Magellan Debuts New Maestro GPS Units

Magellan's new Maestro 3100 and 3140 GPS units aim to offer all the key GPS functionality drivers crave...without breaking the bank.

GPS maker Magellan has announced two nw additions to its Maestro line of in-car GPS systems, in the form of the Maestro 3100 and 3140. The new units are intended to offer the core feature sets the drivers want in a GPS system, but try to leave behind the intimidating price tags often associated with Magellan gear.

“Without compromising the quality and richness of experience that Magellan stands for, we have been able to pack into an even smaller form factor premium features found in the Maestro 4000 series,” said Christian Bubenheim, Magellan’s VP product marketing, in a statement. “These include text-to-speech, full map coverage, AAA travel information, and more. In addition, they are the first auto navigation solutions on the market that use the new Samsung 2443 processor for rapid routing.”

The Maestro 3100 sports SIRFstar II GPS chips for quick position fixes, an integrated antenna and battery, and a 3.5-inch QVGA (320 by 240 pixel) touch screen. The system offers turn-by-turn voice-based and visual direction prompts, Magellan’s SmartDetour feature which helps drivers get around traffic problems, QuickSpell (which spellchecks data as its entered), and a searchable points of interest database for finding gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and other important locations. The Maestro 3100 should be available this month at a suggested price of $299.99.

The Maestro 3140 adds Bluetooth wireless capability, text-to-speech features, and AAA TourBook travel information and roadside assistance details. The 3140’s Bluetooth hands-free phone technology and SayWhere text-to-speed voice routing directions help drivers follow their routes and manage calls without the distractions of road noise; the 3140 also comes pre-loaded with maps of the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, along with an extended point-of-interest database with millions of business and service listings. The 3140 also supports optional upgrades which enable it to tap into real-time traffic services. And if you’re a AAA member, the 3140 can put you in touch with the AAA via your Bluetooth phone with just one button press. Expect to see the 3140 in May with a suggested retail price of $399.99.

Both new Maestro GPS units ship with a windshield mount, cigarette lighter power adapter, USB cable, and an adhesive for dashboard mounting. Magellan also offers addition accessories like cases and bike mounts.