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July 12, 2007 4:23 PM PDT

Navigon 5100 and 7100: Not your run-of-the-mill GPS

by Bonnie Cha
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Navigon 7100

Navigon 7100

(Credit: Navigon)

Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking: "Great, just another company joining the GPS fray." But hold up; you might be interested in hearing about the Navigon 7100 and Navigon 5100. First unveiled at CeBit in March, these two portable navigation systems will both come to the United States and offer subscription-free real-time traffic data, Zagat Survey ratings, and reviews for points of interest, the company announced today. Other features include Reality View and Lane Assistant. The former gives you a 3D, virtual-reality view of complicated highway interchanges, while Lane Assistant will tell you which is the best lane for the selected route. Sounds pretty cool to me. The Navigon 7100 also has integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and text-to-speech functionality; it's expected to ship later this month for $649. Meanwhile, the Navigon 5100 offers many of the same features minus the Bluetooth and goes for around $500. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel with these GPS devices, so check back soon for our full review.

Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie.
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Is Navigon the new kid in town?
by AngelArs July 13, 2007 12:09 PM PDT
Looks like Navigon could be the company that finally knocks Garmin off its
pedistal...
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Free traffic is the next killer app...
by CBaxter13 August 1, 2007 8:49 PM PDT
If this is true, then Navigon is delivering something pretty cool that no one else in GPS is matching right now. On my Garmin 680 I have traffic but have to pay over $60 a year. Drop the monthlies and let it work out of the box! The design looks sharp too.
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didn't live up to hype
by roadlife September 13, 2007 5:44 AM PDT
sadly customers report really bad problems, especially bad customer service. see gpspassion forums.

also see gpspassion forums for problems that occurred with this product being shilled.
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