Navman Bluetooth GPS4410

[marlof]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.navman-europe.com/product_details.php?id=AA005410' target='_blank'>http://www.navman-europe.com/produc...php?id=AA005410</a><br /><br /></div>Navman has a released a new hardware/software GPS solution for Pocket PCs. "The NEW NAVMAN GPS 4410 Bluetooth Satellite Receiver with SmartST™ Version 2 GPS Mapping Software for 16 Western European countries, allows you to effortlessly plan and track your journey from one city or town to another, or simply guide you turn-by-turn from one location in a city to another. You also benefit from enhanced street level detail, full voice-guided instruction, automatic 'Back-on-track' re-routing and 'Avoid Areas' function." Next to this, the hardware can run an amazing 30 hours on AAA batteries, and can also run from a car charger. The software has Pocket Outlook integration, can plan a route from postal codes, and has a 3D view and a complete route summary. The suggested retail price is GBP 299 or EUR 449.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/bregonje-20040131-navman4110.jpg" />

[dangerwit]

...and for those of us owners in the US, the upgrade to software version 2 (3D Maps, integration with pocket contacts, etc.) will be available on March 1, 2004 for a mere $149.

Phew! For a second there, I thought I wasn't going to be insulted. Thank you Big Business! :roll:

*Phil

[hoxbox]

Given how the best gps bluetooth receivers right now get about 10 hours according to this site (http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=55&page=4). If the 30 hours holds up on 3 AAA batteries this would be pretty insane...[/url]

[ctmagnus]

Personally, I'm holding out for a Rikaline 6031 X7 (http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/news.asp?id=189) due to it's reception and power management.

[Philip Colmer]

...and for those of us owners in the US, the upgrade to software version 2 (3D Maps, integration with pocket contacts, etc.) will be available on March 1, 2004 for a mere $149.
This was something that concerned me when I first saw the press release, so I contacted the PR company for some clarification. The hardware is the same and existing owners will be contacted about a software upgrade at a discount price (price to be confirmed).

What is interesting is that Navman are going to start selling the receiver on its own at £199, effectively giving the software a £100 value. I think they would have difficulty justifying charging anything like that amount to existing owners, particularly since there are bugs in the current version(*).

--Philip

(*) Although that never really stops a company from charging for a version upgrade :evil:

[dangerwit]

This was something that concerned me when I first saw the press release, so I contacted the PR company for some clarification. The hardware is the same and existing owners will be contacted about a software upgrade at a discount price (price to be confirmed).

After reading my post, I sound so grumpy! :) I need to clarify myself.

My main problem is the cost of the software they cite in the FAQ. I don't mind paying for upgrades, esp. since this upgrade looks pretty good. But naturally, the question is, "Is the software worth that money?"

They need more than 3D maps and bugfixes to entice me to buy the upgrade. Maybe something like using my voice to 'type' out the address I want to go to while I'm driving instead of using my hands. Or, how about a hardware dongle that functions as a remote control, so I can stick it to my steering wheel and connect it to the PDA via bluetooth? :) that'd be neat.

A $150 upgrade puts this into the same price structure as an OS or other program... seems a bit pricey.

Nonetheless, I really do like this GPS, it's incredibly convenient (hardware-wise).

*Phil

[DanNotDan]

Hardware-wise, this looks like the GPS I've been waiting for. But I hate to buy something and then turn right around and pay to upgrade it. If there is even a chance they will charge this kind of money for an upgrade, I'll just wait.

Attention hardware (and software) vendors: My approach is not unique. It pays to clarify your upgrade policies early.

[gpspassion]

Given how the best gps bluetooth receivers right now get about 10 hours according to this site (http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=55&page=4). If the 30 hours holds up on 3 AAA batteries this would be pretty insane...[/url]

Unfortunately it doens't hold true at all, 7hours with rechargeables and about 17 with alkalines...I've been in touch with Navman and they stand by their 30 hours...

Careful with the Rikaline, it's xtrac only and as such not adapted to car use due to the delay.

The "shoot-out" is in the process of being updated; new tables are up and the text will be by Wednesday. Current top three: Roylatek BlueGPS, Haicom BT401 and Fortuna ClipOn each with its own pros and cons.

We'll need to see what SmarST v2 has to offer other than the new 3D mode, but one must hope they've fixed the odd routing issues of the v1. The problem is that they never admitted them, so it's a bit unlikely...

[Philip Colmer]

We'll need to see what SmarST v2 has to offer other than the new 3D mode, but one must hope they've fixed the odd routing issues of the v1.

One new feature that I'm really pleased about is the support for postal codes. It was one of my major complaints that finding an address in the UK version was just too hit & miss.

The other feature that sounds interesting is the ability to avoid areas. I know that this is available on competitive products and I would say that it is beginning to be a "must have" option in order to make it easier to avoid accidents, road works or other reasons for wanting to avoid specific parts of a route.

Time (and a review or two) will tell :D

--Philip

[papasula]

I just purchased this and am surprised that it does not display altitude. Am I missing something?

TIA