Maestro 3140 looks identical to the 3100, but extends map coverage to include all 50 U.S. States (48 lower States + Alaska & Hawaii), Canada, & Puerto Rico, boasts a much larger POI database of 4.5 million, has Text-to-Speech, Bluetooth, AAA TourBook data, and can be upgraded to use Magellan's optional TrafficKit for real-time traffic data (Magellan's TrafficKit sells for around $75 and includes 3-months of free service. After the complimentary 3-month period, a subscription service is requires and costs about $60/year).

If it's the wide screen display you crave, then you'll want to look at the 4000-series Maestros: the 4100 is almost identical to the 3100, but has a larger (4.3"), brighter display, and slightly larger POI database. The 4040 is virtually identical to the 3140 but has the larger 4.3" display. The 3140 and 4050 have an improved map display over the 3100 and 4040. Magellan plans to update the display on the 3100 and 4040 via firmware update, but as of this writing the 3140 and 4050 have a better map screen (more on this later in the review).

Maestro 4050 is Magellan's the top-of-the-line, adding traffic and voice recognition capabilities to the mix.

Notice that the 3140 and 4000 share the same suggested retail price. If you're willing to sacrifice the extra features of the 3140 in favor of a larger display, you can get the Maestro 4000 for the same price as the 3140.

All five Maestros are powered by NAVTEQ maps from 2007 (NAVTEQ is the leading mapping data provider in North America, and provides maps for Magellan, Garmin, LG, and most online mapping portals) and share the same routing engine.

3. What's in the Box

Figure 1: What's Included in the Magellan Maestro 3140 Box

The Magellan Maestro 3140 ships with the following items included in the box:

• Magellan Maestro 3140
• Windshield Mount
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter (12/24 volts)
• USB Data Cable
• Adhesive Disk for Dash Mounting
• Quick reference guide
• Manual on CD-ROM

Figure 2: Magellan's New Windshield Mount

All Magellan Maestro GPS units share the same windshield mount. Historically Magellan has had a tough time getting the mounting hardware right (older RoadMate units suffered from decidedly lackluster windshield mounts, and even the legendary 750NAV's mounting hardware was more of an afterthought than a well thoughout mount). So last year Magellan re-engineered their mounting hardware and now use the same updated mount on all Magellan GPS units (RoadMate 2000, 2200T, 3000T, 6000T, CrossoverGPS, and the new Maestro series units).

The mount consists of a large suction disc that attaches to your car's windshield (you can use the included adhesive mounting disc if windshield mounts are illegal in your State), and a dual-axis joint arm that can be articulated into the desired viewing angle. The two large knobs on the mount allow you to tighten the mount once its in the correct position.

Figure 3: Maestro's Windshield Mount, Extended

Once the mount is opened into the desired position, the tightening knobs lock the arm into place.

Figure 4: Maestro 3140 attached to the Windshield Mount

Maestro 3140 connects to the windshield mount by lining up the two tabs on the adjustable mount with the holes on the back of the Maestro, and pushing the Maestro down until it locks in place.

Unfortunately, I found this more difficult than one might think. For starters, there are no guides to help you line up the mount with the GPS, so you have to guestimate exactly where to position the GPS on the mount and fumble around a bit until you find the grooves. Second, the GPS I tested didn't "click", or "snap" into place on the mount, meaning you have to just press down until you think its on securely enough (this is reportedly a manufacturing bug that is being corrected on the units that will actually ship to stores).

Additionally, you cannot see the back of the unit when connecting it to the mount, so you find yourself fumbling around with the mount as you try to line up the mount with the GPS.

Magellan has long been plagued by sub-standard mounting hardware. I'm pleased to see progress being made, but Magellan still needs to refine the mount into a more stable, user-friendly mount. Also, given the relatively small size of the 3140, the windshield mount seems rather large. Still, the mount did hold the Maestro 3140 solidly in place while driving.

Figure 5: Included 12v Cigarette Lighter Adapter

Maestro 3140 ships with a RoHS compliant 12v cigarette lighter power adapter. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) basically just means the product is lead free -- I'm not entirely sure why it's worth advertising that on the sticker, but hey -- I'm all in favor of lead-free manufacturing!

Figure 6: Included USB Cable

Magellan includes a standard USB data cable for connecting the Maestro to a Windows PC.

Figure 7: Magellan's Adhesive Mounting Disc

If you happen to live in a State or country where it is illegal to mount anything in the windshield of a motor vehicle, you can use the included adhesive mounting disc to mount the Maestro on your dashboard instead.

I'm personally not a huge fan of this method, as it is a much more permanent commitment than a simple suction cup on the windshield. Nevertheless, local laws may dictate that you use this method, and Magellan includes it in case you need it.

4. Hardware Design: Maestro 3140

Figure 8: Magellan Maestro 3140, Front

The Maestro 3140 looks identical to the less expensive Maestro 3100. Both units have a 3.5" (measured diagonally) display, and are a little thicker than one-inch (1.14"). The case constructed out of black and silver colored plastic. The Maestro 3140 is lightweight (6.5 oz), and fits easily in the palm of your hand or in a pocket.