Nextar X3-02 GPS

This Nextar is clearly based on Intellinav software; do you have any idea if it has the new maps like the just-released Iguidance 4.0, or is it based on 2005/2006 maps like the older AIO Intellinav devices?

I didn't find a way to tell which version of maps it had - it didn't have a 20 mile long bypass in it that was completed about 1.5 years ago.

I few other things I found in a week of trying one out:

The text-to-speech worked quite well - easy to understand and about the right level of "chatiness".

Route calculation and recalculation was quite fast. Some of the routes took you thru roads that were apparently dedicated but never opened. It does suggest U turns but will keep trying new routes until you take one of them.

Device seems to be Windows CE based.

Sensitivity was excellent as expected.

Mapping, MP3, and Photo Viewer software are all totally seperate as far as I can tell. I was not able to discover a way to play MP3s and use the mapping program. Further, if you are using one of the three and go back to the main menu you can't go back into the one you used previously without opening one of the other applications first.

The device ships with a USB cable but it would connect and immediately disconnect from any of the half dozen XP machines I tried.

Software freezes up often. 4-5 times per day in my testing.

Given the problems, I did take it back. Staples refunded the price with no problem.

Dennis,

Thanks for the information on this. Very helpful.

-Scott

Is there a way to update the maps on this device? I connected it to my computer and also got the connect/disconnect loop, but it stopped after a minute. The USB connection seems to be just for charging.

Please do not buy this product(Nextar X3-02). It soes not work. Freezes very often that it works. I bought this one from Buy.com and they are not taking it back.

Newegg has this with free shipping for 99.99 after 20 rebate. I've had it for 2 weeks and like it alot. Be careful with using the touch screen. My fat fingers kept deleting my favorite destinations instead of scrolling down. The Nextar website doesn't list this model nor does it have any updates for it.

I purchased the nextar x3-03 and it was just a bit more money than the 02. However, the unit is working flawlessly and I'm quite impressed. It is very accurate and I don't think any gps unit is allowed to be much more accurate since the good stuff is reserved for military use only.
Nextar for me was a great buy and I don't look at the map and mostly listen to voice prompts to get me to where I need to go. I'm not worried about wrong street names because I realize how difficult it must be to get it all right. I'm fine just as long as a gps gets me to where I need to go even if I have to go out of the way a bit. If I wanted 100 percent accuracy, I'd look at a map and spend the extra 45 minutes to figure out how to get there, but I prefer wrong street names to save time.
Don't let this one go, it is a great price and very easy to use.

Overall has been a great unit! GPS works great and the MP3 player sounds much better than expected!

Would love to be able to either load in additional maps (e.g. Italy) or update the maps inside.

This is an excellent unit. like all electronic things, it may have issues. It is a delicate thing, so use with care. I care it so much. Ensure that its been kept and mounted well.

After using it for over 4 months, I have confidence on the device, 99% cases, it has the updated information. All streets, turns everything, POI etc. We literelly trust the machine. And it has never ever taken us wrong.

You will find the TTS feature to be so useful. My driving has improved due to the speed alters the GPS provides.

I can instantly find gas stations, hospitals, resturants, shopping malls etc. I guess I have already saved much more on the gas then what I bought it for. I bought it for over 220$. It now is available for just 99$. Absolutely must and worth for any one who wants to be well informed, advised and accurate.

100$ is hardly any price when we compare its benefits. We drove long distances from toronto to Edmonton and much more using it.