces the actual street names along with the turning instructions. The pronunciations are occasionally off but they get the point across. One odd thing was although the male voice pronounced 'county' properly the female would say 'count'. I.E... "In one quarter mile turn right onto count route 513".
The built-in MP3 player and the photo viewer are nice enough and get the job done. The video player only handles Xvid .avi files, which limits its usefulness, but I believe this is the only GPS to have a video player so you probably can't do better elsewhere.

Now to one of the two big gripes I have with this unit...
There's no headphone/line-out jack! What good is an MP3 player without one??? This restricts you to listening through the single (mono) speaker or using the FM transmitter to send the signal to your car stereo (more on that later). POI's (Points of Interest) and AAA:
Magellan claims 6 million POI's reside in the 4350's database (my Audi only has about 1.7 million). Locating one couldn't be easier. You can search by name, category, and/or area. In addition to this is a listing of all facilities reviewed by the AAA, complete with descriptions, ratings and member discounts. AAA members also get an additional year of warranty coverage and one-button access to local certified garages. Although it's not mentioned in the rather sparse instruction manual, you can import your own POI's as Google .kml or .kmz files. To do this you'll need Magellan's 'Content Manager', a free download, which if you updated your firmware you'll already have. Route Selection:
Planning a route is extremely easy, as is adding interim stops (something you still can't do with many GPS models). The keyboard can be configured as QWERTY or ABC and it gray's out irrelevant letters as you type - a nice feature.
Once you've selected your destination the 4350 calculates four possible routes: Fastest, Shortest, Most Economical, and Simplest. The fastest route is chosen by default but you can examine the relative times and distances or see the routes compared visually on the map before selecting the best one for you. Some or all of these routes may be the same as multiple criteria are often met by the same route. I found the [post-upgrade] route selections to be very good, certainly on a par with my Audi's unit.
A 'One-Touch' menu allows you to store your favorite destinations as icons on a single menu. 'Home', 'Previous', 'SOS' (emergency), and AAA 'Service' icons are there by default. You can add five of your own which can point to specific addresses or POI lists. I.E... A list of all Starbucks in the current area.
Finally, being a portable device you can select your type of 'vehicle' from: Car, Bus, Emergency, Bicycle, or Pedestrian. In another undocumented feature, when switching to pedestrian mode you'll be asked if you'd like the unit to remember your car's location. Garmin makes a big deal of this feature; you'd think Magellan would at least mention they have it too. Go figure...Guidance - On the Road:
On the road is where this unit really shines. The 4.3" screen packs in a surprising amount of map detail without looking cluttered. Maps can be displayed in 2D or 3D (I prefer the 3D view which my Audi doesn't have). Landmark buildings can also rise from the map in three dimensions but in my rural area I've yet to see this in action. Information regarding the next turn is displayed across the top of the screen and I especially like how the names of cross streets appear as I approach them, then disappear. You can select which POI categories appear on the map - I chose restaurants and gas stations. Unlike some other units this feature works in 2D or 3D mode. For major chains (BP, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, etc) the generic symbols are replaced by the company logos, allowing you to see at a glance what type of establishment is coming up.
An optional warning displays the speed limit on the left side of the map when you approach or exceed it by a percentage you preset from 70 to 130%. You can also set an audible alert for this if you wish (I have a wife who performs that function). Although I don't consider this an important feature, those who do should know that in my area it only worked on the interstates.
A new feature called 'Lane Guidance' is one of the primary reasons I choose this unit over the Garmin 760. At complicated interstate exits it displays a visual representation of the overhead highway signs to show you which lane you need to be in for an upcoming maneuver. The Garmin models with a similar feature called 'Lane Assist' are far more expensive. The only other GPS to offer lane guidance near this price range is Navigon's 7200T but its POI database is small and its search features are reportedly poor.
The verbal directions are extremely clear and precise. It always beat my Audi in giving me a heads-up regarding the next turn and was usually more specific as to what I needed to do.
Besides the detailed spoken instructions the 4350 also produces a 'doorbell like' chime at the point you should be turning. It even chimes differently for left, right, and U turns. This is a feature that several prior Magellan owners have mentioned missing after switching to another brand. For some reason Magellan initially omitted it from this model but the firmware update restores it along with another enhancement that tells you which side of the street your destination is on.
Lastly, recalculations (required if you go off the designated route) were very fast, taking about the same amount of time as my Audi's unit and often producing a better result. Bluetooth, FM Transmitter, and Traffic Info:
At first the 4350 refused to find my Blackberry Curve but after doing a hard reset (as suggested by Magellan's website) the units paired right up. Bluetooth connectivity has been fine since then but all is not well... When making/receiving a hands-free call I found the audio on my end to be satisfactory but I had to shout at a distance of two feet from the unit in order to be heard faintly at the other end. In actuality I had to speak 1 to 3 inches from the built-in microphone in order to be heard properly. Compounding this issue is the fact that there's no external microphone jack like on some other brands. This was the most disappointing aspect of this test. Even though I don't use this feature, some of the people I gave these to might want to. Therefore if you need Bluetooth capability I must recommend you look elsewhere.

In my initial review I stated that the FM transmitter (which sends all sound from the 4350 to the car's audio system) worked like a charm in my Audi but didn't perform so well in my wife's Sable Wagon. I attributed this to the Sable's rear mounted antenna and the fact that the U.S. severely limits the transmitter strength of these units. However, further tests have resulted in excellent results with both cars. One thing I did notice is that the DC power cord seems to act like an antenna so if you're having reception problems plug the power cord into the 4350 (this seems to work even if you...Read more›

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4/30/2011

Magellan Maestro 3100 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan Maestro 3100 3.5 inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm a long time TomTom user, and I bought this GPS for my wife because it is small, simple, and inexpensive. We've been very pleased! The SIRF star III GPS chipset is incredible! It was able to lock onto 8 satellites from INDOORS! My TomTom GPS receiver is lucky to find 4 signals in the backyard with a clear sky. The NAVTEQ maps used by Magellan are much more accurate in the U.S. than the outdated TeleAtlas maps in my TomTom. I used both devices to search for 5 random addresses from my address book -- all of which are at least 5 years old. The Magellan found them all flawlessly -- even those with re-mapped zip codes in mid-2006! The TomTom found 1 of the 5, got me close to a second, and didn't have a clue about the street names in the other three. (Incidentally, TomTom won't provide me with a map update because they dropped support for my device, which is only 3 years old!)

The Magellan Maestro 3100 doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that the more expensive devices have, but it does GPS navigation as well as anything I've tried -- and I've tried most of them out there. I didn't buy a GPS to be an MP3 player and a picture viewer -- I already have an iPod for that. Any my car stereo has Bluetooth, so I didn't need hands-free phone capability. Why pay for features if you don't want/need them?

The only disappointment in the 3100 is the Points of Interest database. It only has 750,000 entries, whereas other competing (albeit more expensive) devices have several million. Still, it was able to find gas stations, ATMs, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores -- all the important stuff -- with no trouble. So I can't find campgrounds and beaches -- big deal! I usually don't get a spontaneous urge to go camping while I'm driving around anyway...

A previous reviewer mentioned the SD slot. Currently, it is used only to backup and restore your Address Book, Favorites, etc. Maybe a future firmware release will provide additional functionality...

Other nice features include trip planning with multiple stops; an address book where you can enter custom names,addresses, AND phone numbers; a Favorites list; a dedicated "home" button; detour planning; etc, etc.

There is also a great "where am I?" feature that with a single button push will display your precise location -- street, nearest intersections, lat/long coordinates, etc. This could be very useful if you need to summon emergency help.

All in all, this newly released (April 2007) GPS device should definitely be on your shopping list if you're looking for basic, low cost navigation.

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Product Description:
The Magellan Maestro 3100 Portable Auto GPS System delivers the best navigation experience at an entry-level price point. Pocket-sized, powerful, and re-engineered for easy use, its fresh graphics, intuitive interface, and friendly voice will guide you turn-by-turn as you enjoy the drive. If you don't like reading directions, you'll love the Magellan Maestro 3100. It's simple to use and ready to guide you to virtually any destination in the 48 continental United States. Just turn it on and go. Its thin, sophisticated design and attractive, intuitive touch-screen graphics make driving a pleasure. Enter an address or select from 750,000 preprogrammed points of interest (POIs) with just a few screen touches. SiRFstarIII™ gives you the fastest GPS position accuracy in the industry.
Additional Product Features

    Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance: Enter an address or POI and get there quickly and safely
    Graphical interactive maps: Built-in maps and destinations for the continental U.S. mean you'll always know where you are and where you're going
    Rechargeable battery: Navigate when you don't have access to power
    SmartDetour™: Automatically prompts you to route around suddenly slow freeway traffic
    Auto night view: Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing
    750,000 points of interest (POIs): Optimized database to easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, and more, with smart location search by name, category, and region
    TrueView®: Pop-up visual of upcoming turn
    Map View: 3D bird's-eye and standard map views
    Reception: Integrated antenna for clear GPS signal
What's in the Box
Magellan Maestro 3100 Portable Auto GPS System, flexible windshield mount, dash mounting adhesive disk, cigarette lighter power adapter (12-24 watts), quick reference guide, reference manual CD, and USB cable.

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4/28/2011

Magellan Maestro 4040 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan Maestro 4040 4.3 inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using GPS systems for several years, and I'm always asked "what's the best GPS?"Unfortunately, that's not an easy question to answer. Just like there's no "best" car for everyone, there's no such thing as the "best" GPS.
That being said, this is a very fine GPS system, and one well worth checking out. I've owned two other Magellan systems in the past (a Roadmate 500 and a 750M), and the improvements in this system are wonderful. Excellent screen, clear even in full sun, easy to use - truly a "turn it on and go" setup.I've always been especially fond of the way Magellan announces upcoming turns - they are the only GPS that offers a incredibly accurate "bing-bong" sound right before the turn. The key word there is ACCURATE. Yes, Garmin has an upcoming turn tone, but more often than not, it's too early or too late to be effective. Magellan gets it right every time. That, and their split screen turn view is what makes this a must-own for me.The AAA guidebook is icing on the cake, and I'm finding that to be a real time saver - much better than the typical POI database since the places have been vetted by AAA.If you're a fan of the AAA paper guidebooks, you will absolutely love having it accessible through a GPS.
I also currently have a Garmin 2610 and have found that the Magellan/Garmin combo is what works best for me. The Garmins have some advantages over the Magellans and vice versa. Together, they make a great combo.
But, if you want to buy just one GPS, the Magellan 4040 is a great choice. The Garmin Nuvi line is also quite nice, but their wide-screen versions are considerably more expensive than the 4040.If it came down to the Nuvi 3XX model or the Magellan 40XX models, I feel the Magellan gives you more for your money.On the other hand, Garmin offers better support, more frequent map/firmware updates, and is an easier company to deal with by far.See - I told you that there's no such thing as the "best" GPS!Everything's a trade off.
I've also been impressed with the user interface of the Tom Tom units but, in my area, the TeleAtlas maps they use are rather poor.Both Garmin and Magellan use Navtec maps, which (on the East Coast, at least) are much better.
Some people comment on the U turn issue. For me, it's never happened to any extent. My Garmin, in fact, tends to be far more insistent on U turns than the Magellan when you go off-route. I've also found that the Magellan (this plus all the others I've used) tend to give either the same or better routes than the Garmins (I'm on my third Garmin as well). Not all the time -- once in a while you'll get a more roundabout route on the Magellan than the Garmin, but those cases are rare.
In short, you will be happy with this unit.If you're on the fence, buy this and a Garmin, and do a head to head comparison to see which one works best for your needs and send back the loser. Chances are, however, you'll end up like me with two (or sometimes three) GPS systems on your dash.
UPDATE 5/6/07:Just took the Maestro for a 450 mile trip -- continue to be very impressed with the unit. In a side-by-side test, it routinely beat the Garmin 2610 in determining that I was off route and recalculated the new route before the Garmin even realized I was not where I should be! (Off-route situations were due to me making an unplanned side trip, and not due to bad directions from either GPS). There's also a firmware update available from Magellan that allows you to use the preview turn function at any time (just like with past Magellan units). Very easy to install and, although it warns that you should backup your address book prior to the upgrade, it did not delete any of my addresses. It's always a good idea to backup your data, but the firmware upgrade does not seem to affect it.
Update 5/18: Another trip, this one nearly 1,000 in length and the Maestro once again performed very well. My sister was so impressed with the unit that immediately upon our return she placed an order for one as well. Given that she's always shunned GPS units (even though her sense of direction is as bad as mine), that's quite an endorsement for the Maestro. She had tried a Garmin Nuvi 350 that she borrowed from a friend, and found the Magellan to be more to her style. The features in particular she liked were the fact that the direction of the next turn is always visible in the lower left corner regardless of how far away the turn is. I like that feature as well - sometimes you need a lot of advance notice of what lane you should be in when the traffic is heavy. Also, she appreciated that the Magellan gave more frequent voice prompts than the Nuvi -- it will voice "stay on the current road" when you come to a major intersection or juncture on the freeway. The Garmin does not offer that. Some people find it to be nagging, but I like all the help a GPS can give.

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Product Description:
With built-in AAA TourBook® travel information and member roadside assistance details, the Magellan Maestro 4040 Portable Auto GPS System is the ultimate travel companion. Re-engineered for easy use, it combines advanced features, elegance, and simplicity to make driving more pleasurable and less stressful. A few simple touches are all the Maestro 4040 needs to audibly guide you with turn-by-turn street name directions to virtually any destination in the United States and Canada. You can even customize your navigation method or route to get there quicker and stress-free.


With fresh graphics and an intelligent touch screen, the Magellan Maestro 4040 is the ultimate travel companion.
View larger - Side view




Easy to use navigation features SmartDetour and auto re-route. View larger.

Access built-in AAA information from your GPS touch screen. View larger. AAA-enabled
With built-in AAA travel information, the Maestro 4040 gives you instant access to the most trusted source for trip planning; searchable AAA TourBook® listings, Show Your Card & Save® locations for member discounts, approved auto repair facilities, attractions, events, and more. The Maestro 4040 also provides AAA members roadside assistance details, with exact location and a toll-free help number. The Maestro 4040 is also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can connect your Bluetooth cell phone directly to AAA for immediate help when you need it most.
Note: AAA member roadside assistance requires AAA membership.
Easy-to-Use Navigation
Enter virtually any address on the freshly designed graphical touch screen, or select from 4.5 million preprogrammed points of interest and get turn-by-turn voice guidance to anywhere in the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, right out of the box. Just turn it on and go. SiRFstarIII™ gives you the fastest GPS position accuracy in the industry, while SayWhere™ text-to-speech tells you the street name for each maneuver so you can focus on driving. Smart buttons and Magellan's unique QuickSpell™ function enable error-free spelling to minimize steps and give you a customized route to your destination with just a few screen touches.
Bluetooth, Traffic Updates, and More
The Maestro 4040's Bluetooth wireless technology lets you make hands-free phone calls with your Bluetooth-enabled phone. You can also store or sync numbers and contact information through the easy-to-use touch screen and make calls via the Maestro 4040's integrated microphone and speakers. Add the optional Magellan TrafficKit™ to this device and you'll be equipped with live traffic incident reports, so you'll never get stuck on the freeway.
Additional Product Features

    Sophisticated and simple: Streamlined touch-screen buttons minimize steps to locate a destination
    Sleek design: Integrated GPS antenna provides excellent satellite reception in a slim and compact design
    Graphical interactive maps: Maps and destinations for the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada are built-in, so you can travel far and wide and always know where you are and where you're going
    Traffic-enabled: Add the Magellan TrafficKit™ to your Maestro 4040 to get live traffic incident reports; activation and subscription fees apply
    Voice command upgradeable: Add Voice Command control for hands-free operation with an upgrade from Magellan; activation fee applies
    Bird's-eye 3D view: Clearly see your surroundings in 2D or 3D; also choose between Map View, TrueView™ 3D split screen, and Maneuver List
    Rechargeable battery: Navigate even when you don't have access to power
    Multi-destination routing: Select up to 20 destinations and choose the order that best fits your needs
    SmartDetour™: Automatically prompts you to route around suddenly slow freeway traffic
    Auto re-route: Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you make a detour
    Auto night view: Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing
    QuickSpell™: Easily enter addresses with unique auto-complete feature that even corrects spelling
    Complete mobility: Transfer to any vehicle with no installation
    4.5 million points of interest (POIs): Optimized database to easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, and more. And with smart location you can search by name, category, and region. There's even a Coffee category so you can quickly find caffeine whenever you need it.
    Interactive POI icons: Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination, see name and address, and get an instant route
    Customizable route method: Fastest time, shortest distance, least or most use of freeways, avoid toll roads
    Route exclusion: Select streets and freeways to avoid so you can get there your way
    Address book: Create and store personal points of interest for easy reoccurring trips
    Instant locate: One touch shows your location; quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services

What's in the Box
Magellan Maestro 4040 Portable Auto GPS System, windshield mount and cradle, adhesive dash mount disk, cigarette lighter power adapter (12-24 watts), AC wall power supply/charger, quick reference guide, reference manual CD, and USB cable.

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