Sneak peek: Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS

Magellan seems to be on the rise. The GPS-maker has seen its portable navigation devices (PNDs) perform better in our ratings lately, with recent products showing notable improvement in our tests over the previous mediocre models. And key rival Navigon has left the U.S. market. Now, a new, large-screen model joins the product range, the Maestro 4700.

Priced at $300, the Maestro 4700 has a 4.7-inch screen and premium features, such as Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, lane assist, spoken street names, and voice command. It also boasts some of the latest elements seen in competitors’ devices, such as historic traffic data for intelligent routing, parked-car finder, pedestrian mode, and 3D landmarks.

Other features of note include the AAA TourBook guide with information on hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Six million points of interest can be accessed by search and also by exit, so travelers can see what is coming up at the next turnoff.

Maps include Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

The Magellan navigators added to our GPS ratings last month, including the RoadMate 1220 and Roadmate 1440, had abundant features, improved graphics, and better ease of use than prior models we had experienced. We will see if the promising Maestro 4700 continues the trend, once we run it through our extensive test regimen.

—Jeff Bartlett

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Comments

[Robert Entel]

Although Magellan may be on the rise, they have had a history of terrible customer service should there be a problem.