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Some GPSs are more advanced than others as they are able to use the Internet for some of its main features, such as Google local search.  As a result, the GPSs that have this capability tend to come with a monthly fee, which can add up to a lot of money over the long run.  Consumers these days are only looking for what they really need and for the device that sells for the cheapest price.  Consequently, high end GPSs such as the Magellan Maestro 5340 aren’t very popular.  With that being said, Magellan has decided to suspend the development for the 5340. 

Many consumers do not see the need for GPSs that tout Google local search and other features that use the Internet.  To them, it is just another bill that they have to pay monthly for a service that they don’t even use very much.  Many studies have shown that people often use GPSs that aren’t “connected” than GPSs that are “connected.”

Magellan had this to say about their recent troubles with the 5340:

“Although Magellan believes there is great promise in connected navigation, in the near term, consumers have shown an unwillingness to pay a steep price for PNDs, especially with the recent economic downturns.  We have suspended our development on this device and will re-examine the market potential when the climate changes.”

It looks like they will reinstate the Maestro 5340 and other similar devices once the economy straightens itself out, which unfortunately, could be for a while.

Via [TWICE]