JVC KD-NX5000 Review (KDNX5000)

In-dash GPS navigation is now possible for single DIN receiver locations. All it takes is a quick and simple installation of a standard size stereo and you may have your in dash navigation. There are many advantages to having a navigation system in your vehicle. You could probably think about most of the implications yourself, things such as arriving on time, the inconvenience of getting lost, and getting in trouble by loved ones. There is one more advantage that most people hadn't thought of until now: it could save you gas money! Getting lost costs you fuel. With gasoline averaging near $5.00/gallon, the KD-NX5000 could be an "excessive-gasoline-consumption" preventive measure.Single DIN Navigation?
This single DIN navigation receiver features a 3.5" LCD monitor that will display map and navigation information, as well as your DVDs, DivX, and other popular media formats. Though most people would complain that the screen is too small, we were actually quite content with its size. Remember that most portable GPS units feature a 3.5" screen as well. It was only in recent times that companies began releasing larger screen GPS units.

Unlike other in-dash GPS navigation units, this one is single DIN, capable of being installed in a wider array of vehicles. Users won't have to worry much about incompatible dashboard configuration, obstructions, or other installation worries that generally come with double DIN or flip-out retractable single DIN receivers.Navigation Features
The JVC KD-NX5000 features a high sensitivity WAAS capable GPS receiver. WAAS is a similar technology that is implemented in aeronautics and marine GPS navigation systems. It ensures maximum coverage with incredible accuracy regardless of elevation, terrain, or angle. In addition, the GPS system is built-in to the hard drive of the receiver, ensuring quick-access navigation that is lacking in many of the other DVD-based GPS navigation devices. There are over 13 million points of interest (POI) stored in the KD-NX5000, featuring a NAVTEQ based map database that covers all of the United States, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands. There is also a radio-based traffic receiver that is capable of displaying upcoming traffic alerts in most major metropolitan areas.

Audio, Video, and more
The unit features a capability to playback many of today's popular media formats such as DivX/DivX Ultra, MPEG1 or MPEG2, MP3, and WMA. It also has some room in the hard drive for users to store media files in the hard drive. The JVC KD-NX5000 even showcases gold plated RCA outputs, which could be used to expand your existing audio system into a high-fidelity listening experience. There are also inputs for Satellite Radio (both SIRIUS and XM) as well as expandability for most dockable iPods and Bluetooth capable devices (additional accessories required).

Overall
The JVC KD-NX5000 is a great single DIN GPS navigation unit to have, especially for those lacking double DIN in-dash slots. It comes with a hefty price, but some could appreciate many of its unique features such as its internal hard drive for media storage. The KD-NX5000 has excellent navigation features, but its small screen size may be cumbersome to many people.

JVC KW-NX7000 Review, Part I: Navigation & Display

JVC is soon releasing its own double DIN in dash navigation unit to compete with the June debut of Pioneer's F-series GPS navigation systems. The JVC KW-NX7000 in dash navigation is one of many new-generation navigation units available to consumers to date.Display
The JVC KW-NX7000 features a large 7" LCD touchscreen that fills up almost the entire panel. The screen is centered but leaves about 1/4" trimming at the bottom side of the panel, allowing for 6 buttons and remote sensors to be placed there. The picture displayed on the 7" LCD monitor is rich in color and high in contrast, capable of displaying crystal clear movies and navigation functions even under the most glaring sunlight environment.Navigation
The KW-NX7000 finds itself in a fierce competition with the recent release of similar in-dash GPS navigation units. However, the JVC KW-NX7000 is one of the best when it comes to GPS usability. The on screen menu buttons are large and definitely easy to select, instead of smaller touchscreen buttons that are difficult to be precise in pressing them.The built-in navigation technology utilized by JVC is WAAS capable, which is the same GPS technology used on many aviation navigation systems-- a system that will ensure maximum coverage and accuracy when traveling at various speeds and elevations. In addition, the unit contains maps of the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and even the U.S. Virgin Islands with text-to-speech technology that supports 10 different languages. Whereas most units do not have the text-to-speech technology, the JVC KW-NX7000 features an intelligent computer that is capable of pronouncing exact street names and numbers from the on-board map database containing over 12 million points of interest.The JVC KW-NX7000 could also receive traffic data through a radio-based traffic receiver that capable of displaying traffic information on upcoming roads on the screen. In addition, the KW-NX7000 displays company logo icons of well known points of interest such as Shell or Mobil gas stations on the screen as you pass by. There is also a speed limit notification with speeding alerts and other driver-friendly tools such as ETA counter, distance calculator, and multi-dimensional navigation perspectives.

Continue to Part II: Media & Expandability

Amcor 3600B Review

Hands down, this may be one of the cheapest GPS navigation units out there. Given the price, it is pretty basic but it does have a series of crucial features that will set this above other lower-tier GPS navigation systems.

The Amcor 3600B is priced at under $190, a very affordable price for anyone to drool over. This GPS device features a compact 3.5" LCD screen that is above average in contrast and clarity, with a brightness rating of 300 cd/m2. What's nice about the compact screen is its incredibly thin chassis, measuring at only under 3/4". The Amcor 3600B could fit in anyone's pocket or purse, or even tucking it away in the glove compartment or the center console.

The Amcor 3600B has a built-in Centrality Atlas II processor, clocked at 300 MHz. The processor is a little bit slower than most of today's portable GPS navigation devices that feature 350 MHz or 400 MHz processors. To compensate for it, Amcor designed the 3600B with a built-in 64MB RAM that would be able to handle greater demands by the user. It also has a high-sensitivity SiRF STAR III GPS receiver chipset, an identical chipset found in most major brands GPS systems such as Garmin, TomTom, or Magellan. The SiRF Star III is also capable of locking on to 20 different GPS orbital satellites, allowing for maximum coverage and accuracy while navigating. The internal map database is TeleAtlas-based, so you know you're navigating with accurate readings and pre-loaded maps. However, Amcor never specified how many points of interest it has. We suspect that for the price, it probably features anywhere from 1.5 - 3 million points of interest (POI).

The Amcor 3600B features audio and video playback capabilities through its SD/MMC card input. The unit supports MP3, WAV, AVI, BITMAP (BMP), JPEG/JPG, GIF, and even PNG. What's amazing about the Amcor 3600B is of course its price, but with such a low price, it's amazing to find that the Amcor 3600B features a built-in Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling capable of displaying call status and caller ID on the screen. It also features a mini-USB port for updates or SD/MMC card access through PC, as well as a 3.5mm audio output to connect the unit to your existing car audio system.

For the price that it's set at, it's almost too good to be true. It is a compact and smaller than most GPS units, but the Amcor 3600B packs so many features and even a Bluetooth feature that is definitely hard to resist. If you're looking for a basic and cheap navigation device with Bluetooth capabilities, you'll likely to find it in the Amcor 3600B.