Customer Reviews: Read 48 more reviews...
 Excellent value, would benefit from user interface improvements November 23, 2008
I selected Magellan over Garmin based on limited experience usning both in my brother's and son's cars. I think Magellan is generally better than Garmin, particularly in speed of rerouting.
I evaluated Magellan units on their web page and other sites. The array of units is confusing - too many without much distinction. I like a thin unit I can use on foot as well as in the car, with decent battery life. I need Canadian maps as well as US.
I selected the 4250 because it had everything I needed at a fabulous price for the refurbished unit on Amazon. On the strength of the reviews I ordered it (I read ALL of the reviews). Ordered it Thursday, got it Monday. $119.00, free shipping.
It was like new, with all of the accessories including the AC power adapter, which I don't think comes with a new unit. Only downside is 90 day warranty instead of 1 year.
I almost sent it back because I couldn't turn it on the second time - you must hold the power button until the screen light up. No problem!
Worked fine. I upgraded the firmware, which requires a Windows PC (i.e., can't do it on a Mac).
The map update is now on sale on the Magellan site for $48 (plus $6 shipping), down from $80. Still not worth it, in my opinion. There is almost no information provided about what is updated - if there were details, like a list of updates, description of map database and point of interest updates, I might have been tempted. But for $120, I'll just buy a new unit when this one goes absolutely stale.
The user interface is very good on this, but would still benefit from some changes. I am still not sure how to get it to remember where I happen to be at any moment, and use that spot in a later route. I can create trips, which are multiple one-point routes linked together, but not routes (which is what I want). I admit, I haven't read the manual, but I guess I will have to.
Overall, a very, very good value, and all the GPS mapping I need in my car.
 Good unit but....Map Upgrade turned it into a paperweight November 22, 2008
Bought this because of the great price and Bluetooth capability. Features were excellent and it worked great for 10 days, but maps were outdated so I purchased 2008-2009 Map upgrade from Magellan site. That's when things went south. Tried to install update per instructions and everything started OK. Failed part way through process and now my unit wont even boot up. I have updated two other Magellan models with no problems. I sent an email to Magellan customer support, waiting for reply. Unit is under Warranty so I expect to get a replacement soon, but Magellan customer service is notoriously horrible, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Also, I have read on the web that this upgrade failure problem is widespread. Beware.
 Fun with GPS November 22, 2008
Magellan Maestro 4250 does a superb job in every respect. Fun to follow it on "the shortest route".
Please update Map November 22, 2008
I had an original OEM Magellan 4250 which I loved until the on/off button became unworkable after 4 months and I returned the unit. I like the AAA feature, which makes it easy to find a recommended restaurant when you're traveling in an unfamiliar place. This is a huge advantage. AAA is better than just the list of POI's (restaurants) by type or alphabetically found on (most) other GPS devices. The other features on the 4250 are excellent- voice, turning instructions, etc. (I wish you could more easily enter lat/longitude coord-- you have to enter via your computer with a special program.)
Updated maps. I would point out that the refurb version of the Garmin 680 includes NEW 2009 maps; whereas, this refurb Magellan 4250 gives you older maps and you must pay $80 or so to get a new map set. (I base this on what other reviewers say about the Magellan maps. Maybe this will change as time passes.)
GPS Purchase November 22, 2008
Amazon actually supplied more in this kit than was advertised. The unit and accessories all appeared brand new. I was able to get an extended warranty through SquareTrade. Overall this was an exceptional deal.
|
