Amcor A3900 GPS? any good?

[pgfreak]

LNT has the Amcor A3900 GPS for $99

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this, if its any good.

[maebach]

we bought it today, i havent opened it yet so I dont know how it is.

[pgfreak]

we bought it today, i havent opened it yet so I dont know how it is.

when you do, drop a little note on what you think

[craftsman]

According to a quick search on Google, the unit uses Miomap type software. The software used on the Mio units are pretty good. Staples has a C220s on sale right now but it only comes with Canadian and major US roads maps. Nice unit and seems to work fairly well... Sometimes the routing is a little agressive however...

[Inspector Gadget]

I found some interesting facts on the Amcor FAQ site (http://www.amcorgroupusa.com/amigofaq.html#31) about the company and their navigation units. I don't feel so assured with my purchase after doing so.

About Amcor: Amcor has many years experience as "indoor environmentalists."

If you read the above mission statement, you may also want to read the third FAQ below.

Why isn’t there information on Amcor’s website about the model 3900?
This is a model that was sold exclusively to Linen’s N Things and is not available for sale outside of those stores. We have not posted information about this product since it is not available to other resellers.

Is there a charge for map updates?
Yes. While we do not have any available today, they will be available soon and there will be a fee for making these updates. This is standard practice in the industry.

Are the devices repairable should something break?
No. If the device is under its one year warranty then the unit will be replaced with another unit if it is truly defective. If not, under warranty, then the units are discarded.

Discarded? Isn't reparing or refurbishing a better alternative to discarding?

Do I have to mount the unit on the windshield or dashboard?
Yes, the units need a clear view of the sky. If the unit is mounting somewhere inside the vehicle without a view to the sky it will not receive any satellite signals and will not be able to pinpoint its location.

No mention is made of the SiRF STAR III chip in the 3900, which may explain the above FAQ and the need for direct "line-of-site" placement with the sky (SiRF STAR III allows communication with satellites even when objects may be blocking the unit's line-of-site). A definite drawback. The SiRF STAR III chip is available in their other navigators, leading me to believe that you get older technology in the 3900, making it relatively inexpensive.

Does my GPS Unit support Topographical Mapping?
No, the GPS software does offered in your unit does not support Topographical Mapping.

From what I have gathered, Amcor is likely an Asian company marketing to the West (just a hunch). Navigation units are not their main product. They mainly manufacture household appliances such as air conditioners, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and insect killers, among others.

It's isn't the grammatical errors on their website, the old technology in the 3900, an empty promise of updates that require purchase, nor the fact that navigation units are not the company's main concentration. But what disturbs me most is buying from an "indoor environmentalist" company who would rather discard defective units after an expired warranty, rather than offering to service them for a fee.

I'm no tree hugger but, mine is going straight back to Linens 'n Things.

[82]

SiRF STAR III is no longer the lone King of the world. Garmin and TomTom had switched on some of their newest models and so far the result is very positive. Ironically, I see more 2nd tiers and no name brands startded advertise SiRF more so than TomTom and Garmin. Note: I am not saying the Amcor A3900 is good or bad, just a comment about SiRF chipset.

[aj_blade]

Hey,

I picked one up. My opinion may not mean much, as I've never tried nor owned one in the past. However I'm quite happy with its performance. Lot's of features, easy to use and install. My only complaint so far (Only used it for about an hour), is I notice some roads that have been in existance for 3 years are not shown on the map. When I inquired on how to update, I find out there is no update available at this time. They promise to have one available (with a fee) in the future. For basic navigation, I'm sure it will do fine for the $99 investment.

Aj