Clarion EZD580 (EZD 580) Review

Clarion released a very attractive portable GPS navigation device in the EZD580. The design is very sleek with metallic and black trims. It's full of features and is capable of high-demand performance while navigating, such as audio/picture playback and traffic reception.
The Clarion EZD580 has a nice 4.3" widescreen LCD touch-panel. It's amazingly crisp and clear, providing drivers a much easier view of the maps as well as the menus. What we really liked about the EZD580 is the ultra-bright contrasting route-highlight that is highly distinguishable from the rest of the map. This makes navigation much easier in huge cities or metropolitan areas such as New York or Los Angeles. In addition, the graphic user interface of the EZD580 is very modern-looking, giving that "I got a new high-tech gadget" feel when purchased.

The menus and indicators are pretty self-explanatory and simple to use. But what we didn't like were the relatively small navigation tools such as estimated time of arrival, speedometer, and next-step distance. Though it is on a 4.3" screen, small indicators will nonetheless make it much harder for drivers to see and use.
This GPS navigation device features a high-sensitivity SiRF STAR III GPS chipset that is capable of tracking up to 20 GPS signals from orbital satellites, ensuring high-accuracy and maximum coverage wherever you are. With it comes coverage of all 50 US states as well as Canada with 12 million points of interest. In addition, there is text-to-speech technology built-in the Clarion EZD580, allowing the device to speak street names instead of just "Turn left in 500 yards". The Clarion EZD580 could also display lane and posted signs, notifying you of speed limits and various lane changes.
It is also capable of Bluetooth wireless connectivity with your phone, allowing for hands-free phone calls and even streaming audio from a capable mobile device. If you think it's hard to hear the caller, you could even hook up the 3.5mm headphone jack output to your auxiliary input of your existing car audio system for both phone audio and audio/picture playback from an SD card.
The Clarion EZD580 could read both SD and MMC cards and is also High-Capacity Card compatible, allowing users a maximum of 4GB of storage. You could even connect it to your PC and use the EZD580 as a portable card reader. From it, users could play their favorite MP3 or WMA files along with their playlists (.M3U files). Want to show your friends some pictures? Don't worry, the EZD580 also supports JPEG and BMP files, displaying them like an album thumbnails or slideshow.

Last, but not least, the Clarion EZD580 is capable of radio-based RDS-TMC traffic information allowing drivers to be notified of upcoming traffic congestions and incidents. In addition, the Clarion EZD580 could route alternate paths around heavy traffic or accidents, saving precious hours of your day!

When fully charged, the Clarion EZD580 could last up to 4 hours on its own internal power source. This stylish and high-performing GPS navigation device will sure to satisfy your navigation needs and impress you with its versatility as a driver's tool. Look for the Clarion EZD580 as it begins to appear in stores!

TomTom GO 730T Review (Tom Tom 730)

The TomTom GO 730T may be considered a more advanced GPS system. It is virtually identical to the TomTom Go 930, except that it does not feature the innovative accelerometer. They're essentially upgrades from the older TomTom Go 920 and 720, but it features a couple of new features. We'll start the review with the current features and end the review with the new features.

The TomTom Go 730T features a very nice 4.3" touchscreen LCD with 400 MHz processor that will definitely eliminate any laggy or sluggish navigation performance. In addition, whereas most GPS navigation devices today features a 16MB or 32MB internal RAM, the TomTom 730T features a larger 64MB RAM with 2GB internal flash memory. The combination of these features sets the TomTom Go 730T far above most navigation units with speed and fluid performance.
There is also an SD and MMC card reader, allowing users to play their favorite music on the TomTom 730T. There is also a built-in FM transmitter that will allow users to use their FM radio to receive music from the TomTom 730T. From experience, it is very difficult to get a clear signal on any FM transmitter built-in a GPS device. Most users will need to really park their car and find the right frequency to set the strongest signal. Don't expect the FM transmitter as the way to listen to your portable media!

A great feature of the TomTom 730T is the ability for it to interface wirelessly with Bluetooth capable devices. This will allow drivers to make hands free phone calls while displaying the caller ID and call status on the unit's 4.3" widescreen display. Don't forget that for Californians, it is mandated by law that drivers use hands-free kits when making phone calls; the law comes into effect July 1, 2008-- giving authorities the right to fine drivers $25 for the first offense and $50 per additional offense.

The TomTom 730T could interact with other TomTom "Buddies"; which are TomTom users capable of networking. Imagine going out and seeing your friends out there-- the unit will indicate where they are! In addition, it is capable of receiving local weather information, traffic condition, and other TomTom Plus add-ons and services.

This portable GPS navigation device is definitely one of the most high-performing GPS devices as of late. The high-tech key features of the TomTom 730T are its innovative Lane Guidance system that notify drivers of actual lane changes on the plotted path. This gives the high something worth buying for as it is virtually unheard of in the GPS world. If that doesn't gain your attention, the TomTom 730T features the unique ability to retrieve historical vehicle speeds within a path, instead of just posted speed limits. This gives the user a much more accurate reading of the fastest route. However, the unit is a bit pricey for the lack of 3.5mm headphone jack auxiliary output. But it does have a lot of fun features that keeps you connected with your TomTom friends, as well as hands free calling.

Note: TomTom 730 is the standard version without traffic services; the TomTom 730T features traffic services

Magellan Triton 2000 Review

We realize that hikers need GPS navigation too. Where in the city you would need to navigate the streets, hikers would need to navigate trails. The Magellan Triton 2000 could do both. This hand-held waterproof navigation device is the perfect combination for the multi-dimensional traveler.

Pros
Keep in mind that the unit is a hand-held navigation device, not a mount-style navigation unit. Having said that, a 2.7" LCD touchscreen isn't a bad size. This screen delivers high quality images with brilliant colors and high contrast. The Triton 2000 showcases an array of features that would benefit hikers. One is an integrated LED flashlight that would provide great illumination for late evening treks. Magellan has designed the Triton 2000 to integrate the LED flashlight with minimal power consumption and is built for the battery to last as long as possible.
Another hiker-minded feature of the Triton 2000 is the electronic compass that would give the user an accurate compass reading of a location, whether standing still or hiking. It also has a barometric pressure monitor that provides accurate readings of weather and elevation changes. The Triton 2000 offer users the capability to display topographic maps, as well as marine cartography. In addition, the GPS receiver on the Triton 2000 is also very sensitive and highly accurate; and when coupled with the SiRFstarIII processor, the unit will navigate smooth and lag-free.

Now you're probably thinking "I want to pack light." Don't worry because when you bring the Triton 2000 with you, you wouldn't have to bring your digital camera. The Triton 2000 features a 2 mega pixel built-in camera. Now you can navigate and take pictures with the same unit. This highly versatile portable navigation device has a recorder, a media player, and an SD Card reader that will allow users to upload various topographical or cartographic maps, as well as media files.

Finally, this hiker's GPS navigation device is also capable of being mounted on a bicycle or any vehicle with the purchase of additional accessories. It even has a headphone output jack for an enjoyable hiking experience.

Cons
The price. The unit is expensive, listed at $499 MSRP. If you don't need all the bells and whistles of the Triton 2000, we suggest the Triton 1500, which is $399 MSRP but does not feature the barometric pressure monitor or the built-in digital camera.

Triton Series Comparison Chart

There is also the Triton 500, priced at $249 MSRP. It features everything but a 2.2" LCD display instead of the 2.7", no media playback, no camera, and no audio outputs. The Triton 400 is priced at $199 MSRP with the features of the Triton 500 but with no barometric pressure monitor and no compass sensors. The Triton 300 is set at $149 MSRP with everything Triton 400 features but with no SD card reader. The Triton 200 is set at $129 MSRP, which features similarly as the Triton 300 but with less points of interest.

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Pioneer AVIC-F700BT / AVIC-F900BT / AVIC-F90BT Review

TO BE RELEASED JUNE 2008

When the AVIC-D3 came out last year, the car audio industry was deeply impressed by Pioneer's ability to seamlessly integrate an aftermarket in-dash navigation system to make it look like an OEM system. Consumers and experts alike agree that the AVIC-D3 looked as good as it performed. However, many were still skeptical about its cumbersome DVD navigation system-- forcing users to shuffle for discs while switching from media playback to navigation.
On April 19, 2008, Pioneer had a press release that announced the upcoming release of the AVIC-F series. They boast a truly innovative navigation with feature-packed media playback capabilities. There will be three levels of the AVIC-F release: AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and Premier AVIC-F90BT.

Intelligent Voice Recognition
All of them feature a voice-recognition system that is both intelligent and conversational. You may be annoyed by the voice command system of your phone... you know what we mean because you've experienced trying to dial a friend by saying his or her name 4 or 5 times before you get it right. The voice command system is a lot like that found in the new Ford Fusion. Just like the Fusion, you could tell it to play songs from a specified artist. In addition,

"The AVIC-F Series systems also allow conversational elements from the user’s speech such as stumbles and pauses without failing the command. For example, when the user says, “I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas,” the system distinguishes the command phrase from the extra unwanted words to perform the desired function. In the hands-free phone mode with a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the system utilizes intent recognition. From a command such as, “Call Robert Smith,” the AVIC-F systems can identify the contact without specifying the category it is stored in the phone. These units will prompt users with additional information by responding, “I have three numbers for Robert Smith – home, mobile and office. Which would you like to call?” The user can then provide the additional information without restating the command." -- Pioneer USA Press Release 04/19/2008

Similarities and Differences Between Each Model
The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT all feature the same 5.8" LCD touchscreen monitor. The screen is smaller than the AVIC-D3, but not by much. In exchange for the smaller monitor, users will also experience (what seemed to us) a much clearer display and a greatly improved graphical user interface. All three in dash navigation units are capable of receiving Satellite and HD Radio with additional, but optional, accessories. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT also features AAC, MP3, and WMA playback capabilities through USB, SD, and standard CD medias. However, the AVIC-F700BT does not feature any DVD playback capabilities. On the other hand, the AVIC-F900BT and the AVIC-F90BT could play DVD movies. Without the DVD playback capabilities, the AVIC-F700BT is rendered much more affordable at an MSRP that is set at $850. But expect retailers worldwide to sell them at around $650-$700.

All three double DIN receivers have built-in Bluetooth technology and could also control and receive audio and video signals from iPods or iPod Videos. However, only the Premier AVIC-F90BT includes the cable adapter that interfaces the iPod to the unit. The Premier AVIC-F90BT also features 3D landmark icons and a built-in MSN receiver which allows the unit to receive traffic conditions, fuel prices, local weather information, and personalized local city navigation by the MSN network. The Premier AVIC-F90BT also features an enhanced high voltage RCA preamp outputs as well as a 2-year warranty. The list price for the Premier AVIC-F90BT is set at $1200.

The borderline unit, AVIC-F900BT also features DVD playback, and an MSN receiver. However, it does not feature the 3D landmark icon. It comes with standard preamp outputs, iPod audio/video capable but without interface cable, and a 1-year warranty instead of a 2-year warranty. The AVIC-F900BT is set at a list price of $1100.

Navigation Features
A greatly feature aspect of the AVIC-F series from any previous Pioneer AVIC units is the implementation of a built-in navigation system instead of a DVD navigation. You will no longer need to shuffle for discs or stop listening to your favorite CD while navigating, but instead you could do everything virtually at the same time. The unit features a TeleAtlas map database of all 50 states of the US, as well as Canada.

The built-in navigation system also features 12 million points of interest, which should cover all your favorite hot-spots and hang-out places. Of course, what good would all these features be if it doesn't have Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, right? Don't worry, the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and Premier AVIC-F90BT all feature TTS technology that give drivers instructions with real street names being spoken instead of distance to turn which could be hard to determine.

More navigation features will be reviewed here as soon as we get our hands on the products

Seamless Integration
What the AVIC-D3 excelled in was integration. It truly amazes every AVIC-D3 owner when they see how great the AVIC-D3 could fit into any dashboard of any vehicle. So Pioneer did the right thing and kept the feature for the AVIC-F series. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will all feature up to 32,768 user selectable colors. There is not a dashboard on this planet that the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will not fit into.

Other Features
As we conclude, we'll also point out that the AVIC-F units could also display any secondary source audio and video including back up cameras. You could even wire up your favorite gaming console or any other external sources you want to hook up.

In the end, the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will highly be anticipated. Though our review here is limited to what Pioneer has released, additional information will be added as soon as actual products are released. With all the great features, improved software and interface, built-in GPS navigation, and a highly intelligent voice command, it seems that the AVIC-F could sell itself with these features. If you're looking to get the better version of the AVIC-D3, this is it!

First Look Video Review

Magellan Maestro 4250 (Maestro4250) Review

Winner of the CES Innovations Award of 2008 Design and Engineering Award in In-Vehicle Navigation, the Magellan Maestro 4250 is an extremely impressive portable GPS navigation unit.
The Maestro 4250 features a standard 4.3" LCD touchscreen display. The colors are vividly rich and the contrast is impressive, making it visible in direct sunlight or bright viewing environment. The entire unit is quite possibly the thinnest available on the market, measuring at a little under 3/4" thick.

But Magellan did not sacrifice functionality and features for its compact design. In fact, if anything, Magellan packed more features than anyone thought possible in such a thin product. For starters, its fast internal SiRFstarIII™ internal processor will give users a fast-response navigation, eliminating any worries of laggy or stuttering navigation. The Maestro 4250 also features 6 million points of interest, which is an average number of POI for GPS systems today. However, it makes up for in its integration of AAA's Tourbook database, which allow AAA members a guide for nearest AAA-discounted attractions, restaurants, and hotels. In addition, the AAA feature in the Maestro 4250 has a Roadside Assistance ability in the case of an emergency for members.

The Magellan Maestro 4250 has built-in Bluetooth technology, allowing drivers to communicate with hands-free calling with call status and caller ID displayed on the Maestro 4250 LCD screen and you could even import your phonebook and dial from the unit.

This compact GPS navigation unit also features an intelligent Voice Command feature that allows a driver to tell the unit where to go without reaching over and stretching to command the GPS unit via its touchscreen. The voice command is most certainly a unique and innovative feature for any GPS navigation units, a huge plus that sets the Maestro 4250 above many of its competitors. Of course, the Maestro 4250 could speak back to the user... not literally of course; but it does feature text-to-speech technology that enables the device to actually say street names like "Turn left on Smith Street" instead of just the vague "Turn left in 500 yards."

Another great feature of the Maestro 4250 is its ability to coordinate its re-routing calculation with the built-in traffic information receiver; which gives the unit the unique ability to re-route drivers around heavy or slow traffic. It also has an easy-access SD Card reader, day/night lighting modes, multi-perspective navigation, and maps of the US (all 50 states), Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The Magellan Maestro 4250 is indeed an excellent ingenuity that comes at an above average price. With all the features and unique functions, this easy-to-use GPS navigation device will surely impress consumers for many years.

Dual XDVDN8290 (XDVDN-8290) Review

The Dual XDVDN8290 stands out as a high quality all-in-one in dash navigation system. If you ask any car audio enthusiast a couple years ago on what they think about Dual audio, they would've said "Don't buy Dual audio." However, more and more people today are recognizing that Dual is a brand to reckon with. The good news with Dual audio video products is the fact that they're a relatively young company means that you will often find their products a bit cheaper than most other major brands. Fear not, their quality and design have far improved than where they were years ago. With all that in mind, let's review the XDVDN8290.

Display
The Dual XDVDN8290 features a double DIN 6.5" LCD touchscreen display that is both bright and high contrasting colors. This makes the screen much easier to see in direct sunlight, which drivers complain most about during the morning and evening hours when the sun is at the right angle to shine through the car windows. The unit even includes a Stylus-type pointer pen that allow users the option of using the pen instead of their fingers for greater accuracy and much less finger print smudges.
Audio and Video Features
Just like many Dual audio and video components, the XDVDN8290 features a high-power MOSFET power supply. Because it could put out 5.1 surround sound, this double DIN in dash navigation could produce a maximum 60 watts into each 5 channels. In addition, the XDVDN8290 is capable of multi-zone output, which allows rear seat passengers to play different medias than the front seat passengers.

Unlike most in-dash receivers, the unit also features a 24-bit D/A converter whereas most other units' 8-bit D/A converter. With this feature, users will be able to experience much better sound quality from their audio sources. In addition, it has 4 sets of RCA preamp outputs, which will allow you to expand the audio output into more complex car audio system.

If you're looking to play DVDs, you're in good hands. The XDVDN8290 features a 5.1 capable output with Dolby Digital and ProLogic II encoding capable. If you have DVD±R/RW, don't worry because it could play those too.

Expandability
As mentioned before, the XDVDN8290 features 4 sets of 2V preamp outputs. It also features built-in Bluetooth technology with an integrated microphone. This will allow you to do hands-free calling while driving and the unit will display call status and caller ID on its 6.5" LCD screen. It also features a built-in iPod direct connection, capable of controlling and playing your iPod. To top it all off, the Dual XDVDN8290 includes a remotely mounted auxiliary input adapter that could take RCA audio and video with an additional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Oh wait! There's one more! It even has an SD Card reader located on the front panel of the XDVDN8290. How about that for a plethora of options? The only bad thing about the XDVDN8290 is the lack of Satellite or HD Radio expandability options. This is quite surprising for a product so full of features, yet lacking in two increasingly popular expansions.

Navigation
This is what you've been waiting for, I know. But you wouldn't appreciate the unit if you hadn't known about the other features it has. In any case, you would be impress regardless.

The navigation component of the XDVDN8290 features a built-in navigation software with 2GB of included SD Card full of US and Canada maps. There are pros and cons to this. First the great thing is the fact that you do not have to switch in and out the navigation data through the disc slot. Unlike the AVIC-D3, you could keep your favorite CD playing while you're navigating, so that isn't a problem. However, you still have to swap the SD card, which for most people isn't a big deal.

It features 10 million points of interest. This number sets the XDVDN8290 quite above average when it comes to POIs. Remember that most navigation units have approximately 6 million or less. It is capable of split-screen navigation as well, allowing 2 angle view of the road ahead in either day or night modes. The unit also features the standard turn-by-turn technology with voice guidance, but no text-to speech technology.

In the end, the Dual XDVDN8290 is a great unit to have. If you don't mind not being able to upgrade your system with HD or Satellite Radio, then it's a nice unit to have. It's packed with features and the built-in iPod connection as well as the built-in Bluetooth adds a nice touch to the unit. Where as most major brands would price this at over $1000, you'll be able to find this unit for under $900.

Jensen NVXM1000 (Rock N Road) Review

It is truly a pleasant surprise to see Jensen make it in the GPS navigation competition, but are their products worth the buzz? Debuting this quarter, the NVXM1000, AKA “Rock-N-Road” is a portable GPS navigation device with lots of rare features.
You’ll notice its screen is the standard portable GPS size, measuring at 4”. It is an LCD touchscreen display and it is capable of displaying both maps and digital media information. The colors and contrast depth is pretty average, and not enough to impress. There’s just something about the color. It’s not bad, but it has rather that dull look. From our experience, un-contrasting colors and less sharp images on portable navigation devices tend to be hard to see in direct sunlight. This may be quite problematic for those who travel often during rush hour when the sun is right in the line of sight of the navigation device.

However, with that put aside, the NVXM1000 does present itself well with several interesting and useful features. You’ll notice that on its left side it has two slots: one for an SD Card undoubtedly, but one for another similarly-shaped port that’s slightly bigger. This larger port is for an XM Radio mini tuner, which acts much like an SD Card. The mini-tuner is sold separately, but to have this feature means that you instantly have the option to having an XM radio in your vehicle, or wherever you go, thanks to this XM Satellite radio ingenuity. This means that users will have 170 XM channels as well as XM NavTraffic—a feature that allow drivers to check local real-time traffic reports.

The navigation unit is a NavTeq based system with over 11 million points of interest. It has maps of the United States as well as Canada. However, we are a little bit concerned of its processor. The Rock-N-Hard navigation unit only features a 300MHz Atlas II processor. In our experience anything slower than 400MHz tends to perform sluggishly and would frustrate drivers in busy locations such as metropolitan areas. In addition, for a unit that boasts 11 million POIs in 8GB of internal hard drive space, it only features a 64MB RAM. So now you have a slow processor, with a ton of things to do and display.

Another bad aspect of the NVXM1000 is its awkward shape. It’s not a great symmetrical design, and makes mounting a harder task, especially for those of us who wish to have a more integrated look in our vehicles.
The NVXM1000 Rock-N-Road has great concept ideas, but needs to implement these ideas with better components and features. It’s also a bit expensive for its bulkiness. Its design appear to have come from the 1990s and doesn’t present itself to be impressive.

Valor NVG-670W Review

You, like many other millions of consumers worldwide, want a product that features plenty of options and functions with the lowest cost possible. It’s completely understandable because it is the typical consumer mindset. Double DIN navigation with 6.5” LCD monitor typically sell at around $750 to more than $1000 per unit. But look take a look at the Valor NVG-670W, a feature packed in-dash navigation with plenty of “bang” and a lot less bucks than more popular navigation units.

The first thing you’ll notice is the 6.5” LCD touchscreen display on the front panel. It is centered but bordered by a row of buttons on each side of the screen. This configuration does not make the unit appear to have an off-center installation like the Pioneer AVIC-D3. In addition, the DVD slot input is actually hidden behind the screen which gives it an even cleaner installation look.

The navigation unit is built-in but requires the included DVD media for it to function but still leaves the SD Card port and the USB input completely free for your audio or video uses. It is also capable of navigating in 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional course-plotting and features over 11 million points of interests (POI) and instructs drivers with vocal guidance.

Its multimedia features include the capability for it to play DVD±R/RW, CD-DA, SVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, AVI, XviD, JPEG, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, MP3, and WMA in NTSC or PAL color format. Evidently, the Valor NVG-670W does not leave anything out and could play virtually any media format the world has to offer. The in dash receiver is also capable of dual zone audio output, giving the rear seat passengers the ability to listen to a different media than the front seat passengers. It also features a 24-Bit 192 kHz DAC with high and low pass crossover filters, which gives significant enhancement to the sound quality it puts out. You’ll also be able to expand with its front, rear, center, and subwoofer 2.5V preamp outputs, optional Sirius or XM Satellite Radio, and iPod capabilities. It even includes an iPod adapter and also built-in Bluetooth that will allow you to speak wirelessly through your existing car audio system, providing you with a safer way to communicate while on the road.

It is with no doubt that the Valor NVG-670W is a product to be reckoned with, especially true with its plethora of features and multimedia functions, built-in Bluetooth technology, integrated navigation unit, and a large 6.5” LCD touchscreen display. All this can be yours for less than $700!