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"Get a review from an experienced reviewer" on by flashbanger
Pros: big screen
Cons: awful mapping and directions, too big
Summary: I have used just about every GPS system known to man and to tell you folks this one doesn't even come close to taking the cake. First the
PRO's: large screen, readable in sunlight, traffic receiver.
CON's: mapping is awful, very basic visual map, clunky user interface, traffic feature is so delayed its useless, weighs so much it bounces all over the dash board.
Stay away from this one, in my opinion go with something small and portable with a viewable screen. A 9.9 on my list would be the Garmin Nuvi which I currently own and its amazing. Hope this helps and good luck!! -
"Nice Big Screen, Great Resolution, BUT....." on by ncc_13424
Pros: Large screen, excellent resolution, huge POI database
Cons: Traffic function cumbersome to use, detour option has bugs, 3-D graphics poor
Summary: My wife bought me a Cobra 4500 for Christmas. It's a very attractive vehicle GPS with a big screen, crisp resolution and looks/feels sturdy. However, I have some complaints about the software design that I'd like to share. First, the routing software makes some directional mistakes when on freeways. For instance at freeway interchanges, sometimes it will tell me to get onto the upcoming freeway in the wrong direction (i.e. "keep to the left onto I-10 West" when it should say "keep to the left onto I-10 East"). It will always correct itself at the last second, but the correction usually ends up being just before the ramp. In an unfamiliar city, that would not give me time to make a safe lane change. Also, the 3-D graphics are so poor that I've had to select the traditional map view to navigate. As for traffic, it's hit and miss. Sometimes I get the traffic icon on the map as soon as the radio announces the accident, but sometimes I get it 20 or more minutes later, or not at all! Also, for some unknown reason the software developers decided to program the unit so that the user is unable to get a traffic warning notification pop-up unless a speed reduction was posted with the accident. I've encountered several major accidents where traffic has been at a near standstill, yet the pop-up that allows you to select auto re-route did not come up on the screen (probably because speed reductions are not being posted by the traffic provider, Clear Channel Radio). If the pop-up doesn't activate (which it has yet to do for me), you're forced to use the normal detour function to get around the accident. And sometimes, the detour function fails to perform the requested detour and keeps you on the same route, even when other routes are available (software bug)? Also, having to use the detour function vs. a built-in traffic re-route option (like Garmin provides) is very cumbersome because you have to zoom in on the traffic icon, look at where the accident is located, and then get to the detour screen so you can select your detour -- not something you want to do in heavy traffic! Hey Cobra, why not let the user decide if he/she wants to be notified of all accidents instead of the unit deciding for us??? I've notified Cobra of all of this and I'm hoping they will come out with a software update to correct these problems (current software update is v1.02.72R). Until then, I'm only lukewarm about the unit.
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"A fine GPS, (this is)" on by ejhines
Pros: Big Screen, simple to use
Cons: lacks beanbag dash mount
Summary: Having owned and used the Garmin StreetPilot III Deluxe, and the Garmin 2610, I can say, I sure do appreciate the
large screen on this unit. All the units
do the basic things needed, and I have found that I don't need to have the maps on my notebook computer as the two Garmin units have. I have ran the Cobra beside the Garmin 2610 side by side in my car, and found the maps a bit better in the Garmin, but the maps in the Cobra do a fine job. Early warnings of approaching turns are about the same between units. I will use the Cobra, until the Garmin 7200 bigger screen is released for a while, but in my case (as an old codger), the bigger the screen the better. -
"Great GPS System, you will very happy with it." on by dog1234mike
Pros: Large touch screen with simple to use buttons.
Cons: Heavy, falls off the window and dash. Needs larger mount.
Summary: I tried many GPS systems, they all work very good, but the winner is the Cobra 4500. The only draw back is the mount, the unit is on the heavy side, so the mount might be underweight for it.
Large screen of 5 inches is nice, plus the set up directions are easy to understand.
You will be happy you are using it. It is recommended. -
"Amazing can't do without it! - No more map books for me!" on by BerlyVB
Pros: Large screen, easy to use, quick aquisition time
Cons: Doesn't come with AC adapter in the box - can only be powered up in the car ( we bought an adapter at The Source)
Summary: I was looking for something that was easy to see and easy to use. This is it! It's way better than squinting at my PDA for directions. Getting a route is super quick - and it even let's you choose which one!(shortest or fastest, detours, tollroutes or highways - you choose) We were amazed at how easy to use this GPS unit is. It finds the signal even before you're done accepting the liability disclaimer on start up. I am amazed at the mapping as I am Canadian and most products center around the states. It even found our Cottage up north in the middle of 'nowhere'. I am so impressed that we are buying a second unit for my parents. We tried out another brand and it was a terrible cheap knock off. Don't let the price scare you. You get what you pay for. In this case, a fast, easy, very visible navigation unit that I couldn't do without. PS. regarding the unit 'bouncing up and down' once mounted - when placed lower, closer to the dashboard as instructed, this is not a concern at all.
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