Table of Contents

1. Technical Specifications
2. Navigating with Hertz NeverLost
3. Hertz Connected Services (Flights & Weather)
4. Online Travel Planner (OTP)
5. Finding An Address
6. Finding A Restaurant
7. Exit Services
8. Pros
9. Cons
10. Conclusion

1. Technical Specifications

Dimensions	4.7" x 4.5" x 1.2" (WHD)
Weight	17 oz.
Display	4" LCD 320 x 240 touch-screen with tactile feedback
CPU	Samsung S3C2443, 533 MHz
Memory	64 MB SDRAM
Storage	32 GB Internal
Operating System	Linux
GPS	SiRF Star III LP
WiFi	Built-in 802.11b/g
GPRS	Integrated tri-band GSM
Sensors	Three-axis accelerometer. Single axis gyro
Audio	Dual microphones, 2-watt speaker, TTS (text to speech)
Environmental	-25C to +85C operating range

2. Navigating with Hertz NeverLost

Hertz's NeverLost system will always occupy a special place in my GPS-loving heart. My very first turn-by-turn GPS system was a Magellan 750 NAV unit (also known as the original Hertz Neverlost). After renting a Hertz car equipped with NeverLost, I was hooked. The original NeverLost system was truly groundbreaking, and offered unmatched ease of use, feature set, and accuracy.

When I purchased that 750NAV system in 2000, it cost around $2,500, and had to be professionally installed. Fast forward ten years, and Navigation Solutions is releasing the fifth generation NeverLost system at roughly 1/5th of the original cost, and complete with wireless 2-way connectivity.

Figure 1: Hertz NeverLost Gen 5, Side

Unlike previous NeverLost systems, the Generation 5 model is self-contained. Previous models required a separate box that housed the CPU and hard drive.

The Generation 5 mount has an internal gyroscope that provides enhanced vehicle positioning when GPS signals are weak or not available (such as when driving through a tunnel). The new NeverLost is also able to leverage nearby cellular tower location information for assisted-GPS positioning.

Notice the standard USB port on the left side of the GPS. The system now lets Hertz drivers plan detailed trips online, save the trip to a USB memory stick, and then load the itinerary by inserting the USB stick into the NeverLost GPS's USB port. Alternatively, you can have the trip wirelessly sent to the device.

Figure 2: Hertz NeverLost, Gen 5

Compared to previous generation NeverLost systems, the Generation 5 hardware sports a larger, 4-inch touch screen with haptic feedback. Whenever you touch a button on the screen, there's a slight vibration feeling that lets you know you've touched the screen. It's subtle, but you can definitely feel it.

Figure 3: Route Method

Whenever a destination is entered, NeverLost asks how you'd prefer to get there: shortest time, most use of freeways, or least use of freeways.

Figure 4: Map Screen

NeverLost's uber-simple map display makes it a breeze to see your location on the map, your estimated remaining drive time, direction of travel, and distance to the destination.

Figure 5: Maneuver List

Tap the Info button while navigating to a destination, and NeverLost displays a list of all upcoming turns, ordered by distance.

Figure 6: Detailed Turn Instruction

When approaching a turn, the NeverLost displays a simple 3D rendering of the maneuver, as shown above. As soon as the driver completes the turn, the standard 2D map screen returns.

3. Hertz Connected Services (Flights & Weather)

Figure 7: Real-Time Weather

NeverLost's wireless connectivity operates on AT&T's data network. When traveling within AT&T cellular coverage, it is possible to access weather forecast information for both your current location, as well as other locations.

Figure 8: Main Menu

Gen 5 NeverLost also includes the ability to lookup airline information.

Figure 9: Select Flight Date

You can view flight status data for the present day, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. Choose a date to continue.

Figure 10: Spell Airline

You can use the on-screen keypad to spell the name of the airline, or press List to scroll through a list of all airlines.

Figure 11: Select Airline

Select an airline to continue.

Figure 12: Spell Airport

After choosing an airline, we need to specify an airport. Use the on-screen keyboard to spell the name of an airport (or press List to see an entire list).

Figure 13: Select Airport

When spelling an airport name, the NeverLost system automatically produces a list of possible matching names once enough letters have been entered. Select the desired airport from this list.

Figure 14: Enter Flight Number

Next we'll need to enter the flight number.

Figure 15: Select Flight

After entering the airline, airport, and flight number, a list of matching flights is displayed. Touch one to see the status details for the flight.

Figure 16: Flight Information

Within a few seconds, the flight data is displayed. The most recent departure and arrival times are displayed, as well as terminal information, and delays, if any.

This screen also displays a button to find the Hertz airport return for the selected airport.