The Becker replaced my Navigon 40 Plus, I have three years used largely satisfied. It was certainly become very lame within the first two years after the last software updates, and map updates gave it after two years no longer (after the initial "FreshMaps" subscription had expired), or I would have a new 2 -year subscription for more than 60 euros (and that was an offer price, normally 80 Euros) must be purchased. There could be more, for less than double the same new hardware, especially if it comes with lifetime map updates and larger display to create.
And Becker certainly not disappointed:
(++) Lifetime Map Updates (LMU), cards in general: The Lifetime Map Updates (ie as long as the unit is "alive") are naturally a very strong argument. As alleged change annually at least 15% of all streets, one can calculate how long a Navi without updates remains meaningful usable. When Becker is now no longer an issue, so it will probably be the first Navi (after two Navigon), I'm going to use more than three years. Not to mention the money you save, because still allow most Navis only an update right after your purchase; must be for a longer card SUBSCRIPTION normally been paid at the outset in addition (although this first subscription is usually heavily discounted, but at the latest after checkout is made).
Therefore, by no means forget: register within the first 30 days after initial start-up the Navi via Becker Content Manager (see below) and activate LMU!
The map comes incidentally from Navteq and is as usual high quality (in addition there are anyway only Tele Atlas, Navi each manufacturer applies his cards from one of the two).
I personally extend the 20 European countries in addition to Germany because all the neighboring countries as well as Europe's most popular holiday countries (except Spain / Portugal) are. And if it really time (eg for a holiday) is longer needed, I buy the appropriate card for 20-30 euros just to (of course, is much more expensive than in the bundle, but it will kill one not).
(++) Display and touchscreen: good size, at last you can read with ease and detail on the chart; so crisp and rich colors, very good glare, even in sunlight absolutely sufficient brightness. Pleasant designs for day and night.
The touch screen responds promptly and reliably required to inputs, not too much pressure. He also appears to be relatively insensitive to fingerprints and other contaminants.
(++) Destination entry: done quickly and efficiently thanks to the large touchscreen. All target entries will be saved and are available with two, maximum three clicks retrievable.
(++) Navigation: With very occasional oddities sensible routes and detours, many options can be selected (for example, no ferries, no toll roads, no highways, no dirt roads, etc.). (Who is well-located on my previous driving distances and times) Time-dependent routing (ie if possible avoid typical traffic delays at certain times), even though I have them memorized anything yet.
(++) The GPS reception: Incredibly fast !! Even after a cold start (mechanical switch from off to on) is within 10 seconds of the GPS fix here! From the Standby out after 5 seconds. This is a clear advantage over the old Navigon, which sometimes took 1-2 minutes until the GPS fix ... During navigation the GPS reception is absolutely stable (but was already talking about the so Navigon).
(++) Alternative routes: Can recalled at any time (up to three pieces in addition to the current route) and possibly select a route. When the Navigon went only in the initial calculation of the navigation.
(++) Diversions / Detour Assistant: Are there on the planned route a disability (eg, a traffic jam), this is first times (including expected delay.) And announced. In the background the Navi then automatically checks whether there is a meaningful bypass, and then automatically presented to the driver, if necessary, an alternative route (incl. Excess / less-km and estimated time-saving), which can then either accept or reject (alternatively, the Navi the bypasses can also be automatically integrated into the route, which I think is at the most in the bustling city traffic, where you want to concentrate on driving, useful).
The Detour Assistant is both when leaving the route is active, and then, when you stand on the planned route longer. In the former case, gas stations or restaurants are offered in the area, in the second case alternative routes.
Each time you get a button an overview of current traffic congestion on the route chosen and up to three additional, configurable types of POIs (such as gas stations, restaurants or ATMs) near to where you can can then be routed to another button.
(++) Traffic sign display: Are there any on the current route section, a speed limit appears this durable top right. Unfortunately I miss, like the Navigon, one (inside / highway configurable) audible warning when you exceed the speed. Too bad, but of course you can live without. In addition to the speed limit, if necessary, additional current traffic alerts (eg "Animal Crossing" or "sleekness") are displayed, and the warning even as some 100 meters before the sign (still gray border). Oddly overtaking seem exempt because I've never seen (although precisely these very useful would be in longer overtaking sections).
***
UPDATE: I must have been blind! Of course, warnings can (acoustically: alert or announcement; optical: Flashing the speed limit) set for speeding, and although - as with Navigon - separately for city and highway, at 5 km / h steps. Besides, I had not yet activated all driver alerts, so that - to view the missing of my overtaking, if you will - of course. Driver alerts are divided into four groups, which can be activated separately (de-): curve warnings, traffic rules (eg overtaking), general warnings (eg gradients, falling rocks), signs (the rest).. Speed limits to be handled separately, are thus virtually a fifth group.
Overall, the area raises the traffic signs mappings of (+ -) to (++)!
***
(+) Other hardware: Solid workmanship, high-quality appearance. The internal memory is, however, designed to be very scarce with 2 GB. Even the very first map update after purchase I had to cheat a little in order to perform the update can (Manuals "wegkopiert" on the PC, as would have been otherwise too little space for the update is available). We strongly recommend the purchase of a small (eg 4 GB) microSD memory card, which can be bought for a few euros and after a cold start the memory expands seamlessly.
(+) Speed: No rocket, but perfectly adequate. From Standby, the Navi is ready for use within 2-3 seconds. Even a cold start takes no longer than 15 seconds. No comparison with the Navigon, which took about a minute for a hard reset on a regular basis, and the standby mode was unusable because the Navi after waking then behaved strangely ...
The device reacts promptly to touchscreen inputs, the corresponding menus / screens appear quickly. The initial route calculation (or the alternative route calculation) is even over longer distances fast enough so that you are not afraid to have to have to take a involuntary break, due to the Navi.
(+) The announcements: Pleasant voices, very easy to understand and timely announcements. Only at high set volume sounds the issue somewhat distorted.
(+) Battery: At least three hours of battery are all in it (I did test times as fully charged and then run over a distance of 2 hours 10 minutes without power supply, then were still 34% battery capacity remaining.).
(+) PC software ("Becker Content Manager"): The interface for map updates and other updates. Easy to install, clear and simple, functional, stable on my Windows 7 PC and without problems.
(+ -) Display options: top left shows a block of three information data (eg current speed, residual km to your destination, remaining time to destination, arrival time, altitude above sea level) to configure. Here, however, the potential has been wasted because space was for more. The Navigon I have for example in addition the current altitude (though not for navigation important but interesting ever) can be faded.
The bottom line is the road on which you ride, appears. The Navigon here had a two-line display, which additionally the name of the next street into which you had to turn contained. I found useful, unfortunately missing when Becker.
(+ -) The red "Back" key: In itself a good idea, but the key would not be left right and. Why? It takes until resistance is felt so much power that you have to support the Navi, otherwise the holder adjusted. Since most people attach the Navi right off the wheel, it logically uses the right hand. If the button to the right, they could relatively easily press with your thumb and forefinger supported with the device back. With the left mounted button that goes even, but clearly more complicated.
(+ -) The charge / TMC reception Cable: Solid design, keeps well in the 12V socket, a restrained red glow indicates that "current plan". In order to improve the TMC-reception, two small suction cups are attached to fix the cable to the plate when needed, but is not necessary that; the TMC reception is at all times properly.
(-) The holder: The was the Navigon uniquely ergonomic. Although it considers the disk bombproof, and the onset of Navis in the bracket is still quite easily, but the removal of the bracket rather fiddly. It was only after some practice it comes halfway liquid out of hand, but we adjusted each time the position of the bracket.
I have my way, even the optional Premium TMC (aka TMC, NAVTEQ Traffic) provided that there is one time around 40 euros (which is then also a lifetime subscription!) Via Becker Content Manager Buy (Caution, not every Navi it prepared!). An absolutely logical extension, because this (privately operated) service whose information is transmitted via the RDS private radio stations, the "normal" TMC regarding timeliness and availability of traffic information is clearly superior. Who frequently for long distances or in metropolitan areas (also works well in city traffic) the road is, you should definitely consider the reservation of this service into consideration.
Despite the small drawbacks described the Becker Ready 50 LMU EU20 is a first class, very well thought out, ergonomic and highly functional navigation device. It earned 9 out of 10 points (or 4.5 star), but since there is no half stars, 5 stars is my personal rating.
Who needs more than that contained 20 countries and / or Premium TMC wants to have from the outset with it, might resort to another device, as additional cards Premium TMC and other features bundled are simply cheaper or even not at all retrofittable are (such as an integrated Bluetooth hands-free). Who but no longer "pure" requires an excellent navigation and who thereby sufficient the 20 countries served absolutely outstanding from the Becker Ready 50 LMU EU20. All at a price that is regular to call compared to similar devices of the "top dogs" (Navigon, TomTom) already very low, and even more so as a flash range.
To counteract corresponding objections same: No, I'm neither Becker nor Amazon employee, but just a very satisfied customer.
