The Magellan Maestro 3100: Thoughts of an Experienced GPS'er

Prior to the Holiday season I had been toiling with the prior generation of GPS system for my vehicle. While I already had a Magellan, circa 2001, I knew it needed updated as I further realized the technology had increased and my old one had lost some functionality through the years. I had told family members that as an early Christmas gift I’d like a new GPS from Magellan, not too expensive please, but with all the standard features. Luckily in early December my wife bought me this Magellan Maestro 3100 and I have not been disappointed. It’s important to note that I was even happier when I found she bought the device for a mere $179 as it was available for such from a local retailer. The list price seems to currently be $249 from the Company, but the wife got a nice deal which made this buy even sweeter.

It is important to note that this device can be used outside of ones’ vehicle and is small enough to easily be carried around in a pocket during a day of exploration; however, my primary use will be, and has been to date, as a driving aide. As soon as I turned the Maestro on it began to locate its position and became fully functional within maybe 25 seconds and had realized its correct positioning. I quickly and easily mounted it to the window of my vehicle using the provided arm-like mounting device. This arm locks this Magellan into place, after the user has placed the attached suction cup where he/she would like, and holds it quite firm and thus far I have noticed no slippage, even in frosty conditions. If you would need to move the Maestro, the arm adjusts in all 4 possible directions for convenience.

Once mounted you will be ready to plan your trip and get moving. I am pretty familiar with this type of device and did not immediately find a need to consult the user manual, which is provided on CD, but after some testing on my own I did find the CD to be informative, if a little basic. Anyway, there is no hard copy manual provided, so the CD will have to suffice for everyone or the Company will have to be contacted directly, which I have not done as yet.

Usually, to start out ones’ trip, the owner will first type in the zip code of the destination that will be sought out. Then, the Maestro will list all cities in this zip code and the user will select using the touch-screen and begin to enter (again by touch-screen keypad) the street name of the destination. Most usually this street name will be recognized by the device and it will quickly plan a route for the user. The destination can then be saved if it is an oft-traveled location or can be stored just solely for the trip at hand. I have yet to find a destination that was not recognizable by the Maestro as it seems that the Maps are current and at times even will provide for corrections in slight user errors in spelling with the use of the “Quick Spell” feature which basically allows the user to type only a few letters of a street name and then provides all applicable choices from which the user may select. Thus spelling errors are virtually eliminated as a problem and further complete street names do not need to be typed and thus much time can be saved. Further, if a user would like a spontaneous trip, he/she may select from the Points of Interest Menu or pick a spot directly from the Map. The Points of Interest include restaurants, shopping, gas, landmarks etc., and this seems to be a slightly underdeveloped feature, albeit useful as I have noticed that a few “out of the way” type places have not appeared on its’ menu, but more popular places do seem to be included. From what I understand over 7500 points of interest have been included, so this is at least a good starting point for this entry level device. Once the user has typed or selected their intended destination, the Maestro quickly calculates the route you will travel (in under thirty seconds) and sends you on your way based upon your preference of fastest route, shortest route, no freeways, or as much freeway use as is feasible. Thus the user can have the type of trip they wish with little hassle.

Once on your way, this Magellan provided for both 2D and 3D viewing modes which are fairly self-explanatory and the display shows the map with your location and the distance to your next turn. The map’s brightness can be adjusted and defaults to different levels for ease of view given the brightness levels outside (night or day). Further, a voice will let you know when your next turn is approaching shortly. This can get old when you are trying to listen to music in the car, but can be adjusted if the user wishes to minimize the sound. The map shown is comprehensive with all neighboring streets, turn-offs and “points of interest” being shown clearly and accurately. Further, the computer records average speed as well as total time and drive time for your trips which can be seen by the user while driving.

On detours I have found that the Maestro has performed admirably. When I have veered off course I notice that this Magellan will recalculate the proper route and allow the user to have significant time to get back on a reasonable route towards the destination. I like that the Maestro doesn’t always seem to send my on the first immediate turn-off to get back on my intended course, but allows me time to adjust for my mistake and/or traffic situation. I have used GPS devices in the past that almost sent the driver into a panic state because of their “you have made a wrong turn, immediately exit and make a right” type of messages. The Maestro allows maybe 20 seconds for the user to detour instead of immediately yelling (through voice capability) that the driver needs to rectify the situation.

The Maestro also allows the user to change his/her route mid-trip by selecting a point of interest from the map or entering a new destination. For example, if you happened to be driving and suddenly felt chest pains and needed a hospital, the Maestro would pull up nearby hospitals and be able to direct you to one. This is an invaluable feature in an emergency and would further work outside of the vehicle if you had a vehicle breakdown if the battery has been charged. Further, the Maestro provides your current location at all times so that you can be located if traveling in a desolate locale and an emergency were to arise where you needed someone to come to you.

Battery life is up to 3 hours and comes with a 12 volt connection, but is easily charged in the car with the use of the car-charger that comes enclosed in the purchased packaging. More expensive models may have more battery life, but this is not an overly necessary feature for me and thus is not a problem.

All in all, I have been satisfied with the Maestro and the features it provides for the excellent price. It works well, calculates detours and has not come with any level of inaccuracy. I mainly drive within The Northeast USA, but the unit works in the contiguous 48 states and from what I have heard from others, there is no regional difficulty. If I have a pet peeve it would be a small one as the voice software is a little loud and annoying, but this doesn’t cause much problem and is adjustable. While more expensive models may provide longer battery life, Bluetooth technology and more points of interest, I find the Maestro does the job it has set out to do and does it well. Further, it is my understanding that the maps will be updateable through the included USB cable (and your computer) as time goes on. Thus it appears the Maestro will continue to serve my needs for many years to come.

Below are further product specifications from the product website:

PHYSICAL
Case High-impact plastic
Base Map Pre-loaded - 48 contiguous United States
Size 4.29 (l) x 1.14 (w) x 3.48 (h)
Weight 6.5 oz
Display 3.5" diagonal QVGA full-color, anti-glare, touch-screen display
Antenna Integrated multidirectional patch

PERFORMANCE
Receiver 20 channels, WAAS/EGNOS enabled - SiRFstarIII
Accuracy 3 to 5 meters (10 - 16 feet) - WAAS/EGNOS, < 7 meters (15 feet) - GPS only

POWER
Source Li-ion rechargeable 1200 MA, 12-24 V vehicle adapter
Battery Life Up to 3 hours (assuming lowest screen brightness)