[7 of 7 customers found this review helpful]

Nextar X3 X3 GPS Navigation System with MP3 Player ( X3) Review

Overall, a very good buy.

"I purchased this GPS after having my Garmin 2000 for only two months. ( It overheated )

My first impression of the Nextar was from it's quality. It feels solid and well built. ( Much better than the Garmin. )

Even the packaging is well designed and marked for recycling. ( Most of the packaging is even rigid cardboard vs. styrofoam - and that's cool )

The unit also comes with a handy pocket sized pouch, so you can listen to your MP3s in your pocket without scratching the screen.

A cigarette lighter/ AC plug in charger is included, but you also get a standard charger that you can leave in the house as well.( cool!)

The MP3 and picture feature of the unit is a cool plus, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. From what I understand, the memory cannot be upgraded on the Nextar, and as a result, picture display from your SD card is SSLLOOWW.

When the pictures do display, the image is pretty much as you would expect from a low res screen. ( The images look as if they were taken from a 1.2 MP camera phone ).

No complaints, though. I think the pictures look fine - at this price,it is alone with this feature.

MP3s must play off of the SD card. They seem to play just fine - nice and smooth, no matter how large the song file is.

My only gripe with the MP3 feature is that you need headphones to enjoy the music since the external speaker is junk.

If there is one thing that cripples this fantastic GPS, it is the speaker size.

Not only do you have a hard time hearing music from your MP3s, you also can't here the directions when you use the GPS in a noisy car with kids talking behind you.

This is a shame, because overall the unit is WELL worth the price.



When I bought it, the Nextar actually cost less than the Garmin, yet also had a built in MP3 player and picure viewer.



Also tech support is really good with the Nextar vs. the Garmin.

Call them both up and ask a vague question about their product. You'll see what I mean.



Personally, I also found the screen navigation to be easier to understand on the Nextar.

The Nextar has all the usual things that you would expect : It re-routes you when you miss a turn, gives your ETA, speed, etc.

It also seems to recieve GPS signals as well as the Garmin.



Concerning the speaker size problem, there is the headphone jack that you might be able to hook to your car stereos input jack ( if you car has one ) This would allow you to not only play MP3s through your cars' speakers, but you also might be able to hear the GPS directions using the stereos speakers as well.



Overall, I'm very impressed with this GPS !"

• Nextar X3
• Picture of Product