Navigon 7100 Review:

Max · 05-16-2008, 1:52 PM

Mine just arrived, haven't done more than charge it and play with it in the house thus far. But here are my initial observations:

Pros:

Good overall portable package, with sleek design, universal interfaces (mini-usb) and simple to get going with the supplied directions.
Nice options menus and details, wish some other simple gps units could do this. I especially like the 'you are here' info on the GPS Info page.
RealityView. RealSigns, etc. - will definitely take ALOT of guesswork out of things for many folks. I see this as being the defining difference between Navigon and everyone else.
Mounting system - because it puts the unit out and off the windshield which is really nice. Nothing more annoying than a 4.3" touchscreen that is 3' away from me. Slick attachment for the GPS-to-mount, albeit it a con too. The swivel is pretty cool as well. I definitely like it.

Cons:

What is up with this touchscreen? I've used membrane switches that required less force.
Mounting system - where am I supposed to put this thing when Im hiding it from would be crooks? Though I like the attachment method and it's simple...it just seems a little on the anemic side.
I want a button on the main screen that dumps the unit directly to the map. I just want to see where I am. I would also like if I don't use the unit for 2 minutes, it goes there on it's own.
1 sd slot, and the maps go there. I'd like to see a second SD slot, or the maps go internal, so that in coming years and other maps...we can run other maps in tandem.
The switch gear/cabling all seems like the lower-cost version of the Garmin stuff. Similar shape and feel, but not exact. This is noticeable in the strain reliefs and cable jacket. Two areas most people probably wouldn't care about till 2 years down the road.

More to come...I'll start with unboxing pics later...