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(More customer reviews)Text-To-Speech - Bluetooth Integration (w/Phone book import capability) - MP3 Player(Support SDHC cards too), 4.3" screen for $200 (at FRYs and similar price at Staples) was too much to pass up even though I could not find any information on the web regarding the device. This is what prompted me to write this review.
Let me start with reviewing the additional features of the device.
**Music Player**
Pros:
-- Has standard 3.5 mm stereo jack to connect to aux output of car stereo (or to a FM transmitter)
-- Can use SDHC cards - this was big since I don't have to lug my iPod along on trips anymore with a 4gb card.
-- Can be used while using the GPS navigation functions and the unit mutes the song when giving out Navigation Instructions.
-- Audio quality is excellent for mp3 and wmv (haven't tried wav)
Cons:
-- Can play only mp3, wav and wmv formats WIHTOUT DRM.
-- Does not show album art - very basic interface.
**Bluetooth Handsfree**
Pros:
-- Quick connection to my Nokia E61/Motorola V551 (but connects to only one at a time - limitation of Bluetooth technology)
-- Imported phone book from both devices without any problems (sweet!)
-- I connect the unit to my car stereo through the audio jack so now I can hear the phone conversation through my speakers.
-- Very clear on both ends of the conversation.
-- Can call POIs from the unit.
-- Can search contacts on touch screen and dial.
Cons:
-- None so far.
Now I'll dwell into the Navigation capabilities of the device. Just to give my background with GPS devices -- I've used the Garmin NUVI 350 which you can call the reference implementation of a GPS device - yes NUVI 350 is that good.
**General Features**
Pros:
-- Large 4.3" widescreen - bright touch interface. No problems viewing in daylight even with sun shining on the unit.
-- Auto night mode - uses a different softer color scheme for night mode and switches to the mode automatically using the time of day and longitude.
-- Sturdy mounting base - also very easy to install. Unit clicks into the mounting base firmly and is very easy to mount and unmount the unit as well as the base. Base can be mounted on windshield or dashboard.
-- Solid construction of unit and compact form factor. No flimsy plasticy parts and no flip out antenna. Just like carrying a pda in the pocket.
-- Good volume of speaker on the unit - although I dont use it much.
Cons:
-- Mounting base cannot be tilted up or down - only swivels sideways. This may be a problem for some but did not find it inconvenient in my Jetta or Ford Escape.
-- No AC adapter included or available as add on(weird!!).
-- No dedicated buttons for volume control - need to use touchscreen and tap through menu to adjust volume (Not a problem for me since I hook it up to the car speakers.)
**Navigation Features**
Pros:
-- Uses Navtec Maps so its 99.5% accurate in routing.
-- Does Text-To-Speech using a female voice and is spot on speaking out street names most of the time.
-- I would rate it 8/10 on ease of use - comparable to Garmin and TomTom units I used. Very intuitive interface and could get away with performing all the functions on the unit without reading the manual for 2 weeks.
-- Manual is precise and makes a quick reading (I like it this way)
-- Shows POIs along the route - also has ability to call POI when connected to a phone.
-- Very fast in acquiring a signal - better than most and comparable to the best. Averages 35 sec from cold start and 10 sec from standby mode.
-- Does route recalculations fast (10 sec on avg) and avoids u-turns (Only time I was asked to make a u-turn was on a dead end street).
-- Text-To-Speech instruction similar to ones on Garmin unit (same frequency and repeated twice for each turn).
-- Excellent sensitivity to signal and also good accuracy. Reacquires signals from tunnels within 4-6 sec (also on par with best unit on market).
-- Can zoom in and out of map (similar to NUVI 350) and drag around the map to look around using the touchscreen.
Cons:
-- Less POIs than leading GPS units on market (only 2 million compared to 6 million for Garmin). Although I never felt a difference - I would always find what I was looking for.
-- Only one voice selection for text-to-speech navigation (female) - I could care less but still most unit have a selection.
-- Does not announce the side of street the destination is on.
Conclusion - no regrets so far and does everything I got this for quite well AND at a steal of a price.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sanyo NVM-4050 Easy Street 4-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
The SANYO NVM-4050 Easy Street Portable Navigation System makes using navigation simple. It includes a large 4 touch-screen LCD display, intuitive user menu design and pre-loaded maps of the US (including Alaska, Hawaii, & Puerto Rico) and Canada. SANYO NVM-4050 features turn-by-turn, text-to-speech navigation; announces approaching street names and the number of feet or yards until your turn like having your own personal guide riding with you in the car. It incorporates Bluetooth technology, allowing convenient, wireless connectivity and hands-free use with Bluetooth enabled cell phones even while navigating.You can wirelessly transfer data such as phonebook contacts and MP3 music files between your Bluetooth enabled device and the Easy Street navigation system, as well as send/receive SMS text messages. NVM-4050 also allows you to navigate and play MP3, WMA (non-protected) and WAV music files stored on SD flash cards or from its internal memory. Unit color charcoal grey finish.
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