Are Navigon GPS units going the way of Dash Express?
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  15 years
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It appears the severe economic problems may also be weeding out the weakest GPS manufacturers. Some of their units may have had some nice features but they were not very successful at translating those features into retail sales numbers even with very low pricing from Navigon.
Dash tried cutting the retail price in half but has just announced that they are no longer going to produce the Dash Express GPS unit and are going to just concentrate on software. They lasted less than a year.
Navigon is now also no longer being shown at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Kmart or Circuit City as being available in their stores. There may be some remaining unsold units available at some stores but no new models or stock. Without any retail support from any of the major retailers going into what is normally the biggest sales period it's going to be tough for Navigon to survive.
Best Buy is the only one that still even shows any Navigon as "Available Online Only" and they now only show two 2100 models and one 5100 model which are all early generation units. They are not even listing or carrying any of the newer 7XXX models at all.
Navigons
Interesting!
I thought the Navigons were selling pretty well, but then I checked out the stores you mentioned and you're absolutely right.
Strangely enough Sears which is owned by K-Mart sells a couple of Navigons, but they are older models and way overpriced.
Other companies like Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom are incorporating features that were previously unique to Navigon, like lane view, free traffic, etc., and may be putting the squeeze on Navigon.
Also I'm wondering if their profit margins may be less than other brands.
Interestingly, two new Navigons are only going to be sold through Radio Shack. In the same vein the new Magellan Maestro 4370 is only being sold through Best Buy. I wonder about the implications of such deals and why manufacturers would make deals like this that limits sales of their products, instead of being sold on the open market.
"two new Navigons are only going to be sold through Radio Shack"
Interesting!
Interestingly, two new Navigons are only going to be sold through Radio Shack. In the same vein the new Magellan Maestro 4370 is only being sold through Best Buy. I wonder about the implications of such deals and why manufacturers would make deals like this that limits sales of their products, instead of being sold on the open market.
Manufacturer's sometimes in order to convince a retailer to carry them at all have to offer an exclusive deal so that the retailer does not have to worry about a pricing war with other stores.
Radio Shack, with their large number of stores, may be Navigon's last hope of surviving but things are not that great for Radio Shack right now:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/10/24/ap5604357.html
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/even_ceo_cant_figure_ou...
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
However, Costco.com is
However, Costco.com is offering the Navigon 7200T for $399. Hmmmmm, I was thinking about getting it but now you have me wondering.
*
Don't worry, it's not like you'll be keeping it for life. It's the best auto GPSr I have owned so far, except for the anemic poi.
Buy.com and Amazon are selling it for less than $399 and comes with a $50 rebate. The 3 years map upgrade can be had at eCost for $30.
$50 rebate already available on the just released 7200T
However, Costco.com is offering the Navigon 7200T for $399. Hmmmmm, I was thinking about getting it but now you have me wondering.
Amazon has it for $349 shipped after a $50 rebate. Surprised to see a rebate being offered on a brand new top of the line model before the item has been actually available to purchase it.
Amazon has a nice system for themselves because they do not actually have to buy any inventory or worry about getting stuck with anything. I have noticed that when I order from them that most of the time the item is drop shipped from the distributor or manufacturer directly.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/rebates/B001EJN9OA/ref=dp_r...
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
It's the best auto GPSr I have owned so far
Don't worry, it's not like you'll be keeping it for life. It's the best auto GPSr I have owned so far, except for the anemic poi.
Buy.com and Amazon are selling it for less than $399 and comes with a $50 rebate. The 3 years map upgrade can be had at eCost for $30.
Have you had any chance to be able to compare it against the new 7X5T Garmin series to see how they stack up against each other?
What other GPS models that you owned were you using as a comparison? I have a earlier Garmin c550 that is a nice capable unit but when I compare it with the newer 760 model I have there is a huge difference but the 760 is a newer generation model so that would be expected.
There seems to be no comparisons or reviews available for the 7200T on any really comprehensive GPS review sites. The only thing I have seen were just pretty much copies of the manufacturer's press releases. It looks like a nice display but there is very little other hands on info.
http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/navigon-announces-new-...
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
Navigons
Manufacturer's sometimes in order to convince a retailer to carry them at all have to offer an exclusive deal so that the retailer does not have to worry about a pricing war with other stores.
Radio Shack, with their large number of stores, may be Navigon's last hope of surviving but things are not that great for Radio Shack right now:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/10/24/ap5604357.html
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/even_ceo_cant_figure_ou...
Thanks rjrsw.
I enjoyed the Onion.com article about the CEO being stumped about how Radio Shack is making it...hehe.
I don't think of Radio Shack when I think of buying a GPS, but maybe some people do. Magellan with their Best Buy deal may be a little better off, but I'd still rather buy from one of the online retailers anyway. I think deals like this ultimately hurt the manufacturer who could sell more items overall on the open market even if a big bucks retailer doesn't carry them.
From what I've seen so far the only difference between the Magellan 4350 and 4370 is that the 4370 has a higher resolution screen. Nice, but the 4350 is already being highly discounted and the 4370 at BB is much more expensive. I'd rather go for the better price.
Now Motorola GPS!
I thought there was kind of a shakedown in the market now with low priced GPS from the major manufacturers, but it seems like the number of manufacturers keep increasing.
I was surprised today to see that there are Motorola GPS being sold exclusively at RadioShack.
They don't seem to have any innovative new features.
I don't know why Motorola would get in the GPS biz when the market seems fairly saturated.
http://www.radioshack.com/uc/index.jsp?page=researchLibraryA...
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Consumers Report did a brief take on it and seems to confirm most of the user reports.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/aut...
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Amazon just dropped the price to $299.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/rebates/B001EJN9OA/ref=dp_r...
It's the best auto GPSr I have owned so far
Don't worry, it's not like you'll be keeping it for life. It's the best auto GPSr I have owned so far, except for the anemic poi.
Buy.com and Amazon are selling it for less than $399 and comes with a $50 rebate. The 3 years map upgrade can be had at eCost for $30.
Have you had any chance to be able to compare it against the new 7X5T Garmin series to see how they stack up against each other?
What other GPS models that you owned were you using as a comparison? I have a earlier Garmin c550 that is a nice capable unit but when I compare it with the newer 760 model I have there is a huge difference but the 760 is a newer generation model so that would be expected.
There seems to be no comparisons or reviews available for the 7200T on any really comprehensive GPS review sites. The only thing I have seen were just pretty much copies of the manufacturer's press releases. It looks like a nice display but there is very little other hands on info.
http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/navigon-announces-new-...
It's the best is for me and I have had many GPSr's, by many manufactures. I admit I did have to add a program called POI=Warner to it to handle custom POI's , but by far the best gps on the market, Period, My question to you, Have you tried Navigon? My I suggest you try one and don't go by someone else's agenda.
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.
Navigon is far from Weakest
It appears the severe economic problems may also be weeding out the weakest GPS manufacturers. Some of their units may have had some nice features but they were not very successful at translating those features into retail sales numbers even with very low pricing from Navigon.
Thats not even close to being true read the press release.
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
It was founded 1991. Navigon has introduced several "firsts" to the GPS navigation market. In 2000, NAVIGON launched the industry's first navigation software for the Pocket PC. With the introduction of Traffic Message Channel-based (TMC) traffic avoidance features in 2002, NAVIGON became the first to offer such a feature on a consumer GPS product. Also being first to have:
* Reality View - A feature which displays computer generated static images of complex Interstate Highway interchanges.
* Lifetime Traffic - Traffic Message Channel service similar to offerings from other companies, but for a one-time fee (or included with some higher end models).
* Zagat Survey Ratings & Reviews.
http://navigonusa.com/products/7200T/
Weak, I think not
Dash tried cutting the retail price in half but has just announced that they are no longer going to produce the Dash Express GPS unit and are going to just concentrate on software. They lasted less than a year.
I heard that as well about the dash units. Navigon since 1991 has be discounting and branding GPSr's for other company's, and continuing to deliver the best Navigation products out there.
Navigon is now also no longer being shown at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Kmart or Circuit City as being available in their stores. There may be some remaining unsold units available at some stores but no new models or stock. Without any retail support from any of the major retailers going into what is normally the biggest sales period it's going to be tough for Navigon to survive.
Best Buy is the only one that still even shows any Navigon as "Available Online Only" and they now only show two 2100 models and one 5100 model which are all early generation units. They are not even listing or carrying any of the newer 7XXX models at all.
Wait till Black friday, I have noticed place like staples don't stock garmin right now either but will for the holidays, now they are special orders.
November 10, 2008
NAVIGON Launches Premium GPS Navigator
A new dimension in navigation, NAVIGON 8100T
revolutionizes map view with an extra-wide 4.8”
display and stunning Panorama View in 3D
NAVIGON, Inc. announced the launch of its new flagship product, the NAVIGON 8100T. With a handsome, brushed-metal housing and an expansive 4.8' display, the NAVIGON 8100T is an (Read More)
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.
Navigon
See the website below for a recent review..
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/11/12/review.gps/index.ht...
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM
"Navigon is far from Weakest"
It appears the severe economic problems may also be weeding out the weakest GPS manufacturers. Some of their units may have had some nice features but they were not very successful at translating those features into retail sales numbers even with very low pricing from Navigon.
Thats not even close to being true read the press release.
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
* Zagat Survey Ratings & Reviews.
http://navigonusa.com/products/7200T/
NAVIGON, Inc. announced the launch of its new flagship product, the NAVIGON 8100T. With a handsome, brushed-metal housing and an expansive 4.8' display, the NAVIGON 8100T is an (Read More)
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
I was not making a comment about the Navigon other than just making an observation, in my earlier post, that the retail stores that use to carry the Navigon units no longer are carrying them or are only showing a couple of older close out models.
Do you have any links other than the direct links to Navigon's own website you have posted to support something different? That's like linking to the Garmin site to support how good the Garmin units are.
I see the Garmin GPS you have, that you are comparing the Navigon to is a older StreetPilot c550. I also have the c550 and it is a decent unit but when I compare it against my 760 the 760 is superior in almost every way. The 760 is so much nicer to use it really is not fair to compare a newer current more advanced unit against a discontinued older model.
When I was looking for a GPS unit I found only one credible and comprehensive GPS review website with a Navigon review and with all the reviews of a number of manufacturers units they only had one Navigon review and it was not very positive. To be honest the lack of any positive Navigon postings outside of Navigon's own site is what turned me off on Navigon.
Link to the only comprehensive Navigon review I found:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/12/navigon_7100_review.php?p...
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
"Navigon is far from Weakest"
It appears the severe economic problems may also be weeding out the weakest GPS manufacturers. Some of their units may have had some nice features but they were not very successful at translating those features into retail sales numbers even with very low pricing from Navigon.
Thats not even close to being true read the press release.
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
* Zagat Survey Ratings & Reviews.
http://navigonusa.com/products/7200T/
NAVIGON, Inc. announced the launch of its new flagship product, the NAVIGON 8100T. With a handsome, brushed-metal housing and an expansive 4.8' display, the NAVIGON 8100T is an (Read More)
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
I was not making a comment about the Navigon other than just making an observation, in my earlier post, that the retail stores that use to carry the Navigon units no longer are carrying them or are only showing a couple of older close out models.
Do you have any links other than the direct links to Navigon's own website you have posted to support something different? That's like linking to the Garmin site to support how good the Garmin units are.
I see the Garmin GPS you have, that you are comparing the Navigon to is a older StreetPilot c550. I also have the c550 and it is a decent unit but when I compare it against my 760 the 760 is superior in almost every way. The 760 is so much nicer to use it really is not fair to compare a newer current more advanced unit against a discontinued older model.
When I was looking for a GPS unit I found only one credible and comprehensive GPS review website with a Navigon review and with all the reviews of a number of manufacturers units they only had one Navigon review and it was not very positive. To be honest the lack of any positive Navigon postings outside of Navigon's own site is what turned me off on Navigon.
Link to the only comprehensive Navigon review I found:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/12/navigon_7100_review.php?p...
http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/review-navigon-7200t-20...
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0810/gallery.hol...
Staples
Radio Shack
The above is all I had time to look for tonight. As far as the C550 is concerned, as you know it and the C580 are the top of the Garmin Streetpilot line. The two units have more features than most Nuvi's have until the later nuvi's of late. So I have no problem with using it for now, I do keep up with the technology however and have since day one.
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.
"Navigon is far from Weakest"
It appears the severe economic problems may also be weeding out the weakest GPS manufacturers. Some of their units may have had some nice features but they were not very successful at translating those features into retail sales numbers even with very low pricing from Navigon.
Thats not even close to being true read the press release.
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
* Zagat Survey Ratings & Reviews.
http://navigonusa.com/products/7200T/
NAVIGON, Inc. announced the launch of its new flagship product, the NAVIGON 8100T. With a handsome, brushed-metal housing and an expansive 4.8' display, the NAVIGON 8100T is an (Read More)
http://navigonusa.com/about/press/default.aspx?d=2008-11-10
I was not making a comment about the Navigon other than just making an observation, in my earlier post, that the retail stores that use to carry the Navigon units no longer are carrying them or are only showing a couple of older close out models.
Do you have any links other than the direct links to Navigon's own website you have posted to support something different? That's like linking to the Garmin site to support how good the Garmin units are.
I see the Garmin GPS you have, that you are comparing the Navigon to is a older StreetPilot c550. I also have the c550 and it is a decent unit but when I compare it against my 760 the 760 is superior in almost every way. The 760 is so much nicer to use it really is not fair to compare a newer current more advanced unit against a discontinued older model.
When I was looking for a GPS unit I found only one credible and comprehensive GPS review website with a Navigon review and with all the reviews of a number of manufacturers units they only had one Navigon review and it was not very positive. To be honest the lack of any positive Navigon postings outside of Navigon's own site is what turned me off on Navigon.
Link to the only comprehensive Navigon review I found:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/12/navigon_7100_review.php?p...
http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/review-navigon-7200t-20...
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0810/gallery.hol...
Staples
Radio Shack
The above is all I had time to look for tonight. As far as the C550 is concerned, as you know it and the C580 are the top of the Garmin Streetpilot line. The two units have more features than most Nuvi's have until the later nuvi's of late. So I have no problem with using it for now, I do keep up with the technology however and have since day one.
BTW I have a nüvi 270 I got from the credit card deal, Not even impressed a little bit compared to the C550, Sorry nuvi 2xx owners.
It's way to light to anchor a boat, won't even hold a door open, so since it is brand new I'll give it away as a gift to someone that don't know any better, and I'm sure they will think its the best thing since sliced bread.
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.
More Navigon 7200T Reviews
http://www.gpstracklog.com/gps_tracklog/2008/11/navigon-7200...
http://www.gpsreview.net/navigon-7200t/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/tires-auto-parts/aut...
http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/review-navigon-7200t-20...
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/5705/navigon-7200t-r...
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2334841,00.asp
http://www.slashgear.com/navigon-7200t-gps-review-1322722/
how does it compare
Is the Navigon better than the Garmin Nuvi 7X5 series. I've gathered from other comments that the maps are more up to date. Are there any other features that are better.
re: How Does It Compare
Is the Navigon better than the Garmin Nuvi 7X5 series. I've gathered from other comments that the maps are more up to date. Are there any other features that are better.
Read the reviews and decide for yourself. The Garmin generally gets better reviews from what I've read.
The Navigon does have Zagat ratings, speed limit alert, etc. that are not on the Garmin.
Overall the reviews like Consumer Reports, etc. generally prefer the Garmin.
This is from reviews I've read. No offense to the Navigon owners out there!
the link you posted above about the Navigon 7200?
http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/review-navigon-7200t-20...
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0810/gallery.hol...
Staples
Radio Shack
The above is all I had time to look for tonight. As far as the C550 is concerned, as you know it and the C580 are the top of the Garmin Streetpilot line. The two units have more features than most Nuvi's have until the later nuvi's of late. So I have no problem with using it for now, I do keep up with the technology however and have since day one.
BobDee
I'm confused why you posted the link you posted above( http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0810/gallery.hol... ) for me to look at. That link takes me to the CNN Money Fortune 500 article that lists the Navigon 7200 as number 7 on their "9 top tech flops" list.
I never said the c550 wasn't a decent unit with good features but when I compare it to my 760 there is a huge difference in the way it does everything. The 760's added routing features, screen clarity, simulation mode, car find and other added features or far superior to the c550's features.
The reason I started this thread in the first place was I was just pointing out the ominous fact that the major retailer's that once carried the Navigon were no longer carrying them. To me that did not look good for Navigon. I hardly think that Radio Shack who's own CEO has stated publicly that he cannot figure out why they are still in business and Staples will be able to carry the day for Navigon.
It would be a shame if Navigon should fail because they have done a very good job of forcing the other brands to enhance their features and improve their products.
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps
Auto makers do it all the time.
They offer rebates to help spur sales. I'm sure that Navigon is doing the same. Probably because the other stores are dropping them.
John_nuvi_