NAVIGON 2100 Max
Today at CeBIT, NAVIGON announced a new GPS in their North American lineup, the 2100 Max. The biggest difference the “max” offers over the 2100 is a widescreen display.
“NAVIGON is building on the same product strategy that drove our success last year. We are committed to providing GPS systems with features that are relevant to the navigation experience,” said Andreas Hecht, NAVIGON’s President for the Americas. “We believe we’ve raised the bar with a competitively priced, feature-packed GPS device.”
The NAVIGON 2100 Max comes with a 4.3″ touch screen display, as well as text to speech. Like other NAVIGON products, the 2100 Max offers Reality View which provides more life-like pictures of major highway exits and interchanges.
NAVIGON is also now offering a feature called “DirectHelp” which is similar to safety features Garmin and TomTom have recently introduced. This feature will let you know your current location and provides fast access to emergency POIs such as hospitals.
Another new feature from NAVIGON is “FreshMaps” which will be an optional purchase. For $79, the cost of most individual map updates, you can purchase a “subscription” and receive up to 12 map updates in a three year period.
Other advanced features offered include a Lane Assistant, Route Planning with multi destination routing, and speed warnings.
Have you been able to download the zipped file version? As of 2 days ago, the link was still bad (it was bad when I first tried it a week ago). If you call support they will initially say it works. I do not know how the Mac users have been doing the upgrade. And yes, the maps are still Q3 as shown when you try to select another map set. It says Continental US Q3 maps right on your 2100 Max.
I used Navigon Fresh and I had the SD card in my reader on PC. Mine said North America Version Q3 2008 under map display. My product Version is 7.3.2 Build 39. Did not try the Zip file, did not have much success before loading it.
I am a paramedic and decided to buy a GPS unit. I did read some reviews on the Navigon from Amazon and thought it would be a good unit to purchase. The region that i work in as a paramedic you are sometimes sent in different areas that you are not familiar with, our dispatch can see us on their computers but we do not have screen in the ambulances.
The issue with the Demo mode in the store is that the Navigon maps are on the memory card, so some stores do not put the memory cards in the units so they dont get stollen, the salesman went and got the memory card and then I could play with it, put in an address and it would gove me a simulation because their was no satellite signal in the store.
This was my first GPS unit, and when we got an emergency call in the ambulance I inputed the address and it was all good. My partner had never used one before, and he got on it durring our next call and he had no issues with it. I am using this in emergency situation and I dont find an issue with response times. I dont know what some of the others are talking about.
I would recommend this unit
The zip files are working now. The maps in the zipped files still shows Q3. They are exactly the same as the ones that you get using Navigon Fresh. Support says they show Q3 but they are the latest.
Recently purchased the Navigon 2100 Max and I was very impressed. Responded well whilst driving around and always gave the correct route, took me straight to my destination with no problems.
The only slight issue I found was that the suction cup is very weak and the sat nav fell off the windscreen a couple of times, particularly over bumps, etc.
But overall its a really good unit.
I’ve been using this unit for about 6 months, and really like it. The start-up times are not bad, good features, and liked the improvment from the software upgrade. I think for the price this unit is hard to beat. The accent on the text-to-speech voice is pretty interesting, too. I would really like to find a right-angle adapter for the power cord though, coming from the bottom straight down is a little bothersome. Overall, it does what is is supposed to do.
Saw on another forum that their is suppose to be a Map update by end of Jan 09
The current maps on the 2100Max shows Q3. The webiste does say they have another set for Jan 09. Let’s see. I just got a 7200T, sweet unit! The GUI is the same as the 2100MAX (updated with FreshMaps). The voice entry is a nice touch. The bluetooh works great as well.
I had a pioneer avic N-3 in my last car. I have been using the 2100 max for three weeks now and have done the freshmaps update. I have found this unit to be easier to use than the pioneer. I would have to say for the price this one of the best units out there.Initial fix for satalites takes about 20 second but after that re-rout is faster than the avic was on it’s best day.
Just got a E-mail, 4Q updates are avaiable for the 2100MAX. Will give me something to do tonight
Got the email as well. Called support and they said it is new and it is for the 2100Max (I have a 7200T also). I downloaded the ZIP file which is named Q4_2008 so that I can compare the files. So far, they look the same. The maps are still named Q3 like “California_Q3_2008.map”. I did a binary compare of the map file from the last update (post Nov 5 2008) and this new one. Same file. So if you have updated after Nov 5, there is no change with the maps or POI.
I regret to say that I’m returning my 2120Max that I bought this Christmas. I read on many blogs and did my research before committing to this brand and now I’m disappointed. I’ll keep this short:
- it froze on me and I had to reset
- it does not seem to charge fully and definitely did not last for 4hrs
- entering new destination sometimes got difficult and I need to abort and retry.
- not easy to find restaurants and shops
BTW. I’m a real customer and I really thought Navigon was a good value regardless of the critics.
Hi All, I am waiting for delivery of my 2100max, I intially bought a TT. I went to update maps on my mac but the TT was wiped of everything so my question is the 2100max compatible for mac? i guess i should of checked before i purchased this gps.
Yes, it will work with your Mac. You will hate the GPS though. It is a piece of garbage Let us know when you sell it & get something else. I went back to a Garmin as soon as I sold the crappy Navigon. I can’t believe people buy these things. Look at all the negative reviews of it here. Learn from our mistakes!
Brent, I was just wondering if you have given up on this GPS unit why do you continually come back to this website to bash it? Have you done any of the updates on your unit? Oh thats right you dont have one anymore!Did you ever use the traffic feature or the fresh maps? 3 years of quarterly updates (12)at retail cost through the company for maps is about 1/3rd the pice thay are for ONE pioneer update. Most of the negatives you talk about have been addressed by Navigon. How long has garmin been in the game and been able to tweek their units? You should let other people give this unit and Navigon itself a chance.
Thats a great question Gary. I am trying to save others from making the mistake I did. That and the fact it sends me comments automatically now. I rarely see them in stores anymore. If they have improved… great! It was much needed. They still don’t include Canadian maps, nor will they make them available to you. Why wouldn’t they make their updates less money, they need something to entice new buyers. I choose to stick with a proven product. Maybe someday they will be as good as some others out there. But until then, they are not a consideration for me, and I hope others learn from my mistake of purchasing one.
I’m going to add my 5 cents. If you feel you made a mistake in purchasing your Navigon, by all means go buy another. And also while you are trying to discourage others from buying the Navigon, I think I’ll encourage them. While my 2100 Max hasn’t been 100% perfect every single time, it is by far better than the Nav unit that was in my Acura TL. I found the voice to be pleasant and understandable unless the volume was cranked up too high. I can also read the text – when I can’t read it, it’s probably due to the fact I’m not wearing my glasses, which I need to read most things. GPS included. As far as routing, I’ve traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast including the DC area, Baltimore, Philly, etc. some of the more congested areas, and the 2100 Max performed beautifully. I am sorry you are so upset with the Navigon people, but like most things that can be bought, some people just aren’t happy and don’t have a pleasant experience. While you unfortunately had that, and I’m sorry for your frustration, mine has been quite the opposite. I highly recommend the Navigon unit to anyone. Don’t even get me started on the traffic feature – man that thing rocks!
Hope you find the perfect GPS in your travels amigo.
Said it is Mac compatible.
Gary
Just used my 2100 on a trip to DC and Maryland and the traffic warnings were on the money every time
! This is a fantastic GPS.
Good to hear Dennis. i have had mine just delivered and will check it out tonight!!
Alas my 2100 max did not last one day. we took it out for a test drive the evening it arrived. It did not have certain street names that we major intersections and it was nearly 10 seconds behind from where i was. Although everyone had been slamming it I wanted to to give it a chance.
I have now gone for Garmin Nuvi 670 as it has maps of europe on there too! We shall see how that works out!!
Wow! I’m amazed to hear that. Maybe you either get a good one or a bad one. Sorry it sounds like you got a bad one.
Check out pro clips or any product like that. They are pricey but it is vehicle specific mounting for your navi.
Sorry, this is a response to # 105 Marks comment about the winshield suction cup being weak.
I have no regrets on my 2100max,it really works great!
I returned my Garmin nuvi760 at Costco after thee months use. What a crap.Garmin GPS is made in China.
Made in China Sucks!
You ever think that maybe the GPS didn’t work inside the building because you were inside a building? All the Garmin, TomTom, Magellan products I looked at in Sam’s Club, Best Buy, Circuit City and elsewhere didn’t work inside the building. Imagine that. I suppose a demo mode is better than \no signal\ and not being able to preview any functionality.
My 5 cents.
This is a great unit and if bought at Amazon.com they offer 2 year Freshmaps and Lifetime Traffic.
First of all 15% restocking fee is to charge morons who dont know how to use stuff and then return it with damaged packaging that has to be sent back to the manufacturer. It cost at least $20 for shipping to do this.
Second if you did your research FIRST then you would have know about the canadian map problem and small text. If you have fat fingers then either your a freak or your a fat ass lazy bastard that needs to work out.
just checked 2100Max 1Q 2009 is out.
loaded without any problems
Gary, Just wanted to say thank you so much for keeping us up to date with the updates! I sincerly think this is a great Navi unit and the current updates seem to make it better every time. Thanks again for looking out for the rest of us.
I just purchased FreshMaps and downloaded the Q1 20009 updates from Navigon. For some reason I couldnt get the FreshMaps application to read the SD card in my card reader, so I borrowed a USB to microUSB cable from a friend. That’s pretty cool that there isn’t a proprietary cable as this was his cell phone charge/synch cable.
I started the 1+ Gigabyte download at 9:25 a.m. and the product was fully downloaded and kicked off the extraction at 9:38 a.m. 13 minutes to download. I do have a kinda fast connection in case you’re wondering. My point here is that if there is a bottleneck, it’s not from the Navigon servers. The download then extracted and installed. The entire process was finished by 10:50. Not bad for an upgrade that large.
A side note, I had to call Navigon customer support because I couldnt activate FreshMaps. Support responded promptly, courteously and helped me realize that I really do need to wear my glasses and that my code didnt start with an ‘M’, but an ‘N’. (that’s the price of getting old!!)
I’ve notice immediately that the interface is different. The support guy told me that in the FreshMaps upgrade, I would receive the upgrade from MN6 to MN7. I verified that I am running MN7.3 now. First thoughts? It’s definitely faster. The UI (user interface) is better. Keying in an address (city, street, address) is faster. POI searches are faster and now it includes my WALMART!!! YAY!! (I actually hate Wal-Mart, but could never figure out why it wasnt a POI.) So far, I’m very excited and happy with the upgrade. I loved my 2100 Max before that, and now I love it more. I’ll post in the forum if there are any route calc improvements and if that mysterious U-turn issue has been resolved.
Hope this helps someone.
Robert
I just purchased the 2100max and it seems to be a little
slow at the intersections of streets. Is this due to not having the newest freshmap or what? thanks
roy
Roy – make sure you get the latest software. I have Freshmaps and the update last Nov dramatically improved the unit’s performance and GUI. Make sure you get the latest software update.
I’ll second that Benjamin. There is definite, marked improvement from the my original 2100 max and the Q1 2009 upgrade which included the upgrade to Mobile Navigator 7.3 (from MN6). ESPECIALLY route calcs and entering address data. I love the new UI as well.
thanks for the info, I have ordered it today. So far I am enjoying the little gadget. It has told me to turn right when I need to turn left each time I go home from town, but I know the way so it matters not. I do this to get used to using it.
roy
How do you have your routs set up? Fastest, Optimum, Or Shortest distance? That left turn you keep avoiding because you KNOW how to get home may actually get you home sooner.You should try it out when you have some time to kill. You can also change the rout calculations as mentioned above to see if it gives you the rout you normally travel. I was hesitant to try a rout my 2100 was suggesting then one day I finally tried the rout and saved 5min. on my daily trip. Have fun with it and try new routs.
It wouldn’t work, the right turn it tells me to take is across from the left turn that I need to make to get home, so if i listen to the gps I will be going away from home.
A few years ago, I looked my address up on the internet and it gave me the same thing. According to the internet map, I was down the road in the wrong direction.
thanks anywho for the tip. I will try setting the calculations to something else and see what happens though.
roy
It wouldn’t be due to the map version, no.
Roy,
What do exactly do you mean “slow at intersections”? do you mean as you navigate through an intersection, the unit doesn’t show your turn onto a street when you make the turn?
I’ll find some intersections and see what my unit with the latest map and Mobile Nav upgrade does. I’m in Houston at the moment so intersections are quite abundant.
I do know that the Q12009 update from a software perspective is well worth the money..
One time at higher speed it seems a little slow on when to turn. I was already past the intersection when it said to turn. I will keep an eye on this and see what happens.
thanks
At the point you enter an intersection you should have already recived at least one warning on when to turn. I would think you would want to already be looking for a street sign and not at your GPS. If you have not done the map update yet you should. it definetly does wonders to correct alot of the earlier issues.
Well, have had the 2100 max for about a week and am finding out how much I don’t know about these things, but I am truly enjoying this gadget. It is helping me get around even in a small town in areas that I normally have no idea of where I am going. In the big city, I expect to see a begger difference and more helpful. I must go to Pitt. PA at times and there it will come in handy. WHen I get the freshmap installed, I will let you all know what differences that it makes.Thanks to all who have tried to help me.
I just installed the 1st quarter maps and does it make a difference to the 2100 max. I did notice that I now live where I am supposed to, but there is a little mistake on where another business is located close to where I live. It just seems to be better and am more convinced as I learn how to use this gadget, the more I will be satisfied with.
thanks for all who trid to help. By the way, the fonts are larger in about three areas. That is nice.
roy
Have had the 2100 max for about a month, and am delighted with it. I replaced a Tom Tom One XLS which was replaced by Tom Tom four times without solving the voice problem. While I thought the Tom Tom was a very good unit, the 2100 max is far superior both in display and voice directions. The Reality View and Lane Assistant are outstanding.
I wish that it had more POIs (yes, I bought the Zagat add-on,) but it is still wasy to enter data. I have no trouble using the keypad, and I do have large hands.
Having free traffic, and inexpensive map updates (Tom Tom was $100 for a single update) is just icing on the cake.
Just one cavil. I really wish it had automatic day/night display switching.
You won’t be disappointed with this unit.
Do the 1Q 2009 update for Automatic day/night display
Gary
Thank you. I just went to the options page and found the automatic setting. I am now totally delighted with this unit.
Thanks Gary! I went through the options, but must have missed that one. Nice feature by Navigon. The more I use my unit with the Q12009 update, the more please I am. I know it’s still not a perfect unit, but thanks to this website, we don’t have to live under the illusion that there is such a thing as a perfect GPS. All I know is I’m very happy with my PND. The biggest improvement for me was in the address entering. It used to be sort of time consuming, but now it’s much more responsive. Oh yeah, I went out to my truck last night, just to see the automatice day/night adjustment. Worked like a champ! Thanks again for the tip!
I also just realized there is now a Route Planning utility in the Q12009. Holy Cow!!!
I’m loving this!
Gary,
My unit didn’t switch to night mode automatically even though it is set to automatic. Any ideas? BTW I know that the switch is time dependent, but this was 7:30pm EST.
Steve – yes, it is a time dependent setting and offset by the timezone. I believe the timezone is autodetected depending on the GPS location. You can open the ApplicationSettings.xml file and check out the sections:
0
3600
-
1
-
1
I have not tried it but you can try playing around with the sunset delay. I do not know if the values are in seconds or minutes.
Good Luck
Looks like the xml tags do not translate well. 2nd attempt:
TimeZone
AutoDetection 1 /AutoDetection
/TimeZone
Time
SetOnFirstGPS 1 /SetOnFirstGPS
/Time
DayNightSwitching>
SunRiseDelay 0/SunRiseDelay
SunSetDelay 3600 /SunSetDelay
/DayNightSwitching
To further improve map accuracy, please report it using the link to navteq website http://mapreporter.navteq.com/dur-web-external/
I bought a Navigon 2200T for [deleted] and it is a nightmare. Doesn’t lock a satellite signal indoors ever ( it did once but that’s about it!). Outdoors it takes atleast 20 minutes and sometimes it doesn’t get a signal and dies with just the battery.
It is interesting to see no major complaints about satellite acquisition issues on Navigon 2100 Max. I may exchange 2200T for 2100 Max with a price match…
Please suggest if I should abandon Navigon for good or keep the options open.
I haven’t had hands on the 2200/T, but I use the heck out of my 2100 max and I am honestly very pleased with it. I’m pretty much a techie/geek so I know crappy technology when I see it and I also know good technology. The latest update provided some very much needed User Interface improvements as well as routing improvements (although it, like ALL GPS’s are not perfect). The graphics are great, the traffice is also very good. The one thing it doesn’t have that I wish it did was bluetooth. You get information on POI’s with phone numbers, but can’t call from the unit. I knew that however when I purchased it so no surprises. I think we all take a risk when buying electronics. I’ve had bad luck with great namebrands and good luck with not so popular namebrands, but for my opinion, the Navigon 2100 max is a great GPS and I would, given the opportunity would buy it again without hesitation.
pHope this helps – sorry for the crappy typing – I’m in a cast!
Robert
after updating on navigon fresh we had a fatal applicationwe error.on contacting support we had to send the unit back to germany.the sole reason for getting this product is we are going on a 3 month tour of europe and this one had greece included.we have had very poor service from support ie.3days to reply to emails, phones calls not returned, and now a week before our vacation we are told the repair will take 3weeks. we have offered to pay for a 24hr courier service but this has been refused. when it worked it was very good but when it goes wrong forget it
Yes, it does come with lifetime traffic, the only thing you have to do is activate it on line,easy and quick….
I just have to respond to some of the reviews. I have noticed the whatever the product, Garmin, Magelleon or Navigon a lot of you folks do not like them. It seems as though most everyone who writes a review receives a defective unit. If so deal with customer service. I have and not found any problems with any service reps. Do not be on a one crusade to tell everyone not to buy a certain product, if you think that the product is that bad, go and shut them down so no one will be able to buy such a bad product.
I own a Garmin, a Magelleon and just received a refurbished Navagon. They all have their faults and good points,I buy the lower end of the units since I do not need all the extras MP3 etc. I used to drive between 80-90,000 miles per year, western U.S. and into Canada. I have have had no problem with any unit. Here is what I look for:
Multiple destinations: can i plan a route with many stops?
Instant location: can I get precise location to tell a service truck exactly where I am?
Text to speech: Not important, since a street sign will most likely be on the other side of the street or covered up by trees or missing. Will the GPS give a turn in feet instead of 10ths of a mile.
Right or Left: Will it give you info to be in certain lane when on a surface street to enter a freeway. Will it notify you if the destination is on the right or left.
Traffic: not important, you can use the local radio stations for free if in a metro city. I like XM radio the best. I do go into San Francisco and Los Angeles and the radio works for me.
Screen display: I like the Navigon the best.
Voice: none of them are any good. The pronunciation is funny keeps me laughing, no big deal.
You must remember, the GPS is only good for 80% and you must use common sense the other 20%. All of theme have tried to take me down some roads it should not have.
Maps: Even if some of mine are outdated, I have never had a problem, I usually go to well established destinations and I may not update for quite a while if ever. Those of you that complain about outdated maps, go work for the map making companies and make sure you get every change in the U.S. that happens.
So if your GPS from xyz co. is not good, for you that is, buy one from abc co., and I am sure a lot people will not like that one either, nobody is happy. Buy what you can afford and live with it.
I agree with you Marty. The whole “DO NOT BUY THE 2100 Max!!!” is just a little too dramatic and ignorant for me. Nothing or no one is perfect. We just do the best we can – we buy products that best fit our needs and hopefully are happy. If not, like you said, take it back and get another product. I suppose that there are people who could purchase 40 bazillion PND’s and never be happy. I know people like that – it’s a sad state of affairs.
My 2100 max has steered me down a wrong road or two, but I thank God he gave me a little common sense to figure that out. Also when I look in the mirror and think about all my mistakes I’ve made, it makes me a little more forgiving when stuff I own doesn’t work the way I want it to. I can imagine my dad said that about me more than a few time.
Thanks for your post & take care!
Not everybody in the world likes the same things. That’s why there’s Garmin, Navigon, etc. (Chacun a son gout.)Perfection is almost impossible to achieve. If it meets your needs, then it’s perfect for you.
My 2100 max has gotten me around in an area I’m unfamiliar with and gotten me past traffic tie-ups nicely. It meets MY needs, so I’ll continue to suggest that others might like it too.
Ranting and raving that something is a piece of junk solves nothing. Far better to itemize the items that are not to your liking, and explain why. It might be instructive to another potential purchaser.
Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
Whoala. I’ve returned Garmin nuvi 760 for a Navigon 2100 max 6 months ago. Now planning to buy one of those new Navigon GPS future model for myself and my old one goes to my uncle. USE NAVIGON GPS!
Bought the 2100Max due to reviews here – and comparing the Garmin and other GPS units to Navigon. That said, bought the unit refurbished and it seems like new.
Worked out of the box. I’m new to GPS – learned how to use it on the fly.
Note: input addresses as your computer would.
2nd Street has no space between the “2″ and the “nd.”
Search Destination takes time to make the map more distant.
Recalculating routes is fast. And works well.
Routes calculated are not always what I take – for work I often need to take scenic routes vs industrial routes – which may be slightly quicker.
Charging is fast. Navigation looks great!!
The Navigon needs a well written “story-board” outline on how to use it. Thinking of writing this after I get to know it better.
Bought 2 yr FreshMaps – waiting for delivery. I have 6.5.2 software and I see FreshMaps gives you 7.3.
Tech service answered and were very helpful.
Overall: glad I bought a great GPS!!!!
Wonder when the 2nd quarter Map updates will be out?
Called them a few times and they would say a few weeks.
Gary
Had pblms downloading FreshMaps to Navigon 2100 Max. Figured out a painless quick way to do this!!!
How I installed FreshMaps/Software install:
OS: WIN XPPro / SP3
Epson Stylus Photo R340 Printer (USB)w/SD card reader
GPS: Navigon 2100 Max
- Logged into MyNavigon Account
- Activated GPS and FreshMaps
- Downloaded FreshMaps for Mac / Other OS as ZIP File
- Unzipped file on PC Harddrive
Next:
- Removed SD Card for Navigon GPS
- Inserted SD Card in Epson Stylus Photo R340 Card reader
- Copied contents of SD card as backup to harddriv of PC
- Formatted SD Card
- Copied unzipped FreshMaps w/Software install to SD Card
- Removed SD Card from Epson SD card reader
- Inserted SD Card in Navigon 1200 Max
Result: A+
Navigon 2100 Max = Great GPS!!!
Note: Epson Stylus Photo R340 Printer (USB)w/SD card reader is connected to my computer as a removable harddrive device.
For this reason, I can add, delete files on SD cards inserted into the Epson SD reader.
Day / night Switching
Just press the creen and hit the Day / night icon.
BTW I like the idea of controlling when I want the screen to change from day to night. It’s a little effort. So what? This unit has 007 / James Bond written all over it!!!
For 3D – I turn off all street names and POI. Clutters the screen. Keep street names for 2D.
Search Destination is better. Zoom out works well. This indicates my 2100 Max device is ok and that I had a software pblm before (had trouble zooming w/ earlier software).
Bottom Line: Navigon 2100 Max has an intelligent / cool device factor: their USA marketing should reflect this!!
Having this GPS in an upcoming james Bond / Bourne Identity film will help give it a boost for sure.
I put it to the left of the steering wheel on the windshield. Looks like a F20 fighter pilot standing still.
Works that way as well.
Note: Navigon announced its withdrawal from the North American personal navigation market device (PND) citing, “difficult economic environment and aggressive pricing.” However, they will keep their office open to fulfill all obligations such as map updates and care for existing PND customers.
Might have to get a NUVI
Yap. German Navigon left since 3rd of May.-Thanks to chineese imports. Now we stuck with crap devices made and from China. Now BRITISH and the others are getting BETTER pmd devices than us here in North America. Check them out…
http://www.navigon.com/site/uk/en/
My Navigon 2100max was my first gps. Too bad this gps does not work in my 08 highlandar for some odd reasons. It takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes to acquires satellites, but it works just fine in my 01 avalon. The turn direction is very clear as it tells you where and when exactly to turn. Also, the lane assistance is awesome. It comes on automatically goes off automatically. The only thing I wish it has it more POS’s. Although that might be fixed now with the 2009 update.
Anyhow, I recently bought a garmin 775t to use in my 08 highlander. The garmin 775t works just fine in my highlander, and of course with a lot more POSs but when it comes to directions, lane assistance, interface and streets pronouciation, the garmin 775t does not even come close to the Navigon 2100max.
Just got the 2009 2Q map updates for the 2100max
Will have to check it out this weekend
Gary
I will not recommend this unit to anyone.I pay 300 dollars and only work for 8 months!. I sent it back to repair and they said there is NOTHING WRONG!. It a peace of junk…
DON’T BUY IT!!!!
I actually have the opposite experience, overall. I bought a Navigon 2100 when it first came out. I paid full retail price for it, and had to pay separately to activate the traffic and the Zagat guide. But even after spending that much for it, it was worth the money. The competition doesn’t offer anything like 2 years worth of quarterly map upgrades for one low price, and most units in the Navigon’s price range didn’t even have traffic capabilities at all, when I bought it.
I bought a 2nd., refurbished, 2100max, last month, because my first 2100 has been so useful. (I have a second vehicle, so now I don’t have to juggle it between cars all the time.) It, too, has been well worth the $90 or so I paid for it.
People claiming their unit “broke” often just needed to do a hard reset on it (usually done by sticking a straightened paper clip into a little hole in the back of the unit). Like many inexpensive GPS units, Navigons run an embedded Windows operating system, and Windows DOES crash every so often.
I have the 7200 and the 2100 max. The 7200 got the Q2 09 update first which updated without issues. The 2100 max update did not go smooth. I got boot up error every time. I did the upgrade twice (after restoring from backup) and same result with even two different SD cards. I eventually emptied one SD card and loaded the Q2 09 from scratch. That process solved my issue. I did lose my settings and previous history. Comparing the maps and POI on with my 7200, I noticed that the 2100 max still has some Q1 maps. The 2100 max even shows a choice of selecting Q1 or Q2 maps. Since I have the 7200, I just completely replaced the map and poi folders on the 2100 with the ones I have on the 7200. Now the 2100 max only shows Q2 maps
Mine went fine but I still have the same problems as I did for the 2009 1Q maps. Wonder if they are going to upgrade the software?
I noticed my Auto Day/Night function stopped working.
It stays at the last setting, unless you manually change it
Gary
Can somebody please help me. I am going to Florida on the 18th August 2009. I have a Navigon 2100 Max, which I am very pleased with so far in the UK.
I am trying to take this with me but need to find a supply for SD Card containing North America that I can slot into my unit.
The Navigon Website does not even give me the opportunity to download onto a fresh blank SD card.
I have found a supply of Garmin SD USA cards but would they work in my Navigon unit???
Time is short, please help!!!
Thanks Ian
Garmin maps are not likely to work in your Navigon. How soon are you out from your trip to the states?
Fly to Orlando on 19th Aug and return to th UK 2 weeks later
were you able to find the SD card?
I purchased the 2100 max about 18 months ago. Works great, like all features.
BUT call their support number and get a recording and a solution that says go to website. Website states that all email requests for service will be answered in 48 hrs.
I get the same email from them that I send in two weeks. Have done this twice now. They say fill out form. No form twice.
Product is good BUT SERVICE (OR RATHER LACK OF)IS EXTREMELY POOR.
Art, I assume you know that Navigon has pulled out of the PND business in North America?
Thanks Tim, I did not know that
OMG! My Navigon died on me yesterday. Had to use my iPhone to get back home, missed few exits, horrible experience.
Any idea how to totally get to factory settings? I once tried those hacks but then reverted back to official software. It some times totally dies, it doesn’t wake even while charging. The only resort is the reset button and to press it you need a paperclip which you obviously don’t carry one in the car at all times! I am considering selling it and buying iPhone App (Navigon or TomTom). I got the map updates too, such a waste of money, not a reliable GPS
I purchased the Navogon 2100 Max in August and the darn thing worked until I discovered I could update my device online. As soon as I updated the device, the darn thing locked me out of the device. I’ve called the 800 number I’m sure 10 times and can only speak with a computer that gives you nothing but redundant and useless information as to what to do in order to get the device working and or repaired. I’ve sent five e-mails to http://support.navigonusa.com/support/index.php/email with no response even though I was promised a response within 24 hours. I’ve also called the 800-800-8300 and requested assistance and still got the run around.
Trust me! This Navigon 2100 Max is a piece of JUNK and should be avoided by all means. DO PURCHASE IT! If it breaks you may not get your money back.
If anyone out there has had any success, please let me know; I haven’t.
Send a note to Egon.Minar@navigon.com
He is the CEO
Just wondering, why would buy one at at all? The Company left the US Market and no support at all?
Gary
When I purchased the Navagon they had support in the US and I used it and was happy with their support. I never had a problem entering an address but this S W loop 410 address would never let me go to the next step.
Have a problem knowing how to put in some destinations. I was trying to put in an address on a road called S E Loop 410 and could not figure out the proper way to get the Navigon 2100 to accept it. Called their support number and like others have said that was no help.
Just enter Loop 410. The system will ask you to choose the street direction. You never enter street direction with Navigon. The system will give you the choice.
Thanks Steve,
I entered the loop 410 and it worked. I was trying to do the SE first and it didn’t know what to do. Thanks again for your help.
I recently download Q3 2009 map update through Navigon FRESH with no problem at all. New roads in new community? no problem now!
I see the 4th Q 2009 maps are going to need a 4GB SD card.
I the only one I can find is the SDHC one. Had anyone try to use this card?
Gary
does anyone know if i can import, say 25-35 addresses into a navigon 2100 max from an excel file; if so, how? … and will the gps unit optimize the route? thanks.
Joy,
You cannot enter in addresses via an external file that I am aware of. There could be some kind of hack, but I haven’t heard of it. There are other units that can “import” addresses, but our Navigon isn’t one of them.
Thanks, Robert. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.
I don’t know where I found it, but I have a program called Navigon Sync. It will import contacts from Outlook.
Thanks, Steve- I’ll look around for it!
If you get me your e-mail address, I can send it to you if you can’t find it.
I found it, but it said it was for these models only: 5100max, 7200T, 7200TSD, or 8100T… and it was for contacts only. I would like to import an excel document of several addresses.
Hey Steve,
Which Navigon model did you use the Navigon Sync app with? I’m inclined to think it is designed to work with BT models and thereby make use of the phone numbers .
I used it with my 2100max. I live in USA.
I can’t successfully download the 2Q2010 Freshmaps for my 2100 Max.( 4Gb card) Tried it several times, but after the download I get the “hash value don’t agree” message..Navigon support doesn’t answer my question.
Any suggestions?
I tried the Freshmap and downloaded it as a zip file, both ways worked ok. Did u try the download and unzip it directly to the SD card?
Gary, I am using the Navigon Fresh software to download the 2Q2010 maps directly to my SD card. I don’t see any option to choose for zipped file.
After you login go to Navigon Fresh maps under My products
Pick the other OS option..you will next to pick a download tool and save. I unziped it directly to a SD card. You will not save you old settings.
Gary, thank you so much for your advise and time spend with me on this topic. I followed your suggestion ( didn’t even know it existed) and it works fine! Thanks again
By the way, doing it this way, you can use the 2GB SD card.
Gary
To be honest I have never been able to successfully use the update tool from Navigon since I purchased my device 2 years ago. Updating the way you mentioned is pretty much foolproof and may even be faster depending on write speed of your card. For the backup I just make sure all files are displayed and zip them to my hard drive or an external usig 7-Zip.
Good tip though Gary
Is there any one out there who knows how to restore original info on sd card for navignon max. I was trying to update maps and card was completly erased. Support does not exist. HELP
Mary: If you download the Mac version of the latest maps for your device, it should be a compressed file containing everything that goes on the SD card. So you can extract that to your empty SD card, and should be back up and running.
(Navigon never bothered to write a Mac compatible application for updating their maps — so they just zipped up the entire contents of the SD card with latest map data and let Mac users manually extract it all to a card.)
Sorry Tom I do not have a Mac. I have windows XP. I am not that familiar with how to get the info on the sd card. Nothing recognizes the card. I have worked with flash drives and transferred photos on sd card, and never had a problem. I have never worked with zip files.
Here is how u do it.
After you login go to Navigon Fresh maps under My products
Pick the other OS option..you will next to pick a download tool and save. I unziped it directly to a SD card. You will not save you old settings.
Gary