Showing posts with label vehicle gps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vehicle gps. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Garmin GPSMAP 376C Portable Chartplotter and Automobile Navigator Review

Garmin GPSMAP 376C Portable Chartplotter and Automobile Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Good product, but the required maps should be sold with the hardware. Buyres may be misled on the real cost of the product without the map software and unlock codes. The fact that you need to purchase seperate map softwrae to get the unlock code to use the product is frustrating. City Navigator Map software is expensive and it contains strange anomolies in some regions of the maps. The ability to plan your route on your computer and download routes is a real plus for this GPS Unit. The integration of XM radio and Weather maps is a useful feature. Integration of XM raido eliminates the need for separate XM hardware. The Weather Map feature is interesting however too expensive to subscribe to unless you use it on a daily basis. As a hobby product it is too costly to subscribe to the weather feature.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin GPSMAP 376C Portable Chartplotter and Automobile Navigator

For boaters looking for the ultimate in portability and versatility, the GPSMAP 376C has it all. This color plotter offers satellite weather capability along with both marine and land navigation modes in one space-saving package. You can even pair it with the GSD 20 remote sounder module to add sonar capability, or customize map data for your adventures on land or sea with optional MapSource cartography.Up-to-date WeatherWith a subscription to XM WX Satellite Weather's "Master Mariner package", users can see continuously-delivered weather on the unit’s high-resolution 256-color sunlight-readable TFT display. Vital weather data, such as NEXRAD radar, forecasts, and current conditions is graphically displayed directly on the unit — so you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about the weather.

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Monday, January 9, 2012

Garmin Nuvi 200 PINK Personal Travel Assistant for Continental U.S. - 010-N0621-45 - REFURBISHED Review

Garmin Nuvi 200 PINK Personal Travel Assistant for Continental U.S. - 010-N0621-45 - REFURBISHED
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am a 51 year old woman who received this pink Garmin nuvi GPS for Mother's Day. I asked for my own GPS after borrowing my husband's new GPS for an out of town trip, and coming home and saying, "I want my own. I never want to be without a GPS again."
It is slim, fits easily in the slip case (cheap, bought separately) and pretty! Mine is pink, and the case is black lined with pink plush. It slips easily into my purse when I leave the car. It's battery operated (like a cell phone) and has a recharger for the cigarette lighter plug.
The screen is clear and brightly lit, and easy to see, and the voice guide (I call her "the nice lady in the box") has a volume feature. You see your route on the screen as you go along, with street names, etc., and "the nice lady in the box" also narrates, telling you when and where to turn as you go along.
It is as easy to use as an ATM. The touch screen guides you through. Finding addresses or locations is as easy as touch, touch, touch.
The benefits are endless: no more straining to read every single street sign so you don't miss your turn. No more getting lost, you can always find your way to ANYTHING. GPS = wings.
I think every senior should have one...all our moms and dads who would love to drive to a garage sale, or a new restaurant in another town, or a church they've never been to -- but aren't confident about finding their way around: get them their own GPS! It's like having a person in the car who DOES know the area -- everyplace, every town, every state.
GPS technology is life-changing, and this unit is slim, pretty, efficient, and my favorite new possession. I love being independent, and feeling like I can take care of myself...this is just a fabulous tool. Right up there with cell phones in terms of safety and independence.
Reviewer added 1/8/09: I paid about $150 for this. It's now available for around $100 at Wa l ma rt and other places. I'm adding this info because on this day it was listed here on Amazon for $300. No way people! Don't pay that.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Nuvi 200 PINK Personal Travel Assistant for Continental U.S. - 010-N0621-45 - REFURBISHED

Navigate without breaking your budget with nüvi 200. This affordable entry-level personal travel assistant comes with preloaded maps for the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.Like all nuvi 200-series members, the 200 features an easy-to-use colorful touchscreen and ultra-slim design--perfect for everyday navigation.Smart, Powerful DesignThe nüvi 200 is built with a high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver for extreme accuracy, as well as an SD card slot for storing your media and additional navigation tools, and a USB interface for loading data. All this is wrapped up in a package that measures 3.8 x 2.8 x .8 inches (W x H x D) and weighs just 5.2 ounces. The nüvi 200's 3.5-inch (diagonal) display is touchscreen-enabled, making it a cinch to control the device with your fingertips. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to five hours of battery life depending on use.Navigate with Easenüvi comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps for the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, including a hefty database of more than 6 milliong points of interest (POIs), such as hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more, that are searchable by name or category. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. In addition, the nüvi accepts custom (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. Easy To Use InterfaceGarmin's interface is a key to their success and one of the things that makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip.

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Click here for more information about Garmin Nuvi 200 PINK Personal Travel Assistant for Continental U.S. - 010-N0621-45 - REFURBISHED

Friday, December 9, 2011

Nextar X4-T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MP3 Player Review

Nextar X4-T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MP3 Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is my second NEXTAR GPS. Upgrading from the X3(3" screen) instead of buying new glasses.
This brand has several superior features I have not seen in other brands.
Additionally it does not have a load of 'commercial' materials as the Garmens do from AAA.
+Voice to text. The GPS announces route changes/turns and includes the street name route you'll be turning onto. No need to look away from the road when the GPS says turn to identify what road/route you're turning onto.
+You can create an itinerary for your trip if you want to go a specific route you already know.
+ You can identify a "current location" and then save it to favorites.
+ An additional feature is available when looking up destinations by address, or on any location added to favorites. After saving the address/location to favorites you can EDIT the address/location title, and add a title you will be more familiar with than just the address.
The voice on this model is clear and the volume is easily controlled by a volume knob on the side of the unit, no need to go into the set up.
The 4" screen has good resolution and color and routes appear to be up-to-date.
The map data is USA only and is on a 1GB SD card. I have not attempted to go on-line and research maps for Canada which I also want.
I have had the unit for about 1 month (May 8-08) and I am sure I will learn more about it but travel often by car and it has been great. It easily recalculates route directions if you fail to turn where directed (AS I HAVE) and also recalculates if you know a better road. When taking your own route it will often direct you to make a U-turn when possible, but it will eventually come around.
Needless to say I love this brand & model.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Nextar X4-T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MP3 Player

The Nextar X4-T GPS assures that your days of getting lost are over!Finding an address or any one of 1.6 million points of interest such as the nearest gas station or restaurant is a snap anywhere in the U.S. Just enter information on the X4-T's 4.3 inch touch screen and let the voice prompt and detailed map guide you to the destination. With the latest TTS (text to speech) function, street names are clearly pronounced in English. The X4-T's built in MP3 player will entertain you with your favorite tunes en route.Just insert your favorite play list SD card into the slot.The X4-T moves easily from car to car using the convenient vent mount.A rechargeable lithium ion battery assures that the unit stays active. The Nextar X4-T will provide you with worry free navigation on even the most complex routes.

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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Maxx Digital PN3500 Explorer II 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Maxx Digital PN3500 Explorer II 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Just bought one due to excellent advertised price and features (MP3, video, and eBook). But this unit fails to deliver what matters the most - quick and reliable reception of GPS satellite signals. In three different tries in suburban No. Virginia, the unit managed to acquire satellite after 25 minutes, 7 minutes, and 5 minutes. If you don't mind the initial loooooong wait for the unit to acquire satellite signal, then this unit is not all that bad. I returned mine to the store since I don't have the patience.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Maxx Digital PN3500 Explorer II 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Driving today's crowded roads requires 100% of your attention, which is why we designed a navigation system that keeps your focus where it belongs - on traffic conditions and upcoming turns.Our Voice Guidance system is just like having a navigation expert sitting in your passenger seat, giving you precise, turn-by-turn driving directions from your starting point to the front door of your destination.The Explorer I combines GPS Navigation and Personal Media Player with a straightforward User Interface to provide the user with a simple and easy to use system. It can be used in your daily-driver and your weekend-cruiser. Business travelers and vacationers can take the navigator with them and use it in any rental car. It can also be used when walking, bicycling or motorcycling.

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Click here for more information about Maxx Digital PN3500 Explorer II 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Monday, October 10, 2011

Nextar X3B 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Nextar X3B 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is the first GPS system, I am using. So I am not in position to compare this with others. This is just my opinion and feelings after I have used it for a month.
The unit is slick, lightweight, comes with a carrying pouch. Display is bright enough to see clearly under the sunshine. The volume is loud enough to be heard clearly even in rough road condition and noise of engine.
Entering and saving data into the system is pretty easy and intuitive. When entering data, the software provides auto completion of city and street names and suggests address range once the street and city entered. In one word, entering the data, navigating to an address is pretty easy. After the system is powered on, it takes couple of minutes to be able to connect to satellite system for GPS signal and becomes ready for navigation withing 1 to 2 minutes.
Software works alright. It provides road names at every turn point so that i do not have to look at the gadget. When i go out off the suggested route it immediately recalculate the new route. In one case, when I did not connect the unit to power, it died because battery was out while I was driving; but as soon as I connected to vehicle power and switched on, it asked me whether I want to continue with current navigation and once I hit "Yes", it continued guiding me. That was great. I mostly traveled around tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, for a month, but I was always impressed with the result.
Additionally it beeps an alert when car speed exceeds speed limit and there are two modes for that speed limit alert - you can configure manual alert or you can select automatic one - but it is very easy to switch.
The manuals talks about software update, but i did not find any ways to do that. i did not call their customer support yet. I did not try the other features like music, blue tooth, etc. yet. I will post an update when i use them.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Nextar X3B 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

The Nextar GPS X3B mobile navigation system assures that your days of getting lost are over!Finding an address or any of 1.6 million points of interest such as the nearest gas station or restaurant is a snap anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.Just enter information in the X3B's 3.5 inch touch screen and let the voice prompt and detailed map guide you to the destination. With the latest TTS (Text to Speech) function, street names are clrearly pronounced in English.The X3B's built in MP3 player will entertain you with your favorite tunes while en route. Just copy your favorite play list onto an SD card and insert into the slot.The X3B moves easily from car to car using the convenient vent mount.A recharageable lithium ion battery assures that the unit stays active. Other features of the X3B include built-in maps of the 50 United States and Canada, 1GB built in Flash Memory, built in Bluetooth for handsfree calling, 2D or 3D map viewing mode, day and night mode, small case design with rear speaker, Navteq Map on board, Intel processor, and a built in SIRF III receiver. With all these capabilities, the Nextar X3 will provide you with worry free navigation on even the most complex routes!

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Magellan RoadMate 360 2.9-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan RoadMate 360 2.9-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My husband bought me this wonderful unit for Christmas and I love it! Since it has all the maps pre-loaded we just plugged it in (with the included cigarette light adaptor), installed it (with the included windshield mount) and in a few mintues we were ready to go. It finds itself in about a minute in heavy tree cover, and in just seconds in open areas. It seems possible that the person who wrote a previous review that his unit regularly took 20 minutes for location could have forgotten to extend the antenna or his unit was defective. Also, the 360 is not meant for handheld operation (hence the name RoadMate) so it needs no internal batteries. After a quick look at the owner's manual, the Magellan is easy to use. The address autofill function is wonderful - I preloaded my personal addresses at home (with the provided AC adaptor) with ease. The voice directions are clear, the screen bright and large, the maps easy to see. It reminds me of the functional design and usability of the Mactinosh computers. I can't recommend the 360 more highly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan RoadMate 360 2.9-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Sporting a convenient windshield mount and preloaded maps of all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, the Magellan RoadMate 360 GPS makes vehicle navigation a snap. To get from point A to point B, simply touch the screen to enter an address or select from nearly two million points of interest (POI). Once the destination is clear, the RoadMate 360 delivers friendly voice prompting and turn-by-turn guidance, helping you find your way across town or across the country. The directions are displayed in TrueView 3-D format, with three convenient guidance screens, while the voice prompts help keep your eyes focused on the road when the traffic is heavy. Plus, the POIs aren't limited to just restaurants, hotels, and gas stations; they also include such locations as grocery stores, golf courses, museums, amusement parks, parking garages, ski resorts, and more.
The RoadMate 360 employs Magellan's TrueFix technology to ensure reliable accuracy within three meters. TrueFix tracks 12 GPS satellites plus two Wide-Area Augmentation Satellites (WAAS) to find your position on the map, so you'll always know where you are and where you're going. And the maps are easy to decipher thanks to the 2.9-by-2.2-inch high-resolution TFT LCD full-color display. The display's three guidance screens include TrueView, which shows a detailed view of the actual road layout, with upcoming turns and info on intersection maneuvers; MapView, with super-bright, easy-to-read, zoomable icons and text dispersed on a detailed, high-resolution map; and a Maneuver List, which tells you when and where to expect turns along the route.
Meanwhile, Magellan's Trip Planner makes it easier than ever to navigate journeys with multiple destinations. Should you need to get gas, visit the ATM, and stop by the florist before heading to the restaurant for Mom's birthday, you can simply preprogram your trip, and the RoadMate 360 figures out the easiest route. It's much less hassle than re-entering destination points after every stop. Other ways of navigating include choosing the shortest route, finding a path with the fewest toll roads or freeways, or choosing a route with the most freeways. And should one route prove problematic because of heavy traffic or a closed road, the RoadMate 360 will automatically calculate a new path.
Finally, the RoadMate 360 is remarkably easy to use. Installation is effortless--simply mount it on the windshield, plug in the power cord, and you're ready to go. The unit requires no additional wiring, and users can transfer the device from car to car or simply tuck it in a briefcase or suitcase when on the road. Once you sit down in your rental car, you'll have a comprehensive map at your fingertips. In addition, the unit automatically turns on each time you start the car, so you don't even need to mess with an on/off button.
Additional features include an address book that stores up to 200 personal or business destinations per user (for a total of 600); an Instant Locate function that immediately describes your current location, a must in case of emergency or need for roadside assistance; and QuickSpell technology, which suggests street and city matches after you type the first few letters of a destination.
The RoadMate 360 measures 6.2 by 3.1 by 1.2 inches (W by H by D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box RoadMate 360 GPS, pre-installed Secure Digital (SD) card, windshield mount, power cord, and user's manual.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

LINSAY LSY-750 4.3" The UNIQUE Portable GPS 7 in 1 with Multimedia Text to Speech, USA, Canada Maps , Build in FM Transmitter, Mp3 Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, Data Storage up to 8 GB SD Card Review

LINSAY LSY-750 4.3 The UNIQUE Portable GPS 7 in 1 with Multimedia Text to Speech, USA, Canada Maps , Build in FM Transmitter, Mp3 Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, Data Storage up to 8 GB SD Card
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First a couple specifications of interest that weren't on any pages when I tried to find reviews:
- Sticker on back says Windows CE Core 5.0
- GPS Application Information: LINSAY Car Navigator, 2008 R5.0, Map Data from Navteq
I haven't played with a lot of car GPS units, but as far as I can tell you can plot your route and adjust things as well as any other. There are various color sets to use and the option to have different ones during the day and night. Units can be changed between miles/feet and km/m. The language of the text and the speech can be different I found out. When it arrived it was set to English for text and Spanish for spoken directions. :D
Sometimes the zoom in and out and other option buttons aren't visible on the navigation map so you have to drag the pointer a little and then they appear. It seems to be right after visiting a menu that it occurs.
I got it half for the ability to play MP3s and videos with built in FM transmitting. The FM frequency can be set in .10 MHz steps from 88.10 to 107.90. You will more than likely want to heed the rather cryptic (less than optimal English translation) recommendation to have some ear phones or some type of audio extension (maybe a 10-25 foot one from the 99 Cents Only Store would be even better) connected to enhance the FM transmission. It is a little weak without the extension/phones connected. But with something good and long and on a low interference frequency you might broadcast around your house as well. :)
There is only 1 spoken voice to choose from (as far as I can tell).
The Mexico map comes on a separate CD that you are told to copy the information off of onto another SD card. (NOT onto the same 2 GB SD card that comes with it with the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands map data.)
The video player will play regular AVIs that you can get via everyone's favorite Pirate Bay or IsoHunt bittorrent search. That is good, because having to convert video files to play on a portable device is for the birds!
MP3s can be set to play randomly or repeat. They seem to continue to play in the background during every other application (navigation, picture viewing, text reading, settings adjustments).
The only thing I wish it had the ability to do in the ebook (text file) reader is to be able to add in some extra notes via a screen keyboard. But you can use it to check some notes you already have saved I guess, just no modifications or additions.
I'm happy with it. I hope the person that will receive it will be too. :D

Click Here to see more reviews about: LINSAY LSY-750 4.3" The UNIQUE Portable GPS 7 in 1 with Multimedia Text to Speech, USA, Canada Maps , Build in FM Transmitter, Mp3 Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, Data Storage up to 8 GB SD Card

Here is the unique device could help you navigate anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, while offering travel tips, Build In FM Transmitter, storing your favorite tunes, E-Book, Music Mp3 and photos, watch your favorites Videos with Capacity to 8 GB!! The LINSAY LSY-750 4.3" is set to Revolutionize what we expect from a GPS navigation device, or from any device for that matter. Designed for portability, the LSY-750 offers just the right balance of power, portability, functionalities and price. The LSY-750 provides clear and accurate Turn-by-turn voice instructions, so that you don't have to take your eyes off the road while your vehicle is on the move. Voice instructions are available in over 18 languages. If you miss a turn along the route, the LINSAY LSY-750 automatically recalculates a route. You can choose to see a 2D or 3D map adjusted specifically for day time or night time conditions. When you begin a selected journey, the LSY-750 provides an overview of your complete route, the total driving distance to your destination, the estimated travel time, and the complete destination address. It comes with everything needed to use the unit, including both Car and AC Power, USB Cable, and 2 GB SD CARD with USA Canada Maps , Car Mount, CD manual. New Design Ultra Slim Gloss Black color. TEXT-TO-SPEECH

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Click here for more information about LINSAY LSY-750 4.3" The UNIQUE Portable GPS 7 in 1 with Multimedia Text to Speech, USA, Canada Maps , Build in FM Transmitter, Mp3 Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, Data Storage up to 8 GB SD Card

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Uniden GPS-352 MapTrax 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Uniden GPS-352 MapTrax 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The GPS352 does not support text to speech. It will not call out the street names of the turns or exits. It only calls out the distance and the direction of the turn.
The maps are out of date. Roads that have been in my subdivision for 3 years are not on the map. As well as well known grocery stores. I would not trust this unit in unfamiliar areas. Of course that is the only reason to buy a gps unit...
The routing determined by the unit is very poor. It directs me to take local 2 lane roads the cross several railroad tracks (which are always busy) instead of the main 4 lane road which leads straight to the main highway. The unit ignores the fastest route and prefer highway selections.
The unit also replaces saved routes which are painstakingly created to avoid certain roads with the original calculated routes.
The windshield mount allows the unit to vibrate and shake making it difficult to read. When not shaking, the display is good.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden GPS-352 MapTrax 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

The Uniden MapTrax GPS-352 is constructed with a high-quality SIRF III GPS receiver, and is WAAS enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System) so it gets signals from orbit and terrestrially for the greatest level of accuracy. Both easy and quick to use, this unit features simple route planning functionality so you don't have to spend half your drive preparing to start, as well as turn-by-turn voice instructions to make sure you stay on track without distraction. The MapTrax provides you with access to a total of up to 2-million points-of-interest putting Uniden at the top of the industry in offering navigational information for a wide-range of locations. The Uniden MapTrax GPS-352 is completely portable with a rechargeable 830 mAh Lithium-Ion battery that provides up to three hours of life, a weight of only two pounds, and dimensions of 9.5 x 4.5 x 8.5 inches (W x H x D).Uniden is bringing drivers a new option in automotive GPS navigation with the Uniden GPS-352 MapTrax Automotive 3.5-inch Turn-by-Turn Navigator. The GPS-352 MapTrax features a compact design, large display, and cutting-edge technology. You also get innovative features such as text-to-speech navigation and pin-point positioning accuracy down to three meters, all powered by NavTeq navigation software. The Uniden MapTrax GPS-352 includes a high-resolution, 3.5-inch TFT digital color LCD screen that automatically adjusts between night and daylight viewable settings in accordance with the time of day. The daylight viewable setting minimizes glare while the night-view setting offers a bright, easy-to-read display. In addition to excellent picture quality, this portable GPS system is equipped with an intuitive user-interface and Easy Touch screen that lets you control all the MapTrax functions and make adjustments according to your preferences. This unit comes with a pre-loaded, full map of North America complete with over 2-million POIs (Points of Interest), and includes two gigabytes of sd card map memory so you can download or add anything you need. A windshield mount provides for easy and safe use in the car, while voice-prompt functionality allows you to focus on your driving. You also get the fastest available 400 MHz processor for real-time accuracy.

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Kenwood DNX7160 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver Review

Kenwood DNX7160 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have the Aussie 7360 version, identical apart from locale settings.
First up, I had the reset issue that some owners have experienced with this model and also the DNX-9960 model. This has been fixed with an easy to load firmware update off the Kenwood website. If the FW on your unit is 1.0.0, then update as other slight improvements have been made to the iPod interface.
My main reason to choose the Kenwood was the Garmin navigation which I've used for several years and prefer over other SatNav systems. Could be just familiarity but I do like its no-nonsense interface. Access to readily available red-light and speed camera POIs and ability to upload all my existing favorites were also features for me.
As a radio/CD/DVD/iPod player, it's a very flexible unit. The comprehensive settings available across all audio/video sources mean any owner should be able to fine tune the unit to their listening preferences. You can configure just about every conceivable aspect whether it's EQ, position, balance or fader, spacial enhancement and so on. You can add a reversing camera which activates on selecting reverse gear. Plus you don't need to use a Kenwood camera. You can choose a CCD if you prefer over CMOS.
In my own case, I've retained the stock speakers at this stage and the improved sound over the standard Toyota head unit made by Fujitsu Ten, is wuite noticable, especially in the bass and treble ranges. As it is I don't see any reason to invest in an amp or replacement speakers.
The only reason I did not award a 5 star rating is that the interface which is easy to use, is a bit slow to respond and sometimes needs multiple touches to get a response at all. This is annoying as it distracts you while driving and as such it could shift your focus off the road. This is far from ideal. I tend now to ensure my sources are set up before driving. That is, try not to change CDs or change playlists on the iPod feature while driving. I have had my unit setup to play DVDs while driving but only use music DVDs. A nice touch is the ability to have a video window on the Nav screen. A quick touch hides this feature if the law is watching! I've fitted a PAC Audio SWI-JACK steerring wheel control unit interface to use the factory controls with the head unit. They work well but there is a slight delay in response. I guess this is because the controls must be translated in the box and this unfortunately is not instantaneous. You get used to it though.
You can also customise the boot screen which I have done to make it look more like a factory unit. All these features make the Kenwood a very desireable unit. While the Alpines look very nice too, the Garmin SatNav was the clincher for me and overall I am very happy. I'd probably rate it a 4.5 stars if I could but not quite a 5 as it does have some slight imperfections, but these are not enough to prevent me recommending the 7160/7360.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kenwood DNX7160 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver

Kenwood Dnx-7160 6.95" Multimedia Navigation Receiver With Bluetooth

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Netropa Intellinav SE 3.5" Portable GPS Navigation System Review

Netropa Intellinav SE 3.5 Portable GPS Navigation System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this unit for $199 in 2007 and the unit is easy to use and provides direct routes. My gripe is when I purchased the unit the my neighborhood and other new developments around the Austin area were not on the maps. What I mean by "new developments" is developments that had been in existence for at least 5 years. I contacted Customer Support several times and was assured that a map update would be coming in "6 months". Well, it's 2010 and there's no sign of a map update for this unit and now I'm seeing this unit being deeply discounted - I suppose the company is dumping the remaining units. I would avoid this unit and purchase something different.
UPDATE 4/4/2010
I've sense had issues with the unit not functioning correctly. I originally purchased this unit from HSN and paid $20 extra for an extended warranty, which I never do for electronics under $350. I contacted HSN last week and they said ship the unit back and they would refund my original purchase price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Netropa Intellinav SE 3.5" Portable GPS Navigation System

A combination of affordability and advanced features, Intellinav SE offers the best value in its class. Includes cradle, windshield mount, AC adapter, car charger and dashboard disc.

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Monday, May 16, 2011

Alpine NVE P1 - Navigation system module Review

Alpine NVE P1 - Navigation system module
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I bought this unit to add to my Alpine IVA-W505 which was the best Alpine head unit at the time. I'm very disappointed with the quality!!!! The graphics are worse than the original Nintendo!! Map information is from several years ago and no updates are yet available. The nav system crashes and resets itself often. And if you plan on traveling out of town it takes forever to load guidance info. It does work as a basic nav system but it really cheapens the look of your 1000 plus dollar head unit. If you have the money buy Alpine's dvd nav set up or if your on a budget get a standalone garman you'll be much happier!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alpine NVE P1 - Navigation system module

Get voice guidance and Bluetooth hands-free functionality to an Alpine in-dash AV system by simply inserting the NVE-P1 removable navigation drive. The NVE-P1's removable drive design allows you to easily update mapping and points of interest data using your home computer. It's a convenient, cost effective navigation solution.

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Saturday, May 14, 2011

Magellan RoadMate 300 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Magellan RoadMate 300 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
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I bought the Roadmate 300 to help navigate my drive from San Francsico to Las Vegas for the CES 2005 show. At first it took a long time to get a signal but after it got hold of our location, it worked great. The first time you use it it will take a while for a signal...about 15 minutes sometimes. Also if you turn it off and take it to another place far away and then turn it on, it will take a while to find you. If you leave it on everywhere you go then it finds you fast because it knows where it left off.
To solve this long signal delay problem I have experimented and found that if you go to Options and then specify your general current location to the device, the satellite will pick up the signal quite quickly. Basically if you turned the device off and moved to another place far away before turning it on again, it has a harder time finding you so you can help it by telling it where you are: I do this by hitting the Options button and going into the menu to set the general current location like a street intersection, etc. I believe it is labelled "SET GPS LOCATION" or something like that (have to double check). Then I type in the street intersection or an address I am close to and
it seems to pick up the satellite signal rather quickly afterwords. I guess it is because you have given it a general location for it to find you again after the long move or change of location while it was off.
It took me to Vegas with no problems and the points of interests listed Chinese restaurants in the area when my parents wanted to have some Chinese for dinner instead of Vegas buffet. :) Really cool.
There is room for improvement in this technology but for navigating and getting you there it is great!
The suction cup stays on the windshield and is very strong but the device is a bit tough to remove when you want to hide it when parking. The mounting plate is hard plastic with a tight fit grooved design so it requires two hands and a relatively forceful slide to get it off the gooseneck. This can be improved to be an easier release in the future (Hey Magellan, hire my company to design your next product casing, I'm an industrial designer ha-ha! www.metaformusa.com.
I took some wrong turns and it always recalculated and got me back on track. Sometimes it does take a round about way to get somewhere but in general you will never get totally lost again with this in your car.
Sometimes the touch screen will require you to press it twice as it doesn't register. Sometimes the device does not ask you to resume the trip if you stopped and turned the car off when getting gas or stopping for a rest (but I just use "Previous Destinations" button to select it again..a few times I had to re-enter my final destination. But that is a minor software glitch to me since the important thing is if it gets me to where I want to go safely and accurately.
I got a 256MB SD card to load the entire West Coast into the device but sometimes it is hard to quickly get the address I want as it begins to list a whole bunch of cities. I would take their advice next time and just load the cities I will be travelling to. I just got lazy and selected entire states...took a while to load all that data into the device from my PC but it is not something I have to do all the time so that's OK.
I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to do away with reading maps and stressing out on a trip to unfamiliar territory. So far I have been relatively satisfied with what it can do. As the technology evolves I am sure all the issues I mentioned will be resolved but for now it does its job quite well and I am able to find and drive to places without much headache or fear of getting lost.
March 2006 - Review Update: The updated software downloaded from the Magellan website seems to have improved the signal finding capabilities dramatically. I no longer experience the long waiting I used to in finding satellites. It is much better now.


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Building on the success of the RoadMate 500 and 700, Magellan's RoadMate 300 is a powerful GPS navigational tool that can easily guide you on your next automotive adventure. The system makes navigation easy and fun, with friendly voice prompting, preloaded maps of major North American roads, turn-by-turn guidance, and the latest touchscreen technology--all at a great price.
Features The RoadMate 300 is billed as the first vehicle navigation device made for everyone, but that doesn't mean Magellan has scrimped on features. Designed from top to bottom for simplicity and ease of use, its user interface is the same as that found in the Hertz NeverLost system and the RoadMate 700.It uses powerful, 14-channel GPS positioning that's accurate to within three meters thanks to Magellan's TrueFix technology. Turn-by-turn voice prompts guide you on your way and automatically recalculate your route when you get off track, while intelligent routing lets you plan a trip based on shortest travel time, most or least use of freeways, or avoidance of tolls. Meanwhile, the locate feature displays your current location and allows you to save it to the address book. Finally, you can select destinations by entering an address or intersection, selecting an address from the address book, touching a point on the map, or by choosing from more than 1.7 million points of interest like airports, gas stations, and restaurants. All of these features make the RoadMate 300 a snap to use right out of the box.
Design Weighing in at just under nine ounces and with an integrated GPS antenna, the RoadMate 300 is compact and portable. The tough, rubberized exterior is built for abuse, while the 3.5-inch TFT color touchscreen makes address entry easy--no need for an awkward stylus. The intuitive keypad is backlit and highly visible, night or day. A headphone jack lets you catch the next turn command in a car full of noisy kids.
Connectivity and ExpansionWhile maps of major North American roads--including those in Hawaii and Puerto Rico--are stored in the unit's 128 MB of internal memory, you can add more detailed maps of specific areas to your available internal memory or through the SecureDigital card expansion slot (SD card not included). Using your Windows PC and a USB connection, the RoadMate 300 can be loaded with predefined routes from included trip-planning software, or you can load addresses from your Outlook contact list for easy mapping of the locations of clients, coworkers, and friends. You can also play back and view data from trips you've already taken, or have the unit speak in one of six languages in addition to American English: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, or British English.
What's in the Box The Magellan RoadMate 300 unit with integrated GPS antenna, PC software, a quick-start guide, a basic reference guide, a complete manual on CD, a USB cable, a cigarette-lighter adapter, and a windshield mount.

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Saturday, May 7, 2011

GPS Navigation For Dummies FD-350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

GPS Navigation For Dummies FD-350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
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I was a little dubious when I ordered this product as it is relatively inexpensive. The fact that this is a new product line for the Dummies people made me hesitant as well. However, I have been very happy with the unit in the two weeks I have had it.
Pros:
1. It gets a satellite fix very quickly, unlike my previous GPS devices,
which could take up to 10 minutes.
2. Very lightweight.
3. It shows road features such as medians and one way streets.
4. It speaks the street name for your upcoming turn (aka text to speech); the lack of this feature is probably the most significant drawback with inexpensive GPS units.
5. Technical support was prompt and courteous in response to my questions.
Cons:
1. No wall plug; it only comes with an auto charger.
2. Occasional map database errors.

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Need to get where you’re going easily, quickly, and accurately? GPS Navigation For Dummies is the answer. This state-of-the-art PND (personal navigation device) ensures you never get lost again. Designed to be the world’s most user friendly interface, this device is perfect for automobiles, backpacks, purses, RVs, or while bicycling. The GPS Navigation for Dummies TM FD-350 PND Features: ✔ A 3.5-inch touch screen ✔ Digital mapping with browsing capability ✔ State-of-the-art text-to-speech navigation, turn by turn, using actual street names ✔ Complete mapping of North America including the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands plus Canada ✔ 4 million ‘points of interest’ (mapped points) with search capability, the perfect amount of data on each screen to get users where they need to go ✔ An included MP3 player and eBook reader ✔ The familiar, easy-to-use For Dummies style, complete with icons, leads you through the user interface and instruction guide ✔ Includes 2.0 GB memory card ✔ The FD-35 Series comes in a color selection of silver, chrome or gunmetal GPS Navigation For Dummies custom-designed screens.

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Saturday, April 2, 2011

TomTom XL 335SE 4.3" GPS Navigation System Review

TomTom XL 335SE 4.3 GPS Navigation System
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I just purchased this GPS. Was able to open the box, tun in on, enter an address (did not even look at the manual)
Very intuitive & easy to use.
After reading the manual I realized this GPS does have some cool features
POI - 7 million of them (and you can download others for no charge)
IQ Route - Picks the fastest route (by day, time, posted speed limits and actual speeds)
Speaks the street names so you dont have to look at the GPS while driving and you can keep your eyes on the road
Latest maps - This unit is up to date as of Dec 2010 from what I understand or you can update the maps online with the included usb cable
HELP Me feature - give you your exact location so you can relay it to police. fire
Plus a few more features
I though the window clip worked very well (my Garmin was always falling off the window)
Highly recommend for $79 - $99 at Walmart or Amazon
Large viewing screen 4.3"

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TomTom XL335SE GPS Navigation includes Preloaded maps on internal memory, no SD slot, High sensitivity GPS chipset, 4.3" Touchscreen, mount, Internal Lithium-Ion battery. Dimensions 4.7"X3.2"X0.9"

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Magellan RoadMate 3030LM 4.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Map Updates Included) Review

Magellan RoadMate 3030LM 4.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Map Updates Included)
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I've had an older GPS for some time now that I haven't replaced because I could not find something that was enough of an improvement to justify replacing my older Garmin unit.
Finally I have discovered such a device.
This is an excellent step forward for a portable GPS. It acquires satellites quickly and is extremely quick to recalculate routes. I never thought I would need the wide-screen version, but now that I've used it, I am quite pleased with the additional view that it offers. Plus the maps are quite current for my area right out of the box. E.g. a gas station that just opened 2 months ago was on the POI for this device.
The screen is large and very clear. You have a large variety of customization options as well; from navigation and map settings/preferences, various auto-settings, and what actually appears on-screen to routing preferences and even keyboard layout.
The speech on this unit is quite clear and easy to understand at low or high volume. Unlike other GPS devices, this does not loose clarity when the volume is increased and I can clearly understand directions without the need to worry about my stereo volume.
Advance warnings of upcoming turns are well placed and as mentioned previously, recalculations are very quick. I missed directions and intentionally turned the opposite direction on the way home tonight and recalculations typically took place before I made it through the intersection.
Overall I'm very please with this upgrade and it was delivered next-day without issue. Packaging is solid and well designed as well.
If I had to rate anything below the five-star mark... it would be the touch-screen sensitivity.
The coming from touch-screen mobile phones and laptops, this screen could be a bit more sensitive. However, when comparing to previous GPS devices, it is NOT lacking. Perhaps my perception has just changed due the other devices. It could also be the initial placement in the vehicle. I'll work with this some more and update after a real road trip.
If you are looking at the map update for life option on this unit, please be sure to read the details of that offer in the bullet point in Amazon's listing or at Magellan's site, so that you know the terms of that agreement. Amazon did a good job of including relevant information in the second bullet point of their listing as well as providing Magellan's URL.
Overall though, this is not enough to drop this item from a 5-star rating. They did a great job on this GPS and you should have no concerns about the quality, ease of use, accuracy or speed with this model.

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The Magellan RoadMate 3030-LM offers all the extras, an exclusive ultra-wide 4.7-inch touch screen (17% larger than the standard 4.3-inch screen), free lifetime map updates, highway lane assist, OneTouch favorites and Built-in AAA TourBook.

Get free map updates! The RoadMate 3030-LM includes free map updates for the life of the navigator. Never again worry about finding the restaurant in a new part of town or locating the new parking garage. You will always have the latest available maps.

Personalize your travel experience with the OneTouch menu of your favorite places and searches. Bookmark your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, gas station, or bank to find the nearest location, anywhere you travel!

Premium built-in maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico make this perfect for travel across the country or everyday commuting.

Perfect for road trips or just finding new places in town! Travel in style with the Magellan RoadMate 3030-LM, an easy-to-use premium navigator packed with features!

RoadMate 3030-LM Features
What's in the Box
Magellan RoadMate 3030-LM GPS Receiver; Preloaded Maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico; Windshield Mount; Vehicle Power Adapter; User Manual


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Monday, March 14, 2011

GPS Navigation For Dummies FD-220 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

GPS Navigation For Dummies FD-220 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
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I bought this GPS for Dummies last year and have been pleased with it's performance. It does take a moment for it to acquire a satellite signal. After signal is acquired, it keeps the connection quite well. I like that it also has a media player for playing my music through my car stereo although you have to use WMA music files...easily converted from MP3. Plus there is a a picture and video viewer. Quite nice for the mere price of $70.00 which I found this player on sale for at, of all places, CVS store. Also, for this price, it has voice navigation and/or displayed turn-by-turn routing. It quickly re-routes if you stray from original route. One note of information is that I don't see a choice to avoid tolls but I found that choosing the "quickest" (as opposed to the "shortest") route function did avoid local tolls...maybe because it knows that stopping for tolls actually adds time to route. I haven't had any product problems and it has been reliable so far. Overall, I recommend this GPS for ease of use and also for its additional features for a very reasonable price. Look for sales!
2/20/2011
Okay, I liked this GPS so much that I just purchased another...from Maylong Group (Amazon) on sale, of course. I give the new one almost 5 stars because the updated firmware responds better...quicker satellite recognition and a few upgraded menu items. Comparing the two side-by-side I see the new firmware reads from 8 satellites whereas the older one only reads 4. Still, upon use, both keep signal well and give easily followed directions. Overall, this GPS is a great find for the price including car mount, and all cables needed for power and computer connections. Oh, and I really like the media player...like having a GPS, MP3, and picture/video player all in one.

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Need to get where you are going easily, quickly, and accurately? GPS Navigation For Dummies is the answer. The state-of-the-art For Dummies personal GPS navigation device ensures you get to the destination quickly. Designed to be the world's most user friendly interface, GPS Navigation For Dummies is perfect for automobiles, backpacks, purses, RVs, or bicycling. The name says it all--the easiest and most intuitive personal GPS navigation on the market.

GPS Made Simple About the size of a deck of cards, this device comes with the For Dummies GPS Navigation software, which boasts a familiar and easy-to-use interface worthy of the Dummies name. A backlit 3.5" color LCD touch screen with 320 x 240 resolution makes for easy navigation in both 2D and 3D map viewing.
Designed for Portability This GPS unit's compact design means you can take it anywhere, and the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to 4 hours of use on a single charge.
Enjoy simple charging and data transfer on any PC with USB plug-and-play, or use the in-vehicle charger when you're on the road.
Entertainment Options Grab your GPS when you've got a travel break and enjoy a digital music player and picture viewer, along with a headphone jack for private listening.
Competitive GPS Features Ease of use doesn't mean a light feature set. Enjoy preloaded maps of the U. S. states, complete with 1.7 million searchable points of interest. Visual and voice turn-by-turn navigation lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating. Automatic re-routing calculates a new travel route when you stray from the original.
FD-220 Features:
For Dummies GPS Nav software with easy-to-use user interface for simplifying the GPS navigation operation
3.5" touch screen
Digital mapping with browsing capability
Visual and voice turn-by-turn navigation
Pre-loaded map of the contiguous 48 US
Millions of points of interest
Included digital music player and digital picture viewer software
Easy-to-understand For Dummies user's manual

What's in the Box GPS For Dummies FD-220 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator, Pre-loaded maps, In-vehicle charger, Suction cup mounting kit, User's manual, Mini USB cable

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