The Bottom Line
- Ultra-slim, compact, pocket size.
- Included AAA TourBook is a robust resource.
- Rechargable only via car cigarette lighter adapter.
- Move up in price if you need higher-end features such as hands-free calling.
Description
- Price: $230 - $299
- 3.5 x 3.3 inches, with 3.5-inch diagonal screen.
- SiRFstarIII GPS receiver and built-in high-sensitivity antenna.
- Maps of North American and Puerto Rico
- Six million points of interest.
- Windshield mount and dashboard disk included.
Guide Review - Compact and Info-Packed: Magellan Maestro 3210
One of the amazing things about GPS devices is the amount of information and know-where-you're-going guidance they can hold in a small format. The Magellan Maestro 3210 packs maps of North America and Puerto Rico, six million points of interest (gas stations, ATMs, etc.), and a AAA TourBook into a 3.5 x 3.3-inch package.
The AAA TourBook is especially impressive. The Maestro 3210's menu easily guided me to TourBook ratings of restaurants in my area, and I found accurate, 2-paragraph reviews and hours of operation for them. After you find what you want, just press "route" and you are on your way. The TourBook includes accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and events. Most models in the Magellan Maestro line have the TourBook.
Beyond the TourBook, the Maestro 3210 has some strong features, including an accurate, SiRFstarIII GPS receiver and high-sensitivity antenna (it acquired and held signals well), "quick spell," which helps you finish data input quickly, and an auto-dimmer for night driving.
One drawback: the 3210 is rechargeable via its car cigarette-lighter adapter only, unlike pricier models, which may come with a separate computer USB cable that can recharge, or a docking/charging base.
If you want a widescreen (4.3 inches diagonal vs. the 3210's 3.5 inches) text-to-speech, or need Bluetooth hands-free calling, you'll need to move up the price scale, because the 3210 doesn't have these features. But for an affordable and pocket-size device, it's hard to beat, and the AAA TourBook gives it an edge over the competition.
