Small Device with Big Features!
As I did not want to purchase a full Garmin type GPS system I found this Allen GPS receiver was exactly what I was looking for in price and size. It's exactly the size of an iPod nano (the smallest version). The kit comes with an adjustable attachment for your car's vent louvers and can hold the Allen GPS and your phone. It also comes with an AC charger and a car charger (unlike most cell phones). I have the "Sony Ericsson W580i" as I like a clear vivid screen and the slide motion. Once you enter your start position and final destination you are on your way. The screen can be viewed in plan view or in `bird's eye (perspective) mode. You will receive visual guidance and voice commands. A British female voice announces whether you are ½ mile or 100 yards from your next turn and then announces "Turn left here" or whatever is appropriate. (Note that Allen Navigator GPS was first popular in the United Kingdom).
It notates your speed distance to turns and `beeps' twice after successfully completing a turn. Because it uses your mobile network it is continually updating map and POI information; meaning you never have to update your mapping information - ever. That's a big savings in money and time.
The Allen Navigator GPS software (www.mywayfinder.com) is best downloaded from your phone (check compatibility). With www.mywayfinder.com you can track your position on GOOGLE Earth and create favorites. This version includes the entire USA. You can also purchase map coverage of other countries which is not always available from other devices. You also don't need Tele-Nav which AT&T (my provider) told me I did need. The battery life is amazingly long so recharges are not often and I was surprised at its accuracy (within 10 yards driving)! It has a cool night mode viewing screen as well.
I am not a tech genius (really I am not at all) so I found the initial downloading to be slightly time consuming but then I had trouble with my Sony Ericsson cell phone too. Now that it is set-up and working it is almost intuitive. Taking a five hour trek from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe it was remarkably accurate as to all my several stops. There are literally millions of services or POI information. I had fun finding a steak & lobster restaurant as well as gas and an ATM. The only drawback I could find is that the message "Allow Application To Send To The Internet?" would frequently pop-up but all this meant was I had to press the YES button a few times. Also this device is meant for driving so it won't work where you cannot get cell coverage like hiking in the mountains. But I understand that this company is coming out with a version that will work in remote places. Very cool device.
Note that the price has come down significantly making this unit much more desirable in lieu of a full GPS unit.
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