Allen Sports Navigator Mobile Phone Software and Bluetooth GPS Device

User Review: - Wouldn't work with my phone
This product seemed like a great thing to integrate with my phone. However, once I got it, I found out that it only worked with certain phones and mine wasn't one of them. Therefore, I cannot really provide a review of the functionality but just a note of caution to check compatibility before purchasing.

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User Review: - Relatively easy to set up and worked pretty well
I used this with my 8100 Blackberry Pearl. Happily, I didn't have to load any software as I'm not sure the small sized disc would have worked in my mac. It was not hard to set up (even) without reading the directions. It connects with Bluetooth and then turn on the GPS in Blackberry maps. It would then find my current location and give a purple line to follow if it was giving me directions. It did freeze up my phone a few times, but it would work again if I restarted it. It didn't ask me for a lic. number, which of course, I had. Since I have an iPhone with GPS now, I probably will only use this from time to time.

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User Review: - It's Just the GPS in my soul
First, a confession: I discovered after receiving the Wayfinder (which is apparently the full name of the system) that I couldn't use it on my phone so I shared it with a friend who could. This report, therefore, is hearsay to a certain extent. First the pluses: The system apparently worked on all the trips kaid out for it (about 1/2 a dozen prior to my debriefing) and, if it didn't always give the shortest route possible, at least it got you to your destination with a mnimum of fuss and bother. Moreover, since the system is linked to your phone, and not your vehicle, it can comfortably go where you go, be it on foot, public transportation, etc. Another plus is the absence of a large, obvious GPS monitor screen which recent reports indicate can be an all-too-obvious lure to those of a less moral bent than you or I. Which leads to the minuses: The lack of a criminal lure, also means the lack of a large enough screen to comfortably see the route which, showing on the phone screen, can require holding it in one hand while steering with the other, and with much greater distraction for the driver. It is much easier, and safer, to have a "partner" passenger (a role I played on two occasions) who can direct you. In short, although this might not have been its original major purpose, I think the system would be ideal for city folk who may do a lot of walking, biking, or public transport. Those of us who live in areas where automobiles are not only the main, but often only, transportation available, might want to stick to the large systems.

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User Review: - Some odd nits but otherwise not bad
I've been playing with my Navigator for a couple of days now, and other than some odd issues, it's not a bad little product.

I am using the Navigator with a Verizon XV6800 Pocket PC phone. I downloaded the software pretty easily off the web (I have a Mac and my phone just does not communicate well with my Mac so I was nervous that I would have to load it using the CD. I did really like that they put a 14 day temporary key on the envelope so you could try it without breaking the seal on the disk (if you do that you can't return it).

I had a little trouble getting it set up properly, and my one continuing issue is that the voice prompts aren't working. It says the first syllable and then gets cut off, so all we hear is "Tur" instead of Turn ahead. (It did work once, for about 10 minutes. I haven't yet been able to figure out what is presenting it from playing the full sound.

I will say, this is no comparison for my husband's TomTom, which has a much easier time finding categories of locations, but so far, everything I've entered in (the name of an ice cream stand I knew instead of the generic "ice cream") it did find it. And it does give estimated time of arrival and show me how fast I'm driving.

I give this a solid 4 stars, and if I figure out the sound thing, I'll update my review.

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User Review: - It looks fantastic
This product is sharp-looking and its color maps are easy-to-read and a pleasure to look at. I wasn't able to use this with my actual cell phone because (I realized after getting it) that I don't have Bluetooth capability. That said, someone who does have that capability now has it and I believe will be in love with it. I hope this helps people decide on whether to get one of these!

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