Magellan Maestro
Compare GPS Models To Get The Right Choice For You
When I got bitten by the GPS bug, I decided to compare GPS systems to see which would be the best for me. I only had a vague idea of what these remarkable devices did. I knew they were essentially electronic maps, but I had no idea how they worked, or what was important to look for when buying one. So, I decided to do some research.
My first stop was Amazon to check out their best sellers. (Just click on my link below to see the same information.)
I quickly saw that Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom dominated the market. Garmin, I had heard of Magellan and Tom Tom, I had not heard of. My elation at seeing who were the best sellers for GPS units was soon crushed by an overwhelming sense of confusion as I clicked on each item, read its description, and tried to make heads or tails out of the differences between the units.
There must have been some pretty big differences, I thought, because the prices ranged from a low of about $150 to almost $1000 for portable units-the kind you can stick to your windshield and remove to take with you when you’re out of the car.
Well, suffice it to say, I did an enormous amount of research and became an expert of sorts.
To save you some time and frustration, let me tell you the basics of what I found out.
Although there are several manufacturers of portable automotive GPS systems, the three main ones are Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom. Garmin sells about half of the automotive GPS systems in the world, but Tom Tom is quickly catching up. All three companies make a good product, it’s just that understanding the differences between the three manufacturers and their specific products is a little difficult.
Garmin has two main lines of automotive GPS systems, the Nuvi and the StreetPilot. The functionalities of each line overlap quite as bit, so does their price.
In general, the Nuvi’s are sleeker, more compact units. Their interface (how you use the system) is not quite as straightforward as the StreetPilot’s interface. Garmin Nuvi’s come in a broad price range, from less than $200 for the Nuvi 200 to almost $1000 for the Nuvi 770. Per price point, Nuvi’s generally have a few more features than StreetPilots.
The main difference between the Nuvi’s and the StreetPilots, however, are these-according to Garmin, Nuvi’s have a high-sensitivity receiver, whereas StreetPilots do not. Nuvi’s weigh about half as much as StreetPilots. (None of these units is heavy, just StreetPilots weigh almost 10 ounces, where Nuvi’s weigh slighlty more than 5 ounces.
The biggest difference between the two units is the user interface. The StreetPilot “c” series was made expressly to be very intuitive and user friendly. This is not to say the Nuvi’s are not, they’re just not super simple, like the StreetPilots.
Tom Tom has devices that directly compete with Garmin’s. The Tom Tom One, for instance, is comparable to the Garmin Nuvi 200, Garmin’s entry level product. Both are basic GPS systems which come pre-loaded with maps, have touch screen, and voice instructions. The Tom Tom One has a battery with only 2 hours average life, where the Nuvi’s battery will last an average of 5 hours.
To my mind, the Tom Toms are not quite as sleek looking at the Nuvi’s, although their quality seems to be comparable.
Magellan does not have the market share of Garmin or Tom Tom, but they still build a good product. The Magellan Maestro 3100 is a big seller on Amazon. In both price and features, it’s comparable to the Tom Tom One and to Garmin’s lower priced units, both in size and weight. Magellan says their battery lasts up to three hours, fifty percent better than the Tom Tom’s.
One of the biggest differences between the cheaper GPS systems and the more expensive ones is the number of “Points of Interest” in the unit’s database.
Points of interest are preloaded hotels, restaurants, business locations, hospitals, basically anywhere you might like to go, which are included in your devices database. The Magellan Maestro, for instance has 750,000 points of interest. The Garmin Nuvi 200 comes with approximately 6 million!
If you’re going to use your GPS for traveling, having more points of interest available might be a key feature, and when you consider the distances involved, 750,000 items is just not that many.
Another feature I think is important is Bluetooth technology. Your higher priced units can work as a cell phone (both making and receiving calls). It’s hard enough (and even illegal in some areas) driving and talking on your cell phone. Add looking at your GPS to that mix, and…well, you might want to pull to the side of the road. To my mind, the fewer devices to keep up with the better.
About the Author
To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website.
Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4040 BROKEN DC-JACK $14.99 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4040 GPS AS IS (142096) $4.95 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4200 4250 RAM Motorcycle Mount Cradle $37.95 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3200 Automotive GPS Receiver $59.00 |
|
|
AC Home Adapter Charger MAGELLAN Maestro 3045 4215 4245 $1.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3225 Car GPS Receiver $99.99 |
|
|
Genuine Magellan Mitac GPS USB Car Charger MAESTRO 3200 3210 3220 3225 3250 4200 $3.00 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3250 Automotive GPS Receiver $29.99 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4250 4350 4370 4200 Suction Cup Mount $8.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3100 Automotive GPS Receiver $10.00 |
|
|
OEM” MAGELLAN Maestro 3100 3140 3200 Windshield Mount $8.99 |
|
|
OEM” MAGELLAN Maestro 3220 3210 3225 Windshield Mount $8.99 |
|
|
OEM” MAGELLAN Maestro 3250 4000 4040 Windshield Mount $8.99 |
|
|
OEM” MAGELLAN Maestro 4050 4200 4220 Windshield Mount $8.99 |
|
|
Magellan MAESTRO Roadmate Nextar TOMTOM GPS Motorcycle Harness Cable $13.49 |
|
|
OEM” MAGELLAN Maestro 4210 4250 4350 Windshield Mount $8.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3140 Automotive GPS Receiver (nice) $19.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4050 Automotive GPS Receiver $0.99 |
|
|
Black Hard Case Magellan Maestro 4350 4370 4700 5310 $9.99 |
|
|
Black Hard Case Magellan Maestro 4200 4210 4220 4250 $9.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4050 Automotive GPS Receiver $0.99 |
|
|
Car Adapter & Home Travel Charger MAGELLAN MAESTRO GPS $3.99 |
|
|
AC Travel Wall Charger FOR MAGELLAN Maestro AN0202SWXXX $1.99 |
|
|
Car Lighter Adapter Charger Cord FOR MAGELLAN Maestro $1.99 |
|
|
USB PC Data Cable for MAGELLAN Maestro GPS AN0203SWXXX $1.00 |
|
|
12v Car Lighter Charger Magellan Maestro 3200 3210 3220 $1.99 |
|
|
12v Car Lighter Charger Magellan Maestro 3225 3250 4200 $1.99 |
|
|
12v Car Lighter Charger Magellan Maestro 4210 4215 4220 $1.99 |
|
|
12v Car Lighter Charger Magellan Maestro 4245 4250 4350 $1.99 |
|
|
AC Power Charger Cord Magellan Maestro 3200 3210 3220 $1.99 |
|
|
AC Power Charger Cord Magellan Maestro 3225 3250 4200 $1.99 |
|
|
AC Power Charger Cord Magellan Maestro 4210 4215 4220 $1.99 |
|
|
AC Power Charger Cord Magellan Maestro 4245 4250 4350 $1.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 4210 4220 4250 4350 4370 handlebar $9.93 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 3200 3210 3220 3225 3250 4200 ATV $9.93 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro GPS Window Suction Mount 4350 4370 3225 windshield holder part $9.80 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro GPS Window Suction Mount 3200 3210 3220 3250 windshield holder $9.80 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro GPS Window Suction Mount 4200 4210 4220 4250 windshield holder $9.80 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4250 GPS receiver with 4.3-inch Color LCD $1.04 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3100 Automotive GPS Receiver $15.99 |
|
|
Lot of 2 Magellan Maestro Portable Street Navigation GPS Receiver 3055-MU AS-IS $7.50 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 5340 5350 5310 DC Car Charger Adapter $10.79 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 4210 4220 4250 4350 4370 handlebar $9.93 |
|
|
Original Car Power Charger 12 – 24 V Adapter Magellan Maestro 3100 GPS 980827 $10.99 |
|
|
NEW Magellan Maestro 3250 Car Portable GPS Navigator Unit System truck 3.5″ LCD $36.00 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 4370 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 3210 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4245 Car Charger with FM Adapter Input for Signal Booster NEW $19.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 3225 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4370 Car Charger with FM Adapter Input for Signal Booster NEW $19.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 3200 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4250 Car Charger with FM Adapter Input for Signal Booster NEW $19.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3250 Car Charger with FM Adapter Input for Signal Booster NEW $19.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 4245 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 3100 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 3140 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 3220 GPS Suction Windshield Dash Mount 2ND GEN $10.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4350 Car Charger with FM Adapter Input for Signal Booster NEW $19.99 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4040 Automotive GPS Receiver NEW IN BOX NIB $44.99 |
|
|
Original Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS Suction Cup Windshield Dash Mount AN0303SWXXX $11.99 |
|
|
USB Data Sync Cable for Magellan Maestro 3210 3220 3225 $2.67 |
|
|
USB Data Sync Cable for Magellan Maestro 3250 4000 4040 $2.67 |
|
|
Leather Case For Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS Navigation $19.99 |
|
|
MAGELLAN Maestro 4220 4250 4350 4370 Suction Cup Mount $7.99 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 gps CHARGER AC ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 5310 5340 GPS CAR Charger ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4040 4050 GPS CAR Charger ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 GPS CAR Charger ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4040 4050 gps CHARGER AC ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4000 4040 GPS CAR CHARGER ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4000 4040 gps CHARGER AC ADAPTER $9.94 |
|
|
FOR MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3220 4200 4210 GPS USB DATA Cable $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3210 3220 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4210 1220 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4350 4320 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4220 4250 3250 3210 gps USB DATA Cable $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3200 3225 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4310 4250 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3250 3270 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3250 3270 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3200 3210 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3220 3225 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4225 4220 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4200 4210 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4370 4350 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4320 1490 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 GPS WALL CHARGER AC ADAPTER $7.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4225 4220 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3200 5310 5320 5340 GPS USB DATA Cable $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4250 4310 AC power ADAPTER charger $5.94 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4370 3225 CAR power adapter charger $6.94 |
|
|
Battery for Magellan Maestro 4200, 4210, 4220, 4250 $13.95 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 3200 3210 3220 3225 3250 USB Cable $5.99 |
|
|
3.7V BATTERY FOR Magellan Maestro 3220,3225,3250,NEW,UK $14.90 |
|
|
3.7V BATTERY FOR Magellan Maestro T0052,GPS,NEW,UK $14.90 |
|
|
3.7V BATTERY FOR Magellan Maestro 3100,3140,3200,NEW,UK $14.90 |
|
|
3.7V BATTERY FOR Magellan Maestro MA4700SGXUC,0392607k2 $16.39 |
|
|
Magellan Maestro 4200 Automotive GPS Receiver $59.99 |
|
|
BATTERY FIT Magellan Maestro 3140,37-0030-001,NEW $12.35 |
|
|
3.7V BATTERY FOR Magellan Maestro 37-0030-001,NEW,UK $14.90 |
|
|
MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4050 $34.95 This step-by-step instructional training DVD walks you through the key features and functions of the Magellan unit from the basics to advanced operation. Learn everything you need to know to begin using your portable receiver from choosing your destination, calculating routes to reviewing points of interest and looking up addresses. Through hands on demonstrations and on the road screen examples … |
|
|
MAGELLAN Maestro-Roadmate AN0100SWXXX 3.5 Inch Leather Case $0.01 This stylish, form-fitted leather case holds your 3.5 inch Magellan GPS receiver snugly and securely providing excellent protection against scratches and other damages that may occur…. |
|
|
2x Magellan RoadMate 5045 Maestro 5310 5.0 GPS Premium Clear LCD Screen Protector, no cutting is required, Exact fit and satisfaction guaranteed! $3.98 Our screen protector is made from the best material import from Japan. This is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, we designed and pre-cut to fit each device in San Francisco. Each screen Protector will MATCH its screen shape and cover the FULL screen, not just the picture area, there will be no cutting or trimming is required. Does not interfere with a touch display and writing surface, gives ple… |
|
|
4GB Micro SD Memory Card FOR BlackBerry Curve 8330 4 GB $0.49 specifications Memory Card for MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 4000 4040- Designed and Optimized MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 4000 4040 Memory Upgrade -Easily installed More Music, Photos at High Resolution – Store larger pictures The MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 4000 4040 has a memory card slot, that allows you to add more memory to your MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 4000 4040, giving you enhanced storage of… |
|
|
Wall home house charger AC power adapter cable cord for MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 4000 4040 4050 MAGELLAN ROADMATE 800 860 2200 3000 3050 6000 gps $7.99 for MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 4000 4040 4050 MAGELLAN ROADMATE 800 860 2200 3000 3050 6000… |
|
|
Garmin nuvi 1300LM 4.3 Portable GPS Bundle with Case, 2 Vehicle Mounts, and 2 Vehicle Cables $189.99 The Garmin Nuvi 1300LM Auto GPS Bundle includes nuMaps Lifetime Updates for City Navigator NT for 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The ultra thin Garmin Nuvi 1300LM Auto GPS has a widescreen display, yet it’s slim and light enough to take along on all your travels. This affordable GPS announces streets by name and calculates a more fuel-efficient route with ecoRoute…. |
|
|
Magellan RoadMate 5045-LM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps and Traffic $199.99 The RoadMate 5045-LM is a 5-inch GPS navigator perfect for any size vehicle. The huge 5-inch screen is 35% larger than a standard 4.3-inch screen. No need to worry about finding your way, since you get lifetime map updates included with the RoadMate 5045-LM. Get free lifetime map updates! The RoadMate 5045-LM includes free map updates for the life of the navigator. Never again worry about findi… |
|
|
Premium Hard Shell Travel Case for Select Garmin Nuvi , Magellan Roadmate , TomTom GO Live GPS Navigators – To Hold Unit, Adapters, Memory Cards and Other Accessories $19.99 Protective GPS Travel CaseVersatile GPS Case puts all of your devices in one organized place and protects from any damage or possible losses.Features multiple expandable storage compartments for all device related accessories. Internal pockets are great for storing your device, adapter, mounts and more. Scratch resistant interior lining a velcro grips keep everything secure and safe. Guaranteed to… |
|
|
Hard Cube Carrying Case for Magellan Maestro RoadMate 1440 1400 1412 1212 4.3 inch GPS + Wall Charger + Screen Protector Kit This package includes a hard cube carrying case for Magellan Maestro 4.3 inch GPS navigator, a wall charger and a screen protector kit… |
|
|
Carry Case for Magellan Roadmate 1200 1212 1220 1340Magellan Maestro 3200 3210 3220 3225 3250 $29.95 Safely carry your GPS… |
