Navman 3450 Handheld GPS Receiver

Pros: Uses existing hardware. Easy to read graphics. Easy Installation.
Cons: Unreliable. Unstable.

This is a review of the Navman 3450 installed and updated on the IPAQ 3955 after local testing plus an 800 mile road trip. The unit got us lost roughly 25% of the time by suggestion turns that were the wrong direction or at streets that did not ...

Pros: Works fine when software is activated
Cons: Namvan server suddenly denies activating my GPS

Problem: I used to have Navman GPS 3450 for 4 years. Time to time, it requires to activate Software. Suddenly, software is no longer able to be activated. Navman Tech support said my software (SMART ST 1.90) is outdated and their servers do not recognize it. They said that I should purchase latest software in order to continue using this product. I do not understand why my GPS suddenly stops working until I buy new software. I am not downloading/adding any new feature from server :(

Conclusion: My Navman GPS is suddenly not working without any notice, and Nanvam company asks me to purchase upgrade software. And, even though I purchase upgrade software, I might use it only for a while.

Pros: The Navman 3450 works as advertised and is far cheaper than many comparable products.
Cons: Menu navigation need some polish.

I recently purchased a Navman 3450. It is rare for an electronic device to exceed my expections, but this one did. After following a few threads on the subject, it became clear that updating software, and firmware on the Navman and iPAQ devices was essential to achieve the desired results. I did so, and the system worked on the first try following 40 minutes of installation and reading the manual (always a good idea).

The iPAQ wants a soft reset when switching between its regular expansion pack and the Navman unit. It has worked very well on all the trials (urban and rural) that I have run it through.

The route recalculation takes about 30-45 seconds when you deviate from the indicate course. It should be remembered that the program will pursue its shortest/fastest setting quite literally. I once found it kept pointing me to the highway whilst taking the shortest way home.

One of the best features is that it tells me the street name even when there are no signs around.

Pros: - jampacked with expensive software features - extremely affordable
Cons: You have to get a cheap iPaq unit that still supports it.

I purchased this since I had 2 end of lifecycle iPaq's lying around: a 3600 and 3900 series. Glad I shelled out the 143$ as these GPS units are jampacked with features that you won't find on the integrated units. You can select many different settings ranging from the viewing angle to ETA, to the type of voice you want, to the auto-correction feature (when you mis a turn it recalcs the route). Anyways, we (wife and I) have both used these for over a year now and are nothing more than pleased.
They have good reception, the time to signal is very short and the interface (using the stylus) is super easy.
I can even unclip it and take it with me (avoiding theft!) and use it for hiking. It really works.
The NAVMAN also does not drain your iPaq battery, it is surprisingly economic.
Finally: there are refurbished end of lifecycle iPaq's online for 80$ and combine that with this you will have a portable/transferable unit that you will love.

Pros: It didn't explode.
Cons: See above

Another reviewer cited that you get what you pay for with this unit. Actually, you get less than you pay for if you make the mistake of sending the (faulty and unstable)unit back for repairs. My mistake was leaving a large capacity memory chip in the unit as it was returned to me without it. My attempts to get it back were a total waste of time. My bad for leaving valuables unattended.

Aside from a lack of Eagle Scouts at Repair Central, the unit and hardware are a nightmare. The software was very temperamental and would constantly freeze-up and require re-setting of the Ipaq.

Oh, and the repairs? They cost nothing and accomplished the same. One memory card sacrificed in vain.