By R. Stoer
Updated 12/29/08: I originally posted this review of Magellan’s 4350 after spending several days with one of four I had purchased as Christmas gifts. When one of the intended recipients received another GPS that couldn’t be returned, I found myself with an extra unit which I decided to keep for my wife’s car. After spending several additional days living with the 4350 I’m updating the review to include my latest findings…
As this is a lengthy review, those not wanting to wade through the entire text can see a summary of the pros-and-cons at the end.
First Things First:
Although I don’t own another portable GPS to judge this one against, I do have a factory installed navigation unit in my 2006 Audi and I’ve utilized that for several comparisons.
There are updated versions of the 4350’s operating system and navigation firmware on Magellan’s website. Both are available at no cost and those thinking of purchasing this model should consider the installation of said updates to be mandatory as the improvements are significant. Links on the enclosed CD instruction manual make the process fairly easy. It took me about fifteen minutes to bring my unit up to date. As the 4350’s were just released in September 2008 there are no map updates available or required. All findings posted here are based on a unit updated to the following: OS Version 00.42.01.0919 and Navigation Version 8.3.2.64084.
Startup:
If powered by an ignition controlled power source the 4350 turns on/off with the car. Otherwise pressing the power button for about two seconds turns it on.
Acquiring satellites happens very quickly - we’re talking seconds, not minutes. Only once, inside my house during a very heavy snowstorm, did it take longer (about two minutes) to lock.
In more than a week of using the unit for several hours each day, it never crashed, froze, or misbehaved in any similar manner.
