Magellan Maestro 4250 ?

Mmmmm, maybe you should read the SPECS for each. That should point out the major differences.

The one major difference is screen size. The 4xxx series is larger.

Be careful with the 3225. It appears that they are not all the same. Check features listed on box before you buy one of them.

I purchased the 4250 from Costco, but immediately had buyers remorse. Here is what I didnt like about it:

1. Complex and bulky mounting bracket. There is a little plastic piece that fits on the back of the magellan that I can definitely see breaking.

2.map data was old. Many of my local streets are not on their map. Our neighborhood has been around for about 6 years. This might or might not be the case for you.

3. Voice command option was nice, except if you're trying to talk to someone on the phone via a bluetooth connected phone. You would think that if it knows you're on the phone it would turn off the voice command option.

4. I backed up my data to an SD card, cleared my addresses and tried to restore my addresses from the card. The unit was stuck in the system setup screen.

Took it back - got a nuvi 680. Better map, in my opinion.
Hope this helps.

I agree 80% of what you are saying. The maps are at least 1 year old and also what you didn't mention is that to interface with your computer i.e. adding enhanced POIs the software sucks and does not recognize the unit. What I like about it is the easy interface and usability. I have tried many that are not as easy for a nubie to figure out.

Don't Magellan update their maps?

Garmin maps are not free now! You have to pay same like with Magellan. Garmin 680 and Magellan 4250 both have Navteq maps (about same recency), so I don't think it will be much different.

I have maestro 4250 and find it to be very good value for the money far superior than much more expensive Nuvi 680

I agree about the easy interface. I debated between this unit and the nuvi 660. The magellan was more intuitive especially for novices like me. However, I read so many complaints about the magellan 4250 in terms of turning the power on for new units.

I have a friend that did the same thing at Costco within 24 hours. However, he then bought the TomTom 920 before I could talk to him. He seems happy so far.

It's hard to believe Magellan really includes this POS. It looks like shareware quality.

Has anyone found an easy way to import POIs from this site?

No, I'm afraid you're gonna have to learn to use the POI Editor they gave you. No other way to get the data into the right format; it's got to be a .mgln file to work.

Sorry.

I was thinking about buying the 4250 from Costco, but after reading some posts, I guess I'll hold off for now.

If the price is good, I'd go for it.
With Costco you have an advantage that some (most?) of us don't have. With their liberal return policy, you can use it for a while and if you have a problem.....or just don't like it, take it back. No harm, no foul.

As far as I can tell from reading about ALL the various Mfg's here and elsewhere, none of them is perfect. All have some kind of short-coming or irritating "feature".

I think that one either needs to spend LOTS of time thoroughly researching a LOT of models to find the best fit for you OR........just go for a good deal. None of the major models have design flaws that make them unuseable.

the little plastic piece is it stay mouting set or go with GPS when you remove GPS from the car?

Leave the bracket behind and take only the GPS with you, thus it will it easily fit in your pocket.

Better to move it out of sight. Someone will break your window to steal the GPS, not knowing you have removed it. Put the mount under the seat or in the glove box.

I have been using iGuidance on my old pda with a separte gps reciever for last a few years. It was time to upgrade.

I bought Nuvi 680 at Costco, but returned it for 4250.
4250 is less expensive and much easier to use, at least to me (maybe the interface was quite similar to iGuidance), and has more useful information on screen. 4250 shows what is the upcoming turn with an arrow.

And I like the built-in AAA info. When I do not want a crappy restaurant, I can check the ratings and choose where to go.

The power button can be a little touchy but I'm liking it so far. Directions for the most part are accurate. I've used bluetooth with my phone a couple times and while it's not the best, it's still usable. I like how big the screen is compared to the 3225, pretty easy to see while driving.

I got the MM 4250 and used it for a week now. Everything is up to my expectation except when using the bluetooth phone, the sound is too low and could'n hardy hear it. Is anyone experienced the same with it ?

From what I heard the bluetooth is highly phone dependent- some work well others don't.

I bought a 4250 from Bj's Wholesale two months ago. So far, it has been the best GPS I've owned (had an original 750M, Lowrance, and Garmin). The POI editor could stand an open-source update, for sure. The map data is dated January 2007, and is recent enough for the area I live in (not too much new construction).

I don't use the Bluetooth but use the Traffic reports and that has been its most redeeming feature. I have never been late to work and will renew the package. It sees many RDS transmitters in the Hartford, CT area.

The only complaint I have is that it's placement of your vehicle is pretty precise, and when I am in the HOV lane of the Interstate, it cancels my route saying that it can't route with the data it has. If I move to the center travel lane and recompute it is fine.

-Larry

Lets get this straight, "ALL" gps units have flaws! Some are just worse than others. I own three cars and I hate transfering my gps from car to car, so I now have one for each car. I'm also a contractor and drive at least 1000 miles a week around northern California so a GPS is a must! I've owned and tested several units. Here's what I've found:
1)Mio 310x: My first GPS. Out of date, and my wife didn't like it because it was too difficult to use.
Plus it uses Teleatlas maps, yuck!
2)TomTomOne 3rd edition: Hated it!!! Bought it for $99 at Staples on black friday and returned it within the hour. Disliked it so much I wouldn't even give it away for a gift. Inaccurate, switched between yards and miles, POI's were limited, and layers of icons to search thru to find or change anything. Plus this also uses Teleatlas maps.
3) Garmin Nuvi 200: Nice basic unit that's really easy to use and understand. I keep this one in my wifes car and she loves it. Very basic, however I don't like the detour function, and I also like to see poi's on the map.
4) Navigon 2100: You either love them or hate them. I bought this because of the free lifetime traffic. Fun toy to have (especally for the price), difficult to use, small text, cannot add POI's. But just the same, I like using it and it's fun to play with when in bumper to bumper traffic. Bought this for $119 at Staples plus the traffic upgrade card. Really like the traffic option.
Seems to be accurate, the traffic reports are current and up to date, and I like the reality view.
PS: This is California, even with traffic reports you still get stuck in traffic.
5) Garmin 680 (Costco $399) Bought this unit because of the traffic reports. Not a bad unit but for the price the Magellan is much better. The traffic option is poor. It's inaccurate, slow, and I found myself stuck in traffic before it warned me about it. Returned it after a month.
6) My all time favorite is the Magellan 4250! I've owned mine for 5 months now and this is by far my favorite. I wish I had three of these units. I bought it for $250 at Costco (had to redeem a $100 coupon last month) I love the large screen, it's fast, accurate, it has AAA guide info, traffic works well, has 6 million POI's (have not had to add any POI's), detour works great, voice recogniation, and it's fun and easy to use. I've not had a single problem with mine. Downside is the bluetooth is weak, it works but my friends say it sounds like I'm is a cave, might be because I use it in a van. I didn't buy it for the bluetooth anyway. And for some people no mp3 player. My opinion is if you need mp3 player buy an mp3 player not a gps! Would recommend this one to all my friends!

Your experience confirms my suspicions.
I have a MM 4000 and find the "quirks" all to be minor.
I think the 4xxx series is probably the best value on the market right now, all things considered. The one BIG caveat is that you really need to consider it "disposable". I have dealt with Magellan on a couple of minor issues with no problem but it appears that their "repair" service is a joke.

So if you are lucky enough to NOT have any major issues with a Magellan after your store exchange runs out and it lasts oh, say 3 years, I figure it's then junk if it fails and it's been a good value.

If you do have to go to Magellan for warranty service, pray a LOT!

My only real regret is that I didn't get a model with TTS. I find that having it say "Right turn on Elm Street" instead of just "Right turn in xxx feet" would make a REAL difference. I have taken the wrong "Freeway exit on the right" more than once!!

I may be shopping for an upgrade soon.

If the warranty is an issue, buy your GPS at Staples and add the insurance plan to it. Besides that, they'll redeem coupons from other stores.
I bought my first GPS (Mio 310x) at Staples with the 2 year insurance plan on it (approx $40) and returned it with no questions asked for the full amount after 18 months of use. They allowed me to exchange it or offered me a Staples gift card for the full refund amount. I figure $40 bucks is a worthwhile investment on a GPS that might be questionable. Next to Costco, Staples is one of the best.

I am sure you love your 4250 and I am not knocking it, but it is obvious you have not tried the Garmin 750 or 760. Just bought the 750 from PC Nation for $349 and the unit is absoulutely fabulous. All you have to do is read the any review comparing Garmin, Magellan and Tom Tom..Obviously that is why America is so great....to each his own...

Oh, one more thing about warranty. If you're an AAA member, Magellan will extend warranty for an extra year.

I couldn't beat the price of $250 at Costco for a 4250. I've tried Garmins and I also own a Nuvi 200 and I still like the Magellan better. I guess it all comes down to personal preference. My wife likes the Garmins because they're so easy to use. I like the Magellans because I like the various menus I can dig into. You're right to each his own..

I think 4250 is much better than the 680. The address is much easier to enter and it has a lot more sub category in the POI. Plus the 4250 is $150 less.

I think 4250 is much better than the 680. The address is much easier to enter and it has a lot more sub category in the POI. Plus the 4250 is $150 less.

I just bought the 4250 too; it’s my first GPS so I don’t have anything to compare it to. I got mine because I am retired and plan on doing a lot of travel.

I chose this model for a couple of reasons, first I like the size of the display, second I like the fact that it gives me the name of the street to turn on to. I didn’t know when I bought it though if I missed a turn it would recalculate the route for me which is another plus.

I am not a AAA member and wanted to ask about the quarterly updates. I took a look at the tour book that is loaded on the unit from the box. What more can I get out of the tour book if I were to join AAA?

One last question I downloaded the Hard Rock Café .csv file from this site. I have installed the Magellan file editor. I was able to convert it to a .mgln file and showed the locations of HRC in the US and Canada on the editor map. However I don’t know which folder to copy it to on the GPS? I didn’t get the Magellan RoadMate Tools software on the CD that came with my GPS.

I haven’t bought a SD card yet but when I do I guess I can load the new POI files there.

The TourBook function doesn't work any differently for members. You just get free updates to the TourBook listings. The updates are not available to non-members at any price.

You didn't get the Roadmate tools because your Maestro is NOT a Roadmate!

If you connect it to your computer, is it recognized as an external, removable drive ??
That's the first step to loading Custom POIs.

for 3225 is \user\cpoi, maybe 4250 is the same

Yes, I believe it's the same for all of the Maestro line. Be sure to check the available free space before you load it directly to the internal memory.

USR\CPOI is the correct path for the .mglh files if it looks like I will want to load more (and I’m sure I will) I’ll just buy a 2 gig SD card.

After loading the HRC file into my 4250 I still have 520 meg free. I don’t know if it needs a certain amount free to operate or not?

So far I love the Magellan 4250 with the exception of some addresses are outdated that were preloaded and the mount for the windshield could be more sturdy.

This will come in handy while away during travel. Now that I took a look at the .csv file is will be easy to create files on my own. Several times now my girlfriend and I have been away and have had to make several stops to ask for directions. Just a couple of weeks ago coming back from South Carolina we drove through NE Georgia, the map we had for that area wasn’t to scale and I couldn’t get a cell phone signal.

I don’t see any reason why I couldn’t add phone numbers to the files but can those be added so when I tap the number it would dial my cell phone, my phone is blue tooth compatible.

I also looked at the available icons that came with the POI File Editor. Can I add more icons to that list?

I guess I am asking the same questions that have already been asked a hundred times before.

Thanks to all, Blair

My 4000 does not have Blue Tooth BUT.....if the format of the .mgln files is the same for all the Maestro's (as I suspect to be true), there is not a field for phone number. There appears to be a Description field but I see no way to display that on the unit.

No, no way to add icons.

ka1167

I did find that there is not a field for phone numbers but once I programmed in a route then bring it back up as a previous destination, edit and enter the number then save it seems to work. Of course it isn’t listed under POI doing it this way. Too bad the editor that shipped with the Magellan units isn’t better.

what sd cards are usable with the 4250?

any sd card, 2 gig max

Bought Magellan Maestro 4250 after thorough research, picked this unit after very closely compared it with Garmin & Tomtom units, found this unit very useful,accurate,easy to use and almost 8 hours of battery power on one full charge.It linked with my Nokia phone via bluetooth like a charm so did it hookup to my laptop to update the firmware. I can easily backup all my trips onto sd card. While in my car I can take my phone calls via Maestro 4250 (on speaker hands-free) at a touch of a button and calling out by Maestro 4250 was equally a delight. Even though it’s loaded with lots of features but it’s very user friendly and it’s voice features are very handy.
I recommend it to all who need quality versatile products with great features and value for money. Last but not the least buy any GPS but first compare thoroughly. For any more help on this product contact me, mickeymair at live dot com for my views, for Magellan’s views contact magellan’s site, as I’m just a user not related to Magellan in any way. Love…Mickey Mair

Is there any way to upload custom POI icons on the 4250? It comes with alot built in... but I would like the custom ones for gas stations, stores, etc.

You need the POI Editor,which should be on the CD that you got with the 4250.

I've played with the editor a fair amount... can't figure out how to get custom icons on it (besides the ones that come with it)?

That's because you can't do that.

There are some extra ones in the editor but that's it; you can't import your own.

You can't do custom voices or sounds either.

I have not had much use out of the 4250 we purchased in the summer, the long road trips we never ended up taking - to blame.
but when we have used it locally thru routes we are familiar with, the mapping has been completely off.
we cut thru the quickest route and take 10 minutes off a 45 minute trip on quickest route, when we follow our intuition and what we have always done

They do have some quirks. Do some more test runs. I think you will find it is right more often that it is "wrong".

Mine seems to want to avoid some mythical road hazards at times......even though the displayed map shows a perfectly good road going exactly where I need to go (and no, I don't have traffic service).

I would not get another magellan after the roadmate 300 I bought and could not get updated maps

With the cost of these units falling so much (in the 120 range for refirb units), it is an excellent value. From the looks of things, it will probably be supported longer than before I want to upgrade.

You can get updated maps for any Magellan I ever owned. Was there a problem installing it, or was it just not available?

I had my magellan 4050 stolen last week. And i dont think i would get another magellan unit. Its rerouting is so bad. And unit hangs a lot.

I would look into the 4350, great on routing, gives you 4 options, and super easy to exclude a street. Not very easy on adding poi's. But I to love the AAA ratings on food, hotels and more. Lots of extras at a great price, i.e. lane view 3D buildings.. I'm Happy with mine..