GPS Tracklog

Navigon 5100 max clears FCC

It looks like Navigon is taking a page from Garmin and Magellan's playbook, introducing a multitude of models with varying feature sets and at multiple price points. The next unit slated for roll-out appears to be the Navigon 5100 max, which just cleared the FCC. The feature set isn't entirely clear yet, but we expect to see Bluetooth, a 4.3" screen, text-to-speech, lifetime traffic and Zagat ratings (which we dearly love).

Navigon 2000S

Navigon is clearly making a big push for the holidays again this year, with their third introduction in as many weeks. The Navigon 2000S is a new 3.5" entry level device that offers a number of high-end features:

• Text-to-speech
• Reality View Pro ^TM
• Lane Assist Pro ^TM
• DirectHelp ^TM
• Speed limit display

The 2000S lists for $199.99, slightly less than the recently announced Navigon 2200T, which features lifetime traffic in addition to the features listed above. The other new model is the Navigon 7200T, which adds 3-D landmarks and voice commands.

Navigon 2200T announced

The Navigon 2200T, a feature-laden successor to the Navigon 2100, is being announced this morning. With a 3.5" screen and a suggested retail price of $229.99, the 2200T will be an entry-level device for Navigon, albeit with a richness of features equal to mid- to high-range units from other manufacturers:

• Lifetime traffic
• Reality View^TM Pro and Lane Assist Pro
  
• Text-to-speech
• Speed limit display
• Multi-destination trip planning
  
• DirectHelp^TM

Navigon 7200T boasts lifetime traffic, 3-D landmarks and voice command

Navigon has announced a new high end GPS navigator -- the Navigon 7200T. The 7200T introduces several new features, including lifetime traffic, 3D landmarks and voice destination entry.

Navigon 2100 max review

The Navigon 2100 max upgrades the Navigon 2100 with a 4.3" wide screen and DirectHelp^TM, which links to nearby services like hospitals, pharmacies and roadside assistance. Like the 2100, the 2100 max features text-to-speech, Lane Assist and Reality View^TM (pictured above) and maps of the lower 48 United States. Amazon reports that both the 2100 and 2100 max have only 1.3 million POIs, a very low number, but I have not been able to verify that.

Free map update for Navigon owners

It looks like Navigon may be making a marketing push for their FreshMaps service by offering a one-time free map update for current owners. The updated maps will be complimentary with the version 1.2 firmware update, which is reported to have the following release schedule:

• Navigon 5100 - April 17
• Navigon 2100 - April 22
• Navigon 7100 - May 14

Navigon 2100 max and FreshMaps

UPDATE: Read our Navigon 2100 max review

The Navigon 2100 max is being announced at CeBIT today. This update of the the Navigon 2100 offers a wider 4.3" screen, and DirectHelp^TM, seen above, which pinpoints the user's location and that of emergency services. Like the 2100, the "max" includes Reality View^TM at complex interchanges, text-to-speech, and multi-destination routing. The 2100 max will include maps of the continental U.S. and will retail for $299. The 2120 max will be available in Canada for $329 CAD and will feature both U.S. and Canadian maps. The units are expected to hit store shelves in late March or early April.

Navigon is also announcing FreshMaps, which allows users to download up to 12 NAVTEQ-based map updates in three years. FreshMaps will cost $79.99 and will be available for all Navigon 2100, 5100 and 7100 series models as of April 2008.

Navigon series 8 rumors

Navigon, which used Black Friday 2007 to become a major player in the U.S. market, appears to be working on some new devices. GpsPasSion has posted a brief piece about "series 8" units including the Navigon 8110.

They are reporting that it will have more RAM and a graphics co-processor; this is welcome news since the Navigon 7100 I reviewed suffered from insufficient power in this regard. If they also spent some time improving the interface, they could have a real winner on their hands.

Navigon 2100 review

UPDATE: The new Navigon 2100 max updates the 2100 with a 4.3" wide screen and the DirectHelp emergency screen.

The Navigon 2100 is Navigon's entry level GPS device. Even so, it offers text-to-speech, so you'll get "turn left on Oak Street" rather than just "turn left." It also has the "reality view" feature for major highway interchanges, as shown above. 

Navigon 7100 review

For the past few weeks, I've been trying out a Navigon 7100, a high-end unit from a relatively new player in the GPS navigation market. Navigon has distinguished itself with several novel features including their "reality view" of complex interchanges (shown above), Zagat ratings, and live traffic without any renewal fees. On top of that, the unit allows you to save locations and navigate to them by voice commands.

Only rarely do I stray from the established major companies in reviewing GPS navigators, but this one was just too tempting.