Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
by Magellan
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Customer Review: So far so good
Summary: 5 Stars
So far I have only two complaints, and I will hold them for the end. My 4250 was packaged very well, the shipping was fast. It was simple to take out of the package and get up and running, and with the "Points Of Interest" and addresses that are already in the thing, you really don't have to do anything else. I elected not to use the adhesive disk because I stick nothing to the interior of my car, so it is mounted on the windshield, and it holds securely. It is very simple to use either through touching the screen or voice commands, although sometimes it does not respond to my voice commands, but that can be expected with the inherent background noises that exist in a moving or running vehicle. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find and address/street, but I have found if you type as far as it will let you, and then start backing up one letter at a time, you will eventually find the address/street you are looking for. They are not always in there the way you expect. A good example is people here refer to some streets as RR but they are really Roosevelt Road, you have to actually enter "Rooseve..." to get on the right page. It's not a problem just one of the little things you have to learn. If you put in your destination, and then examine you route by using the simulate mode, you can figure out which of the 4 routes you want to take, and you can fast forward or reverse through the simulation to look at specific areas of your trip, which is a very nice feature. Sometimes it just will not calculate the route the way I want to go, and when that happens I just go the way I want, turn off the volume and it will continue to recalculate my route until it gets to the one I want. So far it has not gotten me lost, although for some reason it did have me exit the interstate and then get back on the interstate at the next on ramp. I'm not sure why we did that, but I have learned to follow directions and you won't get lost. The POI software is great, I installed it and thought it was a joke at first, but then I discovered that between Mapquest and Google Earth, I can locate anything, then I can get the Lat. and Long. and convert that to the decimal lat. and long. and I can enter my own POIs. Then using this system I can create trips using the POI editor, you can just name POIs stop 1, stop 2, etc. Ok now for the complaints; To use a voice command you have to say the word "Magellan" and the unit responds with "Say a command." Sometimes it will respond with "Say a command" while you are talking to someone in your vehicle. I am sure it hears something that sounds like someone said "Magellan" and it is doing what it is programmed to do, but sometimes is gets a little annoying. The other problem is sometimes the unit seems to lock up. On several occasions I have had to wait several minutes for my 4250 to respond and allow me to enter an address or intersection. It has never happened at a critical time while I was driving, each time it has happened I was sitting still. This is a computer, and sometimes computers get conflicting instructions. I have not had to turn the unit off yet to clear a problem, but I think it gets confused sometimes. Over all, I like my 4250 a lot, and if I had it to do all over again, I would definitely buy another 4250.Customer Review: Positive Experience with Customer Service
Summary: 5 Stars
Received Maestro 4250 unit from Amazon on Dec 3, 2008. Called Magellan toll free number to update maps to latest for $10 shipping fee for disks. Taking advice from other reviewers, I went to Magellan's website and registered (using the AAA link to get extended warrantee# and downloaded latest operating software #free) as well as latest AAA data. I'm a AAA member.
While waiting on new map disks, I used the unit in Houston Texas with traffic advisor. Worked great since Houston has this service. I've been able to pull up traffic "status" maps from my computer at home & work, but it's really nice to have it built-in to GPS unit so I can map detours "real time". Also took 900 mile round trip to Mississippi over holidays. Unit performed great. I was able to use most of the unit's features on this long trip. Very nice. I'm looking forward to using the Bluetooth feature with my mobile phone, but right now my phone model does not have Bluetooth.
Now for the problem, and my positive experience with customer service.
I had read from other reviewers that the map update disk could cause the unit to freeze and not work. That's exactly what happened to me. About a third of the way through the update (using my computer) my unit screen froze and nothing I did helped. I called Magellan's toll free number; explained my problem; and I asked to ship my unit back to Magellan, and for Magellan to load the map update for me. They gave me the mailing instructions (to Tenn.) and a repair order number to put on address and tape to the unit inside the box. Cost me $4 to ship the unit by USPS. Put in mail on Jan 14. Received unit back via FedEx on Jan 22. The reason for the short turn-a-round is that they sent back a different unit. This makes sense, otherwise it probably would have taken much longer to get unit back.
The replacement unit looks like new. It was loaded with latest operating software, latest map & POI data, and latest AAA data. The only thing that wasn't working was the Traffic Advisor "subscription". I went to my account page on Magellan's website and found the "code" that I used with the original unit but it would not work with the different unit (different serial number). So I called Magellan and selected Tech service option, explained my problem, and was given a new code over the phone. They even stayed on the line while I typed code into unit (very nice). New code works fine.
Note that to get the replacement unit's serial number "registered" you'll need to go onto Magellan's website under your account and add it. But this was no problem. The rep said that they would transfer ownership over to the replacement unit and honor my full / AAA extended warrantee on the replacement unit.
The best part was that during the 4 or 5 phone calls to customer service I didn't have to wait to speak with a person (even on Sat.). They also don't make you go through layers and layers of options before gaining access to a live person. I'm very happy with the unit's features, performance, and Magellan's customer service. Not to mention Amazon's price, and service. Amazon and Magellan is a nice combination. I recommend them both.
Customer Review: MAGELLAN WINS
Summary: 5 Stars
AFTER READING ALL THE REVIEWS I HAVE TO AGREE WITH ALLMOST EVERYONE GOOD AND BAD. REASON FOR BAD IS FIRST I BOUGHT A MAGELLAN 5310. LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT AT FIRST THEN EVERY THING WENT BAD. I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK BECOUSE IT LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT WORK. GLAD I DID THE 4250 COST LESS AND HAS VOICE COMMAND AND BLUETOOTH.
THATS WHEN I SPENT DAYS READING REVIEWS, REALIZED THEY ALL HAVE THERE PROBLEMS AND FOR THE PRICE,OPTIONS AND POI I STILL REALLY LIKED THE MAGELLAN AND THE 4250 SEEMED LIKE THE ONE. SO I RISK IT AND ORDERED ONE.
REALLY GLAD I DID THIS ONE HAS WORKED PRETTY MUCH FLAWLESSLY.
I STAYED AWAY FROM TOM TOM BECOUSE SEVERAL FRIENDS TOLD ME IT HAS BAD MAPS,THE ASSOCIATE AT THE STORE AND THE REVIEWS ALL AGREAD. HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT GARMIN BUT NOTHING TO CONVINCE ME TO PAY MORE THAN I DID FOR MY MAGELLAN.
THE 4250 ROUTES AND REROUTES QUICKLY. THE POI IS ALLMOST A GOOD AS THE YELLOW PAGES IT HAS EVERY THING YOU COULD NEED,AND ONE CLICK ROUTES YOU THERE. PLAN ALL YOUR DESTINATIONS FOR A DAY IN A FOLDER AND GO TO IT AND JUST SELECT THE NEXT DESTINATION IN ANY ORDER AND IT ROUTES YOU. ADDRESS BOOK WORKS GREAT TO, SELECT TO ROUTE OR IF YOUVE ENTERED A PHONE NUMNBER JUST TOUCH IT AND THE BLUETOOTH CALLS FOR YOU.
THE SCREENS A GOOD SIZE. VOLUME IS GOOD EASY TO HEAR SOME REVIEWS SAID HARD TO HEAR OVER THE RADIO, WELL IF YOU WANT A LOAD RADIO YOUR NOT GOING TO HEAR IT DUH, WARNS YOU IN PLENTY OF TIME TO GET OVER FOR AN EXIT OR TELLS YOU THE ENTRANCE IS ON THE RIGHT OR LEFT, IF ITS A QUICK TURN IT TELLS YOU FOR EXAMPLE TURN LEFT WITH AN IMEDIATE RIGHT TURN SO YOU GET THE RIGHT LANE. THE TOUCH SCREEN WORKS PRETTY GOOD, IT WORKS BETTER WITH A PEN. THE VOICE COMMAND WORKS ALSO PRETTY GOOD TO. YOU DO NEED TO REPEAT COMMAND A COUPLE OF TIMES,AGAIN ITS NOT PERFECT BUT IT DOES WORK WELL. MY BLUETOOTH IS EASY TO CONNECT NOW THAT I DOWNLOADED THE NEWEST FIRMWARE 4.6 THAT JUST CAME OUT. WHICH I DOWNLOADED 7/9/08
THE MANUAL REALLY IS LOUSY YOU MUST MUST MUST PLAY WITH IT AND TOUCH EVERY ICON BUTTON ECT TO FIND OUT ALL IT WILL DO.
THIS ONE HAS NOT FROZEN UP AND NEVER HAD TO RESET IT.
COMES WITH THE HOUSE CHARGER CAR CHARGER AND USB CABLE, ALSO THE SUCTION CUP,I PURCHASED THE BEAN BAG WORKS GREAT. I HAVE HEARD FROM EVERYONE DONT LEAVE ANY EVEDENCE IN THE CAR OF A GPS OR IT WILL BE BROKEN INTO.
I AM GLAD THAT I BOUGHT THE 4250. I WOULD GLADLY RECOMMEND IT.
update dec 2009: Still love my Maggie use it a lot, but never the bluetooth, just a pain to use, the Gps itself has made a few mistakes, off freeway and back on crap like you hear on a lot of gps reviews. seems like it takes longer now to aquire satilights when starting up,making a stop in route is annoying, should have a pause button lol, but still glad I bought it.
Customer Review: Magellan Maestro 4250 - A Must-Have Item
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not overstating it when I say the Magellan Maestro 4250 is the best purchase I've made in the last 16 months. You might ask why?
First, the GPS device works great. I have the introductory subscription to traffic alerts (yes, they do work!) and the device even lets you talk to it so you can be hands-free when driving. My only big complaint is the manual for the device is AWFUL. To get Magellan's attention when driving just say "Magellan." It's very easy to use, tells you street names, and even can let you control you cell phone with a BlueTooth feature.
Second, I've used Magellan twice on trips to Hawaii. In Kaui it was like my own personal tour guide, telling me Auto Club-recommended places to see and restaurants to eat at along the way. I wouldn't have had the patience for reading road maps or guides (and I didn't have to thanks to my Magellan GPS device). I even used the Magellan Maestro 4250 in Honolulu when I rented a car. I had ordered a rental car with a GPS device, but as often happens they were "out of GPS devices." I ALWAYS take my Magellan with me when I rent cars because I've found 1/3 of the time they've rented all the cars with GPS, and I don't want to be without Magellan.
Third, in the Midwest on a recent trip I took Magellan and it got me everywhere I needed to go and faster, too. My work colleageus were with me and very impressed with how it functioned. One liked it so much he went out and purchased one for himself!
Fourth, I regularly need to get around awful southern California freeways, so I use Magellan's traffic feature to go around clogged highways--saving me time and stress. The traffic feature is extra after the intro subscription expires, but I believe it's well worth it.
Fifth, the device is very portable and easy to travel with everywhere in the world. I have put a Velcro back of my GPS unit and carry an extra Velcro to attach it to the dashboard on rental cars. It removes without any damage, and it never falls off.
If you buy this unit, I recommend you invest in a case. I went to Best Buy and bought a $19 case that protects it in my car and in my luggage. The case that comes with the unit is flimsy and not too good for travel purposes.
So there you have it. I wouldn't give up my Magellan Maestro 4250 for anything--even $500. I got mine for much less, but I think it's worth $500 for how much use I've gotten out of it--and the peace of mind it offers when traveling around major cities or anywhere else.
Customer Review: 'Maggie' is part of the family now. . .
Summary: 5 Stars
We returned a Garmen 650 for this Magellan after doing research. We have used her a several months now and she has done quite well, although not quite perfect.
Her 3d presentations and voice directions work very well --it is nice to see the Walmarts, Starbucks laid out ahead in perspective in bright, crisp details. She does a nice job of alerting you to turns and pronounces street names fairly well. The bluetooth to the cell phone is handy, the phone numbers of places of interest she will dial and all that come in very handy sometimes. The hardware, USB, software, mounts and carring cases are nice. We play with the voice recognition a lot, that is fun, and does keep both hands on the wheel.
My wife became quite attached to her during an emergency a month after we bought her as during Hurricane Dolly I had to stay behind (working in Harlingen) and sent her, our kids and 'Maggie' on ahead to San Antonio, a city my wife had never been before. . . Now, I do not think you could hardly buy Maggie from my wife! She took my wife right to a complicated parking scenario in a hotel on the 'River Walk' without wasting a turn --Maggie was especially reassuring to my wife in that extreme condition (indeed, she still is reassuring to have to me, too, especially being the husband of a directionally-challenged wife :-( )
Almost always she works just great! (Maggie) ( ;-) )
However, if there were a 4 1/2 star rating I would have given her that (didn't want to hurt her feelings with a four and went with five) as on very-rare occasions Maggie will get it just a little wrong: the worst, one trip she had the 'distance to destination' abokut 50 miles off when we were about 200 miles from home. There are other times when she 'reroutes,' e.g. after I make an unexpected or bizarre-to-her turn, sometimes she will choose a reroute that is longer than optimum. But again, these slips are rare and have never been signficant. Also, I don't like having to 'exit' my trip to search for a Starbucks, the only other annoyance I can think of, but I can live with that as it is easy to 'resume'. . .
Like I say she is part of the family now, wouldn't consider another --would not leave home without her. I highly-recommend her.