Customer Reviews
Good buy 
2008-06-28
This may sound a little silly, but I was sold this GPS on my first visit to a store. The sales guy really sold me on it based on my criteria. I brought it home and began feeling as if I was bamboozled. So, I returned it (with a restocking fee) and decided that I needed to do some homework. I looked at every possible types of GPS devices. I purchased a Navigon because I liked the graphics. Even the graphics turned out to be a disappointment. So, I returned that one. Every single review suggested a Garmin 660 or along those lines. I tried them out and wasn't happy with the menu or it's functions. I went back to the H/K. I've had it for about a month now and I am very happy with my purchase (the second time). I haven't used the music or video part of the device, but the navigation and bluetooth works well. With the navigation, it doesn't give me exactly what I'm looking for all the time, but it does get me where I want to go, especially when I get lost. I travel around LA alot. the streets are very confusing. this has gotten me out of many hours of driving around lost. I like the touch pad. It is sensitive, and feels solid. I like the looks and feel of the H/K. The mounting bracket is good. The biggest bonus of this device is it lets me do title searches (or keyword) searches for business. I really use that alot. I can find the nearest "home depot" or "best buy" or whatever store I need at my location. This has become such an asset to my business. I returned the Navigon because I couldn't do that. I couldn't do that with the Garmin either. So, i really like this H/K. I'm very happy with it and use it almost everyday.
Works as described, but quirky... 2008-06-25
Pros:
- My Motorola Razr V3 Phonebook was uploaded to the 810 without any problems, touch dialing is really nice.
- Navigation screen is large enough and the 3D view is handy, night mode is cool.
- Zooming while in 3D mode is nice to check out surrounding areas
- GPS startup is quick (~10 secs) and interface is intuitive.
- It is one of the nicest looking 4"-5" GPS units, feels substantial and is finished in graphite.
- I have sync'd several MP3 playlists as described in the user manual using windows Media player. I am able to use the 810 instead of my iPod as needed.
- Navigation is on par with the Eclipse AVN-5510 in our other vehicle
- Many POI's and map data is up to date within about one year
- I have received personal emails from customer support regarding the availability of the firmware upgraded and external microphone.
- You really can simultaneously have the 810 navigate, listen to music and make phone calls
Cons:
- I am hoping the external phone microphone will be available soon, some people thought I sounded like I was calling from inside a tunnel.
- My Bluetooth and remote issues fixed with firmware update
Overall, for $329 it works as promised and puts navigation in my car for significantly less than the OEM option.
Piece of Junk 
2008-06-18
Bought this item today and it's going back. Slow system that locks up. Have had to reset it 5 times. I want out of box and go not let me reset over and over again. Really pissed because I like the idea, look and concept. Oh well, will try again and research.
Wait for an Update! 
2008-06-05
I love the 810, but I am rating it with 1 star, as I think you should wait for an updated firmware.
This could be the best GPS, but its firmware is very buggy and it doesn't function as advertised.
I bought one and returned. Harman Kardon says: "we're aware of the problem and it will be fixed with a firmware upgrade in the near future." However it's been more than 6 months and nothing has been done, neither specific dates or details published, and everyone gets the same response: upgrade is coming in 2 weeks or so.
The main reason I returned mine, were the Bluetooth and overall instability. I got random numbers instead of the names, after I synced my iPhone, and almost everybody is complaining of the same problem using different phones. The connection is good, but keeps loosing. It wouldn't go into sleep mode and kept shutting down, then it took relatively long time to start up.
I would rate the GPS 810 with 10 stars if it worked as presented. Don't buy this unit now! Follow GPS 810 forums and make sure you get one with the latest firmware to be released.
piece of garbage 2008-06-03
[...] I was very excited about this product when it hit the market and I gave it a try... however my excited disappeared much quicker than I anticipated. Very nice GPS with million bugs that is completely unreliable. I had many different types of GPS units in the past and this is by far worst one I ever have seen in my life. It's nice when it works but most of the time it doesn't. [...]
This unit was acting up the next day I started using. At first I was trying to give some benefit of a doubt but I feel foolish now that I have not got rid of this thing months ago. Right now the screen is not showing anything at all even though I can hear the sounds when I tap on it or use remote control. I experienced all the bugs that were already stated in this forum. What is the purpose of a GPS when you can't use it and you can't update it's internal map database. This is the most worthless product to hit the shelves. The deep discounts telling me that they are leaving the GPS market. If you are thinking about this unit I suggest you run in the opposite direction or you will be sorry like me.
Harman Kardon 810 (HK810) More like a PMP with a GPS built in. 
2008-07-17
The Harman Kardon 810 is definitely a good GPS system. It is one of the smoothes navigation units that I have ever seen. It is well built, sleek and beautiful. The voice prompts are clear and precise. It will get you to where you need to go but with a few extra turns.
I would recommend this system to people that want more than just a GPS System. I would recommend it to people that want a PMP with a good GPS built in. The screen is big and beautiful just like screen of the PSP. It plays videos with great clarity and plays your mp3 without any problems. Just load your 8GB SD card and your good to go.
I love using the HK810 more as a movie player and a MP3 player more than a GPS system. Since I know my way around town most of the times I get to use my MP3s and built in radio transmitter and I'm jamming my way down to Costco.
The HK-810 is not a perfect GPS system but it will do the job.
Pros:
Very Portable and easy to use.
A lot of useful functions - Video, MP3, Phone, FM Transmitter
Beautiful Screen and nice clear speaker
Can hold 8GB SDHC card possibly 16Gb. (16Gb not tested yet)
Nice mounting bracket.
Remote Control
Traffic Report
Windows CE 5 Operating System
Cons:
Battery drain is fast if not plugged into power.
Maps are not updated. (Uses Navigon 2006)
Can not alter route to add shortcuts and make most direct route.
FM transmitter is kind of weak.
Sometimes freezes
Made the Right Choice!! 
2008-07-14
I am a first time GPS user. I read all the reviews here plus at other websites and I was very hesitant in purchasing this unit due to the system locking up issue that most people has mentioned. But for me I was looking for a unit that had it all! And for right now, this is the only unit with GPS, MP3, Video, Pictures, and Bluetooth Phone connectivity..... I searched for a comparable unit with the same features in all the major electronic stores and only found ones with only GPS/MP3. Well anyways, I'm sure you figured it out....I crossed my fingers and purchased this unit..... It's been one month now and I could be jinxing myself for writing this review, but here goes:
PROS:
* The unit has not locked up on me yet... WOOHOO!!
* The GPS is great! I live in Austin, TX and already made a trip to Dallas and to North Oklahoma. And the GPS was accurate. I only had one instance when the unit had erratic recalculations (lots of U-turns!) But for the most part the map and voice navigation is accurate.
* The MP3 sounds awesome! Simple to use menu and I use a SD card reader to drag-n-drop my music into my 8G SD card
* The Video also plays and sounds fantastic!! I played a couple of movies and plays beautifully as most portable DVD players
* I have some pictures, but haven't used this much...But what I do have, looks great!!
* The Phone connectivity is awesome!! I have a Nokia 6085 and it had no issues finding it. Address book downloaded perfectly. The mic and speaker on the unit is crystal clear and I use it quite often. This is an excellent feature for handsfree phone conversation while you're driving!!
* The dash and windshield mounting accessories are very good
* The best feature I love is the remote control knob!! You can have this conveniently anywhere in the vehicle and go thru all the menus with ease!!
CONS:
* I have to agree with everyone about the battery. The battery life sucks and this will not be a good unit if relying on battery life. For me, the HK810 is only for my car, so mine is always plugged in and this con doesn't really pertain to me.
* I have seen the new firmware at HK website, but haven't uploaded it to my unit since it's working fine. (I always say, why fix it if it's not broken!)
* No current map updates
* Did not come with a full manual
For me, I think I made a good decision for my first GPS!! But like I said, I might have jinx myself and you might hear from me again!
Piece of Junk 2008-07-14
Have to reset it every time I needed it to use it. Have your paper clip ready it shuts off every time it goes into standby. FM transmitter sucks, it berly works, the bluetooth sucks too, it takes forever to sink up to your phone. I'm returning the product and go with a name brand instead.
A firmware update is available. 2008-07-11
The firmwear update is up. I see alot of people giving the battery a con. At 3.5 hours for movies (that look and sound great) it beats alot of DVD players when on the plane. Longer time and fits in my pocket. I'm having difficulty getting my Samsung SGH-D307 to pair up. I got it once then it dropped within a couple minutes and haven't got it to work yet. My phone works with the Uconnect in my van so I think it just I missing something. Otherwise so far I really like the unit. Haven't had any route errors that others are talking about. That may have been fixed when I loaded the new firmwear.
Nice but fair 2008-06-30
I bought my Harman Kardon GPS-810 a couple of months ago, I was very excited because I love the brand and have a loyal HK product consumer but I am very disapointed with this gadget.
Bad:
1.- Maps and places not updated
2.- Sometimes makes you go in circles
3.- Battery last 12 mins. on mine
4.- When car is stopped gps may loose direction and start spinning
5.- Doesn't update on PC
6.- Makes errors while taking you to POI
7.- Confusing when trying to change on freeways
Good
1.- Good looking
2.- Remote cpntroled
