Customer Reviews

Allen Sports Navigator Mobile Phone Software and Bluetooth GPS Device

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As I did not want to purchase a full Garmin type GPS system, I found this Allen GPS receiver was exactly what I was looking for in price and size. It's exactly the size of an iPod nano (the smallest version). The kit comes with an adjustable attachment for your car's vent louvers and can hold the Allen GPS and your phone. It also comes with an AC charger and a car charger (unlike most cell phones). I have the "Sony Ericsson W580i", as I like a clear vivid screen and the slide motion. Once you enter your start position and final destination, you are on your way. The screen can be viewed in plan view or in `bird's eye (perspective) mode. You will receive visual guidance and voice commands. A British female voice announces whether you are ½ mile or 100 yards from your next turn and then announces, "Turn left here" or whatever is appropriate. (Note that Allen Navigator GPS was first popular in the United Kingdom).

It notates your speed, distance to turns and `beeps' twice after successfully completing a turn. Because it uses your mobile network, it is continually updating map and POI information; meaning you never have to update your mapping information - ever. That's a big savings in money and time.

The Allen Navigator GPS software (www.mywayfinder.com) is best downloaded from your phone (check compatibility). With www.mywayfinder.com, you can track your position on GOOGLE Earth and create favorites. This version includes the entire USA. You can also purchase map coverage of other countries, which is not always available from other devices. You also don't need Tele-Nav, which AT&T (my provider) told me I did need. The battery life is amazingly long, so recharges are not often and I was surprised at its accuracy (within 10 yards driving)! It has a cool night mode viewing screen as well.

I am not a tech genius (really, I am not at all), so I found the initial downloading to be slightly time consuming, but then I had trouble with my Sony Ericsson cell phone too. Now that it is set-up and working, it is almost intuitive. Taking a five hour trek from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, it was remarkably accurate as to all my several stops. There are literally millions of services or POI information. I had fun finding a steak & lobster restaurant, as well as gas and an ATM. The only drawback I could find is that the message, "Allow Application To Send To The Internet?" would frequently pop-up, but all this meant was I had to press the YES button a few times. Also, this device is meant for driving, so it won't work where you cannot get cell coverage, like hiking in the mountains. But I understand that this company is coming out with a version that will work in remote places. Very cool device.

Note that the price has come down significantly, making this unit much more desirable in lieu of a full GPS unit.

Everything that you read in electronics talks about convergence of everything onto a single device, so when I heard about this item, I had to try it! Having used the VZ Navigator on a previous mobile phone, I had low expectations about mobile phone based GPS Navigation, but I was blown away by the features and functionality of the Navigator.

My Phone:
I own a Samsung Blackjack II running on the AT&T network, which Allen lists as a compatible device for version 7 of their software. Although this phone comes with Tele-Nav navigation support, I chose the Allen Sports Navigator since there are no recurring monthly fees. Also, Allen's product comes with map coverage of USA & Canada, with additional countries available - Tele-Nav only offer map coverage for the US.

Installing the Software onto your phone:
Step #1 in using this product is to install the Navigator onto your phone. Enter Allen's download address into your phone's web browser, select your phone model (which in my case was Windows SmartPhone), choose your language, and start the download. Once installed, follow the directions to activate your software. The whole process is pretty simple, and takes about 3-5 minutes.

Pairing the GPS Receiver:
The product comes with a Bluetooth GPS Receiver, which you need to pinpoint your location and allow the navigation to function properly. This pairs up with you phone like a bluetooth headset. It is about the size of an iPod Nano.

Using the software:
I found the software to be very easy to use. The maps show up very well, even on my phone's small screen. When you are using the product in navigation mode you can toggle between the map view and two other screens which show you your destination information and and your upcoming turn information. All of the information provided is extrmely accurate and relevent. In navigation mode you can use view your position in 2D or 3D mode - this is where this product beat the pants off of VZ Navigator.

Other cool features:
Since this product is cellular based it has the ability to send your coordinates out over your cellular network, which will allow you to track where your phone is and where it's been. All of this can be viewed at the Navigator member site using your username and password. This has been really fun for my husband and kids to see where I am when I travel on business.

Overall:
I really like this product. It's awesome having my GPS Navigation running on my mobile phone, and it is very easy to use. I would recomend this product to anyone who is looking for GPS Navigation, and has a compatible phone with a data plan. You need the data plan for the maps and routes to load properly. Most unlimited data plans cost about $10, and if you use your phone for text messages and email you probably already have one. I would not recommend this product to someone without a cellular plan or that lives in an area with limited cellular coverage.

I can't wait for more products like this that will let me get more out of my cell phone!

This product seemed like a great thing to integrate with my phone. However, once I got it, I found out that it only worked with certain phones and mine wasn't one of them. Therefore, I cannot really provide a review of the functionality but just a note of caution to check compatibility before purchasing.

Allen Sports, best known for their top quality car mounted bike racks, steps into the portable GPS market with their Wayfinder Navigator product designed to turn your mobile phone/PDA into a full fledged GPS device. The key selling point of the Navigator is one of convergance - after all, why carry around a separate GPS handheld unit when you can cram all of its features and functionality into your current mobile phone? In theory this is a good thing but keep in mind that the Navigator doesn't quite provide an all-in-one device solution as you are actually purchasing a physical piece of hardware - a tiny bluetooth GPS receiver - that basically turns your phone/PDA into a display for said hardware. Fear not though, this kit handily includes a universal phone/pda holder that fits all compatible devices along with the GPS receiver in one handy bundle that can then be easily mounted on your car or bicycle.

Setting up your phone with the Navigator system isn't too difficult (I installed on a T-Mobile Blackberry Pearl) thanks to the excellent documentation instructions. Once you have the navigator up and running what really stands out is the attractive, colorful UI providing such perspectives as 2D views, 3D and Nightmode (meant for use while driving in the dark). Another standout is the plethora of point-of-interest info that is constantly available (provided that you have network coverage on your phone). For the past few weeks I've kept this kit connected with me as I've traveled on business throughout Southern California, Arizona and Texas. The Navigator system really stood out in providing good information on restaurants, shops and other services in areas that I've never been in before.

While there are far superior GPS choices available - for those who'd prefer to beef up their existing device, as opposed to lugging around an additional one, will certainly appreciate the convenience that the Navigator has to offer. Be sure to check that your current device is compatible with this system. Currently the Navigator system is compatible with most smart phones (blackberries, treo's, etc) and java phones (sony ericsson).

I have used the Allen Sports Navigator on my road bike, mountain bike, as well as out and about when I would never have thought I needed it. It is great to not have to buy a dedicated navigation system when this bundle works so well with existing mobile phone. My phone is a Blackberry Curve. Getting set up was a frustration-free experience (for once!) and the menu / user interface could not be more straightforward. In hindsight, Allen Sports Navigator is a no-brainer.

I have used dash-top GPS units for some time. They do a good job of getting you where you want to go, but it is a definitely hassle having to carry around multiple devices and power chords when I am traveling. This product has definitely made my life easier. The software installed onto my phone without any problem. The GPS application is really easy to use, and the turn-by-turn directions are great. I am fortunate in that my phone has an integrated GPS receiver so now I'm down to carrying only my phone. I have found that even with the internal GPS receiver, Allen's included GPS receiver will work in some areas where my phone's receiver will not.

The Allen Sports Navigator is a nice alternative GPS device that works with most brands of cellphone. I have a Sony Ericsson phone. Be sure you check their website to see if it's compatible with yours.

Once you take the time to download the appropriate software and go through the lengthy set-up, it turns your phone into a GPS unit. The Navigator's turn-by-turn directions are as accurate as any stand-alone GPS unit.

The unit itself is tiny enough to bundle with your phone. The software is easy to use and update.

In this day and age, there's really no reason for getting lost when you're out and about. Couple the Allen Sports Navigator with your cell phone, and you'll always find your way.

Whether you're driving, hiking, cycling or anything else, the Allen Sports Navigator Mobile Phone Software and Bluetooth GPS Device will keep you on the right track. Getting it to use was extremely easy (and I'm really not a technological person), and this device is small enough that you can bundle it with your phone and let it be your guide. You do need constant cell phone service, though, to keep it updated, so if you're hiking in remote areas without cell phone service, this might not be the ideal GPS for you. Otherwise, it's just about perfect.

The Allen GPS receiver is excellent, I am using a Nokia E63 and Nokia maps and connects seamlessly to the satellite, also works with google maps for mobile phones. The price quality is excellent. In my case I do not need a GPS all the time only for exceptional cases and Allen GPS receiver meets my needs

I used this with my 8100 Blackberry Pearl. Happily, I didn't have to load any software as I'm not sure the small sized disc would have worked in my mac. It was not hard to set up (even) without reading the directions. It connects with Bluetooth and then turn on the GPS in Blackberry maps. It would then find my current location and give a purple line to follow if it was giving me directions. It did freeze up my phone a few times, but it would work again if I restarted it. It didn't ask me for a lic. number, which of course, I had. Since I have an iPhone with GPS now, I probably will only use this from time to time.