As I did not want to purchase a full Garmin type GPS system, I found this Allen GPS receiver was exactly what I was looking for in price and size. It's exactly the size of an iPod nano (the smallest version). The kit comes with an adjustable attachment for your car's vent louvers and can hold the Allen GPS and your phone. It also comes with an AC charger and a car charger (unlike most cell phones). I have the "Sony Ericsson W580i", as I like a clear vivid screen and the slide motion. Once you enter your start position and final destination, you are on your way. The screen can be viewed in plan view or in `bird's eye (perspective) mode. You will receive visual guidance and voice commands. A British female voice announces whether you are ½ mile or 100 yards from your next turn and then announces, "Turn left here" or whatever is appropriate. (Note that Allen Navigator GPS was first popular in the United Kingdom).
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br /It notates your speed, distance to turns and `beeps' twice after successfully completing a turn. Because it uses your mobile network, it is continually updating map and POI information; meaning you never have to update your mapping information - ever. That's a big savings in money and time.
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br /The Allen Navigator GPS software (www.mywayfinder.com) is best downloaded from your phone (check compatibility). With www.mywayfinder.com, you can track your position on GOOGLE Earth and create favorites. This version includes the entire USA. You can also purchase map coverage of other countries, which is not always available from other devices. You also don't need Tele-Nav, which ATT (my provider) told me I did need. The battery life is amazingly long, so recharges are not often and I was surprised at its accuracy (within 10 yards driving)! It has a cool night mode viewing screen as well.
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br /I am not a tech genius (really, I am not at all), so I found the initial downloading to be slightly time consuming, but then I had trouble with my Sony Ericsson cell phone too. Now that it is set-up and working, it is almost intuitive. Taking a five hour trek from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, it was remarkably accurate as to all my several stops. There are literally millions of services or POI information. I had fun finding a steak lobster restaurant, as well as gas and an ATM. The only drawback I could find is that the message, "Allow Application To Send To The Internet?" would frequently pop-up, but all this meant was I had to press the YES button a few times. Also, this device is meant for driving, so it won't work where you cannot get cell coverage, like hiking in the mountains. But I understand that this company is coming out with a version that will work in remote places. Very cool device.
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br /Note that the price has come down significantly, making this unit much more desirable in lieu of a full GPS unit.
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Everything that you read in electronics talks about convergence of everything onto a single device, so when I heard about this item, I had to try it! Having used the VZ Navigator on a previous mobile phone, I had low expectations about mobile phone based GPS Navigation, but I was blown away by the features and functionality of the Navigator.
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br /My Phone:
br /I own a Samsung Blackjack II running on the ATT network, which Allen lists as a compatible device for version 7 of their software. Although this phone comes with Tele-Nav navigation support, I chose the Allen Sports Navigator since there are no recurring monthly fees. Also, Allen's product comes with map coverage of USA Canada, with additional countries available - Tele-Nav only offer map coverage for the US.
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br /Installing the Software onto your phone:
br /Step #1 in using this product is to install the Navigator onto your phone. Enter Allen's download address into your phone's web browser, select your phone model (which in my case was Windows SmartPhone), choose your language, and start the download. Once installed, follow the directions to activate your software. The whole process is pretty simple, and takes about 3-5 minutes.
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br /Pairing the GPS Receiver:
br /The product comes with a Bluetooth GPS Receiver, which you need to pinpoint your location and allow the navigation to function properly. This pairs up with you phone like a bluetooth headset. It is about the size of an iPod Nano.
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br /Using the software:
br /I found the software to be very easy to use. The maps show up very well, even on my phone's small screen. When you are using the product in navigation mode you can toggle between the map view and two other screens which show you your destination information and and your upcoming turn information. All of the information provided is extrmely accurate and relevent. In navigation mode you can use view your position in 2D or 3D mode - this is where this product beat the pants off of VZ Navigator.
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br /Other cool features:
br /Since this product is cellular based it has the ability to send your coordinates out over your cellular network, which will allow you to track where your phone is and where it's been. All of this can be viewed at the Navigator member site using your username and password. This has been really fun for my husband and kids to see where I am when I travel on business.
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br /Overall:
br /I really like this product. It's awesome having my GPS Navigation running on my mobile phone, and it is very easy to use. I would recomend this product to anyone who is looking for GPS Navigation, and has a compatible phone with a data plan. You need the data plan for the maps and routes to load properly. Most unlimited data plans cost about $10, and if you use your phone for text messages and email you probably already have one. I would not recommend this product to someone without a cellular plan or that lives in an area with limited cellular coverage.
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br /I can't wait for more products like this that will let me get more out of my cell 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.

Allen Sports, best known for their top quality car mounted bike racks, steps into the portable GPS market with their Wayfinder Navigator product designed to turn your mobile phone/PDA into a full fledged GPS device. The key selling point of the Navigator is one of convergance - after all, why carry around a separate GPS handheld unit when you can cram all of its features and functionality into your current mobile phone? In theory this is a good thing but keep in mind that the Navigator doesn't quite provide an all-in-one device solution as you are actually purchasing a physical piece of hardware - a tiny bluetooth GPS receiver - that basically turns your phone/PDA into a display for said hardware. Fear not though, this kit handily includes a universal phone/pda holder that fits all compatible devices along with the GPS receiver in one handy bundle that can then be easily mounted on your car or bicycle.
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br /Setting up your phone with the Navigator system isn't too difficult (I installed on a T-Mobile Blackberry Pearl) thanks to the excellent documentation instructions. Once you have the navigator up and running what really stands out is the attractive, colorful UI providing such perspectives as 2D views, 3D and Nightmode (meant for use while driving in the dark). Another standout is the plethora of point-of-interest info that is constantly available (provided that you have network coverage on your phone). For the past few weeks I've kept this kit connected with me as I've traveled on business throughout Southern California, Arizona and Texas. The Navigator system really stood out in providing good information on restaurants, shops and other services in areas that I've never been in before.
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br /While there are far superior GPS choices available - for those who'd prefer to beef up their existing device, as opposed to lugging around an additional one, will certainly appreciate the convenience that the Navigator has to offer. Be sure to check that your current device is compatible with this system. Currently the Navigator system is compatible with most smart phones (blackberries, treo's, etc) and java phones (sony ericsson).

I have used the Allen Sports Navigator on my road bike, mountain bike, as well as out and about when I would never have thought I needed it. It is great to not have to buy a dedicated navigation system when this bundle works so well with existing mobile phone. My phone is a Blackberry Curve. Getting set up was a frustration-free experience (for once!) and the menu / user interface could not be more straightforward. In hindsight, Allen Sports Navigator is a no-brainer.

I have used dash-top GPS units for some time. They do a good job of getting you where you want to go, but it is a definitely hassle having to carry around multiple devices and power chords when I am traveling. This product has definitely made my life easier. The software installed onto my phone without any problem. The GPS application is really easy to use, and the turn-by-turn directions are great. I am fortunate in that my phone has an integrated GPS receiver so now I'm down to carrying only my phone. I have found that even with the internal GPS receiver, Allen's included GPS receiver will work in some areas where my phone's receiver will not.

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.

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.

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

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!

The Allen Sports Navigator is a nice alternative GPS device that works with most brands of cellphone. I have a Sony Ericsson phone. Be sure you check their website to see if it's compatible with yours.
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br /Once you take the time to download the appropriate software and go through the lengthy set-up, it turns your phone into a GPS unit. The Navigator's turn-by-turn directions are as accurate as any stand-alone GPS unit.
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br /The unit itself is tiny enough to bundle with your phone. The software is easy to use and update.
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br /In this day and age, there's really no reason for getting lost when you're out and about. Couple the Allen Sports Navigator with your cell phone, and you'll always find your way.

Whether you're driving, hiking, cycling or anything else, the Allen Sports Navigator Mobile Phone Software and Bluetooth GPS Device will keep you on the right track. Getting it to use was extremely easy (and I'm really not a technological person), and this device is small enough that you can bundle it with your phone and let it be your guide. You do need constant cell phone service, though, to keep it updated, so if you're hiking in remote areas without cell phone service, this might not be the ideal GPS for you. Otherwise, it's just about perfect.

This device is great. I enjoyed it for its turn by turn directions. It highlighted points of interest for us to see and to discuss on our trips. A great attribute of this device is the information is all stored on my mobile phone which I already take everywhere I go. There is no need for one more electronic gadget to fill your pockets or brief case. I would recommend this unit.

My wife and I each have our own GPS units and enjoy using them both locally and when we're "on the road!" We have used other types of GPS units, but this one seems much simplier and easier to use.

Here is what has the potential to be a great item. But as it is now, it leaves much to be desired.
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br /First, you really have to make sure you have a cellphone or blackberry that works. That means going to the website of Allen to check. Luckily, my phone was one listed.
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br /Next you must download the software onto your phone from Allen homepage (it's listed on the instructions). Sync the bluetooth GPS device along with your phone. It sounds easy, and it is, but it takes time and there are some smaller steps in between.
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br /So keep in mind is that as big as your cellphone/blackberry screen is, then that is how big your screen is. Your unit is the map screen.
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br /What is a great point is you never need to worry about map updates, or new roads as the system always updates by itself. Points of Interest (POI) are good, not the greatest, but good enough to get you by.
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br /What leaves me puzzled is that I don't see why Allen did not make a single GPS without having the need to sync up your cellphone/blackberry with it.
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br /Be it you use this software or a regular GPS, you still have two items. That is your phone and the bluetooth/GPS device or your phone and a regular GPS (most people always have a cellphone.

I really wanted to like this product. However, after days of troubleshooting and experimenting, I simply cannot recommend it.
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br /My equipment and software:
br /I use a Blackberry 8700g which is not, according to Allen Sports, the most up-to-date ideal model to use. (It's still made and is currently one generation behind the 8300 Curve and the 8800.) However, they clearly state on their web site that my phone would still work with this unit as long as I used the Navigator 6 software. The current software is Navigator 7. I also used this unit with the most recent mapping software provided by Blackberry which gave me almost identical results. All of this causes me to believe that the problems I had were not caused by using the older Navigator. I also upgraded my entire Blackberry OS (from 4.1 to 4.2) to the most recent version because I had so many problems at the beginning. Even having the most current Blackberry software didn't make much of a difference.
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br /Cons:
br /The necessary software, either Navigator 6 or 7, is not provided with the GPS unit and must be downloaded by your phone via web site address that Allen Sports provided. This link did not allow me to download Navigator 6. I had to contact Allen Sports via email to find out how to get the software.
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br /The Navigator software frequently asked me to reenter my registration number and would tell me that the number was registered to another phone and would not work. After I quit the software and restarted the GPS unit it would briefly go back to normal operation.
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br /The maps downloaded (via Navigator, not the Blackberry software) were stupendously outdated. Since they come from a server and not the software itself this leads me to believe that this problem would exist regardless of which Navigator version you would use. I found that the maps failed to show roads that were well over 10 years old.
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br /Navigator 6 is user unfriendly and essentially worthless. (When I first tried to use it it kept showing Europe as my starting point!) I could not maintain functionality for more than a minute or two so I gave up and switched to the Blackberry software.
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br /With both Navigator and the Blackberry mapping software the GPS unit seems to freeze and you have to restart everything to see where you are on the map. The GPS unit would still show a satellite connection and both it and the phone would indicate an established bluetooth connection. (I have never experienced a problem maintaining a bluetooth connection to anything else, including a headset, keyboard, and computer.)
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br /The GPS unit cannot function properly without a cell phone connection. Because the maps don't exist on your phone and must be downloaded as you go, maintaining a signal is necessary.
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br /This thing just drains the battery. I'm assuming this is because of having to download maps as you go.
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br /Neutral:
br /The GPS unit takes 1 to 2 minutes to connect to the GPS satellite. Not sure if that's good or not as I have never used a GPS unit before. In some cases, however, it would take several minutes and I had to restart the unit to connect.
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br /Pros:
br /The GPS unit is tiny - smaller than any phone.
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br /The GPS unit will add functionality to your phone regardless of what mapping software you use. (However, I assume you would have to look into compatibility.)
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br /Summary:
br /I found that I could get about 5 minutes of use from this product before something froze. It's completely inadequate for any long trip where you don't already know where you're headed. I found that it was only useful when I was already in the neighborhood (a few miles at most) of where I needed to be.
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br /This is marketed as a sports item (there's a mountain biker on the packaging), but is even less suited for that purpose than in a car. Since the cell phone signal is required that rules out most places (at least in New England) where one would actually use a GPS device while hiking, biking or doing some other sports activity.
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br /Even if many of the issues above were solved, the problem of not having the maps already on your phone still severely limits the functionality of this product. You can't really use it for long trips. You can't use it in the wilderness - and if even if you could it would only be for a short period because of the battery problem.
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br /At this price range you can get a fully functional and portable GPS unit to have with you in your car or when you're outdoors. As of this writing they're selling this unit for $300. Given its limited functionality and the availability of so many other GPS options, it might be worth about $100.

Since I travel frequently for business, I wanted to the convenience of running GPS navigation on my cell phone. I found that the software was super easy to download and install onto my Samsung Blackjack. Once installed, the navigation application was very intuitive and easy to use. Addresses are simple to look up, and the voice commands and maps are very clear. Since I don't have an integrated GPS in my phone, I use the included Bluetooth GPS Receiver. It's about the size of an IPod Nano, and tucks away in my briefcase when I'm out and about. The GPS receiver has a really quick startup time, and it works well in just about any environment, including my latest trip to New York City (where I was concerned that the tall buildings would cause some issues, but they did not). This is a great product!

Bottom Line: It's not easy to get it working. Once you do, it's slow since any maps you need have to download. It you are out of cell phone/internet range you will not be able to get a map. Price is a steep for this level of service. My stand alone GPS works almost all of the time and cost almost half this amount. The GPS receiver will work with other software like googlemaps.
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br /My equipment: T-mobile Dash, Windows Mobile 6
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br /Installation: I first attempted to install from phone. Because I was at work, I ended up downloading on a PC and transferring to phone. The phone download did not auto-detect my phone properly. It identified it as a Pocket PC instead of a smartphone and wanted to install UK English instead of US. After transferring to phone, installation worked as expected.
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br /Activation: Once the program finds an internet access point the registration process starts. I had no problems. Until the program is activated with a non-trial activation code, when it is opened you will need to choose trial. This is somewhat annoying.
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br /Connecting the GPS receiver: No problems connecting the GPS receiver to the phone via Bluetooth. GPS receiver is very small which is nice.
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br /Notes on the Navigator software: It is very slow to react. Have to be online to use which leads to the following problems: Not able to use when roaming. Battery is drained very quickly.
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br /Use with Google Maps: GPS must be on COM6. To do this: Go to Comm Manager, Settings Bluetooth, Bluetooth, Go to the GPS and select it, Menu COM Ports, Menu New Outgoing Port , Select the GPS , Set to COM6 ,Done
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br /In Google Maps: Menu Options GPS Settings, Change to Set Manually, Select COM6:
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br /To use the GPS select Menu Use GPS. To locate yourself, press 0.
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br /I found that the location will not update after it initially finds you. This is because the Dash has locked out this feature. There is a 3rd party application to unlock the dash and other smartphones to use this feature. See the Google Maps discussion group for information.
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br /To use Live Search, also set the GPS to COM6.
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br /Update: Customer service is very good.

The Allen Sport Wayfinder Navigator package is a nice system to append the functionality of supported Smartphones. This is definitely something I would recommend to the frequent traveler that needs or can benefit from a gps navigation system but it does have its weaknesses.
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br /Included in the box is A\C and D\C chanrgers, vehicle vent mount (for the phone not the gps unit), bicycle mount, quickstart pamphlet and manual on CD. Out of the box, the GPS unit paired with my Treo 700wx instantly without any problems and worked without any additional setup with google maps that I already had installed on my phone. When I finally installed the Wayfinder Navigation 7 software while functional, it lacks refinement that you would get from a dedicated GPS navigation unit such as the Garmin Nuvi 660. First, the software does not install the maps onto the device, instead it downloads portions of the map that it needs as necessary. While this ensures that you always have the most up to date map that is available, you better have an unlimited data plan or else the cost can add up quickly. The other drawback to this system is that if you are in an area that does not have cell coverage (like camping) you will not be able to use the navigation or even see the map.
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br /The system works well as a driving navigator. It gives you turn by turn audible instructions, displays maps as 3D, and have an option for night driving mode. My one major complaint is that you can not zoom in or out when in the navigation mode. Entering the destination information is also a little clumsy. Since there is no database in the software, entering a destination requires a querry to wayfinder's server; this sometimes takes a long time. It also would have been nice to integrate into the phone's contact list. Even with the contacts in your phone I have not found a way to find a destination by a contact lookup. The navigation is also weak in the free driving mode. In free driving (where you drive without having a set destination) you can only view the map in 2D.
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br /While not perfect, the hardware works well and the software gets by. I have and use the Garmin so I am biased as to what I am used to a GPS navigation system is capable of doing. In comparison, it is much easier to carry the small GPS receiver then having to carry a whole other box. My last complaint is that I would have liked the software to include features to track and save routes that would be beneficial to outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, or geocacheing. Other then that, this is a very worthwhile gps system to invest in.
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In principle, the idea of limiting the number of electronic devices I have to carry around with me held a great deal of appeal, never mind the fact I am old enough to fondly recall when I managed to comport myself reasonably well without any nature of technological supplement although I will also admit attempting to drive while scanning a twin bed sized edition of Rand-McNally presented a different set of challenges. My plan was to mount this convenient yet - in my case - marginally superfluous device on the dashboard and merrily search for locations I normally would have ignored. Alas, the first disappointment was the discovery my accoutrements were about to increase since it turns out my cell phone (Motorola mpx220) is just one order of magnitude removed from rotary dialing as far as the Allen Sports Wayfinder Navigator GPS-710 is concerned.
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br /I arrived at this revelation after navigating my way to the appropriate page on website I and found out I would have to download version 6, with the privilege to upgrade to version 7 whenever I elect to abandon the stone age. I recognize it's my failure to thoroughly investigate before acquisition that has resulted in this setback however there are printed assurances on the web page support will continue for version 6 in the near term, so we will press on.
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br /From what I can determine, the installation procedures vary based on phone architecture, either smart phones, java based phones or blackberries. Semi-smart is not an option so we go with the first option. Upon completion of the download, the application is supposed to start immediately but by this point, my confidence that anything proceed smoothly is beginning to wane and I was right. After two aborted attempts where I lost internet connectivity, the third try worked successfully. Reconnect with the internet, enter the activation code and wait for the main menu to appear...wait for the main menu to appear...wait for the main menu to appear... AHHH...Success...sort of.
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br /Now it's time for the GPS receiver and the cell phone to meet each other and the instructions indicate it could take up to twenty minutes for the two devices to link. Now, while I accept I don't live in a teeming metropolis, I have never encountered much of a problem with my service provider. Finally, after 22 minutes, I was able to locate the receiver listed among the devices on my cell and enter the pin code. So, now I have to go to a third website to set up my account but that will have to wait, I want to navigate.
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br /Since I had to install an older version of the software, I do not have the features of 3-D mapping or night mode. The 2-D mapping seems adequate and comparable to midpriced Garmin units I have considered. Beyond the installation snafus, the GPS receiver has started pretty quickly however, in practical terms, it's as though I installed Vista Ultimate on a Pentinum II CPU with 256mb of memory. This may very well be an outstanding service with devices that accommodate version 7 but at the suggested price, there are simply too many other competitively priced stand alone units with full functionality to justify a strong recommendation of this unit with less sophisticated mobile devices.
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OK, so I didn't really marry the Allen Sports Navigator. I just let my enthusiasm get the better of me, and now I'm having a little trouble letting go. But repent is exactly what I'm doing.
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br /Why I got so excited about this gizmo is that it is pictured, both on the Allen website and on the Navigator box, as mounted on a bicycle. Now that excites me! I'd love to be able to see where I am, where I'm going, and about how long it will take me to get there, all from the (relative) comfort of my bike.
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br /Sorry, it won't happen, at least it won't happen with the Navigator.
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br /Two Problems:
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br /1. The lovely padded clamp that locks the GPS device and the required cell phone together and snaps into a bike holder doesn't fit my bike . . . anywhere.
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br /It won't clamp onto my handlebars without interfering with my brake and shifter cables. How about the stem? Too bad, I don't have any stem that this gizmo fits.
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br /2. The gizmo doesn't work with my cell phone.
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br /I take my cell phone with me on every ride. It fits in my under seat wedge, but with my tools and my cell phone, I'm out of room in my wedge for the large clamping device that should but won't fit anywhere else on my bike. The idea of buying another phone to work with a gizmo I can't take on my bike is not appealing, is, in fact, not going to happen. I'll just keep my phone (which I like a lot) and perhaps I'll find a small GPS device that I can stuff in the wedge.
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br /All in all, the Navigator has been a big disappointment. If you, like me, want the functionality of a GPS device for your bike, I suggest you look elsewhere.
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br /I'm giving it two stars because I quit fooling around with it when I discovered I couldn't use it on my bicycle. I did not get to the point of loading up software to see whether the GPS function actually works, so I'm giving the Navigator the benefit of the doubt.

I was really looking forward to this device. I thought that it would be cool to use this with my Razr V3X, but alas it was meant to be. This device is barely compatible with the Razrs and the display was not very clear. That might be more a product of my phone.
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br /My main gripe is the price. This add on to your phone is only about $100 cheaper than some of the Garmins. I would much rather have a dedicated GPS device than trying to get this to work well.

br /First of all, you are buying software and a GPS receiver for your existing cell phone. The device in the picture is not a self-contained GPS with a display, but a small receiver that sends a bluetooth signal to your cell phone so that it can display the GPS information. Secondly, before ordering this product make sure you have a compatible cell phone. Compatible phones are very limited and as of 3/18 each wireless provider has about 10 phones that work with it, mostly Blackberrys.
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br /As for getting it working, this was the frustrating part. I have a Blackberry 7130. After spending an hour trying to get Allen's Navigator 7 software installed, I finally went on the Internet and realized that my phone can only receive Navigator 6 software. So I downloaded that, and after an eternity was ready to go. I used the software for maybe 45 minutes before abandoning it. All GPS maps and data are downloaded to your phone as they are accessed. I guess I should have realized this since it's a cell phone, but I was hoping maybe it could download a lot of the information to my memory card or something. Maps take forever to come up and you will spend half the time waiting for the information to download. Once it's downloaded, you better make sure you get the info you need quickly, because if you lose your cell phone signal (I made the mistake of trying this in the mountains), it re-downloads all the data again.
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br /With the increasing advancement of cell phone technology, wireless access, and bandwidth, I don't think it will be very long before all cell phones have built in GPS receivers, making this device obsolete. It would be cool if it had these functions five years ago, but as of 2008, the Allen Sports Navigator just doesn't impress.

Between finding a phone that worked with it, and updating and installing everything to make it work, I am surprised I have hair left. The problem is that everything takes so long. From simply starting the thing, to updating and searching, to getting an actual map. It does not help when half the time you think it's doing something, and it's actually frozen. Or, it's taking so long that you think it froze, but it didn't. Then there is the factor of having another thing to lose. It does attach to the phone, but like I really want it attached all the time. And obviously there is a factor of losing cel coverage, which means you start it all over again. It does update itself, but you are constantly approving messages etc. The only practicality here is for emergency purposes. It is more appealing for bike or hike use, but then again, most places I bike never get a signal. It does do the job, eventually. But severely overpriced for what it does do.

Conceptually, it's a great idea... turn your cell phone into a GPS device by slipping this lightweight iPod-ish looking thing into your pocket. In reality, it's very limiting...
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br /First off, the documentation is definitely an "English as a second language" work. The online manual is a bit better, but the "user guide" in the box is atrocious. The setup involves navigation with my cell phone to a website, downloading the software from there, connecting the cell phone and device via bluetooth, and then (and only then) can you start downloading the maps of where you're at. Since I wanted to use this in areas that may have less-than-stellar cell coverage, I'm out of luck. The GPS unit knows where it's at, but my cell phone can't connect to the internet to get to the site to download the location information...
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br /sigh...
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br /*If* you're going to be in your cell range, and *if* you have a data plan that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and *if* you are willing to take the time to struggle through the set-up, *then* it might be a good fit for you. But at a $300 price point, it's competing against complete GPS units that don't require a cell phone connection to work. While you may sacrifice the "latest" in download maps and points of interest, you're far less likely to end up with no cell connection and hence, no GPS information.
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br /Given the choice, I think I'd pass.

Do not expect to use this with your bicycle. I have small diameter handlebars with just thin cork tape. Even so, the Grip-It bracket does not fit. I tried to mount the bracket close to my stem with the bracket set in the 3rd and largest position. The locking screw was a 1/2" from meeting the locking nut. It also would not not fit when I tried to move the bracket closer to the handlebar bend where the handlebars taper. The screw was still not close to passing through the bracket slot.