Magellan Maestro 5310

in Midrange GPS Systems

Score: 6.5/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

• Overall

Magellan Maestro 5310 Overall - 6.5 (Acceptable)

After they've stopped gushing over the Magellan Maestro 5310's large display screen, reviewers find little else to praise. Though the device's performance capabilities are competent, they aren't described as the most accurate or quickest in the class; and while the Magellan Maestro 5310's ease of use is mentioned as a plus, its never described as significantly better than other mid-range GPS systems. When it comes to features, most writers say the Maestro 5310 can't compete -- while more inexpensive and mid-range units are offering convenience extras like media players, FM transmission and Bluetooth, the Magellan Maestro 5310 sticks with the basics. 

Before you make your final decision, you should note the Magellan Maestro comes with very little extra features. The Maestro 3210 doesn't offer a traffic antenna or the 5-inch screen, but delivers the same performance at a fraction of the Maestro 5310's price. Reviewers also like the Magellan Maestro 4250, which also doesn't have the large screen but does offer voice command and Bluetooth. 

What the Experts Say:

• "If you can live without bells and whistles, such as a built-in media player, Bluetooth, and an FM transmitter, the Maestro 5310 is a sound choice." -- Laptop Mag
• "As a member of the bifocal set myself, I suspect the Maestro 5310 is targeted at users like me. While I liked the larger screen ... it doesn't represent a good value -- especially since it's missing the voice control and Bluetooth found in the less expensive 4250." -- PC Magazine
• "While there are a lot of good things about the Magellan Maestro 5310, there are also some significant negatives. Given that and the price of the unit, I cannot recommend it for purchase." -- GPS Tracklog

• "I can definitely recommend this GPS to anyone looking for a device like this. The maps are the best of any GPS I have reviewed. The only problem I have is the price." -- Just Techn' 

Magellan Maestro 5310 Performance - 5.75 (Mediocre)

Many reviewers said the Magellan Maestro 5310 works just as well as many GPS devices, but others say its routing is nothing special. Laptop Mag reports, "Magellan's map view is a little more basic than most, a fact that's highlighted when viewed on a larger screen. It's easy to follow, though, with the current route highlighted in vivid lime green. Rerouting was also slow, at a poky 7 seconds. Perhaps that big screen slows the processor." Laptop Mag also notes, "The Maestro 5310 pronounces street names, but it announces upcoming streets far in advance of the actual turn. When you actually near the intersection, you instead hear two chimes. Unfortunately, that's when you'd most like to hear the street name for confirmation." 

Magellan Maestro 5310 Ease of Use - 7.25 (Good)

Sentiments regarding the Magellan Maestro 5310's ease of use are generally good. In Just Techn's opinion,  "Ease of use is one of the ways that this GPS excels. To get directions to somewhere all you need to do is enter the address. The Maestro 5310 provides several ways to enter destinations." However GPS Tracklog finds room for improvement, writing, "A slider bar on the right side of some menus makes it easy to quickly scroll through large lists, though it is not available on POI screens, where it could be very helpful." 

Magellan Maestro 5310 Design - 8.0 (Very Good)

The Magellan Maestro 5310's wide display screen is definitely its distinguishing factor. Most reviewers are pleased with how easy icons are to see and directions are to read. In fact, PC Magazine writes, "I found I liked the larger screen -- it really did make things easier to read -- but I think a 5-inch screen is about the maximum size that you'd want to put on your windshield or dashboard. A device much larger might partially block your view." 

Magellan Maestro 5310 Features - NA

According to most reviewers, the Magellan Maestro 5310's extra features are noticeably lacking -- especially when you consider the cost of the device. PC Magazine states, "Surprisingly, however, the 5310 has fewer features than the 4250. Noticeably missing from the 5310 is the voice-command feature first introduced in the Maestro 4050, and included in both the Maestro 3250 and the 4250. Also not included is the Bluetooth phone interface." Some of the 5310's boasted features include Exit POIs, which allow you to gain fast access to POIs at upcoming highway exits, or the AAA Tourbook, with ratings for accommodations, restaurants, destinations, attractions and events.

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $190 Garmin nuvi 350

GPS writers say the Garmin nuvi 350 is a breeze to use. From the moment you turn it on and wait briefly for it to boot, the 350 is simple to program and reliable to get you where you need to go. Its only real flaw is time -- several years after its introduction on the market, its features are less-than-exciting compared to newer affordable GPS.

MSRP: $100 Magellan Maestro 3100

The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an entry-level GPS that aims to provide bare-bones navigation at an attractive price. While not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going -- and it won't break the bank in the process.

MSRP: $250 Garmin nuvi 250

The Garmin nuvi 250 excels at inexpensive yet astoundingly accurate GPS navigation, but it offers little to none of the convenience features many shoppers are looking for.

MSRP: $269 Mio Knight Rider GPS

The Knight Rider GPS by Mio is the perfect "Where do you want to go today" device for any 80s TV buff, but practical minded navigators can find more efficient devices to get them from A to B.