Navigon 7100 Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: Some neat features, but frustrating and difficult to use.

Navigon has supplied the software that runs many GPS devices for years, and the company itself has been around since 1991. Now the German based company is releasing a line of Navigon branded GPS units, and is hoping to differentiate its product lineup by offering some unique features not found on other models. Navigon has released the 2100, 5100, and 7100 models, targeted at the entry level, mid-range, and high-end, respectively.

Navigon's 7100 looks promising on paper, offering features like integrated Zagat restaurant ratings, lane guidance, free lifetime traffic data, and photo-realistic 3D images of junctions. With a suggested retail price of $649, Navigon's 7100 faces some stiff competition, pitting the 7100 squarely against Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom. How does Navigon's high-end 7100 stack up? Read on.

1. Specifications

GPS receiver: SiRF StarIII
Memory: 64 MB RAM, 64 MB ROM
Base map: North American map
Display: 4.3-inch touch-screen with full color
Operating system: Microsoft Windows CE Net 5.0
Processor: Samsung 400 MHz processor
Power supply: Rechargeable lithium ion battery (1200 mAh)
Battery life: Up to 4.5 hours
Interface: USB
Wireless technology: Bluetooth
Traffic receiver: Integrated
Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 7 ounces
System requirements: Windows 2000/ME/XP; CD-ROM drive; available USB port; SD/MMC card reader recommended
External memory: SD card (4 GB)

2. Navigon's Product Line: Meet the 2100, 5100, and 7100

Navigon Feature Matrix

	2100	5100	7100
Screen Size	3.5-inch	3.5-inch	4.3-inch
Map Coverage	US (lower 48 states)	North America (excluding Mexico)	North America (excluding Mexico)
POIs	1.7 million	1.7 million	4 million
Text to Speech	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	No	No	Yes
Subscription-free Traffic	No	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	2-3.5 hours	2-4 hours	2-4 hours
Reality 3D View	Yes	Yes	Yes
Zagat Guide Data	No	Yes	Yes
MSRP $	$249	$499	$649
Street Price $	$207	$320	$407

All three Navigon models include the visually stunning "Reality View" as well as text-to-speech (the GPS announces the actual street names). The 5100 and 7100 have greater map coverage, subscription-free lifetime traffic data, slightly longer battery life, and Zagat Guide data. The 7100 adds Bluetooth and more POIs (Points of Interest).