Rating: 
Summary: Defective out of the box
Review: I just returned my Navman 3450 because it was defective out of the box. I strictly followed their instructions and sat happily outside for about 45 mins. as the Navman waited for GPS, which of course never happened. So I called Navman Support and they e-mailed a small program to me that was suppose to resolve the problem. Question number 1, why is there a separate fix program available - why not fix the problem within the installation software? Anyway...I installed the fix and received a communications error. After another call to Navman, they determine the unit was defective. Having it in my possession for all of 24 hours and the best Navman could offer was a RMA # and a promise to repair the defective unit. I thought they might just send me a new one while I shipped the defective one back to them. No such luck. So I don't trust Navman reliability, support, or service. I think I'll try the Garmin iQUE.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as useful as you might think
Review: I can't disagree with any of the reviews here regarding the quality and usability of the navigation software. However, there is a significant limitation to this device that should be brought to light.
You have to choose geographic regions to import map data to your IPAQ before this system will work. So far so good. The down side is that each map region is in the 30 to 40 MB range. So in reality, you have to have a CF card just to start using this system. No problem you say, I'll get a CF card. This will allow you to install 1 or 2 map regions onto your IPAQ, but no more. Because this software needs "7 to 9 percent" of the size of your map files in main memory, you will still not be able to run more than about 2 map files.
If you're going to use this device to navigate around a single city, that won't be a problem. If you don't live close to a region boundary, you'll probably be fine. But don't plan on using this device for a cross-country trip, and find out if you're close to a border (Kansas City is) because if you are, you will have problems.
Rating: 
Summary: Impressive at times, and disappointing at others
Review: could be a good alternative for the expensive built in systems that come with the more fancy cars. I've driven both a Lexus and an Accurra with a GPS system and this unit seems to deliver the basic needs of a GPS navigation system you would experiecne with the built in systems .
Installation did take me more then 4 hours, I had some bugs with the CD, which I was able to eventually go around. Maybee my computer is at fault here.
GPS typically takes about 40 to 60 seconds to get a fix. (could take as much as 2-3 minutes in bad weather, it is better not to move during the acquisition period. This will avoid getting a fix and loosing it) It does take less then 30 seconds if you've used the unit just a couple of hours prior. Once I get a fix, I don't seem to loose it. If you go under a bridge and loose the fix for for a few minutes, it will get a fix back after you are under clear sky in about 10 seconds.
Routing is OK but quite dissapointing. There is no reason for not being able routes at a level of most on line map planners like mapquest.com. Why did the software people at NAVMAN think that Americans would rather drive in urban areas then on highways. Routing is very fast, which could be the problem. There seems to be a lack of effort to get better routes and to use freeways and highways. If NAVMAN wants not to compromise the speed then they should expand the setup for routing. There are occasionaly some map errors, which may confuse you but this seems to be more of a map update issue which I understand is a problem with all of the GPS systems. Most of the time the unit precise and accurate.
Some imporovents could be made when routing involves interstate highways and parkways. The routes are OK but better insturctions could be given when driving higways. Most highways I've driven in the area: Garden State, I-87, and more.. Exits are referenced as turns. This is not right and it is confusing. Taking and Exit is not a right turn!! Also taking proper lanes during interchanges could be better instructed. Bear Right/Left or Turn Right/Left is not sufficient information sometimes. It does seem that the route on the map (higlighted coure of action during turns and interchanges) has all of the information availble for the softare to give better instructions.
Rerouting is not as impressive as I thought in the beginning. It is quite faster then I thought It would be. It varies from under 5 seconds to about 25 seconds max. Rerouting is usually very logical if you make a wrong turn or miss an exit, but not if you are heading on a totally different direction. It will insist on getting you back to at least part of the original route. This starts to be rediculous at some point when you reach are about 15 minutes away from you destination but if you really listened to the unit and got back on its track it will take you more then 45 minutes to reach your destination. Tthe unit will not always adapt to your route preference when you go off route. If you canceled the route and plan a new one, then you are likely to get a much better route from your current position after you go off route. A quick Suggestion for the NAVMAN Software people: Just start the rerouting from the start, it almost takes the same amount of time any way so whats the deal, you can gaurantee a better route every time. And one more suggestion, you don't really have to tell us users that you are starting all over again, Just play with the softare and get the job done.
Navman gets 3 starst, It still a an OK GPS system. I dought if if any of the other vendors are much better. Graphics are OK and GPS hardware is OK. I would just get some better softare people and get this unit closer to perfection.
Rating:
Summary: Routing issues with Navman
Review: I have the Navman 3450 for the IPAQ and I agree with the other reviewers who habed questioned the application's routing abilities.
One major flaw I found is that the Navman mapping software has confused a major thoroughfare with the wrong US highway number. Since this thoroughfare MUST be taken in order to get to my neighborhood, anyone using Navman's routing would never get there. I also noticed that the Navman routing seems to avoid highways when they are both the fastest and shortest way to get there. I inputted a local airport as my destination from my point of departure, and Navman on either "quickest" or "shortest" settings, always maps through a maze of local streets, when anyone would know the quickest route is a particular local highway. I have used Hertz Neverlost GPS when I have rented cars, and I never had this problem with whatever mapping system they use.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Product, easy to use
Review: I have a iPAQ 3800 that I no longer use and ordered the Navman with a little bit of concern based on the reviews. I found the software easy to use and install. The device works as well as the GPS I've used on rental cars. I live in a remote area with a private driveway that is about 900 feet long and even my driveway was on the provided maps. The GPS takes about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes to acquire. Once active, I put in an address and so far have been directed precisely where I want to go. A couple of tips - each one of the maps takes 20 to 40 meg depending on the size of the state. If you have an older iPAQ, you'll probably need some SD memory. You won't be able to load the maps without the extra memory. It took about four minutes to load a 20 meg map on my iPAQ. There are some tips about increasing performance in the manual that are worth the read. When you install the software on your computer, check the website for updates before downloading to your iPAQ, they have corrected a couple of minor error messages that came up. If you have a basic understanding of how to install software, you should not have any problem with Navman. I found the device easy to use and install. I am very satisfied with the performance.
Rating:
Summary: Navman GPS 3450 Comments
Review: I have wanted a color GPS handheld for a while. I saw a special on the Navman GPS 3450 and bought. I updated the sleeve's firmware and installed the provided software. I was unable to copy the maps to my 3670 Ipaq directly (the provided software would not see it), so I copied them directly to a flash card. I am impressed with the location finding (usually at least five satellites in about 45 seconds). The direction finding has been good and the voice directions are great, but finding a location entering the address has failed several times leading me to manually find it on the map. The GPS sleeve also works with Microsoft Streets and Trip for PocketPC, but with a slower update speed. Both map programs don't work at the same time, but it is nice to have a confirming map. I use the suction cup to hold a 3670 Ipaq and GPS sleeve on the car window with no problem. I was first afraid that the suction cup and with the weight of the Ipaq would fall off over hard bumps such as railroad tracks, but no problems so far. The power drain form the GPS sleeve is enough that I leave mine plugged into the cigarette lighter when driving.
Rating:
Summary: It's OK given the relatively low price
Review: Just got back from my vacation using the GPS. The software required reboot frequently. The map in some area are not accurate. The routing didn't give the fastest route sometimes. You need a real map as a backup in case the software fails on you - it happened to me on my return trip.
Rating: 
Summary: For the money--this thing is fantastic.
Review: I wanted a GPS for occasional trips (especially when traveling in new cities) but I didn't want to spend hundreds to get one. I was thrilled to stumble across this, which also offered the chance to get some use out of my dusty Ipaq 3670. As GPS's go, it's definitely at the low-end, but it works just fine. And for the money it's unbeatable. Even if you have to buy a used Ipaq off Ebay, it's still a great value. The suction-cup mount that comes with it is excellent, and the car charger works great. There are a few minor downsides: (a) It's running off however much RAM is in your Ipaq (mine is 64mb), so it starts a little slow. (b) It can hang if you try to move around menus while it's calculating a route. (c) You really need CF memory if you're going to load more than 1 state into it. 256mb will get you half of the US. All in all, an excellent value and a solid product.
Rating:
Summary: Buggy software and poor sat reception
Review: I purchased this unit about a year ago for my IPAQ 5455 PDA, which is a pretty decked out and powerful unit. I had installed no other programs, so there was nothing else that should have conflicted.
The GPS continuously froze and I called tech support. They informed me of a known issue with the software and told me to download a patch. I did so and it helped none. On a 12 hour drive from CT to NC, it froze at least 10 times. I wanted this unit because it was supposed to increase my security by keeping me from taking the wrong turn into the bronx off of 287 in NY that I have often mistakenly taken. Instead, I risked my personal saftey by hard rebooting my PDA at Interstate cruising speed and trying to get this thing working. After it crashed twice, I switched driving positions so I could play with it from the passenger seat while my significant other drove, but to no avail.
This unit is supposed to offer great improvements over the 3420 (which was notorious for such problems), but I did not find this to be the case.
In order to maintain full navigation functionality, 3 satelites must be within signal range for accurate triangulation of the position, and as many as 12 may be accessed at one time. It took a long time to acquire signal, then it was lost quickly. I have used other (more antiquated) GPS systems that were able to obtain reliable sat signals much more quickly, so I was very disappointed.
The software functionality is decent, but that doesn't matter because it crashes so much that it is available only for a limited time.
I have since returned the GPS and sold my PDA because the main intended purpose had been for use as a GPS unit. Go with a dedicated GPS such as the Magellan Meridian Color if you want to get into GPS.
Rating:
Summary: Navman for HP
Review: I am not a big fan of using Pocket PC for GPS, as you are very limited in drive space, and trying to use the various functions with the GPS simultaneously is asking for trouble. I have been researching GPS'in great DETAIL; I am not sure about cost diffs,but when you can buy the Garmin Quest for ~$475 ($650 list) and get the LARGEST number of POI's at 5 Million where as most only have a million or two. The absolute best unit for a car only is the Pioneer car stereo and GPS system, at around $2,500 with 12 million POI's,voice activation and the BEST overall car technology period! The Garmin Quest is my choice as it gets better reviews the the 2620 that has the same exact mapping and POI's for twice the cost and uses a physical Hard Drive whereas the Quest uses Flash memory which will not crash (I need to double check this but am confident! This also is so small it is easy to carry anywhere you go for driving and walking as it has both, so one way streets are shown etc when walking. It is also a good ground GPS that has Marine capabilities for boating. The only thing I wish for is a model that handles aviation as well as Marine, or a new model ofering the choice of Marine or Aviation! I am buying mine today from Amazon for $475 brand New in Box unless an aviation unit is in the offering,which I will not hold my breath on short term!
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