» Magellan Maestro 3200, 3210, 3220, 3250 Car GPS Navigators Review

The Maestro 3200 models all have a 3.5in touch screen displayed navigation menus which allow destinations to be entered by text or selection of a POI (point of interest). Both 2D and 3D map views are available for onscreen navigation directions. The Magellan has the helpful split screen functionality which allows you to see a zoom in of an upcoming turn. Routes can be calculated for numerous priorities including fastest time, shortest distance, or particular road selection.

Magellan Maestro QuickSpell

All Magellan Maestro 3200 models have the handy QuickSpell feature which is like auto-complete on mobile phones for speeding up text entry. One improvement on the mobile phone auto-complete is the use of the map database to gray out letters that would not spell a valid city name.

SiRF Star III GPS Processor

The Magellan Maestro 3200 GPS navigator models GPS receiver is a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III is well regarded for its accuracy and excellent performance in weak GPS signal areas such as downtown between tall buildings. Accuracy for the SiRF Star III is 2.0m for position and with 0.01m/s for velocity accuracy. Hot and warm autonomous times to first fix (TTFF) are less than 1s and less than 35s respectively which is excellent performance compared to other GPS receivers on the market.

Magellan Voice Command and Control

The Magellan Maestro 3250 has Voice Command and Control which provides the facility to control the navigation with spoken demands. However, this is one of the first GPS devices to provide this feature and the fledgling technology only allows for a limited set of spoken commands – you can’t have a chat. That said, it is surprising that unlike word processing speech recognition software, it does not require any voice “training” for voice recognition to function.

This is a technology that will mature and provide ever increasing usefulness for hands free navigation. Have a look at the video to see a demonstration of how to use this feature.

Magellan Maestro 4050 Voice Command Demo

As you will have noticed from the video the language used is simple enough but not the usual pattern of natural speech. However, it may not be too long before voice commands and responses follow a more conversational speech pattern as evidenced by the new company Cognitive Code. They have developed software, SILVIA, which can translate natural language into machine understandable concepts and additionally formulate more conversational rather than stilted replies.

Hands Free Bluetooth Wireless Phone Callls - Magellan Maestro 3250 Only

When combined with a cell phone, the Magellan maestro 3250’s Bluetooth wireless technology and built-in microphone provides safer hands-free phone calls. Audio is automatically muted during phone calls. Phone numbers associated with the POI (Positions of Interest) make it simple to call ahead to book a seat at a restaurant or a room at a motel.

Magellan Maestro AAA Tourbook Guide Information Integration - Magellan Maestro 3210 and 3250 Only

Information in the AAA Tourbook Guide provides navigation information such as:

• Diamond ratings for accommodation and restaurants
• Tourist Attractions
• AAA Roadside assistance information (AAA members)
• AAA Member Discounts (AAA members)
• AAA Approved Auto Repairers (AAA members)

One limitation to be aware of is that the POI database and AAA Tourbook information database are not integrated (linked) and must be searched separately.

LIVE Traffic Capability - Magellan Maestro 3250 Only

The Magellan Maestro 3250 incorporates an FM traffic receiver which provides live traffic incident reports to allow users to avoid accidents, slow-downs, road closures, severe weather, road work and other traffic delays. Traffic incident locations and details are available on the touch-screen and automatic re-routing around upcoming traffic problems is available. A 3-month traffic data subscription is included with paid renewal required afterwards.

Comparison of Magellan Maestro 3200 Models

Magellan Maestro 3200 models share all the features of the base 3200 model with differing and additional features noted.
3200

• Pre-loaded U.S. maps: Built-in maps enable you to travel the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
• 1.3 million Points of Interest

3210

• Pre-loaded North American maps: Built-in maps enable you to travel all 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico
• AAA TourBookâ„¢: Built-in guide information gives you instant access to AAA approved and rated lodging and restaurants, recommended attractions, discount locations and roadside assistance

3220

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

3250

• AAA TourBook providing instant access to AAA approved and rated lodging and restaurants, recommended attractions, discount locations and roadside assistance.
• Hands-free phone calls with Bluetooth wireless technology and built-in microphone enable you to make calls using your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.
• LIVE traffic capability with integrated traffic receiver sending real-time incident reports to the screen with alerts for slow-downs, accidents, road closures, severe weather and more. Automatic prompting to reroute is provided when a quicker way is available.
• Voice command enabling hands-free operation.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Magellan Maestro 3200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Magellan Maestro 3210 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3220

Magellan Maestro 3250 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

GPS, MAESTRO 3200, COVERING 48 STATE

Magellan Maestro 3210
GPS, MAESTRO 3250, NORTH AMERICA

Magellan Maestro 3200 Portable GPS System w/ Preloaded Maps

Magellan Maestro 3210 Portable GPS System w/ Built-in Maps

Magellan Maestro 3220 Portable GPS System w/ Preloaded Maps

Magellan Maestro 3250 Portable GPS System w/ Built-in Maps & Voice Command

MAGELLAN Magellan Maestro 3200 3.5″ Automotive GPS Navigation

MAGELLAN Maestro 3250 3.5″ Automotive GPS Navigation

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Magellan Maestro 3200, 3210, 3220 and 3250 Features

It should be noted that the 3200 Magellan Maestro models do no have any multimedia functionalities such as MP3 playback.

• 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.
• 3.5″ QVGA color touch screen: The large touch screen shows your position, Points of Interest, route, ETA and more on the interactive map.
• Pre-loaded Maps: See above for maps loaded on particular models.
• 6 million Points of Interest (1.5 million for 3200): 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.
• Interactive POI icons: Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination to see name, address, phone number (when available), and get an instant route.
• QuickSpell: Exclusive auto-complete feature makes it easy to enter destinations with just a few touches of the screen and even corrects spelling.
• SmartDetour: Automatically prompts you to route around sudden slow freeway traffic.
• Bird’s-eye 3D view: Clearly see your surroundings in 2D or 3D. Choose between Map View, TrueViewâ„¢ 3D split screen, and Maneuver List.
• SiRFstarIII: Integrated chipset provides the fastest GPS position acquisition in the industry.
• Rechargeable battery: Navigate for up to 3 hours when power is unavailable.
• Automatic re-route: Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you take a detour.
• Customizable route method: Select Fastest Time, Shortest Distance, Least or Most Use of Freeways, and Avoid Toll Roads.
• Address book: Create and store personal Points of Interest for easy reoccurring trips.
• Auto night view: Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing.
• SD-card compatibility: Back up your address book.
• 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
• 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.)
• Voice command: Voice Command & Control enables hands-free operation.

Technorati Tags: 3.5in touch screen, QuickSpell, SiRF Star III, GPS, Magellan Maestro 3250, Voice Command and Control, Magellan Maestro 4050, Cognitive Code, SILVIA, AAA Tourbook Guide, navigation, LIVE Traffic Capability