Navigon 2000S

#4

in Inexpensive GPS Systems

Score: 8.0/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

For its affordable price, the Navigon 2000S has a great design and is easy to use, plus it features useful navigation extras.

List Price: $200
Key Features
  • 3.5-inch display screen
  • Reality View Pro
  • Lane Assistant Pro
  • Auto Day and Night Mode
  • Direct Help
Pros
  • Cutting-edge features like RealityView
  • Easy to read 3.5-inch display screen
  • Good street pronunciation
Cons
  • Extremely slow cold starts
  • Not as many POI

Navigon 2000S Overall - 8.0 (Very Good)

Like most Navigon GPS, reviewers appreciate the 2000S' sleek design, attractive mapping and innovative features. But the Navigon 2000S's routing capabilities still lag behind more prominent devices from Garmin GPS or TomTom. One area that writers do notice improvement is with the 2000S' usability. While some have reported that other Navigons were hard to master, the 2000S has a much simpler user interface. 

If you're looking for a larger screen, consider the very similar Navigon 2100. The 2100 offers much of the same features as the 2000S, and also comes with a real-time traffic option. 

What the Experts Say: 

  • "The Navigon 2000S portable navigation device offers a great value, but the slow satellite acquisition time makes for a frustrating experience." -- CNET

  • + "Except for its 3.5-inch screen size, the Navigon 200S is a no-compromise budget model that offers a number of features typically found in higher-end devices. ... While its POI database could be larger, the Navigon 2000S is a great choice when you don't want to spend a lot for quality navigation." -- Laptop Mag

Navigon 2000S Performance - N/A

Experts say the Navigon 2000S is a quick rerouter, but its cold starts are disappointingly slow. CNET says it took about 15 minutes for the device to get going the first time. "While cold starts usually take longer, this was a fairly significant amount of time and we grew impatient about 5 minutes in and completely frustrated after 10 minutes." But several writers do say the 2000S's voice-guided directions are easy to understand. Navigadget says, "Even at full volume the sound is much crisper on the 2000S." 

Navigon 2000S Ease of Use - N/A

Most agree the 2000S is simple to use. According to Laptop Mag, "information is arranged conveniently along the bottom and sides, so that the route info you need is always accessible." CNET says, the user experience isn't as sharp as a Garmin GPS or one from TomTom, but the Navigon 2000S is "still intuitive and general performance is snappy." 

Navigon 2000S Design - N/A

Opinions on the Navigon 2000S' design were split. Most say it's an attractive gadget, but complain that the device is difficult to mount to a car's windshield. Laptop Mag notes, "The screen on the 2000S is nice and bright, and the maps are well drawn and easy to follow," but also says, "The suction cup gave way on us once, so remember to press hard when you place it on your windshield." The Navigon 2000S measures 3.5 inches on the diagonal. 

Navigon 2000S Features - 9.5 (Excellent)

The Navigon 2000S's convenience features are universally well-liked. Reviewers highlight Reality View, which gives you 3D images of the road with the actual road signs, and Lane Assistant Pro, a visual guide to the appropriate lane for upcoming maneuvers. CNET also likes DirectHelp, "which provides you with the location and contact information of the nearest police station, hospital, roadside assistance, and other emergency services based on your current location," they write. "It's a nice safety feature to have, especially if you're in unknown territory."

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $150 Magellan Maestro 4200

Grandfather to the popular Maestro 4250, the Magellan Maestro 4200 offers many of the well-liked navigation extras that have distinguished the series but for a more agreeable price tag.

MSRP: $186 Mio Moov 310

The Mio Moov 310 gets a mixed response from reviewers. On one hand, they like that its MSRP is easy on the wallet, but on the other hand, they feel there is better performance to be had among inexpensive GPS devices.

MSRP: $300 Dash Express

The Dash Express is one of the most unique GPS devices on the market, thanks to its Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. But it trades flashy features for navigation basics -- those drivers who are frequently lost should look elsewhere.

MSRP: $350 TomTom GO 920T

According to reviewers, the TomTom GO 920T is not the very best of its class, but it's certainly in the top tier. It sports a stunning design and excellent performance, but its voice command feature could use a little work.