Magellan has announced one of the first devices to integrate Google Local Search. Did this GPRS-enabled GPS navigator impress us?
| Magellan Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS |
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 Magellan’s Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS is one of the first devices to integrate Google Local Search, which lets the user search for local events like concerts. A wireless GPRS connection (like your mobile phone's data connection) lets the Maestro Elite 5340 deliver real-time traffic information and weather forecasts. The cost rivals a factory-installed GPS unit, so we'd like to see how effective Google's software is and how accurate weather and traffic reports are, but options like the ability to send addresses and notes to the device wirelessly from a PC give it the flexibility such systems lack. Release: April 2008. Price: $1300.
Pros: GPRS connection for traffic and weather, Google Local service
Cons: High cost
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| Magellan Maestro Elite 3270 |
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 With the 3.5-inch Maestro Elite 3270, Magellan somehow found a way to eliminate the plastic frame around the screen of the unit, and if nothing else it looks good. In addition to text-to-speech technology and a database of points of interest, the unit also facilitates hands-free calling via bluetooth, a feature we're seeing more and more these days on GPS units. The smooth lines and borderless screen may help its overall appeal, but on the inside the 3270 performs like a product in its category should. Release: April 2008. Price: $500.
Pros: Sleek design, text-to-speech
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Philip Berne, Matthew Ruiz, Edward Distel and Sindre Lia contribute to the CES 2008 coverage.
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