Nextar 14-BC GPS: Solid Navigation Plus a Backup Camera

(Price:$240 - $299)

Pros:

• Easy-to-install backup camera included.
• Budget price for complete package.

Cons:

• Fonts too small at bottom of display.
• White case reflects some glare.

Nextar is a feisty company based in La Verne, California that's known for its digital picture frames, but it also offers a nine-model line of car GPS units. I selected the Nextar 14-BC model for review, because it includes a backup camera that instantly places a wide-angle view of what's behind you on the GPS screen as soon as you place your vehicle in reverse.

Even better, the backup camera sends its picture to the GPS screen via a wireless transmitter, so there's no need to run a wire from the back of the vehicle up to the GPS inside the car. This helps make installation relatively easy, and keeps wire clutter out of the passenger compartment.

The Nextar 14-BC stands out because of its price, also. You get a widescreen (4.3-inch diagonal) GPS with a solid feature set, plus the backup camera and everything you need to install it for less than $300.

The 14-BC has some quirks, but I recommend it for someone who wants the safety and convenience (it's a great parking aid for large vehicles) of a backup camera.

In my road tests, the Nextar proved to be a competent navigator. Its 4.3-inch widescreen is relatively sharp and clear. Two minor complaints with the display: its bottom bar, which includes time of day, distance and speed is too small, making the font difficult to read at arm's length when the unit is mounted on the windshield. Also, the 14-BC's white case looks nice, but reflects some glare when the sun hits it through the windshield, making it harder to see the screen.

Nextar's menu system is unique, and those familiar with how to get around a Garmin or TomTom menu system will need to learn Nextar's system. I found the navigation relatively easy to use, however, and never needed to consult the manual to set it up or to use all of its features. A menu button from the main screen leads to a screen offering destination, itinerary, current location, settings, shortcuts, and system information.

You can set destination by address, favorites, intersection, recent, points of interest, or city center. These provide a good set of options for finding and entering destinations. I found it easy to enter whatever data I needed to on the Nextar's colorful touchscreen keyboard.

Out on the road, the Nextar 14-BC provided competent navigation and voice guidance. It selected good routes, and quickly recalculated and provided a good option when I went off the set route.

The Nextar also includes text-to-speech directions so you'll hear the actual street names as you approach turns. The Nextar gave me plenty of spoken notice as I approached upcoming turns.

More on the Backup Camera
The included backup camera consists of a black nylon mount that is designed to fit standard license plate bolts, the built-in wide-angle camera lens, and a wireless transmitter already set to transmit to the Nextar in the passenger compartment. The camera easily bolted onto the top license plate bolts. The camera's power wire is designed to pass through a hole near the license plate and then connect to the wires leading to one of the vehicle's backup light bulbs. You can splice into the backup bulb wires with commonly available Scotch-Lok wire connectors. The installation directions are good, but if you are uncomfortable with this type of work, it can be relatively quickly and inexpensively done at a car stereo or big box electronics store.

In my tests, the backup camera instantly popped a clear, wide-angle color image onto the Nextar screen as soon as I placed the vehicle in reverse. In my case, that's handy, because basketballs and scooters are common driveway backup obstacles. This type of camera can also prevent tragic backup accidents involving young children that we hear about in the news occasionally. The camera is especially useful in big SUVs and vans.

Note that the Nextar 14-BC does not include high-end features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling, or traffic tracking and avoidance, so you'll need to look elsewhere if these are "must" features for you.

-4.3-inch color touchscreen/widescreen.
-Text-to-speech directions.
-Included maps of 50 U.S. states and Canada.
-1.6 million points of interest.
-Address book stores up to 300 addresses.
-Speed alert.
-SD card slot for added memory.
-Backup camera - provides a clear rear view when you back up your vehicle.
-MP3 playing and pictures viewing mode(requires SD card, not included).
-2D or 3D map viewing modes.
-Automatic day and night screen modes (may be disabled).
-Built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
-Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty.