Navigon 7100: An Overly Expensive GPS With Below Average Results

The prices of GPS devices are starting to plummet downward, but there are still a few units that are not budging. The Navigon 7100 is a limited GPS device with a bulging price tag. Consumers that have tried previous versions of Navigon, will be greatly disappointed with the latest release. Despite the fact that it includes integrated Bluetooth technology and a larger display, it is excruciatingly sluggish. Navigating through the interface can be extremely confusing. This device had so much potential, but it failed miserably. Most consumers would rather work with an electronic device that is user friendly.

The Navigon 7100 has an attractive design, with its sleek black finish and curved edges. It sports a 4.3 inch touch screen, but this option makes it a little bulkier than other GPS devices. The colors and the maps are displayed in splendid colors and destinations can be easily read without squinting. Using the onscreen keyboard is virtually impossible because everything is tremendously cramped. Inputting address with your fingers will be a difficult task to complete. Using the included stylus would be a better choice.

The interface of the Navigon 7100 starts off in a user friendly manner. It consists of four large icons called My Destinations, New Destination, Voice Command, and Take Me Home. In order to access the map function, you must select multiple options before it can be viewed. Once you explore the available applications on this device, you soon discover how confusing it is. Icons on the map are not completely identified, so you will need to have the user manual near your side at all times. Before you head out to a new destination, memorize everything you can or you will definitely get lost.

There are preloaded maps located on an included SD card to get you started. Other items included in the kit are a vehicle mount, a USB cable, an automobile charger, a reference manual, and a carrying pouch. The vehicle mount has a nice modern design that will appeal to most consumers. At first glance, you may not realize that it is a mount because it sort of looks like a telephone receiver. Once you remove the Navigon 7100 from its packaging, you will discover that the power button is located along the right side of the Navigon 7100. The bottom of the device houses the headphone jack, mini USB port, and a reset hole.

The Navigon 7100 has a very slow response time when selecting options on the touch screen. It also takes approximately three minutes for it to completely power on and get a fix of your current location. Although it did perform well on some occasions, most of the time it was a large hassle for it to keep its lock while traveling from multiple destinations. Considering the price of this GPS device, it should have worked better than it actually did. Other GPS devices that cost a fraction of its price have exceeded expectations. I would not recommend this navigation unit to anyone because it has way too many quirks.