Navman iCN 530 In-Car Portable Navigation

Navman iCN 530 In-Car Portable Navigation

Ranking: 8.8 out of 10

Manufacturer: Navman USA , Inc.
Model Number: AA005788-5E2
Product Code: 817186000904
Price: $599.99 -- get the latest pricing from Amazon

Features:

  • Updated software for quicker GPS fixes
  • Comes with preloaded detailed maps of United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam
  • Features a wireless remote control
  • Includes improved speed and accuracy for town, zip code, street, intersection and house number searches
  • Dimensions: 120 mm x 80 mm x 22 mm (WxHxD); includes a rechargeable battery with up to 4 hours life

Buy it now at Amazon!

Description:

The iCN 530 lets you find the nearest petrol station or car park at the touch of a button. So no more worries about wasting valuable shopping time hunting for that elusive parking spot. What's more, it's compatible with Navman Traffic Module, which delivers real-time traffic updates to your sat-nav, letting you avoid traffic jams - or know how far you'll be stuck for.

User Reviews -- Add a new review for this Product

Excellent with a couple limitations

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 8.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
I've tried a bunch of GPSes in my quest for the perfect device. This one fits most of the criteria. Specifically, its good points are:
br /- Light and portable, including the mount, so you can throw it in your backpack or carryon when you're traveling.
br /- Bright display with good colors. I do recommend getting a screen protector. I use a Clarivue 3.5" LCD protector. That cuts down on glare, too.
br /- Recent maps. Same maps as of mapquest in 8/2006.
br /- Interface is a lot better than most of the generic Windows mobile 3.5" devices.
br /- Excellent satellite capture and signal strength: Captured satellites even in some parking gararges!
br /
br /The bad:
br /- Only US/Canada maps available for now. Navman promises European maps by end of year (amazing it's that hard, since they already sell this in Europe preloaded with European maps).
br /- Does not do "text to speech" so it says "turn right in 500 feet" instead of "in 500 feet turn right onto Main Street". Don't care much about that.
br /- Does not tell you which side of the road the destination is on -- that's more annoying.
br /- Only has two display modes "3d travel direction up" and "2d North up". I kind of like "2d travel direction up" that is available on some other devices. Again, not a killer.
br /- No bluetooth speakerphone, no MP3 player, whatever. I don't care -- that's what I have a bluetooth headset and an ipod for.
br /
br /On the whole, it's a really nice device. If money isn't important at all, buy a Nuvi. If you don't care about having a heavy, enormous device (with a huge screen) try a Lowrance 510. On the whole, this device is probably the best bang for the buck.

Good for the money

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 6.7 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
This is my first GPS nav. This unit has its share of problems but on balance I think it compares favorably with Garmin 300 series and other similarly priced units. The database of points of interest is not accurate nor complete. I understand that this is pretty common and that there are only two companies that actually research and release the map data. I expected this but was still dissapointed. The categories of points of interest included are very extensive but it failed to show a half dozen gas stations within a few miles of my home, a restaurant that has been open for 15 years, and my apartment complex's (open for at least 7 years) roads. Many, Many points of interest are incorrectly listed under a nearby suburban city. Once you do find a place on the map, either an address or POI the unit seems to give fantastic directions to get you there. Satelite lockon is VERY VERY quick, scarcely over 15 seconds and the voice prompt volume is adequate but could be a bit louder. The screen brightness is good but does get washed out in direct sunlight. The interface is counterintuitive but fairly simple and easy to get use to. The unit has an auto mode for changing display contrast and background colors and for illuminating the buttons at night. The illumination is a warm blue, pretty nice. Auto mode works well but sometimes lags for several minutes or requires that you enter the menu to get it to change from night to day. The window suction cup mount is ingenious and sturdy, the GPS light and slim and the accessories, pc software and really handy remote make this an excellent value. I was surprised that I could not find a single review of this unit with its impressive price point and features. Hopefully this review will help. A word of caution though, I have not used any other GPS navs and its difficult to compare them. One thing is for sure this is probably not a dud unless point of interest completeness and accuracy is important to you.

Great value!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 5.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
I just bought this, and for the price it really can't be beat. I have a Garmin Nuvi 350, which is also a great product, but for the price the Navman ICN 530 is a better value.
br /
br /The Navman doesn't have an MP3 player or support FM traffic data, but neither of those are of interest to me. (Note: Traffic data support is available in Europe, just not the US.) I prefer using my iPod for music and don't care to pay $100 a year for traffic data. Otherwise, the products are very similiar in terms of size/weight, ease of use, and capabilities.
br /
br /One of the features my wife likes about the Navman is the "fuel" button. She's always worried about running gas and by pressing this button the Navman routes you to the nearest gas station!

Awesome GPS

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.7 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
I have had this for a week now. The GPS fix for me has never taken more than 5 seconds.It has a speed limit warning, which I like very much. The voice prompt is audible and you can choose between a male or a female voice. You can preview your trip turn by turn before you begin your journey.It is very handy because of it's shape.I can carry it along with comfort like a PDA.The processor is fast and thus the rerouting feature takes no time to recalculate the route.In my recent experience,a street was misspelt and some street names were missing. The remote that comes with it is so useful that you don't have to lean towards the gps(to press the buttons) all the time. it is a Great buy !

The easier the better

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 4.7 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback

br /Very easy to work with.
br /
br /This is the second GPS unit I have purchased and used.
br /
br /I am very happy with this one. The screen is nice and uncluttered, the routes are great, the rerouting works like a charm, the voice sounds polite...
br /
br /It has all the maps I need already loaded along with points of interest, including gas stations and parking lots. The gas station thing is very handy when you're on a country road or even out of town.
br /
br /It is quite a bit better than the old one at getting satellite signal.
br /
br /It is pretty slim and light and does not look totally out of place in the car.
br /
br /Overall an excellent purchase.
br /
br /

Happy Driving !!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 4.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
This is a standard GPS. Perfect for a nervous driver. All you have to do is to follow the directions. The ease of use is incredible. I dont want an MP3 player, bluetooth etc etc in my GPS. All I want is to get to the destination without any hassle ... you will get it in this Navman.

Correcting an error in a S. Garfinkle's review.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
S. Garfinkle posted a nice list of pros and cons...but the following limitation that he included in his list of cons:
br /
br /"Only has two display modes "3d travel direction up" and "2d North up". I kind of like "2d travel direction up" that is available on some other devices. Again, not a killer."
br /
br /
br /...is incorrect.
br /
br /
br /As he stated, there is a 2D "north-facing" view (what he called "north up") and a 3D view (or what Navman calls "topo"), but the 3D view is more powerful than he indicated.
br /
br /The 3D view is a "direction of travel-facing" view. While it has a 3D viewing angle by default, it can be changed to 2D. In fact, you can change the viewing angle to a wide range of angles by simply dragging the stylus (or your finger) in an upward (or downward) motion on the screen. The angle can range from a significant slant (which displays the horizon) to a straight overhead view, which looks straight down on the vehicle - AKA a 2D "direction facing" view...or what he called "2d travel direction up"
br /
br /Yes, I read the entire manual. ;-)
br /
br /There are also other great views when you are on a route, including "next five turns" and, my favorite, a view that shows a large indication of the next turn, distance to that turn, and a half-screen version of the map, which I'll refer to below as the "upcoming turn view."
br /
br /
br /
br /I'll agree with his other pros and cons...but the only con that bugs me at all is the destination side of the road issue, but I can also live with it. I do wish, however, that I had the option to have the unit automatically switch to the more detailed "upcoming turn view" as I approach a turn, which is the default behavior in the excellent Toyota nav system. That said, the functions that the unit does offer blow away the nav system in our Lexus...and at a fraction of the price. Also, you cannot believe how powerful the receiver chipset is. Picking up satellites indoors? No problem at all.
br /
br /There are many other pros, but I'll let the other reviews speak to them. I'll just close by saying that this unit just seems unbeatable at this price.
br /

Great little GPS

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
Getting lost used to be my hobby but with this neat little unit I don't have to worry anymore. I have had it almost a year now and works like a charm.
br /Finds just about everything I throw at it. I did not give it a 5 star rating because it does not tell you the streets as you are directed, but it is so concise that does not matter. Finding the signal is relatively fast also, just don't expect instant access aint gonna happen. The size is perfect as is the touch screen. Nice if you need to take it along. Comes with everything you need and you do not have to install any maps they are all loaded. I like this unit and recommend it highly.

I found my way out of the Airport!!!

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: May 24, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
I got this as a gift for Christmas.
br /
br /I have no sense of direction and I can't read a map to save my life and I'm no good with paper directions either....(YES I'M A GIRL!!!)
br /
br /I don't use this very often ( that's because I don't really drive anywhere..I let my feet do all the walking) My fiance is the one that does all the driving.
br /
br /The big test was when I used this to pick up my sister from the Airport a few months ago. Never fails I can get to the Airport ok but I can never find my way out and when I do, I ALWAYS end up lost (sooooooooooooooo!!... like thats never happened to anybody!!!)
br /
br /The day that I used The NAVMAN I didn't get lost. I got out of the Airport and back home without getting lost. I was like "Ooooh this actually works!!!"
br /
br /My sister's coming down in a few months and guess who'll be picking her up from the Airport???? (.... me and my Navman :[] )
br /
br /The one thing that I have to say that I don't like is for example when it tells you "AT 200 FEET MAKE A LEFT..." and coming up you have 2 places to make a left ... do you chose the first left or do you take the 2nd left??? I mean..did I pass 200 feet or did I only pass 100 feet??? I wish it would say "OK MAKE A LEFT RIGHT NOW!!!" instead of this 200 feet crap leaving you wondering if this is where you have to make the left or would that be the next left.... oh well..
br /
br /But I'm still happy with my Navman....:):):):)
br /
br /
br /
br /

Not lost any more

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
This is a great product. I love having it in my car. I have a job where I am on the go all the time making house calls. I eat on the run and this device allows me to always find the closest resturants, and gas stations with it's "Nearest point of intrest" feature. My only complaints are that with new locations it won't register, and that it will occassionally freeze up for a short time, but will usally recover pretty quickly. I totally love their ETA feature, I use this all the time so that I know if I am going to be late or have time to make a quick stop. I would highy recommend this device to anyone and even got one for my dad for Christmas, he travels alot for work too and was really happy with it. It is also really user freindly right out of the box, I never even read the directions just put it in my car and went.
br /
br /Happy Driving.

OK for an older design.

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 2.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
Mark As: Useful, Not Useful
Thanks for your feedback
I have had this GPS for a year +. If your looking for a unit that has MP3, Blue tooth, LCD TV, etc. this is not the one for you. It does it's job reasonably well, that is: Driving instructions, keeps you from getting too lost, and when you do, it brings you back to where you should be. On the not so good side: the interface is not very intuitive. You really need to read and digest the 73 page manual. Also the maps are out of date, and can cause some problems. (I generally print a map from Google or Yahoo as a back up. I have yet to find an update for the map problem. The voice is weak when in your car at 70mph. On a big plus side, the voice will tell you what lane to be in when you are on a multiple interstate interchange. I am purchasing a new Magellan unit as my primary GPS. Their map sources are better.