By Mel Beckman
I owned a TomTom 510 that died. I could have purchased another TomTom but they are all quite expensive compared to this unit. The Navigon 7100 is a slightly older model, but now on sale due to Navigon’s recent updating of this line. The advantage is that you get the Zagat Ratings, large brand-badged POI database, and lifetime traffic reporting. Map updates are pretty cheap too. That makes the 7100 package a no-brainer if price is a factor.
This unit is more navigation-feature-rich than my aged TomTom 510, but not has fewer user-configurable settings. You can’t choose voices or screen themes for example, and there is no computer interface at all. The screen, however, is stunning and bright — brighter and sharper than the TomToms, which I’ve seen side by side at Frys. It’s not as colorful, choosing pastel tones over the TomTom’s bright urban-yellow landscapes, but I think I prefer the subdued imagery.
After a month of use, Navigon’s routing and traffic reporting has proved more reliable than that of my older TomTom — not surprising, since Navigon makes the maps for everybody’s GPS units. The Navigon is also easier to route around obstructions, but I gather TomTom has improved its interface in that regard. Spoken instructions are clear, although the female voice is a somewhat strong New York accent.
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By Don Snyder
After days of researching other GPS units, I finally pruchased the 7100 from Navigon.I compared this unit to Garmin,Nextar,Mio,and Magellin. All the units have qualities alike for the most part all with pros and cons but, the 7100 came ahead of the other GPS’s for it’s dollar value and the features you get. My first impression was that the 7100 had a sleek look and slim design. First boot of the 7100 found a signal within a few seconds. The screen I noticed is bright and easy to read in day light and in dark conditions. The menus seem easy to navigate through but it takes somewhat of a heavy finger to operate the touch screen . You can calibrate the touch screen through the settings menu. I did that and it didn’t seem to help,just my prefrence for an easier touch. Turn by turn voice alerts worked very good with no problem hearing the commands. I have my volume set about in the middle of the adjusment bar. I know other GPS’S you can change the dialect of the voice but you cannot on this unit.
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By F. Soliman
This model offers high performance at a reasonable price. Great Satellite reception even on a cloudy day. The vehicle I used in had metalized heat reflective windshild and this units built-in antenna had no problem with reception where other types of GPS models had trouble finding positioning satellites. I did’nt experince drop outs or losing position even while driving though bridges. However, an external antenna port is available.
The unit provides realtime directions on a sharp, bright, color wide touch screen display, easy to read and use. This model makes driving on a freeway with multiple lanes and ramps easy to follow. Display updates quickly with freeway overhead signs.
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By Michael
I ordered my Navigon 7100 at the end of August and received it on September 7th. In the last few weeks, I have been all over …. New York City, Washington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, San Francisco/Oakland, California, etc. For most of those journeys I have had my Nuvi 660 next to the Navigon 7100. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, my personal conclusion is that the Navigon 7100 is for me the way to go. I will be packing up my Nuvi 660 in a few days and sending it off to one of my kids.
Below I will list some Pros and Cons of the 7100. The 7100 has not by any means been flawless. But its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. And most of my complaints are easy software fixes. I feel that Navigon has gotten the message from those of us in the USA and is attempting to address our issues. They won’t be here long if they don’t. They may believe that they have the superior product but they may go the way of Beta in the Beta / VHS competition, if you remember that from years and years ago.
I have spoken to higher ups at Navigon and they could have brushed me off. Instead, once I got that far, I found someone willing to listen, acknowledge their shortcomings and say they will fix things. So far they have done so with the 4 GB fiasco. The rest remains to be seen. I am hopeful. I believe that they will now do what it takes. The people I have dealt with struck me as sincere and willing to do what it takes.
By the way, while I adjusted the route profile based on recommendations on forums and even from Navigon to the Optimum setting, I have found the Fast profile setting works best for me.
I also have turned off the Menu animation setting which seems to work better for me.
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