"T" for Traffic: Navigon 2200T GPS

Navigon introduced a high-end GPS device with free-for-life live traffic info. The Navigon 2200T is the first "genuine entry-level GPS navigator" with free lifetime traffic, according to Navigon. It also has the same Reality View system with lane assistant as it's more expensive sibling, with 3D-illustrated junctions to help with traversing complex intersections, a text-to-speech function, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, SiRF GRF3i+ GPS chip with InstantFix II ability and an integrated traffic data antenna.

[gizmodo]

Raising the Bar: Navigon 8110

In addition to the 2100/2120 Max, Navigon also announced the 8110 portable navigation device for the European market. It features a 4.8-inch 480 x 272 pixel touchscreen, 3D maps, SD card port, Bluetooth capability, an FM transmitter, and TMC (Traffic Manage Channel) Pro for traffic information. It measures 5.32 × 3.35 × 0.87 inches. Shouldn't this be the 8110 Max since it has a widescreen?

[le Journal du Geek]

Raising the Bar: Navigon 2100 Max and 2120 Max

Navigon announced the Navigon 2100 Max and 2120 Max GPS devices at CeBIT. These portable navigation devices are targeted for the North American market. Included are maps of the U.S. and Canada (2120 Max, only).

Both devices feature a 4.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth capability, text-to-speech, Reality View which provides more life-like pictures of major highway exits and interchanges, DirectHelp which provides information on hospitals and other emergency locations, Lane Assistant, Route Planning with multi-destination routing, and speed warnings. The devices measure 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.75 inches.

The big difference between the "Max" versions over the non-"Max" versions is the widescreen display.

[GPS Review via le Journal du Geek]

Sexy Navigation: Navigon 7100 GPS

Housed in an ultra-thin, sleek piano-black housing that measures just 5.1 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches, the Navigon 7100 GPS includes a powerful Samsung 400 MHz processor, a fully integrated SiRF Star III GPS chip, 64 MB of both RAM and ROM built in, and a rechargeable battery that is rated for 4.5 hours of continuous use. Maps and menus appear on its extra-large and elegant, high-contrast 4.3-inch, full-color touch-screen display with an easy-to-read 16:9 aspect ratio for an exceptional view of the road. The Navigon 7100 comes pre-loaded with complete maps of the U.S. and Canada. The 7100 runs Microsoft Windows CE Net 5.0 operating system.

Navigon decided to forgo media support to focus on navigation-based features. The 7100 provides turn-by-turn directions, including actual road names via text-to-speech. It includes built-in Bluetooth technology that enables hands-free mobile phone integration, which not only increases driver safety, but is fast becoming a necessity as States pass laws against talking on a cell phone hand set while driving. It warns you when you are exceeding the speed limit. Its Navteq data contains millions Points of Interest (POIs) such as restaurants, hotels, golf courses, gas stations, banks, etc. And all of Navigon's GPS navigators offer Zagat ratings and reviews for their POIs.

In addition, the 7100 has two features that are a great help in negotiating unfamiliar or complicated road systems. Lane Assistant recommends the best lane for you to be in relative to the proposed route, so you won't find yourself trying to move over three lanes when the freeway splits.

Reality view guides you with photo-realistic 3D images of junctions, complete with actual sign text and exit ramp guidance. This makes translating what the navigator is telling you to what you see on the road instantaneous.

The Navigon 7100 is the first GPS device to offer subscription-free, real-time traffic information via the integrated traffic receiver with no additional fees or setup for the life of the product. Be advised on traffic flow and incidents, as well as the best alternate routes.