Spotlight Customer Reviews
Customer Rating: 
Summary: My Navman GPS suddenly stop working
Comment: Problem: I used to have this product for 4 years. Time to time, it requires to activate Software. Suddenly, software is no longer able to be activated. Navman Tech support said my software (SMART ST 1.90) is outdated and their servers do not recognize it. They said that I should purchase latest software in order to continue using this product. I do not understand why my GPS suddenly stops working until I buy new software. I am not downloading/adding any new feature from server.
Conclusion: My Navman GPS is suddenly not working without any notice, and Nanvam company asks me to purchase upgrade software. And, even though I purchase upgrade software, I might use it only for a while.
Customer Rating: Summary: No longer lost...
Comment: I have always wanted a portable GPS unit but couldn't see paying the $700 plus dollars that they used to sell for. I already had an older Compaq Ipaq 3765 that I was using for a variety of things when I discovered the NavMan. I was sceptical at first but this thing it GREAT. Works just like the much more expensive units with voice commands and turn by turn instructions. Set up was fast and easy. Takes a minute or two from a cold start to get a lock but once you have it you are on your way. I also like the fact that the included maps have points of interest included for all of the cities. Just enter the city or zip code and select "restaurant" and it will give you options or let you enter the particular restaurant you are looking for. Hit "GO" and you're off. Another cool feature is the fact that it interfaces with my Outlook address book. Select a contact from my list, hit go and it will direct you there. This is one of the best purchases I have ever made.
Customer Rating: Summary: Software no longer supported
Comment: The pros:
Good gps unit, easy to use, nice layout, customisable, will work well with other gps software.
The con:
Literaly a con, you will not be able to use the SmartSt software. Navmans servers "do not" support activation of this software any longer. If you can provide proof of "original" ownership they will send you the same original software with new coding for installation at 1/2 the original cost (about $165.00 US)
Customer Rating: Summary: Navman Discontinues Smart ST Pro for iPAQ H5400, H3600, H3700 & H3800
Comment: Just got off the phone with Navman support. They asked me to buy a latest iPaq and buy new Navman. Since they stopped supporting the old and the old one does not seem to work with their server for registering the software.
Customer Rating: Summary: Good cheap GPS
Comment: I have no experience with GPS, so I can't really comment on it compared to other GPS units. What I can do is comment on its functionality compared to other computing devices I have used.
Strengths:
*Physical
- The extra CF slot in the GPS receiver is a required feature to store maps.
- The cigarette lighter adapter is also required as it does draw a lot of power from the iPaq's battery. Nice not having to purchase one!
- Zoom features use the iPaq's omnidirectional button. Can zoom with one hand while driving.
- Had to install a firmware update to the GPS unit, but it went very smooth and was simple to do.
* Software
- The navigation program will re-route you dynamically if you make a wrong turn or want to go a different direction. Rerouting takes about 15 seconds.
- The POI's (points of interest) are very useful. Just scroll around on a map to a POI, tap and hold on the icon, and from the pop-up menu select "take me here".
- The navigation mode is easy to read and re-aligns to the direction you are driving, making it easy to follow the directions.
- The map mode stays with North at the top. I like that, others may not.
- The applications are self-updating via the desktop software.
Weaknesses:
* Physical:
- According to Navman's tech support, the CF slot on the GPS unit only supports 256 MB CF cards. No microdrive, no other CF functions. (I have a Sandisk CF low-voltage wireless card with 128 MB of storage. The storage part works fine and is accessible, but the wireless part does not. It works fine in the iPaq CF expansion pack.) I am running a 340 MB microdrive and have not had any problems so far. If you plan on using a microdrive, don't stray far from your charger!
- The connection from the window mount to the back of the GPS is loose. Unit will rattle some. Electrical tape around the bracket may snug it up some.
- Seems to take a long time to get a sattelite. About 5 minutes?
- Have had occasional lockups but could be due to older iPaq (mine is a 3600 series). Has not locked up in standard navigation or mapping mode, only when bouncing around menus.
*Software:
- The version of software is v2. Navman has a v3 out, but so far no upgrades are offered that I can find. No updating service for the maps as far as I can tell.
- Icons are pretty small. Granted the screen is small, but if you want to map a route or use the "take me here" features, pull over and use the stylus.
- Cannot enter coordinates, only addresses. The Navman software is truly street-oriented, so great for that but will not help much off-road.
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Overall, I'm happy with it. It was a gift, and I wanted it for vacations and recreational use so for that it is very useful.
