My brother is a good friend of mine and so he tells me about all the purchases he plans out like his high performance computer, video games and now a superb GPS. The Magellen Maestro 4050 is an amazing device, and if you're in the market for one, you shouldn't at all be surprised about what I'm going to tell you. I'm going to go from obvious to cool features on this GPS.
First off there are pre-loaded US, Canada, and Puerto Rico maps all displayed on a 4.3 inch screen. It is 5. 0 (l) x 3.75 (w) x 0.88 (h) and contained in a high quality plastic case. It can run 2 hours with continuous use but isn't important because mostly you'll have it plugged into your car at all times.
My brother just bought a BMW 328xi with a load of feature including Bluetooth and an integrated feature called BMW assist. BMW Assist system offers safety, security and convenience services at the touch of a button. Using advanced technology, BMW Assist connects you with a trained response specialist, much like OnStar, to help you with almost everything, from an emergency situation to directions and traffic information. How does this relate to the Magellan Maestro 4050? If you didn't pay for some of the luxuries you can add to a car, then this GPS will provide at least some of those for a fraction of the cost. Bluetooth, hands-free calling, and Built-in AAA Travel Information, this will rival an integrated navigation system.
I haven't even got to the best part yet. Next is the included services offered by Magellan. TrafficKit can be added onto the GPS with applicable subsciption fees. Basically, TrafficKit will tell you traffic updates faster than your local radio. Finally, there is voice recognition software. There are two YouTube videos that I found to be quite good. One shows a close-up of the GPS being used with not the best function(click here) and then the other one is more of a review of the voice recognition with a demo(click here).
Compared to TomTom there are some advantages and disadvanges. For one, TomTom has mapshare which is really helpful when you find an error, you can help correct it, and therefore in turn, you'll have a more reliable map. Magellan though has the amazing Voice Command and wins my heart.
I looked at the big three in the industry, Magellan, TomTom, and Garmin and took into account their routing engine and map accuracy. There are two different mapping data providors for these 2 companies, NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas. NAVTEQ is better for North America and comes standard on Magellan units and Garmin (Garmins is several years old but soon to be updated) while TomTom uses Tele Atlas.
I'm not done yet. Here are some pros and cons about the Magellan Maestro 4050.
Pros
- Great, easy to use interface
- notifies you well in advance of turns
- 4.5million P.O.I.S that is better than larger databases on other GPS systems
- Multi-destination routing with route optimization
- QuickSpell, to speed up entering text (no real need to use it with voice commad)
- Loud speaker
- Allows you to see your current location w/ time, speed, direction, & allows you to save your current location
- Four routing methods to choose from
- Only GPS on the market that includes AAA's TourBook information
Cons
- GPS voice is hard to understand and is the worst text-to-speech of Magellan, TomTom, and Garmin
- Cannot enter a street address using the voice command
- Hard to use voice commands while driving
- Docking system is hard to use
- Map colour scheme makes it hard to read
- Sometimes wakes up without you saying "Magellan"
- Icons are transparent, making them hard to see
- Traffic Reciever is big
- P.O.I lookups don't use QuickSpell
- Bluetooth is difficult to hook up with your device
- Map Screen only uses night mode, all other screens stick to day
Retailling at $499, I think I'd pick one up for Christmas.