Magellan’s Maestro 4700 4.7 inch Voice Command Auto GPS Review

Magellan’s Maestro 4700 is an ultra-slim GPS auto navigator featuring an exceptionally large 4.7 inch touch screen, voice command capabilities, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and lane assist. It’s a premium auto GPS navigator package.

One thing that strikes us while reviewing this product is the number of features which improved driving safety by reducing the time a driver has to look away from the road to use the GPS navigator.

The Maestro 4700’s 4.7 inch screen is one of the largest available for auto GPS navigators (17 percent larger than a 4.3 inch screen) and is certainly easier to view while driving, particularly with the larger size fonts used. An easier viewing navigation display increases safety by reducing the time the drivers eyes are off the road ahead.

Magellan have made good use of the larger screen in providing a new “One Touch Menu” allowing users to store a destination as a single touch icon as with the ubiquitous home icon.

Another feature increasing safety by keeping the drivers eyes safely on the road is the voice recognition functionality allowing many functions to be controlled hands-free. Functions which can be controlled by voice commands are accessed via a “Say a Command” screen. Voice commands are given by repeating the phrases given by buttons or saying the number indicated on various list options. A beep acknowledges the acceptance of a voice command. While the voice command system doesn’t have the flexibility of some conversational voice recognition systems it is a useful tool which doesn’t take much getting used to.

Hands-free calling is included and is another safety improving feature allowing hands-free phone calls and simpler access to your phones address book through the Maestro 4700’s display. It’s worth noting that the microphone is noise-canceling so that road noise does not disrupt your communication. Naturally you need to pair your 4700 with a compatible mobile phone before using the Bluetooth function.

An interesting feature of the Maestro 4700 GPS is Predictive Traffic which analyzes past traffic patterns when creating a route to help avoid common delays. It’s provided as an option and is up to the user to select.

Other notable features of the Magellan Maestro 4700 are:

A Points of Interest (POI) database including the AAA TourBook guide which is exclusive to Magellan.

3D landmarks which can provide visual clues that you are on the right track depending on what your location is and what landmarks are stored for that area.

QuickSpell which is Magellan’s address entry interface with predictive behaviors to speed up text entry

A “Find Your Car” mode for locating your car in a larger or confusing parking lot.

Access to the Maneuver List to exclude streets or roads listed from you route

Pre-loaded maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico

Backup and restore functionality using a micro SD card which allows your address book to be backed up.

Live Traffic report capable (option)