Entered CNET Catalog: 11/14/2007
SKU: 0898110001105
Manufacturer: NAVIGON, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Feel more confident on the road with the NAVIGON 2100. Stylishly compact, accurate and affordable, the NAVIGON 2100 is built with the same design DNA of NAVIGON's 7100 and 5100 devices - and offers features that aren't available on systems at twice the price.Product summary
The good: The entry-level Navigon 2100 features a sleek, compact design and has an affordable price tag that includes text-to-speech functionality. The unit has an integrated traffic receiver, so you have the option of adding traffic updates at a later time.
The bad: The system is sluggish, and route recalculations weren't efficient. The user interface isn't as intuitive as that of the competition and can be especially confusing for first-time buyers.
The bottom line: Though the affordable price tag and text-to-speech functionality are nice, the Navigon 2100's sluggish performance and roundabout route recalculations are a turnoff; you can get a better entry-level portable navigation device in the Mio C230.
Editors' review
- Editors' Rating: 6.3
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/19/2007
Navigon's line of portable navigation systems seems to follow the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, offering three different flavors with one to hopefully match your tastes and needs. For the gadget hounds and GPS enthusiasts, there's the Navigon 7100 with its advanced features like Bluetooth and traffic services, while the Navigon 5100 is more of a middle-of-the-road system for intermediate users. And now for beginners, there's the Navigon 2100. The entry-level unit has an attractive price point of $249, and includes text-to-speech functionality for speaking actual street names, which you don't often find at this price range. In addition, you have the ability to add more functionality, such as traffic services and refined points of interest search, once you become more familiar with GPS. That said, we were turned off by the sluggish performance and inefficient route recalculations. The user interface can also be confusing and overly complicated. As a result, for first-time GPS buyers, we'd recommend the Mio DigiWalker C230, which offers ease of use and similar features.
Design
The Navigon 2100 is a miniaturized version of the Navigon 5100 and 7100. It features the same, sleek black finish of the other two systems but has a smaller footprint at 4 inches wide by 3.1 inches tall by 0.8 inch deep and 5.6 ounces for easy transport between vehicles. It's compact enough that you could feasibly use it while navigating on foot or mounted to a bicycle.
Despite its petite size, the Navigon 2100 still manages to pack in a standard 3.5-inch touch screen. Maps and text appeared sharp and vibrant, and we were able to read the display in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The onscreen keyboard is a bit cramped to quickly and easily enter addresses, and unfortunately, there's no stylus included to help with the situation. In addition, the system's sluggish performance slows down the address entry process. (See Performance section for more).
The user interface is fairly easy to use, though not as intuitive as other systems. The main menu page includes five clear options: New Destination, My Destinations, Take Me Home, Show Map, and Options. However, as we've noted with other Navigon product reviews, once you dive deeper into the applications, things can get a bit confusing and laborious. The function of all the icons on the map screen isn't clearly identified, so we'd recommend giving the user manual a quick read or familiarizing yourself with all the unit's functions before heading off on your first trip.
The rest of the 2100's design is minimal. On top of the device, you'll find a power button and a jack for an external antenna. The SD expansion slot is located on the right side, while there's a reset hole on the left spine. Finally, the mini USB port is on the bottom.
The Navigon 2100 comes packaged with a car charger, a vehicle mount (windshield and dash), an SD card preloaded with U.S. maps, and reference material. For better or worse, the 2100 doesn't ship with the modern-looking windshield mount included with the Navigon 5100 and 7100. Instead, you get a more traditional accessory, which did a good job of holding the system securely in place.
Features
The Navigon 2100 is equipped with a SiRFstarIII GPS chip and includes Navteq maps of the 48 contiguous United States preloaded on the included SD card. To start planning a trip, you can enter a location by specific address, point of interest, recent destination, user-defined home, and so forth. The 2100 can calculate routes in one of four ways--fast, optimum, short, or scenic--and gives you the option to allow or avoid highways and toll roads. There are also options for creating routes via pedestrian or bicycle mode. As with most portable navigation systems, you get text- and voice-guided directions, but unlike many units in this price range (with the exception of the Mio C230), you also get text-to-speech functionality so you'll hear actual street names instead of more generic directions. Other standard navigation features include automatic route recalculation, multistop trips, simulated demos, and speed alerts.
Like the other Navigon products, the 2100 has a comprehensive points-of-interest database that includes branded icons for major corporations, such as McDonald's, Chevron, and Shell. Categories include all the major attractions, such as gas stations, lodging, and restaurants (searchable by cuisine type) as well as more specific items like museums and railway stations. Unlike the Navigon 5100, the 2100 doesn't include Zagat Survey ratings and reviews out of the box. You can add this feature for an additional $39. This gives you Zagat Survey ratings and reviews for POI--more specifically for hotels, night life, attractions, golf courses, and restaurants--and the ability to search for these entries by top service, best buy, and so forth.
You can view maps in 2D or 3D mode, and with day or night colors. The map screen shows you plenty of data, such as the name of the street you're on, distance to next turn, estimated time of arrival, remaining distance, a compass, signal strength, and more. You can always choose to hide some of these elements via the Settings menu, since the screen can get pretty overwhelming with all the data and points of interest. Like the 5100, the Navigon 2100 also has Reality View. This feature gives you a "photorealistic" view of complicated intersections, such as major highway exchanges, with a 3D image of the road. For example, you will get a semirealistic view of what the road looks like ahead of you, including road signs, so you're not completely confused as to what exit to take.
As an entry-level and budget-friendly GPS device, the Navigon 2100 doesn't offer much more--no Bluetooth or multimedia capabilities. However, you can add traffic functionality to the device. The unit already has an integrated traffic receiver, so the only thing you'll need is the $99 traffic service. Though the price seems a bit stiff, this is a lifetime subscription so you won't have to have to renew or pay monthly fees.
Performance
Despite being powered by a 400MHz Samsung processor, we thought the Navigon 2100 felt underpowered. Similar to the Navigon 5100, there was a couple second delay for an action to register after tapping an icon. For example, when entering addresses, there was a lag between the time we pressed a letter or number and the time it actually showed up onscreen. During our first couple of tries with the 2100, we didn't realize there was such a delay and went about entering our address, only to realize halfway through the process that the system hadn't registered half of our commands, so we had to go back and re-enter the information, which got to be annoying real quick.
For our road tests, we took the 2100 out in San Francisco, and from a cold start and under cloudy skies, it took about 5 minutes for the unit to get a 3D fix on our location. Subsequent starts ranged from instantaneous up to 2 minutes. While driving around the city, the system did a good job of tracking our position, but as expected, it did lose a signal when we drove through the Broadway Tunnel. That said, once we exited the tunnel, the 2100 picked up the signal almost instantaneously.
We also entered our standard trip from the Marina District to CNET's downtown headquarters, and the Navigon 2100 quickly calculated directions. We checked out the list of turn-by-turn text directions and found the route to be accurate. Once on the road, the voice prompts were loud and clear, but we thought the text-to-speech directions were a bit robotic and not as smooth as some of the other systems we've tested. Also, while route recalculations were swift, the Navigon 2100 didn't always return with the most efficient routes. We missed a number of turns to test this feature, and on several occasions, the unit told us to make u-turns, sometimes when not permitted, when a simple right turn would have gotten us back on track. Fortunately, we were familiar with the area in which we were driving, but not exactly what you want if you're new to an area. The Navigon 2100's 1,100 mAh lithium ion battery is rated for up to 3.5 hours of use.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64out of 64 user reviews
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!
Pros: There are no pros to this GPS
Cons: The worst GPS I've ever seen. Difficult or impossible to enter destination addresses or even home address. Multiple wrong turns leading to every backroad on a map. Extremely poor customer service.
out of 64 user reviews
Fresh Maps are stale
Pros: You get updated maps quarterly
Cons: You pay $80 for this but you cannot downlaad the maps I requested support and got an answer 3 months later. They tell you the same thing over and over but never give you a solution. They keep telling you to make sure Fresh Maps software is updated
out of 64 user reviews
DO NOT BUY NAVIGON 2100! It has NEVER worked correctly
Pros: Nice screen & graphics, but HA what good is that if it can't direct you or freezes & can't be reset when you're lost in the middle of nowhere & need it the most?!
Cons: Freezes all the time. Reset button rarely works. Takes you the longest, most inconvenient route no matter what you configure. EXTREMELY slow! Unreliable. It might get you there, but trust me YOU WILL BE LATE!
Updated on Jul 16, 2010I forgot to add that, it takes FOREVER to find your destination! Horrible, Horrible! You need an extra half hour just to find your destination. POI? What a joke! Also forget about finding hyphenated house numbers! They don't show up or show up without the hyphen & you're not sure if it's your destination or not.. Sometimes the numbers or letters screen appears with SYMBOLS & GARBAGE. DO NOT BUY!!!
out of 64 user reviews
Was great when it worked, failed shortly after purchase
Pros: Nice screen. easy to read.
Cons: Not so easy to program
out of 64 user reviews
Don't buy this
Pros: The screen is pretty
Cons: The navigation algorithm will lead you into endless problems just when you need it the most. I'm going to destroy mine when I get home this evening. I will NEVER use it again. It repeatedly navigates me into terrible routes.
out of 64 user reviews
Good price, nice graphics, good support & map updates
Pros: 3D view & good support on the product. I've used this GPS in my travels, it gave me traffic updates, several that routed me around traffic snarls with accurate directions.Various settings with a lot of information. Voice directions loud and clear.
Cons: Small key pad for big fingers. The interface has been sluggish on start ups. I've had to push the reset button, sometimes, when downloading new maps.
out of 64 user reviews
Navigon does not support products in North America!!!!!
Pros: The product works okay but the support is absolutely horrible. See the email below from an actual support rep at Navigon when I asked where to buy a replacement car charger.
Cons: Horrible, arrogant support. Basically told me that they do not support anything in North America. See the actual email in the bottom line summary...unbelievable.
Thank you for your inquiry. Accessories, map material and content are not available in North America through NAVIGON. Unfortunately we don't have information concerning the availability of these products at other major retail shops.
Sincerely
Stephen Purdue
Navigon Support Team
E-Mail: support.us@navigon.com
out of 64 user reviews
A better GPS mount for the Navigon
Pros: No need to have the mount on the windshield
Cons: Can be pricey
It is versatile and does look better than the typical windshield mounts. Click on any of the images for a larger version.
Here is the complete series: http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2009/Home/June/Week3/RDMHomeJun1509.htm#ProClipMount
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2009/Home/July/Week1/RDMHomeJul0209.htm#ProClipAssembly
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2009/Home/July/Week2/RDMHomeJul0609.htm#ProClipInstallation
out of 64 user reviews
Good all round GPS with lots of features & bolt-on's
Pros: It does what it says on the box ! - Great price. nice good looking design. Big on usful features and easy to use if you read the instructions !!!!
Cons: TTS is a little hit and miss with road names and the inflextion is sometimes off but not really a con as they all do it!.
Online stuff via FRESH is great and hassle free. Anyone having problems is either very unlucky and has a bad one or you haven't read the instructions.
At around £87 ( $128 approx) you won't buy better for the price.
out of 64 user reviews
Navigon 2100 - The Best GPS Navigator Out There
Pros: - Text to speech...actually speaks street names and state roads
- Plenty of warning before turn (tells you street to turn on, not just "next L/R")
- Decent screen
- Lifetime traffic update cost less than any other service
Cons: - Text to speech makes some street names sound funny
- Battery life seems too short (about 3 hours)
It's no frills menu is easy to read and use. There are plenty of settings that allow you to customize the 2100 to suit your needs. For the price, it gives you a lot more to customize than some similarly priced units I've seen. You can have this thing show almost any point of interest you want (schools, churches, restaurants, etc.) at no extra cost.
The graphics on the 2100 are great, too. Streets are shown in yellow-white while the route is shown in bright orange. It shows lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers. The night view can be adjusted for brightness and more realistic than TomTom's blue background)
The unit quickly recalculates your route if you decide to veer off or make a side stop. It can get a little nagging if you don't follow its directions, though (but they all do.) Both my brother and sister-in-laws and my son all have varying versions of the TomTom and none of them work as well or look as good as the Navigon.
Its best feature is the text to speech. It doesn't just tell you to turn left or right, which with most GPS units, can be too late (as a previous reviewer noted.) The Navigon gives you plenty of time as well. It will tell you in x miles or feet to turn right or left onto xx street. Then again just as you approach the turn. The real view feature is a great addition to its functionality because it shows a graphic of the interchange and tells you which ramp to take. It even shows a graphic of the green sign you might see on the highway. It shows the number of lanes and points to the one you need to take. It's great!
The text to speech is a little quirky. It tries to pronounce names as they are written so sometimes a street name will come up funny sounding. And the computerized delivery is a little annoying but not enough to make a difference unless you're listening for it.
I am a little disappointed that you can't change the voice so you're stuck with an American female.
It charges from a standard cigarette lighter really fast. The battery life seems a little short to me. It lasts about 3 hours on my unit. I don't know what the expected life is but my son's TomTom lasts almost 5 hours. Leaving it plugged in is a tiny nuisance.
Overall, I would rate the Navigon 2100 GPS navigator 10 out of 10. Its superior, bright graphics and no frills operation is perfect given the total cost of this unit. For less than a comparable TomTom or Garmin, plus a single cost lifetime traffic update service (that's less than TomTom's ANNUAL subscription fee), the 2100 is a definite alternative. Add the text to speech and the fact that it warns you long before your turn make this clearly the best GPS out there.
Updated on Jan 1, 2009I forgot to mention that the lifetime traffic update retails for around 100 bucks but I got it for 27 dollars at **********. Plus, I have not found this unit to sluggish at all.
out of 64 user reviews
Very disappointing
Pros: I like the reality mode, the street names, and compact size.
Cons: Took me out of the way several times, told me to enter a street with a Do Not Enter sign on 3 occasions. POI suck. They didn't interest me. Don't buy it if you like shooting pool.
out of 64 user reviews
Never could get it to get a signal
Pros: cheap. Nice size
Cons: Never worked even after I was sent a second unit.
out of 64 user reviews
Good features for a low price. More than happy with it.
Pros: Automatically sets to a state (Mass.) so you don't have to keep telling it.
Predictive streets: Suggestions as you type::Ad=Adams,Admore,Adwater
Recalculate is fast. If you miss the street, by the time you look down, "NELLIE" has caught up. AYE!
Cons: NO GPS gives direct CROW FLIES directions or knows which route is really the shortest (drive THROUGH the park James!) but this is pretty good for narrowing you down. Know the basic direction and use this when youre few miles away.
LEARN YOUR AREAS.
Had a Magellan. DONT GET A MAGELLAN. I was so frustrated with it's slow satellite time - you miss your turns because of a 3 second delay. I bought this NAVIGON 2100 the day after I SHATTERED my Magellan on the street from pure frustration. The Navigon has a lot of my WISH LIST features that kept making me return the other GPS's.
Asks for clarification to duplicate addresses. Very Cool.
Hancock street in Boston can be BEACON HILL, CHARLESTOWN, DORCHESTER. Nav 2100 asks you to choose one. Other GPS (mio) just took me towards Charlestown. If you know Boston, Charlestown and Beacon Hill are very different.
Dorchester and Beacon Hill too. Hood vs Hills.
USB charger - handy for Motorola users: Same charger for cell and GPS.
Battery life is long. I got 3.5 hours on it. Has warning bars as it depletes.
BAD: Wont charge and use at the same time but it charges quickly.
15minute charge will get you 45run time.
Had I known, I would have bought 3 (brother and mom could use this)
If you get it for under $100 (you da man!) under $150 is a good deal.
$200 and youre pushing the envelope of price.
Staples has a 2week return policy. Test drive it yourself and then decide.
Test ride other ones as well to compare options and what you want in a GPS.
They're not all the same. This NAV2100 had the "set state" feature (set to Mass for now) can easilly change when I travel)
Has the PREDICTIVE TEXT for choosing a street. You can choose street, THEN pick from towns or MIAMI VICE VERSA.
Gives you a quick overview as it calculates (shows a yellow arrow from you towards destination)
Tells you the name of the street to turn on to.
BEST PART: Tells you to turn 15feet before you hit the turn point so you dont overshoot the turn. THAT IS KEY! I killed my Magellan because it didnt do that.
Im keeping this one for a long time.
Navigon is my Go-To GPS company if this one ever dies or I lose it.
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Look, you're my best friend, so don't take this the wrong way but, in 20 years if you're still livin' here, comin' over to my house, watchin' the Patriots games, workin' construction, I'll f**kin' kill ya. That's not a threat, that's a fact, I'll fu**kin' kill ya.
out of 64 user reviews
Not Reliable
Pros: Gives names of streets and hi ways. Nice visuals. Makes a nice paper weight.
Cons: I have had the 2100 for a few months. Gave me directions to go 52 miles for a 29 mile trip. Had me going East 9 miles out of my way when my desitnation was to the West. It still wants me to go East on trips when I know that West is correct.
out of 64 user reviews
$79 refurb at tiger direct - free maps - can't go wrong
Pros: nice size screen, free software update, option to add traffic service later, $79 is cheep-cheep! Doesn't seem sluggish to me - takes a sec to calculate a route I guess - doesn't bother me at all.
Cons: I guess free traffic service would be nice, but hey these things cost money...
out of 64 user reviews
An incredible navigation system for the price.
Pros: I like everything about it except for the cons mentioned below.
Cons: It sometimes takes several minutes to pick up a signal. If the road you are on turns at an intersection yet keeps the same name, it will not give a voice prompt to turn. Once, the road I was on disappeared from the map.
I am happy to say that I have had none of the problems or complaints that people who wrote negative reviews had, except as noted below. It may just be the luck of the draw.
When I first got the unit, I set it to the "optimal" route setting as was advised by several reviewers. With all the features and options, it is like playing with a toy whenever I use it. Since I can't say enough positive things about it in the space provided, I will focus on the few minor negative aspects identified in the "cons" section.
Sometimes it takes a minute to pick up a signal and other times it can take several minutes. I usually turn the unit on ten minutes before leaving my house. It picks up the signal in the house before I get in the car. If I am leaving from another location I can sit and wait for the signal or start driving in the general direction I need to go and the GPS gets me back on track when it gets signal before I've gone very far.
If you are on "ABC" Road and that road turns left at an intersection, and "XYZ" Road starts if you go straight across the intersection, there will be no voice prompt to tell you. It does show that the road turns on the map though. Keep an eye on the map and this won't be a problem and if you don't it will reroute you correctly anyway.
I didn't complain about the small letters or the volume because I mount it high on the windshield so the GPS is above my rearview mirror close to my eyes and ears.
In actual use I found that when going to a restaurant in NY it wanted to take me a little out of my way by avoiding a shortcut I know. However, this may be intentional because the shortcut is winding with a 30 MPH speed limit. On the other hand, it has found a shorter way to get to my daughter's house in NJ. I originally got those directions from Mapquest.
The other night I went to a concert in Reading, PA and the highway signs told me to take the second exit 1/4 mile away for the arena. I was stuck in concert traffic moving about a tenth of a mile every five minutes and I was 1.3 miles away. However, the GPS told me to get off at the first exit and it took me through traffic free streets. In a few minutes I was in the concert traffic again, but only .3 miles away. I got to the concert just as the warm up act started thanks to the GPS. On the way home, though, I was on a state highway and was told to make a left onto a ramp which wasn't there. Then, when I continued straight, the road I was on disappeared from the map. It looked like I had become an off road vehicle. But I was going in the right general direction and continued. After about 5 minutes of driving on the missing highway and constant recalculating of the GPS, it finally found me and rerouted me. I got home only 1 or 2 minutes later than I would have.
So, why did I rate the Navigon 2100 so highly? The purpose of a GPS is to get you from point A to point B and it does that at a fantastic price and includes many bells and whistles found on much more expensive units. Its faults are too minor to consider in the rating.
out of 64 user reviews
Don't waiste your money
Pros: The size of the unit is nice.
Cons: Since I purchased the 2100 about 4 months ago I have routinely found that it miscalculates routes, does not get satellite reception and freezes when re-calculating. The voice mis-pronounces the street names more often than not.
out of 64 user reviews
system has tendency to freeze up
Pros: has a nice maps of the expressway when available
Cons: system runs to slow as a visual, the system tends to freeze up. the icons are in the way of the map and very limited POI
out of 64 user reviews
Top GPS on market today 10 out of 10 beats Garmin Nuvi and Tom Tom
Pros: Reality View, screen displays next two turns, early warning for turns and lane changes, option to purchase life time traffic rather than subscription
Cons: Small screan, volume is not all that loud
out of 64 user reviews
Ease of use
Pros: Accurate directions text to speech volume sounds fair
Cons: no menu icons turns on slow pay for updates
out of 64 user reviews
Easy to use, good descriptions for price.
Pros: Specific, says street/route names, traffic
Cons: sometimes slow, some probs with traffic
The new update helps a lot. It seems to recalculate quicker. A friend has a garmin and often gets frustrated because it doesn't say street names or tell you often enough what the execution will be. The version with traffic really helps. Finding alternate routes with the settings can be problematic. Overall works pretty well, except that it can freeze from time to time, but if you get it install the updates!!
out of 64 user reviews
Cannot Complain
Pros: Excellent for it's price
Cons: Slow find sattellite
out of 64 user reviews
does NOT deliver what it advertise
Pros: clear voice
Cons: will get you out of the way
The product is NOT delivering what it says. I am very disappointed.
out of 64 user reviews
Pretty good device at a great price, interface requires some patience
Pros: Pretty good device, reality view is excellent, text to speech is marvelous, pretty accurate
Cons: interface would require some time to learn, no detailed manual so less gizmo savvy people would require some time to learn it
out of 64 user reviews
2100 Cant find its way to your garage.
Pros: Good price, nice looking unit
Cons: Really bad navigation
out of 64 user reviews
Exceptionally Good Navigator
Pros: Great display, Great Features, Low Price
Cons: Itinerary routing needs improvement
The turn indicator shows not only which direction the next turn is, but what the intersection looks like. Within one half mile it shows an approach distance indicator showing precisely where to make the turn.
Spoken directions are provided at varying distances to a turn based on speed. At highway speed at 2 miles the first spoken advice is "in 2 miles bear right onto Interstate 95" for example. The Navigon pronounces the street names. After a couple of more warnings at the precise point of turning it announces, "now bear right onto Interstate 95." It's hard to miss a turn.
The unit offers three route modes, Fastest, Shortest and Optimal. It also has a bypass feature for road blockages allowing different distances for re-routing. It recalculates the route quickly when the driver takes a wrong turn.
There are seven pages of basic setup options and additional settings for route options including whether Car, bicycle or walking routing.
It has a feature to automatically vary the speaker volume based on the noise in the automobile. I had mine set to the LOWEST volume.
It has different brightness settings for day and night. Both have variable brightness. Day/night is changed almost instantly from a menu that is displayed by touching the screen when in navigation mode.
The Navigon features points of interest with brand named graphics. I was very amused by the Mcdonald and Amoco symbols (and others). The POI search feature works perfectly and can be used to find POI along the route with ease. It displays the distance to that POI and quickly routes to it. I used the POI near my position function to find a fuel station with Diesel for my car.
I used the search near a city feature to find a hotel and make reservations from over 100 miles away. It routed me directly to the hotel.
The 2100 has a built in traffic receiver. I do not need this feature and did not use it. The traffic service is an optional extra. So are POI provided by the Zagat survey which include the Zagat ratings.
The unit does not come with a charger for in home use, but it functioned with a usb cable from my Nikon camera.
The suction cup mount was very easy to use and very steady. The gps unit mounts and dismounts almost instantly with no difficulty whatever. I carried the 2100 in my pocket when not in the car and programmed it on it's battery when not driving. I programmed it indoors by being near a window.
The map data let me down a couple of times. Navigon uses Navtek maps. On two occasions the map took me in a circle. Navigon now offers freshmaps to regularly update map information.
Before I purchased this device I had very low expectations and felt that most of the features listed by GPS manufacturers had little value. I find that the Navigon has just the features that I really need for traveling.
If I traveled for business I would opt for a more complex GPS with a slightly larger screen, FM transmitter and blue tooth, such as the Navigon 7100.
One feature I noticed which was not documented (that I remember) was that navigation continued after contact with the satellites was lost. Driving through tunnels under Baltimore and Hampton harbors did not stop the Navigon from displaying my progress.
Before I learned how to use itinerary planning this feature gave me a bit of problem. Once I started to route based on relatively short way points to prevent routing to the "fastest" highways the unit did exactly what I wanted. I routed to town names. When I approached that town, I cancel the way point so that the GPS continues on my route without hesitation. Doing this on my return trip saved me over 2 hours.
There are optional settings for the types of POI that are displayed. There are displays for Speed limit and warnings that can be set from 5mph to 20mph over the limit. When you drive over this setting the unit starts saying "warning." I enabled Speed, Altitude, Coordinate display, time to arrive, trip time while the unit also displays distance to the next turn and way point. The 2100 has a 3.5" display. When all the features are turned on, they do seem to crowd the screen a bit.
I was very impressed by the intelligent logic used to find addresses and POI. The unit gives a choice of street first or city first lookups. It intelligently displays and reduces the number of choices available from it's map data.
Most of my driving was done at night. The unit was flawless. I've been lost in Hampton, VA at night before. This time it took me to the front door of the house I was visiting.
At times I switched to 2D mode. I find the 3D mode more pleasing. The zoom ratio when the GPS shifts modes automatically is adjustable.
The Navigon gave me the most enjoyable long trip that I've taken in many years. It kept me updated and on course. It far exceeded my expectations and needs.
out of 64 user reviews
descent gps for the price of $120.0 at office depot
Pros: equipped with reality view and software update available. text to speech equiped indicating the real street name in each turn
Cons: slightly sluggish in responding to character entry
out of 64 user reviews
Too slow at searching and route re-calc
Pros: Video quality - looks nice
Cons: CPU is overwhelmed during searches
The store was sold out so I bought a Mio C220 instead (also $100) I used the Mio for about 3 months when I saw the 2100 on sale for $100 again and bought it because I still thought it would be better than the Mio. What I found is that the 2100 is simply too slow for me to tolerate - even after the current updates were on it.
You have to wait between entering characters or you have to repeat the POI/address search because the 2100 CPU cannot keep up. The 2100 has better, brighter video but no automatic night mode - you have to change it yourself.
Some folks have rightly complained about poor display levels in sunlight and poor power management on the C220 - true on both counts - the 2100 is clearly better at both.
Much of the satisfaction with a GPS is very subjective so I wish the vendors would put honest simulators on their websites so you could decide for yourself how you feel about the interface. This would also give you an idea of whether the POI database is any good for your likely destinations. I test it where I live to verify accuracy of POI's and maps and the Mio C220 does poorly on both - the 2100 seemed better. I reported 3 ridiculous errors to Tele Atlas but won't hold my breath - they claim to follow-up with reports but have done nothing in 3 months.
I think the Mio also comes with a better quality windshield mount (made in Germany - no less!)
out of 64 user reviews
The Routing is Mystifying
Pros: Graphics, Text-to-Speech, Cost, One-time Payment for Traffic
Cons: Mysterious Routing
(Caveat: I have updated with the version 1.1 software from the Navigon website (which was supposed to do away with a lot of the U-turn directions) and my words below reflect this)
But, and this is a big BUT...the routing is really screwy. The "Optimum" choice gives the best routing, but there appears to be no rhyme or reason to where it wants you to go. Sometimes it's spot on and other times will have you scratching your head. I recently tried to get to a Starbucks in Williamsburg VA. I knew where it was and I knew how I would go using my directions, but I had time, so I decided to let the Navigon direct me. It told me the Starbucks was about 4.7. miles away (correct). Then I started driving, following the directions implicitly. After a little over 3 miles of touring scenic Williamsburg it told me I was still 4.5 miles away (again correct).
Again, on a route that I normally use to get home, the Navigon tells me to go another way (standard). But once I pass the turn that the Navigon wants me to take, instead of re-routing me it tells me to make a U-Turn on a major road until I get beyond halfway home. Only then does it re-route me. (As an aside, I have a Magellan 3225 that tells me to take the route home that I normally take as the preferred route).
There are some hacks on some Navigon forums that people swear make the navigation better. I have not tried these yet, but then again, should I really have to hack a recently purchased GPS device to give me better directions?
Bottom Line: For the price this thing has some awesome features, but this is offset by the thought that I may be driving miles out of my way to get somewhere. On the bright side the device will get me to my destination eventually, which is what a GPS device is supposed to do...and if I'm in a strange city I won't even know it's messing with me.
I can't give it more than a 7.
I have now upgraded my software to version 1.2 and it appears not much has changed on the routing front. As I noted before, sometimes the navigation is spot on, and sometimes it still has me scratching my head. Here's the latest - traveling on a major road heading southbound to an interstate. Instead of telling me to bear right off the major road and enter the interstate using the interstate entrance, the Navigon suggested I go past the entrance to the next stoplight, make a U-turn, and enter the interstate from the same road northbound (This is not a new intersection). While this routing only adds about .2 miles to the trip, bypassing an interstate entrance, making a U-turn onto a major road, to enter the interstate from a different direction, not only seems capricious, I also think it adds some small element of making the trip a bit more dangerous. It's okay for me, but I won't be giving my daughter a Navigon when she gets her license.
Another update: With Software Version 1.2 and the Route Profile set to "Optimum Route" most of my strange routing problems have gone away. It appears that setting the Route Profile to "Fast" or "Short" was the cause of some of the strange routing I was getting (although I'm not sure why). I wish I'd noticed this sooner. It jacks my score for this unit up to an 8!
out of 64 user reviews
Excellent entry-level navigation device
Pros: Low price, Intuitive user interface, clean graphics, reality view, clear screen/text, and the optional lifetime traffic updates are amazing
Cons: small screen, mounting bracket a bit clunky, POI's a bit outdated
After researching the heck out 1/2 a dozen entry-level nav units (I'm an electronics nerd of course), I opted for the Navigon 2100 because of it's form, function, and its unbeatable $119 price tag from Staples (special of course).
The unit has a very sleek design. I was surprised at how clear the graphics were compared to many units in the same price range. I've seen many units where you can hardly read the cross-streets because the graphics are so grainy. Not the case with this unit. Clear graphics, bright screen, clear text. The mounting bracket is a bit clunky for the unit though and I always find myself struggling to get the unit on and off the cradle.
The routing is not bad either. I haven't run into any situations where the unit has left me dry.
The optional lifetime traffic option is also offered at an amazing price. You can find it at Amazon for less than $50 and it's a lifetime subscription you unlock in the unit. This has saved me from being stuck in traffic many times.
The navigation itself is great. The screen has this really neat zoom feature that zooms in when you're going slow and zooms out as you speed up. You can of course turn this off. The unit has "reality view", a pretty neat feature if you're unfamiliar with the freeways/highways in the area. This feature will show you exactly which lane to be in to properly merge into when hitting a junction or an exit.
All-in-all, if you're looking for an entry-level unit without all the bells and whistles, i think this unit is your best bang for the buck.
out of 64 user reviews
Not a single gripe!
Pros: A big bang for the buck!
Cons: Not a single con worth mentioning!
out of 64 user reviews
Overall satisfied with unit
Pros: Like text to speech feature
Cons: Occasionally chose inefficient routes
The editor's review is accurate overall. Instructions are very sketchy.
Does the reset "button" reset the software to out-of-the-box mode?? No answer supplied.
Recalculated routing okay, as I often chose alternate routes as more efficient.
out of 64 user reviews
Very good for the price
Pros: Good Looking, AutoZoom, Text to Speech, Price
Cons: Slow satellite pickup, slow interface
Interface could be better, and is a bit slow to respond. You need patience w/ this device. If you're looking for simple routing of any trip, no problem at all, but if you like to push buttons quickly, this is not for you.
They did come out w/ a ROM update just yesterday - v1.1, so it might resolve some of the issues. I got FREE traffic-updates, and it works GREAT! I do recommend this product if you can get it at a good price.
out of 64 user reviews
Believe the review and then some
Pros: Sleek design, small
Cons: Customer support is terrible, technical support is terrible, poor POI listing, poor update scheduel
Forty-eight hours later.....I had heard nothing from them. I was on vacation so I called them back to let them know of my other phone number that they can use to contact me when they issue a fix. I asked about the status and they said the fix would be issued within the week. Being patient I said ok.
A week goes by....nothing. I call them back to check on status, they said that the fix would be issued within the next week. I said ok. I called them back the very next day and they said the fix would be issued in a couple of days (I know all this because I started recording stuff a while back - you can check my complaint on the BBB if you'd like). I called them back the next day and they said the fix would be issued by the end of the quarter (which would be March). This is where I lost it.
I asked to speak to a manager. The rudest manager in the world gets online. She issues a RMA and tells me to ship it to some address in Indiana, pack it, ship it, insure it, and they'll issue me a new one (one without the software fix I might add). I told that I didn't feel I should pay for anything to do with shipping this and her words to me were "Well, it's only like $20 sir". This is where I issued my BBB complaint with them.
When everything was said and done, they did issue the software fix and it did in fact fix the system. However, further researching told me that the "MN6" file within the SD card was corrupted. If the technical support team would have sent a new MN6 file my unit (and others) would have been fixed. Instead, they sat on the issue for quite a while until I'm assuming enough people complained.
The POI listing has MUCH to be desired and I was told that there is no plans to issue regular updates to the unit at this time.
Buy something else.
out of 64 user reviews
Great GPS for the money would recomend to a friend
Pros: Text to speech and reality view nice screen and good sound
Cons: none the gps was great only for 119.00 ya dig
out of 64 user reviews
Good enough for me
Pros: good product for the price
Cons: response time a little slow
out of 64 user reviews
I Recommend TomTom over Navigon 2100
Pros: Text to Voice
Cons: Horrible routing algorithm
By comparison, I also have the TomTom Navigator 6 software installed on my AT&T Tilt cell phone. TomTom is by far better than the Navigon as far as route optimization. TomTom Navigator 6 does provide voice guided directions, however, it does not have the text-to-speech capabilities (so you don't get the street names announced). I chose to buy the Navigon 2100 for its text-to-speech capabilities, but the poor routing negates the text-to-speech feature. I would return the Navigon 2100 but the CompUSA only allows for an exchange if the unit is defective.
Bottom line, if you want optimal routing, avoid Navigon.
out of 64 user reviews
Better than NUVI 350
Pros: 3D reality View, Lifetime Traffic, Speed Warning
Cons: Brand, new in the market, POI (fire departments, Post Offices)
I read all reviews, I like doing research before buying something, and my feeling after reading them all (I went through 4 web sites) was that this had a lot of potential and that a lot of users did not really use it before jotting down their thoughts.
I have used NUVI 350, and 670 before and I thought they were the best, I was wrong.
NUVI takes to long to link onto satellites,over 2:10 (twice it took over 20 minutes, I am not kidding) with NAVIGON it has not taken me more than 2:10 (the shortest 1:50) even on a rainy day.
Comparing the 350 against the 2100 (had them both in the car) the 350 showed the same route, same distance. The NUVI showed a shorter ETA than the NAVIGON, but while driviing the NUVI will go up.
As far as being user friendly goes, I preffer the NAVIGON, its more like windows, and although the NAVIGON is pretty much standard like the other manufacturers, the NAVIGON is really easy to get used to and faster.
The reviews that I read daid that the NAVIGOn took sometime to show the addresses while typing, that is because it shows the options, narrowing them. Something that can be construed as a nuisance, but its not.
The 3D really view is awesome, my wife likes it, now she can drive herself on the instersate without having to call me, and ask me what exit to take. I wish I had the 7100, for bigger view, but its too pricy. The speed warning feature is good, I like it.
The cons: POIs, no Post offices and no fire departments.
Car mount is good but does not have the "ball" behind the mount, therefore you can only move side wise and not tilt it.
out of 64 user reviews
Good, if within $200.00 (with traffic)
Pros: Price, Log-book, Features, Reality-views, TTS
Cons: Bland GUI, bad POI nav. & choices, bad routing
Here are my thoughts -- first off, the unit is small, good-looking with a very effective car mount. Upon startup, it acquires GPS signal quickly. It can be protected with PIN # against theft. The touch-screen can be calibrated. Reverting to factory-settings are possible.
Coming to more important stuff, one can search for an address using street name first, or city/ZIP code combination. The map included covers the 48 contig. states only. Also, it's feasible to store 500 addresses in Favorites for quick retrieval. 1 good feature is defining a route having multiple points and being able to save the whole route combination itself. Without GPS signal, it's possible to review the route in a map, giving TTS and turn-by-turn using *simulation*.
After putting in the address, and assuming GPS signal is active, a turn-by-turn listing can be displayed, where even specific roads can be blocked. Post blocking, the system can be made to re-route and then use that route for navigation. In terms of routing, there's considerable options available. Fastest route, optimal route, shortest route, scenic route, avoid/allow/forbid tolls, avoid/allow/forbid highways, avoid/allow/forbid ferries, avoid/allow/forbid U-turns, mode for bicycle, car, truck or walking. While driving, taping the map it displays a *block* option, which is like .5,1,1.5,3,5 mile sketches, if activated, system auto blocks that sketch in front and tries to re-route alternative route (traffic congesion, etc.) - a very handy feature. Option to switch from 2d/3d at tap of the map. However, what the unit does NOT do (some GPS units do it) is detect your speed and if less than normal auto suggest detour options. The system display on the map the next turn and the turn-after (if almost immediate). In fact, also if it's situation like *bear immediately left, after right turn*, etc. shows both of them, thus it's possible to detect earlier what's coming up. Good feature. In case you missed what was said, tapping the turn icon again causes TTS to kick in and repeat.
In case traffic is activated, which is for life and the charging cable MUST be plugged in, system shows a small icon on map, if clicked shows all active traffic information. Again, can be configured to show ONLY traffic relevant to route. Furthermore, immediate traffic details are displayed on the map itself (radius approx. 2 miles). System can automatically route you thru alternative routes or can be made manual. A VERY +VE point being the subscription is lifetime, once bought - it's forever ACTIVE!! Very powerful feature.
Re-routing, in case of missed turns are quick but read issues below.
TTS functionality has a single voice only (lady) and is of good pronounciation. Nevertheless, there's some peculiarities, which one can get used to. Generally, states to bear left, or keep to the left/right much earlier, gives clear road-names, very accurate in saying *NOW, turn right/left* etc. If there's multiple turns (city) avoids saying each & every road name to avoid confusion. The speaker, however is on the low side. Might have slight difficulty in hearing at high speeds. However, the system uniquely provides an important feature called auto volume increase with speed increase. Very effective. In case you're going over speed-limit and you've configured to warn you if over 10 mph, TTS does do a *caution* statement. The volume is configurable, directly from the map and can be muted too.
The map itself is highly customizable. It's possible to display speed limits, set warning if exceeing limit at city/highway levels and that too at 5 mph, 10 mph, 15 mph above limit settings. Can show/hide altitude, speed, distance to destination, duration of travel, ETA, compass, street-names. The display itself is bright (brightness can be configured, both at day/night levels separately) and has separate day/night views. Note - the unit does NOT switch to night view automatically. The associate time settings are done automatically. The 2D zoom provides another important feature - auto-zoom. At higher speeds, etc. ; system auto-zoom to cover more area, etc. The amount of zooming itself is configurable. There's a button providing further options like browing the map itself (pulling/pushing it up/down, left/right), tapping a point on the map which showing details about that point and if there's any recorded POI at that point, etc. Very good and nice. Manual zooming of the maps is possible. However, locking the map-view preventing changes if accidentally tapped, etc. is not possible. The orientation of the map can be direction of travel (default) or always North.
The Reality-View is very effective. It *kicks* in at critical junctures of travel, where there are complex turns involved showing clearly which lane to stick to, etc. However, keep in mind it's static and automatically appears. Once turn is over, switches to map view. Again the view can be turned completely off.
Coming to POIs, it offers a set of POIs which can be searched and navigated to, from the main screen. There are multiple categories of POIs and each almost always have sub-categories. The search can be based on *Nearby* (if GPS signal is active), *City* or *Nationwide*. Once either of these options are selected, a search can be done based on category or sub-categories. If *Nearby*, it displays a set of choices which can be expanded to include more radius. Similarly at city (by city name or ZIP code) or nation-wide hunt of main corp. brands. Further, there's a quick selection of critical categories at immediate availability for searching is possible - max 3. For example, parking, restaurants, WCs. The search is displayed as a list with up/down buttons and the keypad vertically oriented in the split screen. The keybad is ABCD format which can not be changed to QWERTY. Auto completion is possible and active. The up/down arrows displaying the list are very sluggish and hang quite a lot. The actual icon for the brand-name is displayed alongwith the POI name. Re-tying POIs, changing categories/sub-categories, etc. are cumbersome and inefficient. The database is also very, very limited and does not include almost all major brands but are more inclined to include mom/pop shops. The POIs can be made to display in the map itself and the types of POIs to be shown on the map are configurable, the good part being they appear as icons on the map. My observation is it makes the map very cluttered. Tapping the map provides an option to display immediate POIs in vicinity or route and then adding such a POI as an intermittent route point. Effective but the type of POIs available by default (being low) makes this ineffective. A critical -ve point being users are NOT allowed to add their custom POIs, or share other users' compilation, etc. You can only save the address as a favorite, for your personal use. Separately ($40) a Zagat survey lifetime subscription can be bought - which provides for Zagat surveyed POIs - an option to review the ZAGAT ratings given for the POI in the system itself. I don't have it, thus can not comment.
Pushing the top button causes immediately the product to go into standby mode, thus switching it on is very quick and good (activates the PIN # option, for theft deterance). It does NOT auto detect vehicle switch-off and thus has to be manually switched off.
The cons lies mostly with the POI database, sluggish search/display/modification options available. The next -ve point lies in the routing display. Many a times, it'll display a rather zig-zag route with weird roads, etc. and need to be carefully reviewed (turn-by-turn listing) prior to embarking on the travel. On a personal note, users should ALWAYS use the "short route" option by route-points are within city limits or short distances and "optimal route" if interstate travels. If route is missed, although re-routing is quick - again can be weird and can really take you on a trip down the highway! This is true also for automatic traffic re-calculations. There's supposed to be a firmwire update in January 2008 addressing this problem. On a lighter note, there's numerous others who have NOT reported any routing issues; thus I think it's case-by-case basis and mostly to do with the NavTeq maps being used. A proof in the pudding lies in the fact that many-a-times the system will ask you to take an exit, go couple of miles and then re-join the highway again! This normally happens if system detects a portion of the highway to be *missing* in it's database - normally caused due to extreme compression of the maps itself (to fit into the SD card). This is not pronouced much for 2100, since it has ONLY 48 states of US. But for higher models, i.e. 5100, 7100 - which has the whole of NA - it's more pronounced behaviour. Also reported, in quite a few cases, the traffic, even if activated - does not work. You'll need to talk to support for resolving this. There are NO media-players, headphone jack, AC adapter, PC update options for software/firmwire, CD/DVD containing help manual, etc.
Navigon support - for me has been quick and good, while others have reported problems. Again a case-by-case. They have quickly responded email queries too (24 hrs. turn-around time).
out of 64 user reviews
this product is not as simple to operate as others
Pros: none compared to the garmin nuvi 200
Cons: functions are to complex to move around and the response is very aggravating !!!
out of 64 user reviews
Great GPS unit for the price!
Pros: Spectacular graphics; excellent text to voice features; spoken street names a BIG plus!
Cons: Buttons on display are a little small, but overall this is a great unit!
out of 64 user reviews
First GPS-LOVE IT!
Pros: Ease of use; text to speech
Cons: Route recalculation is odd
out of 64 user reviews
Great Unit
Pros: Great screen, volume is good, Reality view is awesome, prive is great for text-to-speech
Cons: To add traffic, cost is a little pricey
out of 64 user reviews
Great unit for the price
Pros: Low price, quick rerouting, text to speech
Cons: Poor traffic reception, sometime poor routing. outdated and insufficient poi's
out of 64 user reviews
First gps for me.Love it!!
Pros: LifetimeTraffic,Text to Speech,Reality View!!
Cons: Processer slow,touch screen small icons,map of lower 48 only
I got mine at 179.00 Total w/traffic. Some got a steal at 99.00 the day after Thankgiving. One suggestion that will help the processer. Use a stylus or butt end of pen so you hit the icon right each time.
(Icons are small for big fingers) It seemed to speed up things a little. The GPS has been spot on accurate for me but I have had trouble with it in small towns where the roads/subdivisions are fairly new. ( 1 to 3 years) In all fairness though the GPS got me close enough to find what I was looking for. I think it maybe a small town/ who cares issue? I live in a medium size city and it has found everything. The map does need work though because we all go small now and then LOL. Hope this helps.
out of 64 user reviews
Navigon 2100
Pros: It is awesome!
Cons: Can't find any!
out of 64 user reviews
The Jury is still out
Pros: Love the reality view
Cons: Screen/map freeze frequently - big problem
The BIG problem is - the screen and map freeze up in the middle of most of my trips - annoying to say the least. I am planning to call customer service today. Their resoponse will be a big factor in my decision to keep or return the unit.
out of 64 user reviews
at $149. can't beat it with a stick.
Pros: Great sensitivity to sats. Accurate maps. Good TTS.
Cons: When I find one I'll let you know.
Even have a way to correct tts mis-pronunciation of streets names. Navigon doesn't tell that part but there is a text file on the SD card "MN6\sound\Sara_21_tts\lxen-USO" for special pronunciation rules that can be extended to correct the way streets names are pronounced. it's a little trick with the use of letter keys. Works great! Just be careful if you try it. Don't change any existing entries. Just add new ones at bottom. Study carefully to figure out letter combinations to use.
I have never seen a GPS TTS that was correctable until now.
I would recommend Navigon to anyone.
out of 64 user reviews
Great value
Pros: Text-to-voice ,nice display,all for under 200 dollars
Cons: One needs to play with it to get to know a few quirky points
out of 64 user reviews
street names low price works
Pros: speaks street names,low price,works
Cons: difficulty with changing address, no so far
out of 64 user reviews
Excellent Value - Worked as advertised
Pros: Features - TTS, Speed Limit Warnings, Flexibility. Price
Cons: Map needs to be Updated
out of 64 user reviews
Great Value for the $$
Pros: Text to Speech, Compact & Battery option
Cons: Takes too long to recognize typing, keypad is too small
Pros & Cons mentioned briefly above.
Highly recommend.
for the price - this is by far the most superior GPS for the entry level as not only is it the only GPS device with Reality View - it actually speaks the street names, doesn't simply say turn left or right.
Highly recommend it as it comes with free upgrades for life - high resolution screen that is the clearly the best.
out of 64 user reviews
Worst GPS and Worst Customer Service
Pros: I couldn't use it to find any pros
Cons: Did Not find the address and the worst customer service
I called the customer service and the agent said let me try to find the address on the unit here and he could not find the addresses, he said some addresses may not be found and the solutions he gave were (in his own words):
1. "Try entering the address number of times and some time it might take"
when I told him I already tried to enter the address many times with out any success he advised me to
2. "use it by finding the nearest intersection"
when I told him it could not find the entire city his suggestion was
3. "Use the neighboring city"
I asked him is this the way Navigation Systems work, he said "we can not do any thing and that's the way it is"
When I told him that is not the solution I was looking for he said "we use Navtech for the GPS software go to their website and update your address and they will update their maps database some time next year and you can use your system then"
When I asked to speak to his supervisor, he came back and said "supervisor has nothing to talk, thats all we can do"
The final solution he gave me was to return the devise and buy Tom Tom or some thing else, I couln't believe when he said "we are not the only the company selling Navigation Systems". This is the first time I have been suggested by a customer service rep to buy a competetor's product.
Finally it is the thing that doesn't work and the customer service has no answer to it.
out of 64 user reviews
don't believe the review
Pros: text-to-speech for $149, awesome graphics
Cons: route recalculation sluggish at times, keypad very small
out of 64 user reviews
An wonderful GPS
Pros: Great value and better than $200+ unit
Cons: The interface is little different but you will learn it within a day
I had tried lot of GPS and returned most of it. For this time, I will keep Navigon GPS for sure.
out of 64 user reviews
Very Good GPS for the PRICE
Pros: Easy to Use, Text to Speech
Cons: Small Screen
Free Life Time Traffic Update -- Wow!!!
All this for $99. How can you beat it.
I wish it came with 4.3" screen.
out of 64 user reviews
It is Simply Great!
Pros: 3D maps with correct lane signs to be in complex intersections, Speed limit signs
Cons: A little sluggish but doesnt inhibit performance, less POI's compared to Garmin
out of 64 user reviews
Great unit for the low price.
Pros: Spoken Street Names, Out of the box ready to go
Cons: Delay, slow signal pickup
There was virtually no setup. I was ready to go right out of the box. For the most part I have left all the factory settings.
Whats I really liked was the price. I did get it on Black Friday for $99 bu tI'd be happy to pay 50 or some more to get the spoken street names. It also has free traffic and some traffic alerts. Oh and the suction cup stics to my window no problem.
The few things I don't like are 1 the cord is a bit shorter then I like. I wish it had about a foot more. There is a delay sometimes after you choose something on the screen. Its a pain if you are trying to type fast but I got used to it pretty quick. And last it might be my area under some trees but sometimes its slow to pickup the GPS signal.
If you are looking at 2 units and thsi is the one with the traffic and spoken names pick this one up.
out of 64 user reviews
Excellent navigation
Pros: Accuracy, Lane Guidance, Speed limit display, Voice guidance, Route planning etc.
Cons: Windshield mount falls sometimes, we should use dashboard mount
Voice guidance is also very good and it alerts me well in advance(about 2 miles in advance when you travel at good speeds).
It is accurate about 100 ft. It immediatly recongnizes when you take the exit, but it takes a liitle while to recalculate the route. But for $150(bought from Staples) it has got lot of features when compared to other costlier models.
Totally, I recommend it atleast for first time users or budget travellers.
out of 64 user reviews
A great value for basic GPS with traffic updates
Pros: FREE traffic info, simple to use, no unnecessary features
Cons: Icons are a little small, sometime slow response
out of 64 user reviews
Gtreat unit but Routing is bad
Pros: Free Traffic
Cons: Routing stinks
I really wanted to like this unit but I think the Magellan wins for the routing it takes you on which is dead on correct...
I did some more testing today of the 2100.. I, again had it side by side with my magellan 2000 and the navigon provided BETTER routes about 95% of the time. Sometimes the megellan had me going in places I wouldnt go and the navigon had a straight route. about 5% of the time the magellan was better. Even though I have though about returning it, I am beginning to like it. I see most GPS units have quirky ways of routing and none are perfect... especially in this price range... and the POI display while not having everything is greay to see as far as actually seeing the name if the place and not just a symbol..
out of 64 user reviews
Very good design but sluggish interface
Pros: sleek lightweight cheap
Cons: Very slow interface keeps on hanging!!!
out of 64 user reviews
Great GPS for $149 @Office Depot
Pros: Bargain, Reality View, Free Lifetime Traffic, Branded icons
Cons: no ac plug included, volume could be louder, but its ok
out of 64 user reviews
good in general, great for the money
Pros: text to speach, size, price, muli route function
Cons: menu is a little less intuitive, fewer options than more expensive garmins
Here is my one gripe, the mounting arm to the windshield is hard to get the unit in and out of and the other downside is the power cord is seperate from the mounting thing. So everytime you want to take the unit off the windshield you have to take it off the mounting and then unplug it. No biggie. I like it, great price, great unit. I recommend it.
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