Fine Digital FineDrive 400 Car GPS Receiver

To any and all that are considering the purchase of a Finedrive GPS, stay away!

I own a Finedrive 400, but am unable to get any updates for maps or the unit.
The company website was last updated in 2003 and then totally disappeared. Right now, their website displays a single page that leads nowhere!
All email correspondence go's unanswered for the last year and a half!

On another GPS forum, someone stated that Finedrive pulled out of the USA, but still operates in Korea.

Stay away, the mapping software is over 3 years old and there are no updates available and there is NO support!!!

I like the big screen but it is outdated. There are streets not listed and this thing does not update. The phone number for the company listed does not work, so I cant even get a new chip. The cords to hook it up to the pc are not there either and since I cant get a hold of the company I cant buy one.
Wish I had not bought it!

Thin, sharp graphics a deal under 150. Too bad the company went belly up because these units are great.

I had been looking for a GPS receiver for some time when I found these on Ebay. I was able to buy this unit for about $100 less than comparable units advertised,and several hundred less than MSRP. It was shipped quickly and as promised. There are a couple of things I'd change. 1) I'd like to see the entire route before I start (especially helpful on a long trip) and 2) I wish this unit had a rechargable battery to make it portable. Still, for the money, it is a great Value. It does have several features that I haven't used yet. The Manual doesn't have a lot of detail about the different features, so I have done lots of trial and error. Would I buy it again...You bet!

Bottom line: This GPS device does what it's supposed to do in a reasonable price.

Pros: With 4' touch-screen LCD, the Fine Digital FineDrive 400 GPS gives you plenty of space to navigate the menu while you're on the road. The software is simple and I found it to be extremely easy to learn. The driving map is quite consistent with Google Maps with some weird directions from time to time (probably due to recent constructions that are not included in the map data). You do have the option to purchase the new map on the manufacturer website for $99.

Cons: When the device is remained shut down for a few days, the receiver often requires more than 5 to even 15 minutes to locate GPS signals. This has become extremely troublesome when I'm driving NYC downtown and in need of a quick guide to get to some place. It doesn't have the ability to preview the map; it's only able to show you where you're located at and what your next turn is. Again, also perhaps due to the older version of POIs, the device contains many restaurants that no longer exist.

I really like this item. It helps a lot... i am not happy about is some new places aren't included in the map. Also it just started disconnections because of the lighter adapter. IT doesn't turn on some times and i have to play with the adapter that power comes on. if i can get a solition from the seller for this item i will be so happy. Thanks for good customer service...

If you are looking for a GPS unit with accuracy and customer support, then THIS IS NOT the GPS receiver for you!

On a nice, sunny day...it took over 45 minutes to locate and lock in on positioning satellites! When it finally did, it took it for a test drive and discovered that the navigation was off by over 60 Yards!

I called the toll free customer care hotline that was listed on the back of the receiver, and discovered that the number had been disconnected. Upon further research, I found that the company had closed it's door permanently.

Another word to the wise...if you are looking to upgrade any maps for this unit...don't bother. Upgrades don't exist.

Moral of the story...If you have money to burn and don't care for Customer Support or GPS accuracy...then this is the GPS for you!

The good thing is that GPS built with MP3 and FM same time, I prefer the FM feature but you can't use the MP3 while using the GPS! and the FM signal kind of week.

After deep thinking on buying a GPS, I finally decided to go on Ebay and buy a used one (since in the past I've been pretty lucky buying used things). I'll have to say that I'm not the happiest of campers. People usually give feedback right after they get their purchases but I've learned to wait a little longer. This GPS takes too long to start and it looses the voice from time to time. When I want to connect it to the radio, it won't do it. It's a bit annoying at times. Next time, I'll go for a new one at a reputable store. I've learned my lesson. Other than this incident, my overall experience with Ebay the past 8 years has been GREAT!!!

I bought my 400 2 years ago. It has never given me a bad direction. I accidentally dropped it and it broke. I was using one that is very popular, cost 3 times as much and makes more mistakes than a blind man trying to read a map.
I have ordered another one from ebay and cannot wait to use it again.
It was a little slow in the morning, but once it was on it's the greatest....
The Tom Tom that I was using until the replacement comes in sends me out roads that are closed and have not been open for years.. talk about upgrading... there is no new data past 2005 to my knowledge.. Fine Drive 400 is Fine!!!

this is a piece of JUNK! I bought it 7 months ago, and now it broke down for no reason. The street name is hard to see...

I love This GPS gets me where I need to go!!!! Looking for a good GPS look on ebay got this on for 61.00. when to cary nc and Thank God I had this GPS.

I bought 3 units at different times great ebayer, fast shipping, great price, this Ebayer is a asset to the system. I give them 100% on all ratings.I will buy from them again and again.

It works great and was a really good deal! I tried it out and it works real good. The shipping was very fast and I am happy with the whole deal.

We've purchased five Fine Digital FineDrive 400 GPS units in the past three years or so. We won them at about a quarter of the price of the brand name products. These units have a larger screen than most of the brand name products and work exceptionally well. We do a lot of driving, delivering and training our clients on the use of diabetic supplies. We figure these units pay for themselves in a short period of time on gas savings alone, taking us in the shortest, quickest route possible to the next client's home. (I’m talking right to the front door) These units have all the functionality of the more expensive units ie: POI, Door to Door, Voice Navigation, 2D and 3D view. I've seen some reviews that say these units don't work well in rainstorms but found that not to be the case. These units work very well in heavily overcast skies and during heavy rainfall. The POI function is great. When I need to find the nearest Wal-Mart, Gas Station, ATM, Burger King, or Mall etc. It takes me right there! So why spend big bucks on a brand name? Revised 12-8-2008, Maps are outdated any new roads or addresses added in the past five years or so will not be on the maps. downgraded from Excellent to Good.

I bought my 1st GPS for my PT Cruiser, a FineDrive400. I bought it for my new job in which I do field visits with clients and living in Las Vegas there is a lot of territory to cover. I love it, it is operating flawlessly and is easy to program to any location, even used it on a trip to California. I purchased a warranty plan as well just in case a problem arises. I looked and several different kinds and for the money this one had a bigger screen and a much better price and the seller was excellent to deal with and so it is the one I chose and have been very happy with my purchase.

This is one great GPS. I shopped for a month doing comparisons of different GPS receivers before I found this one. It had all the features of the more expensive units on the market plus it had a full color 4" screen. Most other units only have a 3"or 3.5" screen.

The unit is only about 1" in depth and will fit in your shirt pocket which makes it much more portable than other receivers. It powers on and connects really fast and has voice guided turn by turn directions which can be set to several different route configurations.The installed software has thousands of destination points,such as restaurants, gas stations, attractions, hotels and points of interest that can be programmed in to your route or added on the fly.
The case is black ABS plastic with a brushed aluminum face which gives it a sleek and attractive apperance.

I liked this unit so much that I bought a second one as a gift.

I bought the Navigator three weeks ago and was immediately impressed with the number of features available on this inexpensive device. It has all the options what I need. I used it twice on long distance and device worked perfect. The seller perfumed all his responsibilities very good and in short time.

I am happy with my finedrive gps. I use it at work and it helps me to navigate better, get to places quicker AND IS EASY TO USE. I respond to burgler alarms and need to respond quickly.
THX.

One we figured exactly how to enter addresses we haven't had any problems at all. It performs just the was we thought it should. If anyone is looking for a GPS we highly recommend this one.

I like the larger display of the gps receiver and the easy functionality of it. I like the voice prompt as well. The area I live in has several new housing developements which do not show up on GPS locations, including my house. We just moved to this area and getting around the town and rural areas was my main concern when purchasing a GPS unit. The unit worked well until after a couple of days when it started turning itself off. I emailed and phoned the Mfg.(Fine Digital) several times and still have not received a reply of any kind. Luckily, I discovered that the power cord connection had a bad connection in the end that connects to the bottom of the GPS and was able to find an old power cord that had been used with a radar detector I had. The unit works great so far with exception of getting destinations confused as being on the right when it is actually on the left and/or the opposite. In all fairness, I think that may occur only when an actual numerical address is not utilized. The voice clarity is good, even for me with hearing problems. The MPH indicator, the miles and time to destination is nice as well. I have not tried the MP3 player portion of the unit yet,therefore, I cannot comment on it.
I would prefer to have a battery backup so I could program the unit in the comfort of my house instead of having to sit in my car and program it to destinations and favorites. Again in fairness, I did not know until after I purchased the Finedrive 400, that other units have battery backup capability.
I would like or feel more secure about the Fine Drive 400 GPS unit if I could get the Mfg. to respond to my technical problems or even where to send the unit for repairs or replacement when problems occur during the one year factory warranty period. The purchaser of a new product should not have to resort to using used products(which I just happened to have)to keep an item operating, esp. after only two weeks since purchasing and receiving the unit.
The unit is ok, but, compared to other units I've had opportunity to inquire about, in the comparable price range, I feel the other units are somewhat better even though the viewing screen may be half and inch smaller.

The lack of communications between buyer and Fine Digital company is very dissapointing.

I was looking for a GPS and expected to spend about $450 for a low end unit. I happened upon the FD400 on Ebay and got one (refurbished) for $150. I figured I would see if I liked it and if not, it would become a Christmas gift for m y brother. Anyway, I loved it from the second I opened the box. I caould find nothing wrong with the unit and found it easy to install. I began using it without having to read the directions. The menus are easy to understand and navigate. I like the touch screen and the voice prompts. The large screen w/ color is easy to read and I am able to glance at it as I am driving to see the route. I especially like the feature that allows you to find places of interest. We were in Williamsburg, VA and saw a sign for a BBQ rest. We did not catch the location, and my passanger suggested we try the FD400. Sure enough, the place was listed in their database and within 15 minutes we were there. I would suggest trying this unit before you drop much more on a similar one.
I use a small external speaker attached to the unit. It makes it much easier to hear the voice prompts. I also suggest an external antenna. This greatly reduces aquisition time and improves reception during bad weather. I have not had any issues with the maps being out of date. I did go to the website and found that you can purchase map updates if needed.

PROS: large display, easy to use, can attach external antenna, auto route adjustments if you miss a turn, maps are pre loaded

CONS: voice prompt can be a little distorted if turned up to loud, can take a little longer to sync with sats if no external antenna is used

I Love my Fine Drive GPS!!!! I am a Home Health Nurse and This Baby takes me right to my patients door with no trouble or headache. I think it is worth every cent I paid for it, Matter of fact I am going to purchase another one to have for backup just in case something happens to the one I got. LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!

I decided to try the Fine Digital FineDrive 400 GPS Receiver based solely on limited research and price. I've used a lot of different GPS gadgets and all have their positives and negatives but most get you where you need to go. I love the look and feel of this device. The screen is not too big, the screen is not too small, it is just right. It is right on with its directions and recalculates quickly if you miss a turn. I've used it here in DC/MD/VA and it keeps up with the constant road changes. I've used it in CA, TN and OR and for the price you will not find a better device. I got mine for just a tad over $200 postage paid so look for your best deal, don't spend more than $225 for it and you'll never regret owning it.