Don't be afraid...

Don't be afraid to purchase this gps system..The Navigon 5100 is a more than capable gps system but when I purchased it after reading a lot of reviews I noticed a problem with the instructions that should have been caught by the Navigon people before the instructions were published...I.E..The instructions tell you to hold the start button down for 6 seconds to start the unit..What they fail to tell you is that this is done ONLY the first time the unit is started (out of the box)..This will initially boot the system and to get its initial satellite positioning..That is the ONLY time you do this procedure..the next time you start the unit, just push the start button and it will start..A lot of reviewers complain about the time it takes for the 5100 to get a satellite connection..If you follow the instructions and hold down the start button for 6 seconds every time, then the unit will reboot itself and all of your personal data will be lost..things like your home position and all added favorites..SO,DON'T DO IT!

As far as the 5100 itself, I've had it about a month and I am extremely happy with it..Once it gets it satellite "fix", it will never lose you. The reality views are incredible especially the detailed lane instructions..When you are coming to a complex intersection, the 5100 will show you a reality view of the intersection and will show and verbally instruct which lane to get into. I don't know of any other gps system that can do this like the Navigon.

The 5100 also comes with Real Time Traffic Reports..This little "gem" lets you know of traffic conditions up ahead such as accidents, flooded roads, construction etc..It then will ask if you want to reroute to get around the problem or to continue..That to me is worth the price of the system. The voice instructions are clear and concise and the female voice is both very easy to understand and she actually sounds a little "HOT" ;-) The Navigon unit comes with an external antenna for the Real Time Traffic Reports, and this wire is none too attractive..You stick it to your windshield with suction cups UGLY)..The good news is that the 5100 comes with an internal antenna also for traffic reports..I've found that you really don't need the external antenna for most driving areas..I guess the external antenna would be used in rural or fringe areas where the internal antenna might not be able to pick up the signal..Remember that the traffic reports are gathered from ground based department of highway as well as local police reports and NOT from a satellite..

In summary..I would highly recommend the Navigon group of gps systems..Tom Tom; Magellan; and Garmin are all excellent units and are all worth the investment. The Navigon gps units are well known in europe and are just now being introduced to the United States..And as I said earlier...Don't be afraid..to purchase the Navigon gps systems..They are well constructed, actually very attractive and from my personal experience with them, well worth the money..Speaking of money, the price of these units does vary a lot..I saw the 5100 unit advertised anywhere from 499.00 down to 229.00 after 50 dollar rebate. (Radio Shack)..That's where I purchased mine..Go online..it's worth looking around before you purchase..DON'T BE A "LOST AND LONELY CHILD" ANYMORE!!