» Magellan Maestro 4200, 4210, 4220, 4250 Car GPS Navigators Review

The Maestro 4200 models all have a large 4.3″ wide-format 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. There is an SD card dock for backing up personal data or loading new maps.

QuickSpell

All Magellan Maestro 4200 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 Receiver

The Magellan Maestro 4200 GPS navigation capabilities are powered by a SiRF Star III GPS receiver chipset. The SiRF Star III has excellent sensivity and will lock onto satellite signals even in weak reception areas such as between tall buildings or under heavy foliage. The SiRF Star III’s accuracy 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

Voice Command and Control provides the functionality to navigate with spoken demands. While a useful feature allowing you to keep your eyes on the road, the fledgling technology only allows for a limited set of spoken commands – you can’t have a chat.

Speech control is a technology that will mature and provide ever increasing usefulness for hands free navigation. The following video is a demonstration of how to use this feature.

Voice Command Demo Magellan Maestro

As you will have noticed from the video the language used is simple enough but not the usual pattern of natural speech. It will probably not be long before voice commands and responses follow a more conversational speech pattern as evidenced by the new company Cognitive Code. Selected by TechCrunch as one of the top 40 hottest new startups in the world, Cognitive Code has developed software, SILVIA, which can translate natural language into machine understandable concepts and formulate more conversational rather than stilted replies.

Hands Free Bluetooth Wireless Phone Calls - Magellan Maestro 4250 Only

Like Voice Command, Bluetooth wireless is another technology allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. The Magellan maestro 4250’s Bluetooth wireless technology and built-in microphone provides allows you to make safe 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 4210 and 4250 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 4250 Only

The FM traffic receiver incorporated in the Magellan Maestro 4250 provides live traffic incident reports allowing you to request the Maestro 4250 to automatically plot alternative routes around traffic delays. Traffic incident locations and details are available on the touch-screen. Included with the Magellan Maestro 4250 is a 3 month traffic data subscription.

Comparison of Magellan Maestro 4200 Models

Magellan Maestro 4200 models share all the features of the base 4200 model with differing and additional features noted.
4200

• 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

4210

• 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

4220

• 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

4250

• 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.

Hands On User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Get prices and check out the customer reviews at Amazon for

Magellan Maestro 4200 Auto Navigation System
Magellan Maestro 4210 4.3-Inch Auto Navigation Unit
Magellan Maestro 4220 - GPS receiver - automotive
Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

At Buy.com you can read customer reviews and get prices for

Magellan Maestro 4200 Portable GPS System w/ 4.3 Wide Touch Screen

Magellan Maestro 4210 Portable GPS System w/ Preloaded Maps - 4.3 Touch Screen

Magellan Maestro 4220 Portable GPS System w/ Preloaded Maps - 4.3 Touch Screen
Magellan Maestro 4250 Portable GPS System w/ Pre-loaded Maps & Voice Command - Refurbished

TheNerds.net also have competitive prices and reviews for

Magellan Maestro 4200
Magellan Maestro 4210
Magellan Maestro 4250

Check if Newegg.com have a bargain for the model you’re looking for

MAGELLAN Maestro 4200 4.3″ Automotive GPS Navigation
MAGELLAN Maestro 4210 4.3″ Automotive GPS Navigation - North America

Resources

Magellan Maestro 4200 manual
Magellan Maestro 4200 FAQ Page

Magellan Maestro 4210 manual
Magellan Maestro 4210 FAQ Page

Magellan Maestro 4220 manual
Magellan Maestro 4220 FAQ Page

Magellan Maestro 4250 manual (French)
Magellan Maestro 4250 FAQ Page

Magellan Maestro 4200, 4210, 4220 and 4250 Features

It should be noted that the 4200 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.
• 4.3″ wide WQVGA 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 4200): 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. 4250 and 4210 only
• Hands-free phone calls: Bluetooth® wireless technology and built-in microphone enable you to make calls using your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. 4250 only
• 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.) 4250 only
• Voice command: Voice Command & Control enables hands-free operation. 4250 only