Overall the Maestro 3140 is a decent looking GPS, although I'd like to see a thinner border; compared to Garmin's nuvi product line, there's a lot of unused space around the display on the Maestro 3140.

Figure 9: Magellan Maestro 3140, Left Side

The left side of the Maestro 3140 is home to an SD/MMC card slot (used for loading optional maps) and the reset pin hole (located just below the SD memory card slot).

Figure 10: Magellan Maestro 3140, Back

Maestro has a single internal speaker, located at the rear of the unit. This Magellan is quite a bit louder than previous Magellan RoadMates; the speaker is loud enough that the unit can be clearly heard (distortion-free) even when traveling at highway speeds.

Figure 11: Magellan Maestro 3140, Right Side

The power on/off button, USB connector, headphone (3.5mm mini jack) jack, and power input are located on the right side of the Maestro 3100.

Figure 12: Magellan Maestro 3140, Top

Magellan's logo adorns the top of the 1.14-inch thick Maestro 3140.

5. GPS Signal Strength: The Mighty SiRF

All Magellan Maestros use SiRF's high performance SiRF Star III 20-channel indoor GPS receiver. This chipset is extremely sensitive and able to maintain solid signal reception even when driving in GPS-challenging situations, such as behind tall buildings, under bridges, through canyons, etc. In fact, during my testing, I was able to get a strong signal even indoors. The signal was so strong that I had to actually go into my basement and cover the top of the Maestro with tin foil before it lost GPS signal.

The integration of SiRF's chipsets into the latest generation of in-car navigation systems has been a watershed event for GPS navigation. Prior to SiRF, line-of-sight to the sky was required to receive GPS signals, resulting in poor GPS performance (or no signal at all) in many cases. SiRF's chipset has ushered in a new era of GPS performance, affording fast signal acquisition and precise positioning that is solidly maintained while driving. Make sure that any new GPS you buy includes SiRF's chipset; I'm always amazed that people buy GPS devices that are old and outdated (and sometimes cost even more than the newer devices with SiRF -- even from the same manufacturer).

I'm pleased to report that Magellan is using the more expensive (and highly effective) SiRF StarIII GPS receiver on the Maestro. Throughout my testing GPS reception was outstanding. The GPS quickly recognized my location, and reception was unflappable, even when driving in midtown Manhattan. I did lose reception when driving through tunnels, but the GPS quickly re-acquired within a few seconds once I emerged from the tunnel

6. Mounting the Maestro 3140 in the Car

Figure 13: Magellan's Windshield Mount, Attached to Windshield

Mounting the Maestro in the car is a simple process. First, locate an area on the windshield where you'll be able to see the Maestro but it will not obstruct your view of the road.

At the base of the mount is a lever that is used to tighten the suction cup to the glass, creating a firm connection. To properly attach the windshield mount, clean the area of the glass that you will be connecting the mount to (Magellan supplies an alcohol towelette with the mount), then hold the mount so that the suction cup is flat against the mounting area and push the lever down to lock it into place.

Figure 14: 12v Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter, Plugged In

The 12v adapter widens slightly at the base, so in my car I had to turn it upside down to clear the ash-tray lip.

Figure 15: Connecting the 12v Power Adapter to Maestro

The 12v cigarette lighter adapter connects to the right side of the Maestro.

Figure 16: Maestro Mounted in the Car, Left Side View

The windshield mount is long enough that the Maestro isn't too far away from the driver. Some other GPS devices ship with mounts that are too short, and place the GPS too close to the windshield.

To adjust the position of the Maestro, loosen the knobs on the mount and move the unit into the desired position, then tighten the knobs to secure it into position.

Figure 17: Maestro Mounted in the Car, Front View

The Magellan Maestro 3140 looks good mounted in the windshield. However, the AC power cord is unsightly -- and would be less noticeable (and more convenient) if it connected to the mount instead of Maestro's right side. Note that Magellan's optional TrafficKit (about $75) replaces the original mount and allows you to connect the power to the mount instead of the GPS).

7. Maestro's New User Interface

Figure 18: Magellan Maestro's Main Menu

Rumor has it Magellan spent $1 million dollars on the new design; the results are mostly positive. When Magellan initially released their updated interface on the Maestro 3100 and 4040, feedback was mixed. Magellan listened to customer feedback, and has made a number of important improvements to the 3140's map screen (Magellan is also planning to release a free software update that will upgrade the 3100 and 4040's Map Screen).

The new menu screens have bright, bold color schemes that are visually pleasing, and sport newly designed icons that clearly indicate their function. Tapping around the menus is intuitive and the 3140 is responsive and fast.

Unlike previous Magellan RoadMate devices, Magellan has decided not to include a photo viewer or music player on the Maestro 3140 -- a prudent decision since Magellan has never done a good job integrating either into the navigation application.

The three large icons on the top row are:

• Show Map - look at the map and view your current location, much like you would with a paper map
• Enter Address - start entering a destination address
• Points of Interest - search the POI database for a business

Two smaller icons appear along the bottom of the screen:

• Home - this icon is a one-touch button to start routing to your home (the first time you tap on this icon the Maestro prompts you to enter your home address)
• Tow truck - this icon brings up detailed information about your current location, useful for directing a tow truck (or emergency vehicle) to your current location

8. Navigating with the Maestro 3140

Magellan fans will be pleased to see that the basic process of entering a destination on the Maestro hasn't changed much from previous Magellan GPS units -- good news, since address entry has always been one of Magellan's strengths.