Good...but not top notch.
Pros:
Small, easy to operate. Website great for updates.
Cons:
No battery option. Touch screen small for big fingers.
The Bottom Line:
Recommended because it's small and convenient. Program where you want to go before you leave and to find another location, pull over and use the touch screen buttons, it's easier.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I bought this unit for $100 refurbished. The cobra website shows it on sale for $260.
THE UNIT
It's a nice little compact unit. It's easy to set up in the car. The only downfall is that it has to be plugged in. It can't run off batteries, which would have been nice for easier portability. The display is 3.5" and is touch screen. While driving the touch screen can be a little difficult to operate if you have larger fingers or are shaky (but you're not supposed to do that anyway...:-). The speaker is in the back of the unit and is very audible. There is volume control in the touch screen settings.
SOFTWARE UPGRADE
To upgrade the software you just have to log on to the Cobra website, download the file to your computer and install it to the unit. Sound easy? Well, just be sure you have the proper plug for it. It says it takes ALMOST any digital camera cord. But of course, I don't have the ones that fall under the "ALMOST" category. But thankfully my sister did, so I used hers.
MAP
The map is easy to read. The speaker doesn't say names of streets, but it is accurate when it comes to distance. The only thing I'm not too sure of yet is how to upgrade the map. I upgraded the Software, however, there are still some missing streets that were completed in 2007. So I'm not sure if the Cobra website will offer a map upgrade at some point.
Another feature is the locations selection. You can choose to find any stores, banks, hospitals, etc. all on the GPS Unit based on your current location. It tells you how far and in what direction you can find the location you want.
COMPARISON
I used Microsoft Streets and Trips on my laptop for a trip I went on in Nova Scotia two years ago, as well as a trip to Cleveland this past March. I would say the programs are comparible. The actual Cobra GPS unit is probably a little easier to use if you're the driver compared to trying to use a laptop. But overall I'd say they were both pretty good.
THINGS I DON'T LIKE
1) Again, I don't like how small the touch screen buttons are. They're hard to press when you're driving, especially on bumpy roads. I keep hitting the wrong button.
2) I also don't like that you can't just take it with you and run it off batteries. You have to plug it in. So I can't have my cell phone and GPS plugged in the same time. There's no room for that in my car unless i buy an adapter.
3) I feel there are probably better units for $260. If you can find it at a reasonable price ($100 for refurbished) then get it.
