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Beautiful screen, but below-average usability

This GPS from Panasonic features a large, bright LCD screen. It’s also got a loud speaker and a very solid windshield mount. (A dashboard disc is included for those living in Calif. and Minn.)

Setup is easy, although practically no documentation is enclosed in the box. You get 3D navigation map view, choice of routing based on type of vehicle (passenger car vs. truck vs. bike, for example — can be a lifesaver). It also features an “electronic compass” that keeps keeping track of your approximate location even when you’re in a tunnel.

But the software, made by Navigon of Germany (which has a line of its own GPS units), is really bad in terms of usability. The symbols and text on the navigation map are *small*, making it hard to see where you’re and where you’re going, despite the generous 5″ screen. The software, powered by Windows CE, is extremely slow, whether you try to pan a map or enter a POI. For example, I was in Yonkers, NY two weeks ago and tried to find a KFC. I waited 3 minutes before any results came up (even though there *are* KFC’s in Yonkers.) I finally gave up and reset the unit. Also, the software tries to auto-fill street names and zip codes for you, but it’s really slooow, making it painful to enter anything.

Speaking of zipcodes, Navigon is such a great company that they make you enter address by zip code! If you don’t know a zip code, or choose a city like San Fran or Chicago or NY with many zip codes, you may not be able to find a particular street or house number. Real smart.

Update (2/8/2012): I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Panasonic Car CNGP50U Strada Portable Mobile Navigation System with 5″” Widescreen LCD Monitor Electronics, was written by Gadgester.

The average rating for this item is 3.3 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.