127 of 128 people found the following review helpful:
Pretty good GPS
So after reading a ton of reviews on Amazon, I realized that a lot of the reasons people rated something positive or negative was because they were comparing their new GPS to an older one. So to be fair, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to. First off, it arrived from Amazon in three days using their free standard shipping, which was great. It...
70 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
OK GPS
I bought this refurbished model and it froze initially and wouldnt even reset. I had to Hold the power button down for several seconds to get the unit to turn off. I upgraded the firmware and it has been working fine. Some of the maps/poi are outdated (as are most of the gps on the market) but the routing is very accurate and fairly quick. Try the firmware update to...
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
So after reading a ton of reviews on Amazon, I realized that a lot of the reasons people rated something positive or negative was because they were comparing their new GPS to an older one. So to be fair, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to. First off, it arrived from Amazon in three days using their free standard shipping, which was great. It looked brand new and included every accessory you would need, AC and DC chargers, USB cable, travel case, window mount and dash mount adapter, along with some software to help get you started.
Like some of the other reviewers, the first thing I did was upgrade the firmware to v.4.60. It took me about 10 minutes which included registering the unit with Magellan, which is required to download the upgrade. Since I didn't use it before the upgrade, I can't really speak to the benefits, but I haven't had any issues with the unit freezing up or crashing. I also signed up for the 3 month Traffic Service trial online.
Overall, the menus are very intuitive and easy to use and for the price, really can't be beat. Comparable Garmins seem about twice as much. The unit starts up fast and is quick to determine routes and re-routes. The only negative thing I've noticed is it does take longer to start up after parking the vehicle in a garage as opposed to on the street, either way, 30 to 45 seconds vs. 10 to 15. The traffic service is surprisingly accurate and updates constantly. The accuracy of the maps and POI's seems to be about 2 to 3 years off, which from what others say is about average for units of this price. Mine came loaded with S/W version 29. Magellan is selling an upgrade to version 31 on their website for $80 and calls it their 2008/2009 map. So I'm guessing this is the 2006/2007 map.
The Bluetooth syncs up fairly easily to make and receive calls, but I could not get it to sync up my phonebook or text messages with either of two different Motorola cell phones. The volume is pretty weak and call clarity is about what you could expect, but in a pinch, it makes a decent hands-free device. Can't really be used with the windows down. Overall, for $129 with free shipping, I think this is a great little device and have had no issues with getting it refurbished, although be aware it does only come with a 90 day warranty. Hope this helps.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
I bought this refurbished model and it froze initially and wouldnt even reset. I had to Hold the power button down for several seconds to get the unit to turn off. I upgraded the firmware and it has been working fine. Some of the maps/poi are outdated (as are most of the gps on the market) but the routing is very accurate and fairly quick. Try the firmware update to correct problems. As with most electronics the hardware is cheap and the software (map updates) is where they get you.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
I just received my "refurbished" GPS. Apparently Magellan doesn't bother to turn on their returned units and simply repackages them and slaps a refurbished sticker on the box. Because if they did the TWO large, glaringly obvious, defective/damaged areas on my LCD screen which resembled globular star clusters of faulty pixels would have been noticed instantly.
It seems that it's pot luck in getting a working refurb from them and I'm going to try one more time and update this review once I receive the replacement. My sympathies in advance to whomever gets the one I'm returning. (heh)
UPDATE Dec. 11
I received a replacement unit from Amazon and this one was fine. It seems like new, all the accessories were included, the firmware updated without problems. (You must do this for better performance) This is my first GPS and it was a kick playing with it. The AAA information is very nice to have and the navigating is good. It plotted alternative routes for me when I checked the "no toll roads" box and I didnt see any screwy routing after testing it with 10 or so places I know how to get to. Haven't tried the phone capability yet so I can't comment but I like what I see so far and you would probably not be able to get a new GPS with this many features for the price of this refurb model.
Cautionary note in my initial review should be considered but Amazon sends another fast if you want to roll the dice again. I will update this again in a month or sooner if something of note happens first.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
Recieved 10/1/08, looks like new, operates like new. Box included a A/C home charger (not listed as an included item on the box). Nice freebee. The POI seem to be outdated, other GPS I own (TomTom, Garmin, etc) are more up to date for my area. It does not pin-point my home base as close as other GPS do. The case is made of a slippery plastic, kind of hard to get a grip on. The Display is sharp, easy on the eyes. This thing is fantastic the way it finds satellites from my kitchen counter. Within seconds of turn on, it has grabbed 4 or 5, ready to go to work. Only 90 day warranty, so use it heavy first 90 days. TO-DO: get a windows 'puter on line and up date the firmware. No regrets on this purchase, the $129, free ship AMZ deal is hard to beat.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
I was surprised and pleased with this GPS. I had been with a friend who used a Garmin and realized how helpful such devices could be so I wanted to get one. I read the reviews of various brands and opinions were all over the place so I was not sure what to buy. One day Amazon offered this model on a special sale and I figured at the low price I had little to lose and bought it. Well, it captures signals in a couple of seconds and plotted reasonable routes to destinations. It does not take the shortcuts which take years for local residents to find, but it will get me where I want to go. The sound is strong and the voice much more understandable than my friend's Garmin. I really can't find fault with it though I can't say if others are better due to my lack of experience. I particularly like the acceptance of voice commands like "go home." We had been one place and were on our way to a different destination when my wife took sick and I simply ordered it to "go home" and it plotted a course I would never have taken on my own and it saved a lot of time over retracing our route back home. I am pleased I bought it, especially at the price.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
I have received my refurbushed 4250 and found out the maps were out of date in the first hour. I contacted Magellans customer support and was told I will receive a free map update since the purchase was within thirty date, all I had to do was supply proof of purchase. After supplying proof and alling custome service I was told "Don't be so cheap and just pay for it" and promptly hung up on. After calling back and asking to speak for customer support I was put on hold for over an hour and then told the phones wouldn't transfer so I would have to call back again. the next day I received an email stating I would now not be given a map update because I purchased the item refurbished. Magellans customer servive is beyond poor. I WILL NEVER BUY A PRODUCT FROM MAGELLAN AGAIN!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
I purchased this product not knowing what to expect, when i recieved it in the mail i played with it a little and tried to turn it on and off and whatnot. it was really slow but that is because i had not yet updated the firmware on it. So i let it charge for a few hours til it was full, and then went online, registered the product and downloaded the new firmware update for free through magellan's website. After installing the firmware, the gps worked beautifully. It booted up much faster and switched menu options in less than half the time. This gps exceeds my standards in every area, and did not have a single blemish anywhere on it. The only thing i have found to be a drawback about this gps is the hands-free bluetooth feature. It is very easy to use, however many times people have a difficult time understanding what i am saying when i speak via the gps unit, even with the windows closed and radio off.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
This is a great GPS for the money. It will get you to your destination. This GPS, or any GPS will not provide you with the best route. NONE.
It will reroute you quickly, if you miss a turn, or desire to alter the route.
Yu can connect your cell phone, via Bluetooth, and it will operate as a "hands free" device.
This is a complete GPS unit, and has many features not mentioned.
Be sure to update the Firmware, at MegellanGPS.com Don't use the mount that is provided, but use a VENT MOUNT. A vent mount will provide a mount on your A/C vent. It is great, because it doesn't block your windshild vision.
Don't hesitate to buy this unit. Buy a refurbished unit. Refurbished??? That means "NEW", with less warranty. $140.
I love mine, so will you.
Mike
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
Although this was a refurbished GPS, it came with everything as advertised. One thing I would recommend when setting up this unit...make sure you reset the unit, because if you don't you may find it freeze up unexpectedly (read the documentation and \ or check out the support site for information on how to do this). Once you reset the unit you shouldn't have any more issues with its performance...I know we haven't. After some initial tests (which worked well) I decided to go online and update the Firmware to the latest 4.6 version (which was free). There was also a major change to our local highway interchange late last year which was not reflected on the maps that came with this unit. I therefore decided to update my maps to the latest 2008/2009 version through Amazon (couldn't find it cheaper anywhere else). With these upgrades this Magellan Maestro 4250 has been working like a charm. I've found the menu was easy to learn. For beginners, I do suggest you learn how to use it before you try setting it up in your vehicle...expecially if you have never worked with any GPS before. It will help you avoid having to guess where options are located while your driving. For experienced GPS users you will find the menu system very intuitive and will probably be able to set it up in the vehicle and start working with it almost immediately. As far as routing goes, this GPS has been flawless with its directions. I was also pleasantly surprised at the speed that it picked up the satellite signals. I have read complaints about other products taking a long time to get a signal...but I have not experienced any delays in my experiece. At the price I bought this refurbished unit for (< $140) I am very pleased with its functionality and performance. I have not tested the other functional aspects (ex: bluetooth) thoroughly enough to offer a strong opinion as of yet, but as far as its main purpose (actually getting you from point A to point B) I would stongly recommend this unit. Like I said earlier, it's been working like a charm.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) (Electronics)
I have had this 4250 for 5 days and must say it works very good. At [...] to my door this price point can't be beat. (check ebay,buy.com ect..)
I also own a 3250 that I bought new for [...] I liked it so much I went to the 4250 to get the 4.3" screen and gave the 3250 to my brother.
I have had no problems with these units you just need to take your time when letting them load from start up and give like 1 second or so between inputs/keystrokes.
Fast reroutes,clear and understandable voice from unit, I would say get a dash mat for it, They make way easy to mount and/or move your unit from car to car.
I did not give 5 stars because in my mind that is perfect and I feel nothing is perfect.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
(
Saving...
