 I love it!!! |
| Review Date: July 8, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Patrick Russell, Illinois USA |
| This is my first GPS, but I assure you it does everything I need/want it to do. It is NOT widescreen, but the screen is still plenty big enough to see easily. It has options to search for local banks, restaurants, gas stations, etc. The voice is sufficiently loud and clear as it gives out step by step instructions. One thing that confounded me a bit was I had to go into "options" to turn on the text to speech. The default setting only announces whether you take a right or left. Once you turn on the text to speech, it says the street names and everything. In fact, if you enter custom addresses, it will announce those, too. Very nice GPS!!! |
support
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| Review Date: September 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: David Lug, WI USA |
The feedback for this gps is misleading a lot, in my personal eyes. The bad feedback is only regarding company service, rather than the GPS tool.
I didn't deal with issues with Magellan company, so I don't know how that is. However, this GPS is actually the best one since I owned. In past 5 years, I owned one GPS from MIO, one GPS from Garmin, two GPS from Megellan, and another one GPS connecting with PDA. In general, Garmin 350 and this one are the best in my mind, but this one is much cheaper. I've recommended many friends around me for this tool. |
Best GPS for the $$
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| Review Date: December 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Bryan C. Smith, Boston, MA |
| This is a perfect GPS for your car. Its a plug and play application, ready to go out of the box. The interface couldn't be easier. And for $90, this little baby does everything you need. Don't spend big money on $extras$... this talks you through the directions, has a big clear and easy to read screen. Its maps are current and it gets you where you want to go. I'll never buy a car with a $3000 GPS unit installed again... $90 gets you there with a vacation in Hawaii on top of it. |
Superior Product @ $95
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| Review Date: December 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chucho, TX |
A little background--I had resisted getting a GPS unit for different reasons in the past, but after hours of researching specs and feedback of myriad units, I decided I would buy.
My decision was based a lot on price-to-value and the addition of MEXICO MAPS as a STANDARD feature, not a $40 or $60+ option for only some selected units such as Garmins. I chose over TomTom available models mostly due to the fact that Magellan has a SD slot for map upgrades and for backup/restore ability vs. TomTom not having any media card slot at all. Other less popular models offering some sort of Mexico maps, e.g., Mio, Pioneer, etc. were not seriously considered.
Not only that, but also the 30 day Magellan free map upgrade (2009 Spring) offer which cost only $10 dollars for shipping/handling of the 2GB SD media card.
Right after the purchase, I made trip plans to see relatives in north central Mexico. Let me emphasize that limitations on Mexico map coverage are explained ahead of time and I only was going to see how it operated more out of curiosity and fun, since I already knew how to get to our location. Also, the unit was as is--that is, the latest software upgrade was not done nor had I received the SD map upgrade yet.
The 1600 mile one-way trip had us going through MS, LA and TX going down; TX, AR on the way back.
Observations:
Magellan Maestro 3220 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech
-Fast satellite(s) acquisition--investigative DIY work explains why the hardware in this unit is top-level.
-Highest volume setting more than loud enough.
-Exit POIs feature did not operate correctly--selected POIs did not show but instead Gas Stations/Auto Repair/Restaurants would always come up. This to be fixed with a software update which I have done but I have not traveled on interstates yet to see the updated results.
-Map view is enhanced and improved at least on local streets that I have driven after the software update.
-Brightness adjustments not good enough--night time levels too bright for my liking and during night time levels, accessing menu or other screens is blinding, since they are not likewise dimmed but instead remain bright at all times.
-Loved the text-to-speech and split-view screen features.
-Loved the current gps position screen that includes a real-time readout of altitude--this especially enjoyable as we experienced sea level all the way to 3770 meters (yes it has feet but I used metric while in Mexico).
-Would "feel better" if I knew the USB/power port connection was robust as I have my doubts. I am wondering if it is a "weak link" as I have experienced with my previous Blackberry port failure.
-Extremely surprised and pleased with the level of maps in Mexico, even in rural and small town areas.
-Contrary to what I anticipated, I do not miss having a wider (4+ inch) screen to view. This 3.5 inch unit will be perfect for traveling when I go to Puerto Rico. Understand that as opposed to units that might have only US or US and Hawaii, or US and Puerto Rico or US and Canada, this has US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Hawaii AND Mexico maps.
-I have dealt with Magellan sales and service twice, speaking with native English speaking reps and have had only excellent experience--no problems as mentioned by other reviewers.
Finally, I am so happy with the product as I have a superior--price-to-value, added value, call it what you will--product that is uniquely capable. Would I change things/design/ergonomics if given the opportunity? Absolutely, as with anything, but real-world experience is outstanding.
I plan to update once I get more experience traveling after the software update, the 2009 map update and a business trip to Puerto Rico. |
Best Little GPS!
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| Review Date: August 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Gerardo Gonzalez, San Antonio, Texas USA |
There are not many GPS units that offer as many maps as this little jewel. I've used it extensively for driving in Mexico and Mexico City. I have been extremely happy with this unit and own three of them. I would not recommend anyone drive in Mexico without having this GPS. The map may have been dated but I got to where I was going in Mexico City without any problems.
If you want a true workhorse GPS with a bunch of maps - especially Mexico - this is the unit for you. I've studied most models and this one is turn-on and go - literally.
For the money - under $100 in most cases - you can get a better deal anywhere. So what if you need to update the maps - new map costs $70! However, the core information and mapping is extremely reliable.
I cant say enough about this product. I'm considering the 4220.
I hope Magellan does not discontinue this product and offers other units with these maps.
Jerry |
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