88 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
Great device, great price - why pay more for silly features?
Just bought a new vehicle and decided to forego the extra $1800 for the factory nav system. My previous vehicle had one, and I find a nav system to be a "must have" - but I just don't like the price premium.
After extensive research, I decided to go with the 2100 Max. The Nuvi's seem to be the most popular, but I really didn't need all the features (mp3,...
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Navigon going out of the personal GPS business
I bought my Navigon 2100 Max in February 2009 and have enjoyed it's maps on screen and the turn by turn directions despite some funny text to voice mispronunciations. Last week I discovered that I had misplaced by original equipment car charger and started using an after market charger only to find that the Traffic Service no longer worked. Yesterday, after learning...
This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
Just bought a new vehicle and decided to forego the extra $1800 for the factory nav system. My previous vehicle had one, and I find a nav system to be a "must have" - but I just don't like the price premium.
After extensive research, I decided to go with the 2100 Max. The Nuvi's seem to be the most popular, but I really didn't need all the features (mp3, jpgs, etc) as I figued I wouldn't always have the Nav on while driving. I passed on bluetooth also and bought a seperate bluetooth speakephone for the same reason.
The 2100 Max reminded me most of the Nav system of my older vehicle, and it had features I thought I'd like. Reality view is amazing - as the ubiquitous green freeway signs usually show on screen exactly as they appear on the roads. Lane Assist is pretty accurate also, showing all the major lanes at interchanges (I was counting the first time I used the device!). Voice is loud and relatively clear, though it does sound as if the speaker is of lesser quality than it should be (I don't use the FM function since I want to listen to the radio at the same time). I had no problem listening to directions with the radio on, even after lowering the volume a few notches. Pronunciation is pretty good also - especially with some of the street names here in San Diego.
I cannot say enough about the 2100 Max. Unless you plan to always have the nav system on while driving (where you'd probably want one with integrated bluetooth), I couldn't recommend any other device than this one. My recommendation, pass on the silly features and get this nav system that's packed with an array of great travel features at an incredible price.
Pros:
- Display/route stays active even with loss of satellites
- Loud and clear directions, with our without FM broacast
- accurate routing and vehicle location/speed
- Ease of travel with lane assist and reality view
- Great variety of customizable options
- Price
- Bright screen
Cons:
- some option selection "buttons" are pretty small for big fingers
- built in speaker gets distorted at higher volumes
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
I used to have Magellan Roadmate 800 and a few weeks ago I purchased Magellan Roadmate 1412 then I found a coupon for Navigon 2100 max. And here is the comparison chart; some of the entires are my personal opinions and might not reflect everyone's opinion... here it is:
Device specific features
M08- Heavy; can play mp3s; can store JPGs
M14- Slim and light
N21- Slim and light (not as light as Mag 1412 tho)
User Friendliness
M08- Yes
M14- Yes
N21- Not as good as Magellan - buttons can be too close to each other depeding on the menu and the screen
Volume
M08- Can set up the volume manually with a control on the edge of the device; Volume increases at certain speed
M14- Can set up the volume through the touch screen; Has only 5 settings; Volume doesn't increase over certain speed which can be hard to hear
N21- Could not find the volume settings; Volume setting for over a speed can be set (No increase / Low increase / High Increase); Voice can be staticy
Text-to-speech
M08- No
M14- Funny pronounciations on certain words; "in" sounds like "an" ... "Turn Left in 2 miles" sounds like "Turn Left then 2 miles" - "Freeway entrance" sounds like "Freeway an trans"
N21- Pronounciation is more accurate then Magellan 1412
Live Traffic
M08- No
M14- No
N21- Yes - Might have to be purchased seperately; reroutes based on the traffic
Zagat - Restaurant Ratings
M08- No
M14- No
N21- Yes - Might have to be purchased seperately
POI
M08- ~1 million POIs
M14- ~6 million POIs with wide range of categories
N21- ~1 million POIs with limited range categories; shows actual brand logo on the map
Lane Assistance
M08- No
M14- No
N21- Yes
Mount
M08- Easy to mount
M14- Easy to mount
N21- Hard to mount, hard to take it off
Password protection
M08- Yes
M14- No
N21- Yes
Compass
M08- Yes
M14- Yes
N21- Not by default, has to be modifed in settings
Recalculation
M08- Screen goes blue with a progress bar until the calculation is over
M14- Immediately
N21- Immediately
Vehicle Type
M08- Car only
M14- Car only
N21- Car / Bicycle / Pedestrian
Arrival Time
M08- Display approximate number of minutes the route will take
M14- Displays the arrival time
N21- Displays the arrival time and the minutes it takes to the destination
Distance left
M08- Shows the miles left until the next move; Shows the miles left until the destination
M14- Shows the miles left until the next move
N21- Shows the miles left until the next move; Shows the miles left until the destination
Turn by turn view
M08- Yes
M14- Yes
N21- Yes
Better for
M08- Within the city travel
M14- Within the city travel with better POI options
N21- Long distance travel with live traffic and lane assistance
Sluggy
M08- Smooth menu items, sluggy map over time
M14- Not sluggy
N21- Sluggy menu items, smooth map
Route options
M08- Fastest Route; Shortest Route; Most use of Freeway; Less use of Freeway
M14- Fastest Route; Shortest Route; Most use of Freeway; Less use of Freeway
N21- Fastest route; Optimum route; Shortest route; Scenic route
Tollway option
M08- Can not avoid
M14- Can avoid
N21- Can avoid or forbid
Allowing U-Turn (or not)
M08- Not modifiable (Allows)
M14- Not modifiable (Allows)
N21- Can allow or forbid U-Turns
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
I'm terrible with directions so I bought this hoping it would help me and it did. It found the satellites immediately and kept me moving along quickly. It updates quickly and even if you choose a different route it recalculates a new route and maps it out instantly. The touch screen is responsive and easy to use. It's well made and doesn't feel cheap. The windshield mount works easily and holds the unit in place.
When you register the unit at the Navigon website, you'll find out that a software update is not necessary as of today. FreshMaps is supposed to be available this month (July) and you can sign up for E-mail notification as to when they'll be ready for download. The unit comes with a 2 gig memory card and you can install a larger one when it's needed. The operating system for the mapping program is Windows CE. No problems with it yet.
So far, I'm happy with this unit. It does what I need without a load of unnecessary bells and whistles.
August 3, 2008: As of today, FreshMaps update is now available for this unit. Just go to the Navigon website, log into your account and download the Navigon downloader program. Install the program on your computer and you're ready to go. You can even backup your old maps with this downloader program which is recommended before you download the new maps and install them.
October 1, 2008: Navigon now gives you FREE lifetime traffic information. You just can't go wrong. I've been very happy with this unit.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
I purchased this GPS because of various web recommendations and price. I am delighted with it! I haven't gotten lost once. The unit is easy to set-up and use. The maps seem accurate and have plenty of useful information as restaurants, gas stations, etc. The spoken directions are easy to understand and follow. I particularly like the the Lane Assistant and Reality View functions with their visual representations of the road signs.
Highly recommended, if you are looking for a reasonably priced GPS only type navigation device.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
I really didn't think this $200 GPS was going to work very well, but I couldn't resist the price. I'm notoriously bad on directions, so I really hoped it could make a difference. IT SURE DID. I had to take a complicated 26-mile route to a seminar outside LA, including 7 miles in residential area with lots of turns. The voice is the really fantastic part -- it tells you 500 feet before you turn and again 20 feet before the turn. You really don't have time to read the screen while you're driving, but you can glance at it from time to time to see what your next turn is, what lane you need to be in to catch the freeway exit, and what direction you're going. The graphic for complicated freeway interchanges is really great -- arrows shows you exactly what to do at a glance. And every time I took a wrong turn or missed one, the device just kept going, guiding me to my goal. My only complaint is the voice sound is so bad. It's difficult to hear (forget having radio on) and the pronunciation of street names is often hilarious (La Loma is prnounced Laalo.). Anyway, it was the most relaxed drive to a distant seminar I can remember. If you're bad at directions, this could be a life changer for you.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
At first use I thought this is confusing. After reading through the manual and testing it without really needing it for local weekend errands. The unit is now easy to navigate through. I recommend that you read the manual to make life easier before trying to figure it out on your own. You will have to download the PDF file for it from their website. You will find out what each icon means and does and will help you understand the various functions. I really like the unit for its ease and simplicity. The Lane Assist and Reality View work great plus you can add Traffic service and keep the unit updated with Fresh Maps as optional add ons.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
The Navigon 2100MAX is an EXCELLENT PERFORMER - well thought out and well executed.
An easy User Interface allows you to enter street addresses, for automatic point-to-point navigation - with turn-by-turn Voice guidance, if desired - and tailor a variety of settings to your individual tastes. A massive 'Points Of Interest' database allows it to show accurate locations of Gas Stations, Restaurants, and a whole 'laundry list' of other choices, wherever you travel. I live in an 'off the beaten path' small town, and every detail is well covered here.
Though it comes 'out of the box' quite complete, the Navigon 2100MAX also has Expansion Capabilities for some additional-cost services, for those who later decide they're useful. The first - which I highly recommend over the long term - is "Fresh Maps", a three-year subscription for updates to the Maps and Points Of Interest databases. There are also options to add Zagat Survey restaurant reviews, which would pop up onscreen when you touch the icon for a nearby restaurant -- and live Traffic Info for select metropolitan areas, which integrates to display on the maps and suggest alternate routing. Any or all of these can be added to the Navigon 2100 or 2100MAX at any time, by purchasing the appropriate access code cards. If you're rich and want it all from day one, look into the pricier Navigon 7100, which comes preloaded with all the options.
This is my second GPS unit, after having done Long-Haul Trucking for several years with an early (1998 vintage) Garmin StreetPilot unit. The Navigon, with its newer technology, is naturally vastly superior to that 'ancient' Garmin - with a simpler User Interface, much more Detailed Maps, true Routing capability (with early units, you had to do your own point-by-point route setting), and easy Updating capability (something I longed for as the Garmin aged).
To be fair, the current Garmin models also offer these newer capabilities - so there is no fair comparison between the current models and my old one. Every GPS now on the market is far superior to the early models - and, notably, at a fraction of the price. The evolution of the GPS products in the past two years, is directly comparable to the evolution of Personal Computers over the past 10 years or so.
ANY modern GPS unit is, basically, a 'task-dedicated' Computer - with its circuitry optimized for the intended primary function. (Portable DVD Players with their own display screen are another common, though much simpler, device that fits this general description.) The Navigon models, like many competitors, use a customized version of Microsoft's Windows CE as their basic operating system - augmented by a software package which includes the Map information, Points Of Interest, and the manufacturer's particular 'twist' on a User Interface (what you deal with, onscreen, to enter information and use the device). The Navigon units use a 2GB SD Memory Card to hold it all - which allows for an easy hardware upgrade (pop in a bigger Card) if the data-handling needs ever grow beyond 2GB. (In comparison, my ancient Garmin had a 32MB internal chip, and wasn't expandable.)
In raw computing power, modern GPS units put some older Laptop Computers to shame. With this Computer basis, it isn't much of a stretch to expand on the basic platform to incorporate MP3 Players, Bluetooth communications, etc. into a modern GPS unit - and many models do so, with something available for every taste and budget.
Navigon is a solid German company - a leader in Europe, but a distant fourth in the U.S. market - behind Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom (another European company) in market share here. There is NO shortcoming in their product, or the support standing behind it - just less money spent on advertising to build the brand into a household word. A classical German marketing approach, actually - concentrate on building a superior product, and let that product 'speak for itself' in establishing a reputation, over time. (Older folks can think back to the early growth of Volkswagen, for another 'textbook example' of how this works.)
Navigon is a solid contender, with a solid product, worthy of your serious consideration for your GPS needs. They won't disappoint you.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
Background: I had always rented vehicles with a GPS until recently my frequency of travel to unfamiliar cities had reached a point where it made sense to purchase my own. I was not looking for a GPS to play MP3s, make phone calls, take photos, or fill out my taxes. I simply care about its ability to navigate from point A to B and to get around an unfamiliar place, and so I'll limit this review to those features. I tried two devices: the Garmin nuvi 755T (same as the 765T minus the Bluetooth) and the much cheaper Navigon 2100 max with the bundle that included lifetime traffic.
Garmin Nuvi 755T
Pros:
-Could use all the features right out of the box
-Always got me from Point A to Point B
-Map very pleasing to my eyes
-The lane guidance is useful, but not as useful as I thought it would be (I find that keep right/left voice commands can stand alone).
-Considerable more Points of Interest than Navigon 2100 Max. Also many more Points of Interest categories and the ability to simply enter a category if it's not listed and still get good results (e.g., Salons or Dance Studios were not categories, but I entered them and the device retrieved many nearby options [you can also search in a different city]).
-Really good recalculation, it doesn't waste time just trying to get you back to the original route if a different route from your current location is better. It also recalculates at blazing speeds (I had a new route before I made it to the end of a 800 foot block).
-Text to Voice is really good (far more useful than I would have guessed). This really allows you to keep your eyes on the road and gives you peace of mind that you're turning in the right place.
-Very useful visual layout indicating direction of the turn and the street onto which you should turn (but the voice prompts, especially with Text to Voice, are so good you never need to look at the display).
-Local speed limit always posted with your current speed nearby (more useful than I imagined)
-Good volume and easy to change volume while in use.
-Easy to turn on or off with an external power switch.
-The traffic feature was extremely useful and the information was easy to access during use. The much discussed ads will not be an issue for you, trust me.
-The 3D navigation created a nice view, but honestly, even in strange areas with tall buildings, I didn't find this feature to be of any additional value.
Okay, But Could Be Better:
-The screen could be more sensitive, but it's a lot better than the Navigon 2100 Max.
-The device did not always properly locate me (this can be avoided by turning it on and setting the route about 45 seconds before actually leaving).
-The power source plugs directly into the mounting cradle, but it's still such a chore to remove the device from the cradle (pressing a button on the bottom on the cradle, which is mounted on a moving ball, while tilting the device forward) that the time advantage of a direct cradle plug in is lost.
Cons:
-The turn warning distance is way too short (only 0.2 miles)
-There's no ability to exclude particular streets from a route (you can set it to avoid highways, tolls, etc. though).
-Initial estimate of arrival time was a complete farce in every single test. It estimated a standard 45 minute trip to be only 25 minutes and pushed back the estimated arrival time nearly every minute never reflecting the accurate arrival time until I was at the final destination. Easily bested in this category by the much cheaper Navigon 2100 Max.
Navigon 2100 Max
Pros :
-Always got me from Point A to Point B without deep confusion
-Always correctly located me
-As in the Garmin Nuvi 755T, the lane guidance is useful, but not as useful as I thought it would be (I find that keep right/left voice commands can stand alone).
-Good turn warning distance (0.5 miles)
-The recalculating is quick, but not as quick as the Garmin Nuvi 755T
-Ability to exclude particular streets from route (a hidden feature: after the route is initially calculated, open the turn by turn and simply x out the streets you don't want to use).
- As in the Garmin Nuvi 755T, the Text to Voice is really good (far more useful than I would have guessed). This really allows you to keep your eyes on the road and gives you peace of mind that you're turning in the right place.
-Very useful visual layout indicating direction of the turn and the street onto which you should turn (but the voice prompts, especially with Text to Voice, are so good you never need to look at the display).
-Warnings when speeding (And the ability to set how far above the speed limit [separately for city streets and highways] triggers the warning)
-Ability to have local speed limit either shown constantly or when a speed warning is triggered
-Good volume and easy to change volume while in use
-Initial estimate of arrival time very reliable. Estimated a standard 45 minute trip to within 1 minute and pushed back estimated arrival time only once (adding a minute).
-Easy to turn on or off with an external power switch.
-The traffic feature was extremely useful and the information was easy to access during use.
Okay, But Could Be Better:
-Screen sensitivity
-It sometimes took a couple of minutes to initially locate me, but was always spot on when it did.
-The power supply is plugged into the device which is mounted on a cradle, but the cradle provides such limited range of motion that it's difficult to get the device in the most desired position and I was forced to accept it slanting slightly during every use.
Cons:
-Thin Points of Interests (more important than I thought) and no ability to search categories not already listed (a real problem). You also must select a city each time you search; it doesn't just automatically pull up nearby locations like the Garmin Nuvi 755T.
-It's hard to see ALL of the display icons including information on speed and your current speed
-The dull, mostly gray, maps with an orange route indicator are hard on eyes.
-The keyboard takes up only half the screen making it chore to type in anything. This is especially problematic when trying to switch states or from letters to numbers (or vice versa) as these display buttons are extremely narrow and it was difficult to select them without long fingernails.
-The recalculation kept trying to send me back to the original route even if it was no longer the best. For example, it took the device 15 minutes to stop trying to reroute me to 16th St. (in DC) after I had purposely driven up Connecticut Ave. Had I taken its recommended rerouting (thus backtracking), my trip would have taken 20 minutes longer.
-You can't use all the features out of the box. I was forced to register the device and thus provide an email address in order to use lifetime traffic and fresh maps features (but, in all fairness, you can opt out of spam, and I've yet to receive an unwanted email).
Conclusion:
The Garmin Nuvi 755T was about $350 versus the $160 for the Navigon 2100 Max with lifetime traffic included. I think both devices performed solidly, but the edge can only be given on personal preference. All said, the Navigon 2100 Max is probably the better value for the buck, but such a statement is relative to what's important to you. I personally went with the Garmin Nuvi 755T because: 1) the map coloring and icon size was easy on the eyes, 2) it was much easier to type on the Garmin Nuvi 755T, 3) the number of Points of Interest, and the ability to type in your own category, are of particular importance to me, and 4) I personally find not losing time on rerouting to be worth the additional costs. Hope this helps.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
I bought my Navigon 2100 Max in February 2009 and have enjoyed it's maps on screen and the turn by turn directions despite some funny text to voice mispronunciations. Last week I discovered that I had misplaced by original equipment car charger and started using an after market charger only to find that the Traffic Service no longer worked. Yesterday, after learning that the Traffic antenna is built into the charger and requesting a way to purchase a new one from Navigon, I received an email from Navigon with the following information:
Sorry, but accessories, map material and content are not available in North America through NAVIGON.
Unfortunately we don't have information concerning the availability of these products at other major retail shops.
NAVIGON Inc. will be reallocating resources from its branded line of portable navigation devices to focus on more profitable segments within the navigation sector in North America. This transition will place an increased emphasis on NAVIGON's heritage, software development - the core of any navigation experience. NAVIGON Inc. will focus on software with an enthusiastic push into mobile and smartphone segments, as well as a continuation of support for both OEM and automotive sectors. NAVIGON Inc. believes that software development is our core competence.
Thus, no Traffic Service on my device and no mapping software updates. Amazon shows the software "not available at this time." I have spent the last hour looking for universal GPS mapping software to no avail. Looks as if this model and all other handheld models are effectively dead. If anyone knows of replacement software that is kept uptodate, please post it here.
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This review is from: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech (Electronics)
I've read a number of reviews that say the 2100 max is slow to acguire satellites, or recalculate, hard to use etc. I bought the 2100 max for use in my Jeep. It acquired satellites fast and recalculates quickly. So, I thought it must be because of the soft top on the Jeep. To test that, I put the unit in my Acura TL that has a navigation system that cost over $2,000. Granted the Navigation in the Acura has a lot of bells and whistles, but turn for turn, the Navigon kept up with the Acura. It acquired the satellites just as fast. Could living on the west coast have anything to do with it... Nah. On a recent trip to Philadelphia the performance was the same. The Navigon 2100max is not perfect, but it is a great unit for the cost.Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech, Lifetime Traffic, and Fresh Maps
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