Showing posts with label magellan 4700. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magellan 4700. Show all posts

Friday, September 30, 2011

Arkon MM329-ST Removable Swivel Tightening Air Vent Mount for Mio Moov 300 Series GPS Review

Arkon MM329-ST Removable Swivel Tightening Air Vent Mount for Mio Moov 300 Series GPS
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
It definitely works, but only has one mount adapter compared to some alternatives like NAVGEAR 14027 Universal GPS Vent Mount which come with many adapters for various GPS devices, except missing the single-slot Magellan or Mio. I bought this primarily to get the single-slot adapter that comes with this and can be used with the NavGear 14027. This mount comes with a 2-slot adapter built in that the single-slot mount you see pictured connects on top of. This mount underneath the single-slot adapter matches the 2-slot magellan mount. So you can take the single-slot adapter and connect it to another 2-slot magellan adapter on another mount if you want to convert it to a single-slot mount and use that mount. I really liked the NavGear 14027 vent mount and can use just the adapter plate that this comes with to connect to that which didn't come with it. However, this mount still works well enough on its own.
This connects to your vent similarly to the other mounts by sliding between the vent blades whether they are horizontal, vertical, or have different spacing as long as they are not too narrow. It fits fine in my Honda Accord. The arms are quite versatile and can be adjusted within the bracket by being able to freely rotate them to angle up or down depending on your vent angle on horizontal blades, or rotate them to grab vertical blades. Just rememember you can completely turn them over to adjust as you see fit. You can also slide them left and right within the bracket to match the spacing of your vent. The weight ultimately sits on the bottom lever so all it is trying to do is hang on for stability and use gravity to hold the unit most of the time.
This vent connection differs from the NavGear 14027 by using clips instead of a spring and slider system. It makes it easier to slide on and off compared to the NavGear 14027's spring-based system. However this makes you squeeze an all-plastic clip to make it flex unlike a metal spring. Both will have fatigue over time, but I think a spring will last a lot longer than the all-plastic clip that you bend by squeezing. I suspect the force of frequent use will break this faster. Also, it is pretty strong, and it feels rougher on my vent blades than the spring system which is rougher on my hands. So this one is easier to put on and take off, but I worry more about the durability and being more rough on the vent blades. I prefer the NavGear connection, but this one seem fine. I would just be careful and it should probably be fine.
The mount adapter itself that connects to your GPS unit work well enough. This seems to be identical to the single-slot adapter on the magellan windshield mount that came with my magellan, except that as you can see from the picture it doesn't have the offset slot to connect the power to the mount. You can still plug in the power while mounted, it is just that the power cord isn't also mounted firmly on the adapter like the official magellan adapter. I prefer this in some ways because I had a really hard time trying to get my official magellan windshield adapter to connect because it didn't perfectly line up. So by being free of the mount it is very easy just to slide your magellan over the mount slot and connect the power separately. I really like that. However, the magellan seems to rely on the offset power connection being tied into the adapter for a more firm grip and stability. It by no means will fall off and is a good connection with just the single slot. You can still use the screene asily. However, it isn't a firm enough grip to keep it from shaking around more with road vibrations an bumps. So it definitely shakes more than other mount methods that have a firmer grip. It just seems to be a flaw in a single slot design that requires an adapter to hang onto the power cord too to add stability. I was going to use a twist tie or something next to try to connect the power cord a little bit to add some more stability. It is certainly usable as-is, just not as nice as a firm grip compared to my TomTom, and more annoying for it to shake more. However, this same single-slot connection is about the only choice you have for single-slot magellans and will be the same on most until they improve as single-slot magellans become more common. Even magellan only offered just the windshield mount that it came with, which I cannot use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Arkon MM329-ST Removable Swivel Tightening Air Vent Mount for Mio Moov 300 Series GPS

Arkon MM329-ST mio moov 300 series removable air vent mount

Buy NowGet 73% OFF

Click here for more information about Arkon MM329-ST Removable Swivel Tightening Air Vent Mount for Mio Moov 300 Series GPS

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Magellan RoadMate 3065 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic Review

Magellan RoadMate 3065 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this product at a big box store, on sale at the same price. I mounted it on one of those beanbag dash mounts; worked fine. The directions are clear; super-accurate. It updates when I deviate from course almost immediately, except once when my local knowledge flummoxed it for about 15 seconds.
The screen would be easy to see (less the sunglare) if it weren't just too close for my driving glasses and just too far for me to peer over them. That's my personal problem. Maybe I need bifocals. The spoken directions are clear and well-timed, so a detailed look at the screen isn't really necessary.
The traffic wake-up is virtually useless; it has to be connected in the car to work, and I am not leaving the unit in the car overnight, and certainly not in the garage at work, having already lost a stereo. Plus my car needs the key in the Accessories position to power the cigarette lighter, and I suspect that would not be a good idea. I haven't encountered any traffic to test it on the road, yet (which I guess is a good thing).
I had it about a week when it died: in the car, on the floor (the advantage of the beanbag mount) while I was in a store for about an hour. It would not turn back on. The Magellan support was excellent: I called, got an RMA number, shipped it, and expect a new unit (not a refurb) back in a few days (7-10 after shipping). I'll be a little more careful about heat, though you would expect that a device designed to sit exposed to the sky...
Assuming the replacement keeps its cool, I would recommend this, or one of the similar models.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan RoadMate 3065 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic

The Magellan RoadMate 3065 Commuter is a must-have GPS navigator for anyone who is on the road constantly.

Designed for the daily commuter with the exclusive ultra-wide 4.7-inch touch screen (17% larger than a standard 4.3-inch screen), lifetime traffic alerts, highway lane assist, OneTouch favorites, AAA TourBook and Bluetooth.
Key commuter features include Predictive Reporting to ease the paperwork of mileage reports by keeping track of your mileage on chosen trips, exclusive Traffic Wakeup feature automatically powers on your device and provides real-time traffic updates when you want them.
No commute is complete without the most trusted name in travel... AAA. Only Magellan products include the built-in AAA TourBook with Diamond ratings and descriptions on AAA-approved places to stay, play, dine, and save. No membership required.
Personalize your travel experience with the OneTouch menu of your favorite places and searches. Bookmark your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, gas station, or bank to find the nearest location, anywhere you travel!
Enjoy premium NAVTEQ maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico making this the perfect navigator for travel around the country or everyday commuting.
Perfect for the road warrior, the Magellan RoadMate 3065 Commuter is packed with features to keep your journey worry-free and safe!


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Magellan RoadMate 3065 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
With an occupation that keeps me on the road, a working navigational tool is a must have. Having gone through my fair share of slow and inconsistent GPS products ranging from Garmin, TomTom and yes even Magellan through the years, one must really do their homework. After researching several systems this model kept popping up on my radar screen.
Coming out of the box, this unit worked perfectly without the usual hiccups of other systems that I have owned. Installation is simple. Downloading updates via the included USB cable was quick and without issues. Powering up is a breeze. Total time for entering starting point to destination is about 45 seconds. The One Touch screen is on the money. The menu allows for editing for one's own personal choices. I really have come to like the Predictive Traffic feature. In short, it creates alternate routes for known traffic tie ups.
Even though this system is primed for Bluetooth, not all mobile devices are compatible. The Maestro 4700 paired at times with two out of three of our cell phones. When it did pair, connections were dropped a bit more often then expected and clarity was an issue. As usual, my personal phone did not pair up at all with this system. Maybe its a great working feature with the right phone. Even if it did pair up with my go to phone, I don't see myself giving up my wireless ear piece anytime soon. This feature rates 3 stars at best.
Like every GPS system before it, Voice Command on this unit is simply a wasted feature that works when it wants to. This add on alone receives a failing grade from me. On the other hand, Spoken Street Name Guide with text to speech is clear and precise. The 3D Landmarks add on is a nice touch. I have yet to use the Find My Car feature. The free, no membership required AAA Guide is loaded with great up to date information.
The Maestro 4700 measures in at over 5" wide x 3.5" height and weighs about 6 ounces. The biggest draw for me personally is the large 4.7" color touch screen, predictive traffic, and the lane guide arrow features. The user friendly one touch interface is definitely a winner. On the downside, the Maestro 4700's screen is not viewable in all lighting conditions. Granted its not as bad as my previous model, but there is still some glare to contend with.
Quick Spell automatically fills in the blanks and makes locating a destination easy. One of the sweetest features is the lane guide arrows (Highway Lane Assist) program that sounds a bell when my next turn is coming up. It quickly guides me into the correct lane without the usual "Oops, how did I miss that exit?"
The Maestro 4700 comes preloaded with maps of the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. Additional maps can be stored on board via SD Card. Included accessories are a windshield mount, storage pouch, dash mounting disk, car power adapter, handbook, USB cable, and an informative CD. I recommend buying a good protective case. Magellan loses major style points for not including an AC power supply plug. Unplugged, the battery provided me a little over 2 hours of power.

As with most electronics, this system includes the standard 1 year warranty. If it is returned within the applicable warranty period, Magellan will replace the defective unit. Most likely the buyer will receive a reconditioned unit of the same model or at the company's discretion another model of lesser value. I know this from personal experience. Both Magellan and Garman share this replacement policy.
Even though Magellan has made marked improvements on its GPS products the last couple of years, its customer support has always lagged behind. After my latest chats with off shore customer support, all I can say it still needs improvement. At best, it ranks one star.
The glitches I found with both Voice Command and Bluetooth pairing undoubtedly keeps the Maestro 4700 from garnering more then a four star rating. Even with those issues this product still delivers on the basics. For me that is more then enough. Its still an above average NAVAIDS tool.
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UPDATE:10.31.09
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I've owned this system for a few months now. I've driven cross country and back and also made my monthly run up the coast. The only issue that I have had is the age old problem with NAVTEQ maps. On more then one occasion the maps placed me in the opposite direction of my destination. I don't see the folks at NAVTEQ fixing this problem any time soon because it has existed for so long. NAVTEQ mapping was an issue on my other GPS products as well. I probably have a better chance of winning the lottery rather then waiting for the folks at NAVTEQ to fix their maps. Other then that, my Magellan 4700 GPS is still on the job and doing what it does best.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

The premium Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS device boasts the acclaimed and exclusive OneTouch favorites menu and an ultra-slim 4.7-inch color touch screen. Preloaded NAVTEQ maps and six million points of interest for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico make the Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS product ideal for both business trips and vacations. Easy-to-use premium features, such as AAA TourBook, voice command, highway lane assist, predictive traffic, and Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calling, give you confidence on the road and deliver an exceptional navigation experience.


What's in the Box? Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS receiver; pre-loaded maps of United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico; windshield mount; adhesive disc for dash mounting; vehicle power adapter; USB cable; user handbook.

Visit MagellanGPS.com for the latest software update for your Maestro 4700 to keep it current and performing at its best.


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Review

Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this refurbished Magellan Maestro 4700 for my pick up and also own another one that I bought new last year. Both work great with the exception of the on and off again bluetooth and voice command issues that I still encounter from time to time. I've gone through my fair share of slow and inconsistent GPS products ranging from Garmin, TomTom and yes even Magellan. You really have to do your homework. I settled on getting a second one of these because my first one has been a workhorse.
Just like my first purchase, downloading updates via the included USB cable was quick and without issues. Powering up is a breeze. Total time for entering starting point to destination is about 45 seconds. The One Touch screen is on the money. The menu allows for editing for one's own personal choices. I really have come to like the Predictive Traffic feature. In short, it creates alternate routes for known traffic tie ups.
Even though this system is primed for Bluetooth, not all mobile devices are compatible. This refurbished model paired well with one out of three cell phones. The other two were hit and miss. Connections were also dropped a bit more often then expected and clarity was an issue. Like our first Magellan 4700, my personal phone did not pair up at all with this unit. Maybe its a great working feature with the right phone. Bluetooth rates 3 stars at best.
Like every GPS system before it, Voice Command on this unit is simply a wasted feature that works when it wants to. This add on alone receives a failing grade from me. On the other hand, Spoken Street Name Guide with text to speech is clear and precise. The 3D Landmarks add on is a nice touch. I have yet to use the Find My Car feature. The free, no membership required AAA Guide is loaded with great up to date information.
The Maestro 4700 measures in at over 5" wide x 3.5" height and weighs about 6 ounces. The biggest draw for me personally is the large 4.7" color touch screen, predictive traffic, and the lane guide arrow features. The user friendly one touch interface is definitely a winner. On the downside, the Maestro 4700's screen is not viewable in all lighting conditions. Granted its not as bad as my previous model, but there is still some glare to contend with.
Quick Spell automatically fills in the blanks and makes locating a destination easy. One of the sweetest features is the lane guide arrows (Highway Lane Assist) program that sounds a bell when my next turn is coming up. It quickly guides me into the correct lane without the usual "Oops, how did I miss that exit?"
The Maestro 4700 comes preloaded with maps of the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. Additional maps can be stored on board via SD Card. Included accessories are a windshield mount, storage pouch, dash mounting disk, car power adapter, handbook, USB cable, and an informative CD. I recommend buying a good protective case. Magellan loses major style points for not including an AC power supply plug. Unplugged, the battery provided me a little over 2 hours of power.
Even though Magellan's products have vastly improved in the last few years, its customer support is totally a lost cause. Add the frustrating wait time before a human picks up and combine that with their totally outdated scripts, and the customer still isn't any closer to resolving the problem at hand. Customer support is ONE STAR at best. A one year warranty is tagged onto this product.
The continued glitches with both Bluetooth and Voice Command that I experienced on my older 4700 are not that much different on this reconditioned unit. These issues undoubtedly keep the Maestro 4700 from picking up more then a four star rating. Still it covers the basics and gets me to and from my destination. That's all I need.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain cosmetic blemishes.

The premium Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS device boasts the acclaimed and exclusive OneTouch favorites menu and an ultra-slim 4.7-inch color touch screen. Preloaded NAVTEQ maps and six million points of interest for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico make the Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS product ideal for both business trips and vacations. Easy-to-use premium features, such as AAA TourBook, voice command, highway lane assist, predictive traffic, and Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calling, give you confidence on the road and deliver an exceptional navigation experience.


What's in the Box? Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS receiver; pre-loaded maps of United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico; windshield mount; adhesive disc for dash mounting; vehicle power adapter; USB cable; user handbook.

Visit MagellanGPS.com for the latest software update for your Maestro 4700 to keep it current and performing at its best.


Buy NowGet 72% OFF

Click here for more information about Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)