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Magellan Maestro 4050

review DATE:09.07.07

Magellan Maestro 4050
Traffic and Voice options Traffic Event list Incident Message

review

By Craig Ellison

Voice recognition has long been the holy grail for car navigation systems. Though it's been available on some in-dash navigational systems for several years, it has never been found on portable navigation devices until now. Enter Magellan's new Maestro 4050 ($699.95 list). This advanced GPS boasts a slew of attractive features, of which the most compelling is its ability to respond to vocal commands.

red arrow Read the Magellan Maestro 4050 full review

Company

Magellan Navigation Inc

http://www.magellangps.com

Spec Data
  • Price as Tested: $699.99
  • Type: Automobile, Portable
  • Turn-by-turn: Yes
  • 3D View: Yes
  • Display Type: Touch
  • Dimensions: 5.12 x 3.35 x 0.96 inches
  • Hard Drive: No
  • Flash Memory Type: SD/MMC
  • Preloaded maps: Yes
  • Waterproof: No
  • Speakers Included: built-in
  • Power: Adapter, Battery
  • Supports MP3: No
  • Multi Segment Routing: Yes

Bottom Line

Magellan's top-of-the-line GPS, the widescreen Maestro 4050, adds voice recognition and live traffic reports to the already solid Maestro 4040. But you can't control the device's every action with vocal commands alone, and its Bluetooth-connection skills need work.

Pros

4.3-inch screen. Improved user interface. AAA TourBook and roadside assistance location. Sensitive SiRFstarIII receiver. Multisegment routing. Voice recognition provided for many functions. Traffic-report receiver integrated into mounting bracket.

Cons

Bluetooth phone interface failed to read our test phone's contact list and didn't automatically reconnect. No auto-zoom or auto-volume. Can't control all functions with voice commands.

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