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