i should have clarified a bit, its the best for the money. there are a few micro pcs out there with gps built in that have more functionality but they are around $1000-1500 and much more bulky and cumbersome than the 810. the 810 has traffic, handsfree bluetooth connectivity, video, music, text to speech, large POI database, fm transmitter, large screen, user friendly, quick startup, wireless remote, and good mounting system. there might be a few other things i didn't mention, anyway I couldn't find another gps in a comparable price range that had all these features. not to say there isn't one out there, I just couldn't find one. it's not complete though, i am still looking for one that will be able to use the data service from my phone while connected via bluetooth and give me the latest info on POI's and such, somewhat like the dash. that's probably asking too much, the 810 came the closest.
I got all of this except the good mount (which I did not want anyway, as I use a vent mount for $15) in the TT 920 for $399 in December! I also have the wireless phone option for Traffic and other plus services, not to mention mapshare and free maps!
has there been any resolve on the posted issues? the only real problem im having is connecting to my Bluetooth phone. I can see it from the GPS unit but when it tells me to put in the passkey my phone wont bring up the window to enter the passkey. my phone is a Samsung SCH-U740. Is there a list of phone that this GPS unit supports? Thanks for all your help.
Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Louisville, KY
Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:08 pm
you got a great deal on a TT 920, i believe they retail for around $700 don't they??? one of the differences between the hk810 and the tt 920 was video. to my knowledge the tt 920 doesn't come with video capabilities. i could be wrong though
The 920's don't come with video, but it is available 3rd party. I understand it works nicely. Not sure the difference in screen resolution between the HK and 920.
after trying a garmin and a tomtom this is by far a superior unit. I had a few problems at first but this thing is unbelievable. I can't wait for the firmware upgrade. If you are in the market, give the 810 a try. Incredible.
HK outsource hardware to one company, software to another.
If things get too hot, they will be among first to pack up and leave.
you got a great deal on a TT 920, i believe they retail for around $700 don't they??? one of the differences between the hk810 and the tt 920 was video. to my knowledge the tt 920 doesn't come with video capabilities. i could be wrong though
There was a special on the TT 920 this week for $360.
Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Bay Area, California
Quick Bluetooth work around Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:04 pm
I'm having my share of issues with the HK GPS 810. However, I found a quick way to solve the Bluetooth out-of-sync issue.
It seems no matter what, after several on-standby cycles, eventually the HK won't connect to my cell phone. You need to turn the unit off instead of putting it in standby to fix the issue. While the unit is on, take the unit off the cradle. Tell it to stay on, then hold down the power button. You'll see instead of going into "standby", it says "power off". Power up the unit again and return to the cradle, the Bluetooth functionality is restored.
The problem is, when I do this the unit forgets all the traffic data until is can re-download everything. Sometimes the traffic won't update the rest of my trip. Annoying. Sometimes the navigation won't even work my entire trip, again annoying. I'm going to try and add a GPS antennae to see if this helps. I'm going for a 55 db boost antennae, I'll post my results as well.
I've found the firmware update is helpful; it at least added support for my AT&T tilt phone. However, many of the issues still exist. The tech support is useless, they haven't been helpful at all. If the unit seems excessively flaky, try giving it a full charge on AC power. That seems to help mine.
Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 9 Location: West Saint Paul, MN
Re: Quick Bluetooth work around Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:22 pm
bigstud4ubaby wrote:
I've found the firmware update is helpful; it at least added support for my AT&T tilt phone. However, many of the issues still exist. The tech support is useless, they haven't been helpful at all. If the unit seems excessively flaky, try giving it a full charge on AC power. That seems to help mine.
Chris
The new firmware was released? I can't find it on the Harman kardon site. Can you provide a direct link? I didn't know it was released yet...
Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: San Francisco, CA
I am looking at GPS-810 too Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:43 am
Hi all,
I came across this forum while seaching for more reviews on HK GPS810.
I have a Nuvi 370 and recently bought a second Nuvi 660 for my other vehicle. I am debating if I should get the HK GPS-810 instead.
My concerns are:
-Firmware upgrade option
-Latest base map
-Bluetooth pairing for my T-Mobile Wing
I called the tech support today and after about 15min on hold, I spoke with a tech. He said the base map is from year 2007. The new 810 should have the latest firmware or will be available fo download soon. He also told me that I can make phone calls from the POI via bluetooth.
So, I dropped by a Bestbuy on the way home today and got to play with one.
Here are my findings:
-My Wing will connect easily with the 810. Trick is to initiate thru the phone, not from the pairing function of the 810.
-I managed to make phone call via the bluetooth
-The 810 was able to know where it is even in inside the store
-Map looks abit weird since I know the area.
-I initated a route to a nearby store and the direction given was weird too. I know there is a traffic light to make a left turn. But instead, it told me to take a right turn and a u-turn.
-Cannot find the trip info (e.g. average MPH, average travel time, etc...)
I have questions:
-I read somewhere that the navigation will not tell you the address/location is on the right or left side of the road upon arrival. Can someone confirm please? GArmin will say arriving on location on the left/right.
-I also need the same feature as Garmin/Tom where I can call the restaurant or POI directly from the GPS via bluetooth. I cannot find this feature with the demo unit. Can someone please check?
Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Bay Area, California
Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:57 pm
Sorry, I don't have the firmware upgrade file anymore. I'll continue to look for it this week. The firmware update engine worked well, but I couldn't find a version or firmware number anywhere. I have a feeling this might be the first product HK needs to update w/firmware - that's why they're so disorganized and not sharing any details.
Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 10 Location: San Jose, CA
Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:36 pm
I spoke with the support manager today and asked for an update. Apparently, they released a firmware update and put it up on the website recently. They then had to pull it as it was causing some other issues. He acknowledged that the communication has not been good and that they have reset the timeline too many times without releasing a fix. He promised to keep me updated on the status via email. Let's hope they are getting closer. I really want to like this unit but I am getting tired of the quirks.
Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 9 Location: West Saint Paul, MN
Re: I am looking at GPS-810 too Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:42 pm
RFTOM wrote:
I have questions:
1.I read somewhere that the navigation will not tell you the address/location is on the right or left side of the road upon arrival. Can someone confirm please? GArmin will say arriving on location on the left/right.
2.I also need the same feature as Garmin/Tom where I can call the restaurant or POI directly from the GPS via bluetooth. I cannot find this feature with the demo unit. Can someone please check?
Thanks. I hope some of these info help too.
1. Correct. It will not tell you whether it is on the left or right side. This has been really annoying! But, I have gotten used to it.
2. I am pretty sure you cannot call directly from the GPS unit. It shows under the button that you push to begin calculating the time it takes to get there etc. I am happy it gives the phone number. Usually I will just call them from my phone but can understand how that can be annoying as well.
Another annoyance I have is that you have to have the voice turned on (the GPS unit telling you the directions) in order to hear the calls that are being receieved via bluetooth. I can call out and everyone can hear everyone, but when someone calls me I can hear them but they can't hear me. Anyone else have those issues?
techtri wrote:
I spoke with the support manager today and asked for an update. Apparently, they released a firmware update and put it up on the website recently. They then had to pull it as it was causing some other issues. He acknowledged that the communication has not been good and that they have reset the timeline too many times without releasing a fix. He promised to keep me updated on the status via email. Let's hope they are getting closer. I really want to like this unit but I am getting tired of the quirks.
I am holding you personally responsible for informing the rest of us when that update comes out!!! I have been spamming the harmon kardon site every day for the update... but it hasn't been there. You must have been lucky when looking
Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 10 Location: San Jose, CA
Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:33 pm
I wasn't lucky enough to see the update before it was pulled. The support group has assured me that they will get it out there. I work for a hardware company and can understand these issues but that doesn't make it any easier for us as the customers who bought it expecting it not to be buggy.
Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Southern California
Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:26 am
Hey guys, just wondering if anyone's 810 does a 180 degree turn on the MAP function after starting your car in the first 3-5 minutes and just stay facing the opposite direction until I keep driving????
I like this unit, but there are a few things that need to be updated... I hope that firmware fixes those issues.
If I understand what you are saying DaveG543, that isn't an issue with the 810, but rather just the fact that GPS devices can't determine which direction you are facing, only which direction you are moving. So if you are not yet moving it only guesses which direction you might be facing.
Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Southern California
Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:58 pm
Tim wrote:
If I understand what you are saying DaveG543, that isn't an issue with the 810, but rather just the fact that GPS devices can't determine which direction you are facing, only which direction you are moving. So if you are not yet moving it only guesses which direction you might be facing.
Hmmmm that might be the case. let me give you an example... I turn on my car and simultaniously the 810 powers up (I had it wired to my car). At idle the GPS does not know where I am but when I start moving it recovers itself, when I get to my first stop light, say after driving about 1/4 mile and stop it then does a complete 180 and puts my back towards the front. Maybe it's still trying to figure out where is North...
It's day two now and I found a new bug. When I have my 810 disconnected and in MAP 3D (bird's eye view) mode, if I zoom out it should just set it at that viewing distance but it goes back to the original distance which is right above the arrow.
Also, im not complaining about this but the unit froze on me this morning on the way to work, about 3 minutes after turning it on. Im starting to get a little frustrated but the gadget whore in me wants to love it!! :sigh:
Hmmmm that might be the case. let me give you an example... I turn on my car and simultaniously the 810 powers up (I had it wired to my car). At idle the GPS does not know where I am but when I start moving it recovers itself, when I get to my first stop light, say after driving about 1/4 mile and stop it then does a complete 180 and puts my back towards the front. Maybe it's still trying to figure out where is North...
It sounds like the GPS just hasn't gotten a fix on your location yet until you see it turn around. You might want to check out this article on electronic compasses in GPS. Your GPS (like most auto GPS devices) does not have an electronic compass.
Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Southern California
Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:04 pm
Tim, thanks for that link... makes me feel a little better. I just sold my mazda 3 that had GPS built in and I never had any issues with it, so I guess this unit just will need some getting used to.
Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: San Francisco, CA
Giving up Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:09 pm
I am beginnning to think about the reasons why I should stick with my Nuvi 660. I think even with the firmwarre upgrade, I will not get the features I like (except for the video feature).
-It doesn't tell you which side of the street the address is located.
-I cannot make phone call directly from the POI via bluetooth.
-No trip info (e.g. avg speed, time spent on the road, time stopped, etc..)
-When I compared the POI with the POI from Nuvi (at a Best Buy store) I have noticed that some are without phone numbers but Nuvi has it.
-Also, with all the issues that everyone is having, I am now not sure if this is a great thing for me personally. I want a navigation unit to do what it is supposed to do.
I like the remote and the video, but to compromise the feature of a GPS, I will stick to a real GPS that is accurate.
I maybe wrong... I too wanted to try something other than Garmin or TomTom for a change.
Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Bay Area, California
Sending it back Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:32 pm
I think I'm going to send mine back for an exchange. I purchased an MMCX 55db gain antennae because I wasn't getting any GPS signal and it hasn't helped one bit. It makes a nice "click" when it's plugged into the unit but there's no change in signal strength. I'll leave for work and the unit doesn't get a GPS signal until I'm pulling into the office parking lot, sometimes it never gets the signal, unacceptable!
Buyers beware of the GPS-810.... I'll post whether I have the same challenges with the exchanged unit.
If anyone is interested in an exchange, there's info on the HK website. I had to scan and upload a copy of my original receipt.
Can someone clarify this Quote? Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:51 pm
Hello all,
This is my first post, and will try and keep it brief (not) hopefully to get some input to find out whether there are fixes in the works for these issues, or, am I expecting to much. Frankly, I was surprised when the unit did not perform to expectations.
I chose this unit 810 for one main element, and that is the fast processing speeds and seamless pan and zoom. Nice stuff. For me, after looking at a few, and the price point of 400, I decided that this would work well on my Harley. (please do not insert TT or Zumo, friends use them and do not especially like the bike characteristics) And if it gets moist, easy enough to remove. Anyway.....it is now 1 week old.
1. Transmitter for FM needs to be within 8 inches of antenna to work without static. Not acceptable, makes no sense, especially since my XM can go more than 30 feet away. Is this 'normal'?
2. Big concern here: HK Manual FAQ states: The current GPS map set is from July 2007. Our maps are provided to us currently by TeleAtlas. We should have a new set of maps for North America (US, Canada, D.C., Puerto Rico) and for Western/Eastern Europe during Q1 of 2008. The maps will be made available as preloaded SD cards. The original internal maps of your GPS unit will not be overwritten. To run the new maps you’ll simply insert the SD card of the map set you wish to use (North America or Western/Eastern Europe). End quote. OK, Now I use the SD 4G card loaded with music. Are they saying that to use the new maps I will NOT be able to use the MP3 functions?
3. Noticed that only icons with a !, (while poking at the map) can sometimes result in destination being set on-map. Finding those icons is pure luck. (Just tapping away on screen in various spots picks one up.) And, that is only when it is tapped just right. Otherwise, setting destination on a map is not available? Am I missing something here?
4. Using on-screen zoom out results in temporary zoom, returning to close-up view in 3 seconds, whereas using wireless remote for zoom stays put. What is it supposed to do? I think that zooming out is nice to see the general surroundings and more of the route, but returning to default should perhaps be user selectable, or automatic near turns, but not automatic so as to switch back in the most inopportune times.
Miscellaneous gripes....
5. Phone does not link, using a Motorola v815 with Verizon. My phone works fine with bluetooth headset, does not link to this unit.
6. Updates. I see references to firmware updates. Some say in the near future, and some say the firmware is available. Which is it?
7. Traffic. So, which company is it anyway? I see reference to Trafficnetwork and another called TMC. In any event, the links to activate the trial require actual subscription info, including billable issues, credit card etc. Why? We both know that will result in a headache to cancel, while arguing with automatic charges and billing occurring. Why isn't the trial just that? A trial. (needless to say this is not a function I care about, I ride for pleasure far away from city centers etc.)
Actually this unit, if it worked as advertised, would be better than most I have seen. OK, the screen could be a little brighter.. The only part missing might be live weather radar, but I think Garmins unit gets way big and bulky.
I returned my HK 810 and replaced it with a Garmin Nuvi 660. This is what I have noticed:
-HK acquires satellites much quicker than the Garmin. Sometimes it takes 2 to 3 minutes for the Garmin to acquire. Also, the Garmin has a goofy antenna flap that must be flipped up.
-HK maps are much better. I live on a street that is approximately 5 years old and it is not on the Garmin. The HK seemed to be much more updated than the Garmin.
-HK has many more POI's than the Garmin. My Garmin seems pretty limited compared to the HK.
-Garmin does provide trip info that the HK does not such as current MPH, average MPH, miles traveled,etc. Pretty nice feature.
All in all I wish I had kept the HK 810. It has several issues to overcome but I think in the long run it has a chance to be one the of the best gps units.
That's crazy!! I was going to go with a Garmin Nuvi because my HK-310 was acting up and got me lost twice.
Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Glendale, CA
Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:09 am
Hey guys, I am another "happy" 810 owner.
I bought it today and should say am very impressed, minus all the glitches and problems we all know about. I also called to HK customer support and got the same answer: "A firmware upgrade is coming in 2-4 weeks."
I played a little with the device and discovered several hidden features. I don't know if they are listed in the User's Manual - or many of you might already know - but I want to share.
1. When you press and hold the bottom button the unit will power-off or on, if it is already off.
2. If you press and hold left button, you can adjust the Volume.
3. Pressing and holding the right button allows to adjust the Brightness.
4. Press and hold center button after you finished entering address and DONE button will activate.
5. Clicking right button switches the last 2 applications.
I think there is more, but I don't remember at this point.
I worked very hard to connected my iPhone. First it wouldn't find it, then I received error messages, but eventually I was able to connect and almost cried when I saw tons of random numbers instead of the names.
I was able to sync my iTunes playlists by following techbri's instructions and downloading a very good application for Mac. Thanks techbri. Just copying AAC files (using Mac's Finder) onto SD card would add an extra Untitled Artist with incompatible duplicate files. It's all properly organized if you use SyncTunes. Also, it plays protected AAC files. The sound quality is very good using my car's AUX.
I have a question: I am not able to put the device on Standby mode. The manual instructs to push the power button briefly, for 1 second and 3 seconds to power it off. It doesn't matter in my case, it keep powering off instead. I reset it several times, but didn't help. Should I return it?
"I apologize dear Harman Kardon team to say this: you came up with really the best concept, however didn't put enough effort to complete the product before shipping it to your customers. I think you must follow this forum and apply all the feedbacks available on these pages to 810. Have you noticed there are over 5000 viewers?"
Thank you dear kklick, for starting this thread, and thanks to evryone for keeping it up.
Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Glendale, CA
Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:05 am
Hey guys, something strange is going on. I called 2 Best Buy stores today and was told that HK GPS-810 was discontinued by manufacturer and none of them has any in stock. Does it make sense? Is HK coming up with a new model?
Hey Folks, Im new to these forums so forgive me if I do not address all the issues at hand. I too am a new owner of the hk gps 810na. All in all I found that compared to the more popular brands Garmin and Tom Tom, I found that the user interface and graphics are much more clean and crisp. I have successfully linked my Motorola V3i to the gps and FM transmitter with my Vehicle ( using 100.9 ) without detriment. The Video and Mp3 are impecable but I am still unable to upload extra video/ mp3s to it via usb. Its probably just me...ill figure it out. The most immediate issue that I have experienced is with the current mapping software. I have emailed Tele-Atlas and Harmon Kardon and both replies where to be patient and that as soon as mapping and firmware updates are available, one will be posted on the Guide-n-Play website. The remote is a great idea and keeps us from damaging the touchscreen. Even though the gps's interface is quite user friendly, the companies available downloadable manuals need more work. It is my hope that new mapping/ firmware will be available soon so that the few of us that did keep our 810's will truly enjoy the full capacity of this unit.
I had one of these, two to be exact. The first one locked up and then wouldnt turn on even after pushing the reset. I exchanged it for another one (thanks best buy). But that one had trouble as well. I held on as long as i could for the firmware update but kept getting the same "2 more weeks". I ended up getting a Nuvi 760, which has been trouble free.
I really, really wanted to like the 810. The remote was sweet and i like the graphics and screen info. I might come back to it when the bugs are worked out.
Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Southern California
Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:05 am
Ive been an owner of the 810 for a few weeks now and have posted in this thread before, I had some issues when I first bought it but they were simple. I am a gadget junkie and this unit is really starting to bug the $!#* out of me!!
After digging in out and out of this thing, here are a few pro's and con's I've found out about this unit and all its capabilities.
Screen:
Pros- Sharp, clean and clear.
Cons- In 3D or Birdseye view I have a thick light green bar that extends across the horizon, at night the bar turns black. This bar is not there in any other viewing mode, only 3D, the one I use the most.
Navigation:
Pros: Quick calculations, 12 million POI's
Cons: When you want to go to a nearby POI and end up not being able to find what you are looking for and just say forget about it, there is no CANCEL button at the last page. This means you have to keep hitting back until you can get to the MAP button, you have to hit back about 7-8 times. Also, when you have a list of locations there is no arrow that points you where they are, so if you are driving North, you don't know if the nearest place is behind you or in front of you so you have to select it in order to see where it is, if its behind you and can't turn around TOO BAD, you have to start over!!
Phone:
Pros: good mic, cool feature IF IT WORKED
Cons: So I first connected my Treo and it was a pain in the butt, but I finally got it. It could not upload any names or numbers. After a few days my 810 would no longer connect to my phone, so I had to go through the connection process again, this happend about 5 times already and now it wont connect, I'm over this feature.
Video:
Pros: nice screen decent sound quality
Cons: GOOD LUCK UPLOADING ONE!! Ive had my IT guy at work sitting with a computer for about 2 hours trying to upload movies on this thing. I tried about 4 or 5 different recommended file types from HK and Crutchfield but only 1 or 2 videos came through. If you are not a genius with video files, I don't see how the average user could upload vids. Also, a glitch... in video mode it displays the title of the video's. Sometimes it shows VIDEO instead of the title and doest not open them up, I have to take out the SD card and put it back in, sometimes that helps other times it doesn't and if you do not get the sound quality and video speed perfect, they are choppy.
Thanks for letting me vent again, I looked today for my box from Best Buy, I don't think I can find it (I recently moved), but I am ready to return it and get my money back. In my opinion HK needs to put out an update ASAP!!!!! This device has way too many glitches to be out to the public in the first place!!
online HK 810 FAQ says there are 3 firmware versions for sale - I was wondering if anyone here got the 810 with the latest 13.01 already installed and if it still had the bugs mentioned in this thread. despite all the bugs I'm still leaning toward getting the hk 810. unless they really are pulling out of the market.
my first post, but I've been checking this forum everyday for months since I purchased my 810. Needless to say, I had all the same bad experiences with mine. Sean at their CS center was awesome I must say, and yesterday I received my replacement. There are some substantial differences in this version of the firmware I can tell you. My unit works perfectly, all of the mapping glitches, FM transmitter and battery problems, they are all fixed and working exactly as I expected. I think it's apparent that HK knew they had problems with the first batch of these. I am a bit bummed that the price appears to be driven down by Ebay standards (although I'm certain those are first gen models and may possibly not be under warranty). So I just wanted to share my good news and let you all know how happy I am with the unit now that all appears to be working as advertised.
Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Glendale, CA
Re: good news Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:14 pm
kwest37 wrote:
my first post, but I've been checking this forum everyday for months since I purchased my 810. Needless to say, I had all the same bad experiences with mine. Sean at their CS center was awesome I must say, and yesterday I received my replacement. There are some substantial differences in this version of the firmware I can tell you. My unit works perfectly, all of the mapping glitches, FM transmitter and battery problems, they are all fixed and working exactly as I expected. I think it's apparent that HK knew they had problems with the first batch of these. I am a bit bummed that the price appears to be driven down by Ebay standards (although I'm certain those are first gen models and may possibly not be under warranty). So I just wanted to share my good news and let you all know how happy I am with the unit now that all appears to be working as advertised.
I am very glad to hear it works now. How's the bluetooth? I am asking this, as it was the first reason I returned mine.
Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Glendale, CA
Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:44 pm
kwest37 wrote:
bluetooth was perfect, paired my Blackberry 8300 first try and has stayed conneted without fail so far
Did it successfully load the address book? No more numbers instead the names? Did you have the address book issue with the older unit using your Blackberry?
Several days ago, Best Buy had about $50 discount, now they are selling it for $399 again. I am thinking if they sell now newer units.
Did it successfully load the address book? No more numbers instead the names? Did you have the address book issue with the older unit using your Blackberry?
I wasnt able to get my old one to work at all, this one imported my address book perfectly without any issues.
Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Glendale, CA
Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:45 pm
Quote:
I wasnt able to get my old one to work at all, this one imported my address book perfectly without any issues.
Thanks kwest37. Sounds like they're still working on it. I contacted HK today asking if they already have units with the new firmware available. Here is their respond.
"Good morning and thank you for your inquiry. We are currently working
on a new firmware for the GPS-810. We expect it to be released within
the next month or so. Once it is released, it will be posted on
www.guideandplay.com."
Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 97 Location: 92°20’ W 31°05’N
Fri Apr 11, 2008 1:21 am
kwest - do you mind telling us where you purchased your 810? I see them for sale in various online dealers, Amazon, etc. but definitely want to get one with the latest firmware.
Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 9 Location: West Saint Paul, MN
Fri Apr 11, 2008 1:52 am
Yegor wrote:
Quote:
I wasnt able to get my old one to work at all, this one imported my address book perfectly without any issues.
Thanks kwest37. Sounds like they're still working on it. I contacted HK today asking if they already have units with the new firmware available. Here is their respond.
"Good morning and thank you for your inquiry. We are currently working
on a new firmware for the GPS-810. We expect it to be released within
the next month or so. Once it is released, it will be posted on
www.guideandplay.com."
Another month!? You have got to be kidding me... me wants an update!
If I have a new updated map on an SD card I will not be able to play MP3s from other SD Cards. This defeats the primary capability of the "Guide and Play".
In order to remove this limitation, when will the ability to update the internal maps be available. (Please don't suggest of the ways around it, by reorganing all your SD cards.)
HK reply was:
Good morning and thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunatley, there work around for this, sorry. When the updated maps are released, they are only able to be accessed by the SD card installation and there are no provisions to to over write the data over the factory installed data.
If I have a new updated map on an SD card I will not be able to play MP3s from other SD Cards. This defeats the primary capability of the "Guide and Play".
In order to remove this limitation, when will the ability to update the internal maps be available. (Please don't suggest of the ways around it, by reorganing all your SD cards.)
HK reply was:
Good morning and thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunatley, there work around for this, sorry. When the updated maps are released, they are only able to be accessed by the SD card installation and there are no provisions to to over write the data over the factory installed data.
If this is the case, why not just erase the map files on internal memory and fill it with music? The updated map would be taking up all the space on the SD card anyway.
I just sold my Nuvi 650. I was planning to get the 750 as it seems to address most of my complaints about the 650.. then I saw the 810, and I WANT that thing!
However, this is something I rely on heavily in my work so I can't afford to have something that isn't dependable....
Is there a particular firmware I should look for, or other indication that the issues posted here are resolved - at least in new units. I plan to grab one at Best Buy for $399 in hopes that it will ensure a current firmware and reasonable return protection. Also, I NEVER buy the extended service plans, but I am wondering if this could belp to protect me if HK doesn't address the issues discussed here.
I need to get something in the next week or two. Or, I can use my wife's TT-One-3rd and wait for HK to get it right.
A couple of other thoughts:
Current Speed - I never thought this was important other than to see if it agrees with the speedometer in my car. I'm happy looking at the sppedometer in my car, but I do like the way the Garmin gives me speed-related stats (average speed, max speed, etc). Does the HK have these stats even if it doesn't directly show the current speed?
HK as a GPS vendor - HK has been the maker of GPS for Mercedes and BMW for a long time, so I'd expect them to be excellent in every way, but also have some "quirks" that german engineers are sometimes known for (have the BMW engineers ever tried to use the iDrive they created? arrggghh). That said, I've never seen a worse GPS than the one in my friends top-of-the-line 2007 Mercedes E-class. I assumed the horrible user interface was because HK was only the system guts, and that Mercedes created the user interface - or at least wrote the requirements/specs. The fact that the HK-810 has the best interface I've ever seen somewhat supports that assumption. However, the other HK models lack features to the point that the 810 is the only model I would ever consider. Does HK have the chops to remain a serious player in the consumer/dash-mounted GPS market? With recent price cuts on the 810, it makes me wonder if they are going to give up, or at least replace the 810 if they can't actually fix the problems.
Half-life of the 810 (how long before it is obsolete) - One attractive feature of the 810 is the ability to attach an external microphone [note to all who use any GPS for hands-free calls - STOP THAT! They all do a horrible jon cancelling background noise and they sound awful to those you are calling. I make people shut them off or call me back later. Seriously, stop making hands free calls from your GPS, no one can hear you. That's also true of my friends E-Class Mercedes, btw.] Anyway, the HK site says there are no accessories available for the 810 other than replacement stuff like power adapters. Is HK ever going to release a microphone and/or other accessories? If not, is there a third party microphone that would work (optimal would be a standard cell phone wired headset). I doubt HK will ever achieve Garmin/TomTom maket share levels to enable a third-party market for accessories... That could make HK a dead-end street...
Any thoughts? I need to buy something by 4/18, and my alternative will be the much more expensive Nuvi 7xx,
What would you do if you were me? I want your subjective and biased opinions, not the politically correct "it depends on your preference" stuff.
What firmware does it have? Where did you buy it? Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:53 pm
kwest37 wrote:
Yegor wrote:
Did it successfully load the address book? No more numbers instead the names? Did you have the address book issue with the older unit using your Blackberry?
I wasnt able to get my old one to work at all, this one imported my address book perfectly without any issues.
This would be a deal breaker... Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:56 pm
enzoga wrote:
Asked HK support the following question;
If I have a new updated map on an SD card I will not be able to play MP3s from other SD Cards. This defeats the primary capability of the "Guide and Play".
In order to remove this limitation, when will the ability to update the internal maps be available. (Please don't suggest of the ways around it, by reorganing all your SD cards.)
HK reply was:
Good morning and thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunatley, there work around for this, sorry. When the updated maps are released, they are only able to be accessed by the SD card installation and there are no provisions to to over write the data over the factory installed data.
Are you telling me that the internal maps (and presumably POIs) can never be updated? That would be evidence of amazingly bad engineering. I think that would destroy my confidence in HK as a GPS vendor... Am I understanding this correctly?
This is unacceptable. I've invested in an 8GB SDHC card and have spent hundreds of dollars on upgrading my car's audio system so that I may listen to the music on the SD card in my GPS-810. If I had known about this limitation, I would have seriously re-considered this unit, and I definitely wouldn't have upgraded my car deck. The HP 310 (which is a very similar GPS device) has upgradable internal flash, so I don't see why Harman/Kardon couldn't do this as well. If we can't convince Harman/Kardon to change this, perhaps we should consider organising a class action suit. Are there any lawyers on this board whose minds we can pick?
Though the HP resident flash is upgradable, HP only supplies OPTIONAL maps on SD cards. So on the 310, Europe maps would be on SD cards. Not as limited as the HK, but something to consider.
Does anyone know if this limitation could be fixed by a firmware upgrade? Or did the engineers design this unit so that the internal flash could NEVER be read via a USB connection? I have noticed that unlike the HP 310, one can only see the SDHC drive on the GPS upon connecting the device to a PC....
Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 97 Location: 92°20’ W 31°05’N
Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:26 pm
DarylO wrote:
This is unacceptable. I've invested in an 8GB SDHC card and have spent hundreds of dollars on upgrading my car's audio system so that I may listen to the music on the SD card in my GPS-810. If I had known about this limitation, I would have seriously re-considered this unit, and I definitely wouldn't have upgraded my car deck. The HP 310 (which is a very similar GPS device) has upgradable internal flash, so I don't see why Harman/Kardon couldn't do this as well. If we can't convince Harman/Kardon to change this, perhaps we should consider organising a class action suit. Are there any lawyers on this board whose minds we can pick?
Daryl
having worked in the IT support industry for many, many years, I would recommend we get a second opinon on this. I have often been the recipient of bad news and upon further inquiry, discovered I was just badly informed - it happens. Not saying that this is the case, but before we get too bent, maybe we can take the information enzoga received and ask them if they can confirm that. It's unfortunate, but sometimes level 1 support analysts just don't know what they are talking about.
can anyone with an HK contact their support and provided the statement enzoga received? If I can (not an owner) I will.
Also enzoga, I am in no way questioning you....just recommending we get a second opinion.
I've only scanned this thread, so I might be speaking apples and oranges here, but I recently updated the internal memory (software/firmware) on a HK 500 with new software. It required a SD card to perform the install, however the installed files went from the SD card to the internal memory and after the update itself the SD card was no longer needed. Again, pardon me if this isn't relevant.
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I have been spamming the harmon kardon site every day for the update... but it hasn't been there. You must have been lucky when looking 
Im starting to get a little frustrated but the gadget whore in me wants to love it!! :sigh:
I too wanted to try something other than Garmin or TomTom for a change.
