WOW

I purchased this unit after a horrible experience with the Alpine PMD-B100 Blackbird. If you are considering that unit, please read my review on it first.

Moving along... After waiting 4 hours for installation, I am actually impressed with the NVE-N872A. I have owned it for less than a week now, so I am still getting accustomed to the features, like voice recognition. Yes, Voice Recognition. If spoken clearly, you don't even have to touch any controls. After learning the commands, I have been using this feature more and more.

Maps. The maps are clear and fast. When you type an address in, it will find you a route very quickly, usually in under 4 seconds. As for re-routing, it is also very fast. It adapts to the way you drive.

Accuracy. It is extremely Accurate. Down to about 20 feet. I was in a parking lot and did a u-turn, and it knew as I was turning, which direction I was facing. The screen is quick to update as well. There isn't any lag time while driving. When you move, it moves.

Searching. No more dialing 411 for me. It is a digital phone book and so much more! Anywhere you need to look up, you can find in seconds- with phone numbers. OR if you know the phone number, but don't know the address, just type it in and it will find you the address. There is a problem with the directory though. I am finding that not ALL places are listed. Like if you are looking for a new restaurant or place to go, it most likely isn't in the directory. It is missing a lot of fast food places too, which can be frustrating when looking for a place to eat when traveling.

Guide. Included is also a restaurant and entertainment review guide. I haven't used this feature and don't expect to, but it will tell you info about places near you, including what to expect to pay for a meal there. Unfortunately, the listings are only for restaurants in the city, for instance- I live outside of Detroit and it only reviews restauraunts in Detroit only.

Remote. Though I don't like to use remotes in my car, I did like one feature on the remote- there was a mouse-like button that allowed me to scroll around on the screen to look around on the map while driving. Using this feature on the touch-screen can be difficult while driving.

Install. Installation took 4 hours. They had to install the unit (which should have fit under my passenger seat but didn't) in my trunk. Also, there is a "speak" button installed on my center console for entering voice commands. A microphone is also located above my rear-view mirror. Another aspect of the install which makes it trickier is that they actually tap into your car's wiring to know things like: parking brake engaged, reverse engaged, and what speed you are going. You need to be connected to at least 3 satellites to pinpoint exactly where you are. If for some reason it cannot connect to at least 3 satellites (tunnel), it will use calculations from your speed to accurately determine where you are. Nice.

Overall, compared to the Alpine Blackbird, this unit is phenomenal. Sure, it is much more pricey but if you are looking for a clean, accurate, and crystal clear navigation system, this is the one for you. I also own the touch screen 6.5" Alpine IVA-W200 which works flawlessly with this system.




Oh, and if you are considering purchasing the older Alpine Navigation model NVE-N852A, the main difference I found is that it is not compatible with the new Alpine touch screen models.

Here is a link to the official Alpine Facts Sheet: http://www.alpine-usa.com/images/products/documents/N872AFactSheet.pdf

One last thing: if you do purchase this navigation system, make sure that they mount it correctly. The DVD slot should be facing either Forward or Backwards in your car. If it isn't the gyro inside of the unit can malfunction- giving you erroneous location tracking.

**UPDATE** --2 YEARS LATER--
Well I still love my navigation.  I've even purchased the new up-to-date smartmap pro dvd software.  In addition to new roads, it also has a 3d feature that is added to the display.  Pretty neat.  I've grown to like it much better.

Also, as far as the voice commands, they don't work so well when driving over 35mph.  The road noise interferes with your voice, and the unit gets confused.  I don't even use the voice function any more.

There are many cheaper options out there, but really; who wants to be the dork with a huge gps unit plopped on your windshield.  This unit is smooth and sleek.  I love making fun of BMW owners that drive with those disgusting cheapo nav units!  No class.

Hope this update was helpful.