Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Magellan units are okay, but their support is very disappointing. Also, having bought this unit for a few weeks only, you would think that they would provide you the updated software for free. They don't. And that's a big negative on my book. So any positives I have for this unit will go down the drain. They should provide free software for at least the first year you've bought the item. I suggest looking the other way and getting others instead.

I bought the 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 Some of the maps/poi are outdated (as are most of the gps on the market) but the routing is very accurate and fairly quick.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.

I read all the reviews and ordered the 4250 Oct 1st 2008 from Amazon. I thought it was a sure thing. The unit came in and would only show me the "Magellan" name screen after the blue line moved from left to right to indicate start up... but right there is where the unit Froze up. It wouldn't go any further. I then kept the unit plugged in for the reccomended 6 hours to fully charge. This did not help. (Charger was working). Tried to use the "Reset" button on the bottom - no avail. Went to Magellan website - it says " if unit continues to freeze up - download and install update firmware". Well I did this, but if the unit is FREEZING UP before starting your computer WILL NOT Recognize the 4250. Thus you can't install the firmware. I got a Dud from the get go. And this is unfortunately my first experience with Magellan and GPS. So I've got a REALLY bad taste for this name brand. It's made in the Phillipines... and obviously quality control is sub-par.

I called Amazon today October 4th (got the unit the night of the 3rd via UPS) - and found they no longer stock this unit. In fact - there are TONS of REFURBISHED units available. This does not bode well. Magellan customer service isn't open on the weekends (when most of us working folks have time to call) - which is kinda crazy. So I'm just returning the item for Refund to Amazon - who in fact has been GREAT to work with over the phone today. They told me I'll get a full refund once the unit is back at their place. Then again - my $250.00 is tied up for 7 - 14 days until they make the refund happen.

I don't know - perhaps I'm just unlucky in this endeavor. The only thing I'll reccomend is for anyone here in the last part of 2008 comtemplating getting a 4250 - don't. It's outdated. Maps are Oct 2007 - and Magellan wants to charge you $75.00 to get the 2008/2009 Map updates according to their website.

Very pleased with the accuracy of this product. I feel it opened the whole world up to me. I used it several times and the unit plotted the fastest and most efficient route. The unit is easy to use and I enjoy the convenience of the points of interest feature. The only draw back about the unit was the volume for the bluetooth feature. Its hard to hear the caller.

I have been looking to buy a decent GPS for quite sometime and researched a few along the way. This is by far the BEST deal I have seen. Good NAVTEQ map, intelligent routing, crisp Bluetooth hands free calling, handy AAA tourbook and a Traffic FM (I have not tried this service so cannot give my opinion here). Very fast Satellite lock in, quick response, and the right graphics for the purpose. The SayWhere tech too is also very friendly with accurate pronunciations and does not feel robotic as many similar technologies do.


I would have loved to have - customizable voice menu, including a call Home feature at the minimum.

This is the Luxury version GPS available for less!

(This review is for the Refurbished product - that I found to be no different than the "new" one except the Box has Refurbished on it and also the warranty was 90 days _ I bought the 2 year extended plan for 25 USD and still came much cheaper than the TomToms and the Garmins that provide exactly the same features. I bought it with an extra Amazon Gold Deal discount! Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished))