Up for Review: Navigon 2000S GPS
With a view to keep up with the latest inventions in the GPS market, Navigon launched the 2000S. This unit addresses most of the shortcomings in the previous models. The end result is a pretty good combination of features and economy. Available for $199.99 MSRP makes it among the lowest priced GPS systems available. The Navigon 2000S GPS is ideal for searching points of interest and planning trips. It also includes advanced navigation features with text-to-speech functionality. You can be guided through streets and crossings by the voice guidance of the GPS. It provides photo-realistic street views which help you to maneuver your way across the busy traffic and similar roads.
The Navigon 2000S GPS is designed to be sleek and compact. It can be handheld which makes it handy during trekking and biking. It is small enough to fit into your pocket. The Navigon 2000S GPS receiver has both a pedestrian mode and a bicycle routing option. However, you have to be extremely careful while handling it, as the plastic casing isn’t as sturdy as you’d hope.
The 3.5” touch screen has a 320 x 240 pixel resolution. It is the kind of a screen which you always wanted. The brightness can be modified to be used during night or day. There is also an automatic mode which adjusts the brightness according to the light outside. The touch screen is very effective and gives way to many features in the unit. The onscreen keyboard can still be improved upon. Integrating the QWERTY keyboard instead of the ABC could have provided a better way to use the keyboard. There is a SmartSpeller feature which can prompt the exact name just after keying in a few letters of the desired name.
The power button is not very efficiently placed. It is at the top of the unit, along with a microSD expansion slot on the left side, a reset hole on the right and a mini-USB port at the bottom. Besides these, the Navigon 2000S GPS is available with a car charger, a vehicle mount and reference material.
Navigon 2000S GPS Features and Specification Review:
• No. of channels: 30
• No. of waypoints: 50
• Portability: Yes
• Text-to-speech: Yes
• Download capability: Yes
• Built-in base maps: Yes
• Mapping software: Yes
• PC connectivity: Yes
• Voice prompts: Yes
• Backlit display: Yes
• Color display: Yes
• Battery life: up to 2 hours
• Battery included: Yes
• DC adapter: Yes
• Screen size: 3.5”
• 3D map view: Yes
• Accepts data cards: Yes
• Auto sort multiple destinations: Yes
• Auto re-Route: Yes
• Avoid highways/Tolls mode: Yes
• Car locator: Yes
• Choice of route setup: Yes
• Location reporting: Yes
• Map provider: Navteq
• Touch screen: Yes
• Warranty terms – parts: 1 year limited
• Warranty terms – labor: 1 year limited
There is no doubt that the Navigon 2000S GPS is very good for its price. It has the latest SiRF GRF3i + GPS chip with InstantFix II. Navteq maps have been preloaded in the unit. Navigating with the help of these maps is an interesting prospect. Whenever you are in need of help, you can enter the destination along with a nearby waypoint. The multi-destination planning will allow you to specify all your stoppages along the way.
There are innumerable POIs with gas stations, restaurants, hotels and ATMs. You can even specify the exclusive cuisine, shopping class and brand. There is also a one-touch access to gas stations, parking and rest areas, restaurants and lodging. Just a few touches on the screen will lead you to your destination. You can also calculate the arrival time, direction and distance. Complicated intersections can be viewed with RealityView. Both audio and video aids help you to choose your way amongst a number of routes. There are also route simulation and speed warnings.
And lastly, the Navigon 2000S GPS includes a DirectHelp feature which provides information of the nearest police station, hospital and other emergency services. This will surely help you out in case you get lost in a different city. The Navigon 2000S is a complete GPS with all the necessary features for helpful navigation. The overall verdict is it that it gives good value for money.