Very good option for a vehicle GPS tracker
934075
First off, the hardware works great, and is easy to install. Activation requires a call to the company, which is no big deal, though it would be nice to have a web option. Tracking works well, as the vehicle is tracked within 10-30 feet of it's actual location. The web site offers a number of options, many of which are setup for commercial or fleet use, but can still be of value to an individual.

My suggestions for improvement: the geo-fence works like a circle from a specific point. You can specify the size of the circle, but you can't create a shape or mark a fence based on say, streets. It would be nice to be able to draw your own fence, or at least make a square or rectangle. Also, I got out-of-the-area notices when the vehicle was near the perimeter, but not that close--like 1/8 mile. I could see if it was 50 or 100 feet. This caused me to have to make the circle larger which meant the vehicle could go places I considered out-of-bounds because there was no way to adjust the size and location to accommodate "in bounds" places and not get false alerts as well.

There's an option to be notified of speeding or tracking speeding, harsh acceleration or stopping. But the speeding is based on a fixed MPH for highways or "smaller roads". It would be great if the speeding was based on the actual speed limit of the road (something newer GPS units seem to know about). So, it's not very effective to set a speed alert on a smaller road, considering the posted limit could be anywhere from 25-45 (or more). Also, it's not clear what constitutes harsh acceleration or braking. I have the unit installed in a vehicle that may be one of the slowest on the road--not sure it could every qualify for "harsh acceleration". :)

Other helpful options include setting schedules for each day of the week to be notified when the car is used outside of the set times. This is a great way to be alerted for your vehicle being used when it's not supposed to be. Finally, you can be alerted if the unit hasn't sent a signal in 12 hours, or if it has been unplugged from the vehicle. These are all features teens hate. :)

What I use most are tracking where the vehicle is located and what trips and stops it has made. For this purpose, it's doing a great job.

Finally, the mobile apps, for some unknown reason, do not have all of the features of the web site. So, if you have an iPad, you're better off just logging into the web site on your iPad, rather than using the mobile app.

My only big wish is that the monthly service prices were a little lower. You can save money by purchasing a block of months, rather than month-to-month, but the prices on the blocks and the month-to-month option should be lower. About $5/month less, in my opinion.

Overall, this product and service solution works very well. If you need to keep up-to-date tabs on a vehicle's location, this is probably the best option, as you get minute-by-minute updates when the vehicle is running and quarter-hour updates when the vehicle is shut off (with to-the-minute precision in tracking total stop time).
1944853
This is an initial review.  I just received the device, and did some testing.

The GPS locks on very quickly, even inside my house, getting a 3D lock on at least 6 satellites.  It didn't do so well in the basement, but since I don't do much traveling in my basement, thats OK.  The system is VERY customizable, and the Setup menu system is reasonably easy to use.  There is no setting for the brightness of the display, but it can easily be turned on and off to conserve battery power.

GPS data is sent to my Nikon D750 without problems.  The Solmeta GMAX-Connect iOS app works as designed.  It is only able to send two commands to the camera, Focus and Release shutter.  It does that well.

The Windows software utility doesnt seem able to detect the device when the device is plugged in to a USB connector.  This can be a problem if you need to update the firmware.  There is some good news however, the battery charges just fine when the device is connected.

As I said earlier, this is an initial review.  I will update it after I have more time to evaluate the device in more detail.
354913
I've been a longtime Tile user, but recently I discovered TrackR. It's a much better piece of hardware. It allow allows me to swap the battery when it tires (instead of ordering/paying for new replacement devices each year). It's much smaller than the default Tile device, and the design is overall much more presentable and slick. The app also supports "separation" alerts which will yell at you if you get separated from your fob (e.g.  your wallet or keys) while you're away from home. The variable proximity indicator when searching for a fob is super helpful as well.
890465
I purchased this device because I didn't want the GPS hanging off my windshield, and because I wanted to easily be able to move the GPS to my other vehicle, and because I wanted to be able to take it out of view when leaving my vehicle parked,
and finally I wanted to easily be able to bring the GPS with me into my house, or hotel room to program it. I use the device to hold my GPS on the top of the dash in
my truck. This puts the GPS at eye-level, closer so I can easily read it. The device is heavy enough and has a rubber under-surface, so it doesn't slide around
when vehicle is turning or stopping. It has a slick center surface so the GPS holder mounts on it the same as it would on the windshield.  If you feel the same
as I do about where and why to mount the GPS, I would recommend you buying one of
these devices. It is attractive, of quality material, and well made. This device
makes it so easy to relocate or transport the GPS, it's really worth the cost.
468107
I spent quite a while looking at different GPS systems and finally decided to purchase the SPIII.  It's clearly not inexpensive, but if you're looking for a quality GPS system for your car that's priced well below other comparable systems, the SPIII will prove to be a great purchase.
As mentioned in a few other reviews, it does take a while to set up (2 - 5 hours), and if you're planning on travelling outside your region of the country, you will need to purchase additional unlock codes to access detailed maps in other parts of the country.  From what I understand these are available on [local store] at a discount to retail prices, but I haven't personally looked into this yet.
The system mounts easily on top of your dashboard and can be switched from car to car with almost no effort.  So far, I've had only success with its directions and have found the system connects to the satellites within 45 secs.  The routing feature is great and ensures that with an address in hand, I won't be lost anytime soon.  Once you use the interface a few times, it proves to be quite easy - I'd say I can enter a typical address in less than one minute.  The SPIII stores up to 500 waypoints, allowing the user quick access to typical destinations like home, work, etc.
The speech function is helpful, though the SPIII is not advanced enough to articulate actual street names.  Instead, it will say, "right turn in 500 feet" - you'll need to glance at the screen to see the street name.  I haven't found this to be bothersome, but I figured I'd mention it.
Overall, I can't imagine you'd be disappointed with this purchase.  It's not 100% perfect, but it's pretty close.  I see no compelling reason to spend [price range] on a factory model or the competing Magellan unit.
30478
The 7100 is not a bad GPS unit.  Out of the many I ploughed through trying to find something that worked for me (Garmin, Tom Tom, Magellan), this one gets the closest.  I'll probably go to my grave looking for a perfect GPS, as every one seems to be lacking in this or that department.  But the Navigon gets the closest, and there's a free lifetime subscription to TMC real-time traffic updates as well!

One thing I'd say is, definitely step up from the "hardcase" case that Navigon officially sactions; it's better than the cloth bag included with the unit, but you'll still probably end up like me with a crack in the corner of the screen, because the "hardcase" is not really rigid in the middle and won't put up any fight if the unit is jostled or subjected to any kind of pressure while in a knapsack or such thing.

The lane assist comes in handy a lot of times, and seems extremely accurate on highways.  The routing can seem a bit wonky sometimes, but there is no other unit on the market that gives perfect routes all the time.  There has been an update to the routing engine through a firmware update, but it still is well, wonky.  To mitigate this though, you have a pretty robust scheme for adjusting the route manually if the provided path sends you astray.  The firmware also adjusts the touch response of the screen, so you'll get less frustration trying to press buttons.

Bluetooth works pretty good, although you need to connect (not pair up with) to the phone when you power the unit up and want to use handsfree.  This requires a couple of keystrokes in the UI of the unit.

A couple of final points: the onscreen text; it has been slightly tweaked with the update but still I find it's pretty small, both on the map itself as well as some points in the menu system.  And speaking of the menu, searching for POIs is pretty counter-intuitive.  The categories don't make a lot of sense and doing broad searches across categories doesn't seem to work right and leads to a lot of major franchises not turning up in results.

Like I said, no GPS is perfect, and the Navi still needs some tweaking.  But none of my complaints change the fact that it is a very serviceable GPS with good routing, a valuable lane assist scheme, great looking screen and lifetime traffic.
4925369
It simply does what it claims it will do. I usually viewed the data in Google Earth , as it lays it out nicely in a little more intuitive fashion than LAS's own map software, I did like the report (list) feature as well. All stops were recorded , and there were very few disruptions in the data recording even in difficult rural and hilly areas. I chose to mount it under the passenger seat. and it worked just fine so I had no reason to mount it anywhere else. I never tested its claimed water resistance but based on case design I would not have mounted outside the car.

** What I thought was a bit of an issue was construction design. first there is a VERY thin gasket that seals the battery compartment which is difficult to get back into place without deforming it. and the TINY screws are hard to work with as well , and the battery compartment lid around the screws can break easily if you tighten them a little too much. This is all an issues because with the small AAA batteries you have to replace them every 4 - 6 days. The other issue is the placement of the USB connector , when trying to connect to your laptop the GPS is to large to plug in with the laptop flat on a table , so you kind of have to elevate it and then support the GPS in your hand while downloading as it is too heavy to just "hang" there without damaging your USB port.

the bottom line is it preforms well but is kind of a hassle to use . If they beefed up the case a bit , improved the battery compartment lid , and increase the size enough to accommodate AA versus AAA batteries it would be perfect.
1801221
I bought this GPS 60CSx to use on my motorcycle along with the RAM mount and I have to say that I'm very happy with it.  I loaded up a Topo map and a Metro Guide on it since I already had those from a previous GPS (etrex vista) and this GPS works great, way better than my old one.  The color screen makes a big difference and it has a slightly bigger screen also.  It redraws maps much faster and is easier to use.  The electronic compass is much better also as you can now see what derection you are pointing without having to move like I had to with my old one.  The learning curve on this was much less than on the etrex vista, very user friendly.  For the motorcycle, the RAM mount is better than expected.  I can adjust it so the GPS is right in front of me and easy to get at.  For the motorcycle (a lot of off-road riding) I give it 5 stars.  However, if you are using it mostly on-road, I'm sure there are better GPS's for that intended use.  Bottom line, it can't be beat for the price for an off-road GPS.
1555617
This unit is very nice and is generally pretty easy to use if you are at all comfortable with electronics.  I was concerned about the smaller size at first when being used in automobile mode, but it was not a noticeable problem.  I have not been able to do any hiking/biking with it to check out the topographical navigation, but the features listed seem very good.  I would recommend this to anyone who wants to use their GPS for both automobile navigation as well as take it hiking/biking.
27109
I have owned this device for almost two months now, and find it to be a very well made product.  Adding an 8 GB SD card makes it the only music player that I need for the motorcycle and the car.  It's a damned fine GPS too.  As usual, the mapping products supplied by Garmin leave a little to be desired, since there have been a few roads I've travelled that weren't in the maps (on four year old roads).  But overall, anyone should be very happy purchasing this unit.
2811547
I spent a week reviewing various GPS options and talking to friends who own GPS units. I finally decided that for my purposes and budget, this should be good enough. If you want something to get you from point A to point B anywhere in the US, this is the one for you. It works great. I've used it on multiple trips where I had no clue about the roads I was taking. In terms of maps, points of interest and routing, this unit works perfectly! Just remember to update it once you buy it within 60 days. I haven't printed out directions to anything since I've bought this. Talk about saving paper! Another nice feature is the 'Pedestrian' mode that we used extensively to roam around in new cities and towns we visit.

I couldn't find this information anywhere, what's in the box? Car charger, Car mount and GPS unit. As a side note, if you have a Canon digital camera, the USB connector cable is the same, so no need to buy an extra one.

The only issue is that sometimes its unable to pinpoint the cars' position very accurately, which may lead to wrong turns. It happened twice so far (out of multiple trips in 3 months). It sent us south on a country road intersection when we should've taken north. This happened to us in a recent trip to Boston. But in the end it gets you to your destination albeit a few minutes late.

Overall, its a great unit for the price. It serves its purpose and it has a few nice extras. A basic unit that WILL get you to your destination.
552967
works very well just as advertised. i use it for GPS tracking only and so far so good.
3754035
After spending a few days researching GPS receivers that were good candidates for motorcycles I narrowed my list to the Garmin Zumo 550, Garmin StreetPilot 2820, and TomTom Rider.

Although the Zumo 550 seems to be the more popular choice lately, I decided upon the StreetPilot 2820 because it has more features (ex: multiple via points on a route and a higher resolution screen).

It is an excellent choice for a motorcycle --it can easily be operated with gloves on, it's waterproof, it's easy to read, and it can pair to two Bluetooth devices (in my case a Bluetooth helmet and my Blackberry).

The maps that come with this unit are outstanding --I can fairly reliably tell the difference between paved and unpaved roads (something you can't do with Google Maps, for instance).

I have found one bug with the device: If you're using the music player and attempt to voice dial a phone number, the Bluetooth connection gets flaky and I need to reboot the unit --I'm hoping a future firmware update will fix this issue.  At least I've found a work around to this annoyance --if I manually pause the music and then make (and complete) the call and then unpause the music everything seems to work okay.

Garmin technical support while I was trying to diagnose this issue was outstanding.

I highly recommend this unit.
1829833
I think this is a very good portable GPS navigator.  I like that it has an internal battery, so it keeps working when it's not plugged into the car.  I like the features, the price, the slightly larger screen, the convenient way that the suction cup attaches to the unit, the fact that the maps can be updated (easily) via my Mac, ... there are a lot of nice touches to this product.

I recently drove from San Francisco to Raleigh and had this little GPS along for the ride.  My favorite feature was that it shows hotels on the display and includes the reservation phone number, so you can find a hotel at an upcoming exit, and call from the car.

There are a few little things that could be improved.  (1) The automatic zooming almost always picked the wrong scope, which is a minor annoyance.  When driving 70mph on the highway, I don't want it to zoom in, I want it to zoom to a wider view that shows me where I'll be in 10 minutes, not that I am still in the middle of nowhere right now.  (2) The onscreen "zoom out" button is so close to the "please repeat the last audible instruction" button that I frequently hit the "please repeat the last audible instruction" button when I wanted to zoom out.
3479742
I have only used it in my car ( it is really too big for my car). It's a much better fit for the motor home and should provide the guidance I want and be easier to see than the smaller gps units.
875193
I got this electronic device because Apple is very strict about what devices will interface with their iPhones.  I didn't want to jailbreak my iPhone either.

Being that I participate in a several automotive track events throughout the year, I wanted a means to acquire more data from when I am driving.  The GPS module I intend to purchase requires the 30-pin slot of my iPhone 4, so essentially, I was left with this device as my option.  It works very well, however, being that it is not directly plugged into the iPhone, there is a very slight delay in data acquisition.  For a hobbyist like myself, it's not a big deal, but it is not a replacement for true track data acquisition equipment for those that are more die-hard about improving their driving skills.

I received in a timely manner.  The device works without trouble.  Contrary to other people's experience, I leave my unit plugged into the OBD port of my car and have not had any electrical or battery problems.  I drive my car daily though.

I certainly do recommend this piece for those that want the ability to trouble "check engine light" issues in their OBDII cars as well as to those that enjoy tracking their cars and wish to use more the Harry's Laptimer app features.
1376982
I decided to try this unit despite the few bad reviews because there are very few combination back-up cameras/GPS on the market, particularly with a 5 inch screen (I have a Smart Car - didn't want a GPS monitor bigger than the car...).  I don't know why other reviewers had so many problems, but after a few days of use mine seems to be working fine both as GPS and as backup camera.

It has a lot of nice features, including a color screen, easy to navigate in GPS mode while driving  and good resolution in camera mode.  Maybe the image is a little bit stretched horizontally but everything is sharp and easy to see, even under limited light conditions, and it has a good, wide angle of coverage.  The GPS is easy to use and has a lot of good options including clear navigation directions, including the "landscape" feature.  Unlike other reviewers I haven't noticed a problem finding satellites--so far, the unit has always found them within 5-15 seconds, which seems reasonable.  Maybe there's some geographic variation in this?  (I live on the East coast...).  The warning about red light cameras and speed cameras is pretty handy -- not that I make a habit of speeding or running red lights but it's a good "heads up" to be particularly careful.  Sometimes the route it plots out seems a bit strange, using a lot of small back roads, but you can also choose the "mostly freeways" option and it also re-calculates the route quickly if you decide to go another way.  The cradle seems pretty well designed--suctions securely to the windshield but is also easy to remove and allows for sufficient adjustment of the angle.

I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5 only because it is a bit slow booting up and can sometimes also be a bit slow switching from GPS to camera mode when I put the car in reverse (only 2--3 seconds, but that can seem like a long time when you're eager to get going).  Also, there is the minor annoyance that it opens up a safety warning screen every time it starts up (telling you to keep eyes on the road, etc.).  I'm also a bit concerned that the mechanism used to connect the monitor to the cradle doesn't seem very strong, so I'm being very careful not to put too much stress on it when removing the monitor.  But all in all I'm very satisfied with it so far. .