 GPS running iGO 8 navigation sowtware! Wow! |
| Review Date: October 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: G. Hatos, Portland, OR United States |
| To be honest, the name Nexstar does not mean anything to me. The only reason I bought this GPS, because it runs iGO 8 navigation software. Anybody who is familiar with that piece of marvel knows what I am talking about. IGO 8 have won the second time the Vision Mobility Award of Excellence. They hold the "Best Navigation Software" title for two years in a row in Europe. That means something. So, what is this Nexstar ME do? Knowing iGO 8, I took a gamble. There is very little information about this "black sheep" GPS on the Internet. Even on the Nexstar homepage say almost nothing useful. The package came with all the necessary hardware pieces that are standard for today's GPS package. After turning the unit on, it scrolled through a very long fine print. Using my finger I touched to accept the agreement button and I found myself in a menu where I had a choice to go navigation, music, photos or to a setup area where you can fine-tune your unit, like time and date, brightness, volume, alignment etc. I picked navigation and the unit vent into loading mode. It took a long time to load up the navigation software. That indicated that the hardware must equipped with slower CPU. It runs CE 5.0 by the way, which is no surprise. The plus side was however, and I was a little bit surprised, when the application finally loaded up, the unit already hooked up with the navigation satellites. My previous experience with Mio P550, which was a PDA with navigation build in, - separate SiRF III chip, and also was running iGO 8, left me regularly waiting five or more minutes to find the satellites. So, this was good. Later, I found out that hooking up with the satellites is no problem for this unit and it is always full strength. As far as navigation goes, it is very stable, accurate and no sign of slow CPU. The interface is fantastic and joy to use the finger touch. There are two modes to pick, simple and advanced. The default is simple. Simple mode is OK, but want to learn and get into advance mode is better. The GPS voice is clear and loud, came as default. I have no problem to hear it even in my old noisy car. It does TTS (Text-To-Speech), but you need to pick that option in the voice setup. For those who wish to push the limit of this GPS, I am happy to announce it is also a "geeg heaven". Matter of hours I was able to add different languages and voices to the unit, and I am sure adding other maps, like countries of Europe are no problem either. Although on the Nexstar's website says, no other maps are available. Right. Interesting to know for example that iGO 8 has single-handedly the most accurate and detailed maps of Eastern Europe. Anyway, I think I will like this GPS. The fast satellite hookup, the marvelous interface, loud and clear voice, stable navigation are all good ones. There are really no negatives about this unit yet. Sure it is missing bluetooth and other fancy features like FM radio and transmission, but you always have to compromise performance, quality and price. For example this GPS have MP3 capabilities, but do I care? No. So, the question always is, what is important to you. Good luck. |
Pretty darn good
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| Review Date: February 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Bryan B. Millares, Mission Viejo, CA |
Pros: Tons of features. Price was perfect (I got mine for $49). Not that hard to figure out (it's my first standalone GPS). Size is just right for having a small car. Comes with everything you need out of the box.
Cons: I think the preloaded maps might be slightly outdated. It tried to have me go around the block when my destination was within eye sight in front of me. :p
Overview: It took me a little bit to learn how to use it, but overall it pretty much rocks. I have mine mounted on my windshield, right below the rear view mirror. The brightness is good, and the rerouting calculations are almost immediate. I like how you can add "via" points, and I like how accurate it is. I got it for dirt cheap, and I didn't really expect much except for point A to point B directions. |
It will definitely get you there! And, display your pictures or mp3
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| Review Date: April 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Just Will, Space Coast, FL. |
At first sight, it looks small. But in thruth that is one of its best features. I have had other GPS in the past, but due to their weight they would occasionally drop. Not this baby.
I reccomend that you use the suction cup on the windshield. The stickem dish that comes with the GPS doesn't take heat very well, and can and will become unglued.
Great features of the Nextar, size, loud voice instructions, speed limit warning, almost instant route corrections. It is only off by a couple of yards. When approaching major intersections or in the highway, it will zoom in, and show you the next move and distance plus again it will tell you, and show with plenty of time. That is the biggest difference from the previous ones I have had. It tells you the next move, after the next. and the distances involved.
Another nice feature about the GPS system is that it automatically knows/adjust to daylight viewing, and night viewing.
The Photo slide show is of excellent quality, not to many transitions, but beautiful resolution, I reccomend to have at least a 6 second interval...you will see why.
The price, what can be said, there is no excuse not to have a GPS on your car now.
By the way, it also has a walking mode.
Great product, does everything it should, and more. |
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