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.
Table of Contents
- Specifications
- Navigon's Product Line: Meet the 2100, 5100, and 7100
- What's in the box (Unboxing)
- Mounting the Navigon 7100 in the Car
- Navigon's Map Screen
- Reality View
- Finding An Address
- Finding A Restaurant
- Zagat Guide Data
- Bluetooth (hands-free) Operation
- Traffic
- Canceling the Route
- Routing Engine Performance
- Pros
- Cons
- Conclusion
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).
