Magellan 4000 GPS Review

The Magellan 4000 GPS is the entry-level model in the Magellan Maestro 4000 series. While lacking many features found in higher-end devices, it nonetheless offers some smart and unique features at an affordable price.

The Magellan 4000 GPS has a 4.3 inch widescreen and a slim profile. All of the connector slots are on the sides, making it easy to place close to the dashboard.

The unit has a high sensitivity chipset which locks onto satellite signals fast and holds them strongly. The processor is powerful and fast, responding quickly to commands.

The user interface is simple and intuitive. It is easy to use right out of the box.

The sound quality is very good, producing a loud voice prompt that is clear even at higher volume levels.

QuickSpell is a helpful feature that guides the address entry process. As you enter the first letter of the city or street name, it removes letters from the onscreen keypad that do not belong in any possible name match.

This makes address entry quicker, although it can cause frustration in some cases when the name you are entering is not an exact match with the map name.

Another very nice feature is the "Exit Points of Interest". This menu choice will show the upcoming highway exits on your route along with the types of services available at each one. This makes it easy to choose a stop that meets your needs.

The Magellan 4000 GPS has an excellent detour function, allowing selection of the distance ahead of current position to start the detour. You can also specify how many miles the detour should be, and tell the unit to avoid specific roads.

There is a route planning feature which lets you plan several destination points in a row. When you reach one destination, the device asks you if you want to navigate to the next one.

However, it does not calculate the distance or time for the entire trip, limiting its usefulness for delivery drivers and sales representatives.

Magellan has partnered with AAA (American Automobile Association) to offer some very useful and unique information. There is a AAA Roadside Assistance menu button which brings up the phone number for assistance, as well as your AAA membership number and your current location.

Also included is an AAA Tourbook which lets you navigate to AAA-approved auto repair shops, campgrounds, branch offices and many restaurants and attractions which offer discounts to AAA members.

Drawbacks

The windshield mount presents a few problems. It is bulky, and adjusting it requires loosening and tightening a knob--not as elegant as a ball-and-socket mount.

The screen resolution is just adequate. Viewing from the side, colors get a little washed out.

The map (48 states) includes a limited database of 1.6 million POIs, far less than many mid-range models.

The device does not allow you to set a different starting location for your route, so you can't plan routes in advance.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the Magellan 4000 GPS delivers good value for the money. Solid navigation and smart features like Exit POIs and the AAA Tourbook make it a good choice for the budget-conscious traveler.



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