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.
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Navigon 2100 Max Auto GPS ranging from $199.97 to $294.99. | ||
 |  In Stock at Dell.com | $249.00 |
 |  In Stock at Buydig.com | $199.97 |
 | In Stock at TigerDirect.com | $249.99 |
 | In Stock at TheNerds.net | $294.99 |
 | In Stock at Newegg.com | $259.99 |
 | In Stock at J&R | $279.00 |
 |  In Stock at 6th Ave Electronics | $203.45 |
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This is one great unit. I didn’t want to wait until the sales when it would be out of stock, so I got one with traffic (2100T max) as a deal for the list price. This was similar to the 2100T deal offered on rare occasions. It is quicker than the original 2100 with some new great features. Test it out in the stores to make sure it’s what you are looking for. I don’t need Bluetooth or an MP3 player, so I am very happy. I’ve had it for almost a month now.
DO NOT BUY THE 2100 Max - I would not recommend this GPS to anyone. It is very difficult to use, the display text is to small, the voice is unclear and distorted, and no Canadian provinces… we live on the border! They do not even offer them for sale, but the Canadian model does have the maps. Of course you cannot try it in the store, only a demo mode is available. Now I know why they charge a 15% restocking fee as I am sure many have been returned. My friends just died this week he got for christmas too. I will be buying another Garmin product as I liked my last one a lot. I gave it to my parents to buy the navigon wide screen… what a mistake! DO NOT BUY!
I must agree with Joe B. The 2100 Max has been everything it’s advertised to be, and the wide screen makes it easier to read. I’ve read that Garmin employees search out these sites and blogs to try to ruin the reputation of other GPS companies because Garmin is quickly losing market share. Check how their stock has dropped in the past year and you will believe me. I tested the 2100 max in the store before I bought it, not just in demo mode. Brent probably couldn’t figure out how to use it and gave up.
Store salesman confirmed that I could not use it in any way other than to watch the demo. I do not work for Garmin and never have. Just happens that the first GPS I bought was a Garmin, and it worked great. This Navigon is going back as soon ASAP. It is what it is.
This is a nice unit. I bought it this morning on sale Memorial Day and have been using it for the past 3 hours, testing out the many options. I can’t understand how Brent can not figure out how to use it. It’s so simple, but I’ll still check the manual on line just to make sure of a few thing.
I did not say I could not figure it out. I said it was much more difficult to use than the Garmin. Try a Garmin and you will see what I am talking about. The garmin has larger text, a much more intuitive layout, and it includes all the maps most will ever need, unlike the Navigon. Actually, the Garmin was voted “eaisiest to use”. I don’t want to program the space shuttle, I want it simple so I can concentrate on driving. Glad some are happy with it, but the Garmin has it hands down on this Navigon. Want to buy mine? The holiday weekend has prevented me from returning it. I have to send it 2300 miles to return it, I would not do this if it was a subtle difference. The limited maps, with no availability put the last nail in the coffin.
I read at the Electronic show in January that Navigon was awarded with the prize for the best new GPS device for 2007 for their products.
I guess others COULD figure out how to use it. Why didn’t you ask your wife or children ?
I read that too. I’ve narrowed it down to the 2100 Max or 7100.
Brent if you would like I’ll buy your 2100 max from you
I’ve read a few reviews (Cnet, Consumer Reports) regarding very slow response time in entering data as well as route calculation. Can anyone comment? This is a great rpice for tts, etc, but I’m concerned about the response time. Thanks in advance!
Response is slower than the last GPS I had. I sometimes turn before it catches up, but only on the occasion that it needs to re-route. Start up an routing are slow. In my experience, it does run slower than my last one in all aspects. It works okay, but there are better makes/models out there.
If I was to do it again, I would get something else.
Thanks so much for your response Valarie. You have confirmed what I thought. Response time is everything, so I will look elsewhere. Thanks again.
Im a little surprised at the response time comment. I’m testing the Garmond Nuvi 260W at the same time as the Navigon 2120 max. There appears to be NO discernable difference, and if there is a slight difference it favors the navigon. The 3d map is significantly better on the Navigon.
Have the Nuvi 260w, just picked up the Navigon 2100 Max. Oddities with the Navigon - doesn’t automatically shift between day and night brightness; picks an unusual route (3 turns, two stop signs) over the more direct route (straight at a higher speed limit) near my home; wicked slow boot-up time; doesn’t remember my options from one power-up session to another (volume, etc.). I agree with smaller font size comment, and I’ll say there’s a lot of wasted space when it shows your current street and the next turn. The route is slower to update than the Nuvi (even told to turn after the street has been passed).
I really like the lane features, but it is inaccurate in several exits in my vicinity; for example, the right lane ONLY exits, but quickly becomes two-lanes; but the lanes options show 2 right-hand lanes exit.
The Nuvi isn’t perfect, either; it is slow at times, but fewer occasions than the Navigon (I’ve never gone by my turn with the Nuvi). It does remember my preferences, and it can change brightness ‘automagically’. Boot-up is faster.
Bought the Navigon for the lifetime traffic, but I fear it shall find it’s way back to the retailer unless Navigon has an update I don;t know about.
I bought the Navigon 2100 max because of some good reviews on amazon.com and it’s slim shape appearance for [snip, see comment policy].
I received the unit yesterday and as I started using the unit, I noticed that it wasn’t holding up to the positive reviews it claimed on amazon.com
The unit is very slow in receiving satellite signal after it turns on. And when it does receive satellite signal, it does not take long before it loses again.
My first time using the 2100 max unit was from my home to work, a 16 mile one way. And the whole time, I had no satellite signal what so ever.
I decided to do a factory setting today again and did not see any changes, still running super slow in response time. Sometimes it takes anywhere from 10-15 minutes to find a satellite signal.
Another thing I noticed is when viewing the current map, the POIs are showing up on the wrong side of the street and the unit is still moving even when I have already come to a complete stop or parked.
This is my very first Navigation unit, so I’m very new to the navigation technology, but comparing this unit to other brands that some of my friends have, this unit is a pieace of trash.
Very disappointed for making the decision to puchase the Navigon 2100 max and will be returning or selling the darn unit and look for something better even if I have to pay a little more.
Interesting reading here; I just ordered one of these and am waiting for delivery. Had a Magellan 3225, but lost it (and a passenger-side window) to a thief this week. The Magellan had quirks, but it worked. The 3225 came with only 2 million (?) POI’s, but there was a hack published online where you could download Magellan’s larger (6 million) POI file and install it on the 3225. Worked perfectly. I see this unit has a smaller POI selection as well; anyone have a thought if Navigon will offer upgraded POI’s in the future?
I used my friend’s Navigon 2100 driving from NYC to Toronto, Canada and it works fine. The only problem is that the screen is only 3.5 which it’s really hard to see and the volumn is very low (I have to turn off the CD to listen to what it say). I LOVE the 3D display on all exit (so clear that you will not miss it on the road). I think the waiting time is fine (I have no complaint on the respond time). I think I will get the 2100 max (screen size 4.3″) this week (July 4 sale).
What kind of processor this Navigon 2100 max use? I tried Garmin 650, Tom tom one and my current GPS magellan 3225. They’re all easy to use but each one has its own weakness. I dont like the mounting tom tom use, its not strong. The suction cup does not adhere well on to the windshield. Electronic and display are pretty good. Garmin, too simple not enough informations on the screen unlike the tomtom. If you like simple to operate Garmin is the one. It has no simulated route like magellan and tomtom. Magellan 3225, cheap easy to use and fast processor. I just upgraded to 6 mil. POI. Pretty cool. I’ll try navigon too, and compare to my other GPS.
what is the size of the SD card that comes with this unit, can you please reply me at gauravsad20@yahoo.com to let me know what the size of the card is
Thanks a much
I bought my wife a TomTom 3 years ago and we love it, still to this day. Now I’m looking for a unit for myself and am considering the Navigon 2100 max. Response time is the utmost important feature in a GPS for me and it looks like the Navigon is a hit-n-miss in this area from all the comments I’ve read so far. Will continue to shop around in the mean time. Thanks all for your useful comments.
I am a first time buyer and very confused over buying a GPS. I am looking for one that has lane assist, text-to-speech, easy to see and use, multiple destinations and US/Canada maps. I am open to any/all brands. I have been looking at Garmin, TT1 and Navigon. Can someone give me some help. Thanks
Lane Assist is probably the most difficult of those requirements. I’d say you are probably limited to these two devices.
The Navigon has lane assist, but you will hate it otherwise. The Garmin is a better choice in my opoinon. Besides, the Navigon does NOT have Canadain maps available AT ALL, not an option for that 2100Max.
Thank you for your help. Which of the Garmin models would you recommend?
Tracet… try a Garmin C550. It is a good priced unit with many features. Very easy to use. Should fit your needs well.
Thank you to TIm and Brent. You were very helpful. Keep up the good research work.
As much as I wanted to keep the Navigon 2100 Max I ended up returning it after a using it for one week. Even though I got a good price for it which included the life time traffic it just wasn’t worth it.
I found the Navigon not as user friendly as a Garmin, too much glare, icons & street name too hard to see and not too accurate.
What I really didn’t like about it was it was just too hard for me to see the map. I had to place the Navigon right by my rear view mirror just to be able to read it clearly.
I wanted to keep the Navigon but it just wasn’t worth it for me.
There are two marjor problems with this unit. 1. only a few of POI. (I can not find Costco, Target or Wal-mart…) 2. Screen is not bright enough to read during daylight driver. I just got my for 1 day and I want to return it right now.
i dont have a problem with navigons… i had my navigon for 8 months until it was stolen from my car. i bought my brother the 2100 too. and now i just bought the 2100max to replace my 7100 since i dont really use mp3’s and bluetooth. i love all the feature of navigon.. from reality view to lane assistant to the feature “take me home” at the touch of a button at a fraction of a price.
I want retract my feedback #16 above. It appears that the problem had something to do with my vehicle (2008 highlander Sport) not the GPS unit.
Anyhow, the GPS I first purchased was returned for a replacement thinking that the Navigon 2100 Max was defected. When the replacement unit arrived, it too was having the same problem.
After testing two other gps, Garmin 250 and 350 models, and doing some online research, that was how I came across the article above and that was how I concluded that the problem had to do with my vehicle and not the gps unit.
The work around I’ve found is to place the gps unit out of the window or under the sunroof until the unit picks up satellite signal (usually about 2-3 minutes) then place the unit back onto the mounting kit. So far this has beening working very well for me.
After all, I think the Navigon 2100 Max is a great GPS unit. My favorite features are the text to speach and 3d map where as the garmin 250 and 350 models do not have these features. Plus this unit gives better instruction unlike the Garmin models where it tells you to turn right in .2 mile or turn left in .5 mile. Navigon tells you the turn with the street name and gives you the distance in feet such as 250 or 500 feet.
My favorite feature is that it shows you the speed limit as you travel! Very important when going state to state.
I just got my Navigon 2100 Max and I’m having trouble with it keeping it charged. I tested the unit when I went to work today to see if the navigation is correct and half way to work it froze with just the welcome screen showing. I called tech support and they said it was dead. I thought if the battery was dead the unit would shut off, but instead just a welcome screen. Anybody have the same problem?
Have you tried resetting the gps? The one problem I have right now with my Navigon 2100 Max is sometimes it won’t charge. I can’t figure out if the problem is on the 12V power of my 08′ highlander or if it is the car charger. This is my second car charger and I had the same problem with the first one.
Does anyone else have this problem?
I got mine yesterday from [snip]. So far so good. I am coming from a PDA based Mapopolis GPS system which is not out of business. I like the 3D view. I have only driven around the neighborhood. so far no speedlimit posting in my area. The routing calculation seem to be on the slow side but not too bothering for me. I think if there is an option to just load the map for your State, the searches and the input screen may run a bit faster since it has less data to go through. No lockup for me. The startup time is good when coming from standby. The startup from full off takes about a minute. It acquires SATS pretty fast for me. the navigon site says I do not need to apply any updates for now since the maxx has the latest. I did activate the TMC and I see it getting signals. I do not have the Fresh maps yet. I might buy it later in the year once I decide to keep this unit.
In terms of charging, I can charge it using the USB on my laptop or in the care without problems.
For those challenged with using their fingers (it is a bit hard if you have big fingers), you can use some sort of a stylus. I used a PDA based GPS before and I did not have a choice but to use a stylus. I’m still figuring out a way of displaying the speed while driving, I would like to compare it with my speedometer.
Thank you Neng for responding to my question. I have reset it and still it’s not charging fully. I have an 08 Ford Edge and the light shows that it’s charging but the device says it’s empty, I don’t know if it’s my car problem too. Today I bought a power supply that I can plug into the wall at home and attach the car charger to it. Hopefully it will charge it. I’ll let it set all night. If it doesn’t work I’m really considering on taking it back.
Benjamin-
The speedlimit only comes on if you are driving on the freeway. This option can be set in SETTING, BASIC SETTING.
My navigon 2100 max has been doing very well on showing the speedlimit while driving on the freeway and the 3D view intersection ahead. The speedlimit on the gps is almost the same as on the speedometer. My gps seems to run 1-2 speed under the speedometer. The wind may be a factor though.
Navigon claims the 2100 Max model came with the latest map pre-installed, but I noticed the unit still picks up streets and POIs that are no longer exist and vice versa, especially gas stations and Walmart.
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Lila-
I noticed that when charging the gps in the car with the car charger, the unit can’t be fully charged, maybe because the unit is on.
Navigon tech support suggested to me once to turn off the gps and use the USB cord that came with the gps to charge for at least six hours to get the full three hours. I might consider getting a wall AC adapter charger.
I charged my unit all night long in the wall charger while it was off and still no green bars showing it was fully charged. Yesterday I charged it all day with my USB in my PC. The tech person told me to return it for another one. I don’t a GPS that is this unreliable. If I’m taking a long trip I don’t want it to shut off on me. This makes me think that I will also need to mapquest my route as well. That is why I bought a GPS so I can avoid printing out maps. I’m so frustrated with my Navigon 2100 max. It’s going back to where I purchased it today.
So your gps can’t be turned on at all then or it turns off immediately once it turns on? If you got your unit from a local store, return it for a replacement if it is in fact a faulty unit.
Don’t give up, it might be just a faulty unit. Return it for a replacement. Just as I did for my first unit and the replacement unit is working properly quite nicely.
I would recommend anyone who tend to buy the unit, please read Bob’s review on June 17, 2008. It is exactly what buyer needs to know before buying the unit (e.g. 2100 Maxx or Nuvi xxx). My girlfriend owns the Garmin Nuvi 650, it is great but it does response a little slow at some re-routes. To my point of view to buy a GPS I would look at the pros/cons; the pros: boost-up time response, larger font size, clear voice speaker, simpler to use; the cons: tiny font size and wordy, voice speaker unclear, boot-up time slow, too much problems on re-routes, too wordy means complicated because you’re on the road driving not sitting at your dinner table to search word by word.
Too late Neng, I just returned it to Costco. Got a full refund. The unit does turn on but then freezes to the main welcome screen (with the world image) and stays there. The sat feed is not very well in my area either. Maybe I’ll get another one, I want to see other brands before I commit.
I got the car speed to display. It was one of the options that are off by default. It shows both speed and altitude. I’ll be driving to the city (SF) today and see how it performs. No charging problems or lockups. I got this unit from the same place as Lila so return should be not problem. My other candidates is the Nuvi 260W which is more expensive and no TMC or the TomTom XL 330S which has mapshare but some say has a bit of a problematic mount. I looked a more expensive TomTom and I find the Texttospeech sounds like it overlaps the streetname with the directions.
Lila-
Glad you got your refund. Hope to hear from you again on your next gps performance.
My next gps unit will probably be the Garmin 880. Hopefully by that time, the prce will be dropped.
I will buying my first GPS soon. I have some questions regarding the NAVIGON 2100 MAX.
Does it come with a one lifetime traffic report fee? Does it has 1 year warranty?
Thanks,
Marisa - It is an optional item but some retailers like where I bought it has it included with the package (online purchase only and the warehouse store does not carry it).
I believe it is 1 year warrantee but the store I got it from has very good return policy.
Thank you, Benjamin, for your prompt response.
I’m undecided on what to buy, under the price range I want to spend, I have found 3.
Navigon 2100 Max
Tom Tom XL 330 ( I didn’t find reviews)
Magellan Maestro 4050.
What is important to me is: wide screen (I don’t have good vision at night); voice telling me names of streets, and multiple routes. Traffic reports will be nice, but I don’t want to pay a montly fee.
Do you, or anyone else, have a suggestion?
Thanks!
Marisa
hi, marisa..
[snip] ive been using my 2100 for almost a week now and havent had problems w/ it. i downgraded from navigon 7100 since it got stolen.
The TT 330S is now on sale from the same warehouse for the same price. It does not include traffic. The reality view and the lane assist of the Navigon is really nice. Something that TT does not have. You can find reviews of the TT by using Google. BTW, the 2100 max has a lifetime traffic. It came free with my purchase.
Neng - I looked at the price of the Garmin 880 - yikes! Yes I do hope that they lower that price. It looks like a good GPS. I like all the features and the large buttons that Navigon 2100 Max does not have. I really like the 3D effect that Navigon has and wish that the Garmin had that feature. I’m looking for a GPS that has large buttons, 3D imaging, a back to home button (if I make a mistake or change my mind), lifetime traffic would be real nice too. I don’t need all that bluetooth and music stuff. Just tell me where to go and let me know of traffic issues.
Lila - I had similar requirements which lead me to the 2100 Max. The price is a big factor too. The small buttons is a bit of an annoyance but was not a deal breaker for me. You can also use a stylus or the butt of a pen when entering letters. Most all other buttons are large. Navigon might change there data entry screen if given enough feedback.
I know it is difficult to choose since no GPS is perfect. So far, only the large buttons is the con on this unit. The lane assist and the reality view is a really nice and the other brands do not have this feature yet.
Lane assist is also a feature on Tom Tom’s. Reality view is “fun” but not a necessity for sure.
The more I use the 2100, the more I hate it. Misses turns, routes me in the worst directions… my cell phone finds me a better, shorter route. It has POI shown on the map where there is none, and never was, super slow recalculations, etc. The list of issues with this unit goes on and on. Do yourself a favor and look at other brands.
Brent- what model of TT are you using? Does the XL 330S have the lane assist feature? I was debating between the 2100 Max and the XL330S. So far, driving around town and to SF and to SFO, I have not gotten bad routes. I played around a TomTom 900 series from a friend. I did not like the text to speech as it was overlapping part of the direction with the street name. The calc of the TT was indeed faster.
Thank you Benjamin and Brent for your feedback. I’ve been doing a lot of research on GPS’s in the last couple of days. I was not happy with the Navigon because of battery issues and failure of sat signal (but then that could of been because of the dead battery - I don’t know - because the unit seem to be frozen on the welcome screen). I found a video from Edmunds on testing several devices and was considering a Garmin or Dash Express. Both of those have features I like but the only drawback is the cost. I decided to go with Neng’s advice and replace the one I had returned (Navigon 2100 max). The price you couldn’t beat for what you get (lifetime traffic is a must in Los Angeles, which is free with the unit), screen size, features, etc… I’m going to give it another shot and if round 2 doesn’t work then I’m going to bite the bullet and consider a Garmin or Dash Express.
I was reading back on the comments and notice that most of you have had your GPS stolen. I am a very new GPS owner and I purchased a carrying case when I got my unit for 2 reasons 1) I did not want to risk it being stolen, 2) I did not want my expensive unit in my hot car all day for fear of the unit not working properly (that’s happen to my ipod and cost too much to replace). So now when I leave my car, my GPS comes with me.
Thank you everybody for your imput. It was very useful. I think I will go with Navigon 2100 Max.
Marisa
Marisa - whatever you buy, make sure the store/warehouse has a good return policy just in case the unit is defective or just does not fit your need or meet your expectation. The warehouse I got mine will refund even the shipping cost.