Product Description
Nortech Mobile GPS Car Navigation - 3.5"
Turn-by-Turn Voice Guidance
Pre-loaded maps of USA
3.5" touch-screen display
Thousands of points of interest
2D and 3D mapping
2.5 hr. battery option included
Accessories include: Power adapter, car adapter, mounting bracket, mounting cradle, USB cable, touch pen, adhesive disk, and owners manual.
Customer Reviews:
Good deal for the money.......2007-11-26
This is a good basic unit and a reliaable GPS
The good points are:
auto-recalculates directions quickly
good size
easy to read display mountes on windshield
good battery life
can work in 'pedestrian mode' and carried in your hand
got satellite fix in a few seconds
good voice prompts as you approach a turn
You can select features to show on the map; ie. rest stop, gas station
Bad points:
seems to be no way to access the SD card from the unit - still working on it
not sure how to update maps from the Destinator web site?
if you delete a map it's gone No backup, no install disc
it includes a stylis but no place to store it
no way to disable the U turn fuction - it uses U turn sometimes to often if you go another way
no technical support and I still have not found a way to contact the company
also after several months the car charger broke and now I have to use a power converter and use the AC power adapter util I can find a replacement car adapter.
Over all it has been reliable and helpful and I consider it a good basic unit for the money
Great GPS - and it CAN be updated!!.......2007-09-12
I've read a number of reviews that indicate that the Nortech Navigator would be great IF it were able to be upgraded.
First, the Navtec maps are updated as of 2006 with Destinator version 5.7.2. If you want to upgrade to the newest 6.0, (while there isn't a great deal of difference unless you use it in some very specific areas of the country), you can do so by purchasing the software from Destinator directly or through one of their online retail distributors.
You have a choice between a USB connection or an SD card ... and the card IS accessible through the menu options.
Effectively, the Nortech Navigator is actually a Microsoft Mobile 5.0 device - and is easily upgradeable as such. If you are using Windows Vista on your PC, you'll need to download a driver from Microsoft in order to sync the Navigator to your PC to upgrade from the CD.
I have been using the Nortech Navigator for about 3 months and except for a few addresses that Navtec does not cover in its maps (not a fault of the GPS device), it has been a fantastic little GPS. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the much more expensive units (such as MP3 player - who needs it?) or bluetooth (again, who needs it). But it does what it does well - and does it fast.
HIGHLY recommended!
Great Unit ... works well!.......2007-09-10
I've been using a phone base GPS system for the past year and finally decided to buy a real one. I got this one, frankly, because of price. I don't need or want all of the bells and whistles, just the basics but I want it fast and accurate.
Pros - Good sized unit with a rated 2 1/2 hour battery which appears to be about right. Time to actually find the signals is minimal - always less than a minute even considering it's sitting inside (not in the windshield) of my car. Of course it's a soft top Miata makes that easier! There have been two roads I've not been able to find with it - not sure why they're not there because one of the roads has been there for years. The voice is pretty loud and it's clear, quick to recalculate route when needed. BIG difference if you switch from "find fast" vs "Find shortest."
Cons - Not sure if the SDRAM card is going to work or whether the software offered as Destinator will be any better than the preloaded stuff.
We'll be taking it all the way from florida to nevada in the end of October so I'll update the review when we return!
Good functionality at a fair price.......2007-05-12
The Nortech Navigator is a great little personal GPS at a reasonable price. This unit is currently selling at the local Sam's club for $239, which makes is a very sound value. The Nortech is apparently produced by a generic Asian manufacturer and imported to the US though a distributer in Stubenville, Ohio. An entry level Garmin unit sells for just a little more.
I've owned assorted GPS devices over the last nine years, so I'm probably a bit jaded by bells and whistles by now. What I want is a GPS navigator that is easy to use and gets the job done accurately. If you've owned other GPS devices, the Nortech is very easy to figure out. Even if you're new to GPS, the touch screen mneus are pretty logical. My main luggable car GPS is a Garmin 2720, which sets a very high bar for comparisons. I bought the Nortech Navigator becuase it can easily slip into a shirt pocket, has an internal Lithium Ion batter, and a complete detail map of the US pre-loaded; it seemed like the perfect thing for tossing in the brief case for short business trips and the like.
What's in the box?
The Navigator unit, which is just bigger than a deck of cards.
12 volt car power/charger cord.
Wall transformer power/charger cord.
Suction cup mounting bracket.
Adhesive disc for dash mounting.
A very brief instuction guide and warranty card.
Touch screen stylus.
How it works:
The Nortech is really a Windows CE pocket computer. I haven't done an autopsy to see exactly what CPU chip is lurking in there, but it is reasonably quick at screen updates and routing calculations. There's also the Navteq US map database in flash memory. When you take the Nortech out of the box, the very fist time, you can tell it is booting up CE, then loading the navigation software. The initial lock on GPS satellites takes about five minutes, with no need to initialize your location or time of day. Once the unit has acquired GPS alamanac and ephemeris data, it will do a warm start in about 15 - 45 seconds - about as fast as a decent Garmin device. As long as you don't let the lithium battery go completely dead, and you've used the unit within the previous few days, it will initialize quickly. Pressing the power button normally only puts the Nortech in suspend mode, which elminiates lengthy boot-up times. I wish my Garmin 2720 could do that!
How's the map data?
Actually pretty good. The map data comes from Navteq, and it is all pre-loaded in the flash memory. I'm guessing the RAM is only about 256-512 meg, and only has a very sketchy basemap of major highways. The detail map for where you are now get loaded automatically, so if you are searching within your general geographic area, you won't notice anything odd. Only if you zoom out to see more than a handful of states at one time, do you notice the map detail is not even across the screen. Generally, I'd say this is no big deal, as at that level of abstraction, you probably only care about interstate highways anyway. A more expensive Garmin will give you smoother transition in detail between map zoom levels, if that is a feature that is important to you.
How's the operation?
Very easy. There's just one button to press (for about 1 second) to avoid bumping it on accidentally in your pocket or brief case. As noted, you're generally navigating within a few seconds, as long as you have a clear view of the sky.
Finding places works pretty well. In some ways the find menu is a little tougher to use than Garmin, but on the other hand, some features are easier. Nobody has it perfect yet. The map features database is very complete, and at least as good as Garmin, which isn't surprising, given it is complied form Navteq data. There is no problem finding and routing to map features, even if the features are outside the map detail block for your current location. I was able to find and route to the Hacienda Donna Andrea Santa Maria in New Mexico, by telling the Nortech to start its search near Albuquerque. It plotted a reasonable route, Starting in Akron, Ohio in under 30 seconds. All I needed to match the in feature name was the word, "Andrea," so I'd rate it's functionality as excellent. As with any high tech device, you should expect to practice a little before you are a navigation Wizard, but this is an easy device to learn. One thing I couldn't tell for sure is if the Nortech has the Donna Andrea hotel in the correct location; it is about a mile off in Garmin's City Navigator 8.
How's the Manufacturer support?
For the importer, probably very little. I haven't had a reason to call or write them.
The Navigation software and data is actually called Destinator, which appears to be a German company, but they have a .com e-mail address and reasonable web site. The web URL for Destinator is in Nortech Navigator manual. I sent an e-mail question to Destinator Support on a Sunday afternoon, and had an answer by 10:00 Monday. It remains to be seen how onerous the upgrade process might be, once the map data begins to get stale. It won't be necessary to upgrade too soon. The map data seems to be about six months fresher than Garmin's City Navigator 8, and most of the new roads where I live are in the database. Also, most new business palces are there, which isn't critial if you at least know the street address of the business. It is handy that there is basic info, including the telephone number, when you look for a business in the Find mneu. I'd rate this as over-all very good.
Routing quality:
The routes around town wher I live are at least workable. Even a fnacy Garmin unit doesn't always pick the best route I know. I am not an expert on the software and database internals, but I've been told the distinguishing feature between a cheap GPS and a good one is the number of attributes that are known about each road segment. Cheap units might only know average speed and distance for a road segment, which a better unit might know the number of lanes, average speed, average number of traffic lights, etc. From experience, I'd say the Nortech Navigator is somewhere in the middle ground on the number of attributes it knows. If you an Internet guru, think of it as the difference btween basic RIP routing and Cisco EIGRP. At any rate, the Nortech will probably always get you there, but it might not be the way somebody that's lived in town 20 years would tell you to go.
PC integration:
There really isn't any. Theoretically, you'll be able to download new maps and software updates. That is one thing that is much cooler on my Garmin 2720. It took the Garmin to Arizona and New Mexico. I was able to download all my GPS tracks to my PC and can re-live my vacations by playing around with MapSource. You're not going to get this for $239 - at least not yet!
Physical characteristics:
The unit is is a very compact. It is about as long as a deck of playing cards, but slighltly wider. The thickness is about the same as a deck of cards. There is an SD card slot, but it doesn't seem to have a real function with the current software. There is also a USB port and included USB cable, but again, doesn't seem to have much function. Since it is a Windows CE device, plugging it into a Microsoft based PC running Active Sync, will recognize the device, but there is nothing configured to sync. I haven't really tried to get at the CE operating system running underneath Destinator; there is probably a way, if you are savvy. It is nice that both a car charger and wall charger are included. Once charged, the internal battery will power the unit at full screen brightness for at least two hours. The unit will automatically go into suspend mode, to preserve data, when the battery gets low. Becuase there is an SD slot, usb and power jack, I don't think the unit is particularly water proof. I'd rate the quality of construction better than average, for an over-all score of very good.
The screen is trns mode TFT back-lit LCD with good color saturation and contrast. The color choices in the Destinator software are good and the icons are easy to read and sensibly organized. Touch screen accuracy is good and not an issue. They include a stylus, but there's nowhere to store it. In use, the stylus is unnecessary.
About the only criticism I'd have, is that I think I would have made the case slightly thicker and set the LCD a little deeper in the bezel, to provide more shade. None the less, readability in the car is still quite good.
Cool features:
Compact size.
Pedestrain mode - allows routes in non-street area.
Very complete database.
Low cost versus features.
Summary:
This is both a good entry level GPS and a nice second back-up unit for expeienced GPS hounds. If you want to do off-road stuff like geocaching, then a high end hand-held unit with basic features and longer battery life would be a better choice.
Great Value but Poor Support.......2007-03-20
This GPS is fantastic. It is very easy to use and gives good directions. It lacks some bells and whistles such as bluetooth for your cel phone, sound through your car stereo, MP3 player, etc. But is this stuff really worth double or triple the price? Overall, it is a very good buy. But, there is no customer/technical support. The website in the manual is for the software provider and is not even Nortech. I will soon be spending a great deal of time in Toronto, Canada. And, I am having a very difficult time figuring out what software to buy in order to load the Canadian maps.
UPDATE July 19th, 2007: after using a few months, the car adaptor broke. It was an unusual voltage not even supported by universal adapters. And, I was unable to locate a replacement. This makes the GTS relatively useless. Order with caution. I would now reduce my stars rating if it was allowed.
Product Description
Cars race around track with engine & horn sound effects!
2 cars race around the track every hour
Engine and horn sounds as cars move around track
Light sensor chime automatically turns off in the dark
Volume control
Uses 1 AA for clock & 3 C batteries for chime (not included)
Unit size: 13.5 x 13.5
Product Description
THX is the audio equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. This label appears only on products that meet or exceed a stringent set of technical standards, established byengineers at world-renowned Lucasfilm Ltd. - notably responsible for the Star Wars films. The cables used in large quantities in home theater to connect components can be subject to frequency response and noise problems if not designed and constructed properly. Monster THX V100 AVS-8 is built to the most exacting specifications, ensuring the broadest bandwidth and most uncolored signal that's technically possible. To quote George Lucas: "The combination of THX and 5.1 digital sound is the absolute assurance that consumers can now experience the finest sound reproduction from their Home Theater."
Product Description
Shipping included in price. This beautifully designed triple width floating wall storage rack for CDs, DVDs or Videos is a beautiful mix of practical storage and home decor fashion. Holds 523 CDs or 213 DVDs or 124 Videos or 108 Disney Videos or any combination of these. Floating wall storage is ideal when floor space is limited and with the easy to hang system, it can be mounted at any height to best suit your room requirements. You can mount it on your wall as a stand alone decor piece or above a complimentary piece to make your collection easily accessible. Crafted of durable composite wood with a deluxe laminate finish in all over black. Comes with 12 adjustable shelves to maximize your media storage. Easy assembly instructions included. The Max weight capacity is: 130 lbs. Dimensions: 48"W x 34"H x 8 1/4"D Available Finishes: All Black or Cherry/Black Limited 5-year Warranty This product comes with a limited 5-year manufacturer's warranty against product defects.
Product Description
Shipping included in price. This beautifully designed triple width floating wall storage rack for CDs, DVDs or Videos is a beautiful mix of practical storage and home decor fashion. Holds 523 CDs or 213 DVDs or 124 Videos or 108 Disney Videos or any combination of these. Floating wall storage is ideal when floor space is limited and with the easy to hang system, it can be mounted at any height to best suit your room requirements. You can mount it on your wall as a stand alone decor piece or above a complimentary piece to make your collection easily accessible. Crafted of durable composite wood with a deluxe laminate finish in cherry with black interior. Comes with 12 adjustable shelves to maximize your media storage. Easy assembly instructions included. The Max weight capacity is: 130 lbs. Dimensions: 48"W x 34"H x 8 1/4"D Available Finishes: All Black or Cherry/Black Limited 5-year Warranty This product comes with a limited 5-year manufacturer's warranty against product defects.
Customer Reviews:
Could be great with some minor modifications.......2007-01-15
The floating wall storage unit was a perfect match for my needs - I wanted a large storage area for DVDs and CDs in my media room, but did not want to have to get down on my hands and knees to find them, like I would have to do with most floor-standing units. I was happy to find these units from Prepac, especially since they were offered in Cherry and Black. I ordered three of these units at the same time.
WHAT I LIKED
1) Although the units are not built from solid wood (they have the wood-like exterior covering), they have done a good job of making it look attractive. I have one of these units mounted on each side wall adjacent to a solid cherry media credenza, and they complement each other very well.
2) I was able to fit my entire CD collection in one unit.
3) The units are designed to be easy to mount, using two interlocking pieces of plywood, one mounted to the unit, and the other to the wall. The units sit completely flush with the wall.
4) There is no fixed shelf, so the shelf arrangement is very flexible.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
1) My biggest gripe about the product is that the underside of the shelves is unfinished. The shelves are black, but the undersides are light-colored MDF. If you mount the units in a position where you can see the underside of one or more shelves, be aware of this. Prepac should finish the shelves on the bottom, even if they have to charge a bit more.
2) The back panel is black cardboard. I would have preferred something more solid.
3) THE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS! If you follow their assembly instructions to the letter, you will probably get frustrated - I certainly did. After the first unit was built, I made some changes that made it much easier to assemble, and by the third unit things went smoothly. Two suggestions should you purchase a unit: a) When putting on the back panel, temporarily attach the top piece so that all of the vertical shelves line up properly.
b) When putting the trim pieces on the front, hammer in the dowels on the trim pieces first, then get ALL of the trim pieces partially in place before hammering them in completely - the holes are apparently not drilled with extreme precision, and I actually had to use a C-clamp on the first unit to force a trim piece to fit.
4) Two of my three packages arrived with no noticeable exterior damage, but pieces inside had damage. I think the packaging could be improved.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you get a unit without damage, and can manage to assemble it without incident, and can overlook the unfinished shelf issue, this can be a very attractive and functional media storage unit (it looks as nice as the pictures). Overall, I am pleased with the units and have no regrets about purchasing them. I rate this unit a 3 because of the unfinished shelves and cardboard back. If you are looking for a floating wall unit, there aren't any other choices out there that I could find, so you may as well try these.
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