Many motorists have found themselves in situations where they had to travel through unfamiliar terrain. This problem can be solved with the help of a GPS navigator, which will allow you to correctly build a route, and the car owner can feel confident in unfamiliar cities and countries. In this article we will tell you how to choose a good navigator for your car.
Initially, such GPS navigators were developed exclusively for military purposes. However, later such devices began to become popular in civilian life. Today, thanks to the increased accuracy of GPS sensors and the emergence of high-quality maps, such devices are simply indispensable for every car owner. Let's talk about what is better: a tablet or a navigator for a car.
No. 10 – Prology iMap-5700
Price: 2600 rubles
A nice, inexpensive navigator with a five-inch LCD display that compactly contains all the necessary information. In addition to basic tasks, the device copes well with viewing photos and videos, playing music in MP3 format and other multimedia functions.
The device is equipped with a convenient suction cup - it is attached securely. The hardware is not the most modern, but it quickly picks up satellites and does not irritate with sluggishness during operation.
Prology iMap-5700
The screen is quite fragile - scratches remain from the slightest touch with hard objects. The autonomy is not outstanding - a couple of hours, no more, although this is not a big problem - the cigarette lighter is always at hand.
Navigator selection criteria
Which navigator will be better during work? Without a doubt, even budget, inexpensive models have great functionality and excellent parameters. However, there are several basic parameters that you should pay attention to first:
- Screen size.
- Software.
- Processor power.
- External drives.
- Fasteners
Let's consider the listed parameters in more detail. When choosing a navigator for a car, you need to understand that a lot depends on the size of the screen. They range from 3.5 to 7 inches diagonally. When choosing, consider the following:
- It will be difficult to see anything on a small screen, but a large one will make it much more difficult to see.
- If the navigator does not have multimedia functions, then the wide screen will not justify the money spent.
- The touch screen should be designed so that you don't have to touch multiple controls when operating it.
- Navigators with a medium-sized screen can be taken with you on trips and hikes.
Car navigator software is a very important element because it determines which maps are used, how your speed is displayed, when you arrive at your destination, and more.
High processor power guarantees comfortable operation. Power is necessary for comfortable use of the device in any mode. For high performance, a power of 500 MHz or higher is sufficient. Before choosing a good navigator, you need to study reviews of different models.
External drives and memory devices are also important when choosing. It would be good if the navigator is equipped with a universal slot for memory cards and a USB input for connecting a flash drive. Thanks to these functions, you can download maps and update software, including watching movies from external drives.
Be sure to check that the device is firmly in its mount. All moving joints must be tight so that when driving on bad roads the screen stays evenly in place and does not spoil your vision.
Additional functions
Most modern GPS navigators are equipped with numerous additional functions that will make use better, easier, clearer and more comfortable, and the trip more enjoyable:
Hands free
- The GPS system with voice prompts informs the driver about all maneuvers on the road.
- The Hands Free system frees the driver's hands from the phone. Communication is wireless.
- The built-in MP3 Player allows you to listen to music or books even on a noisy roadway.
- View any video files on the screen.
- View photos in any format.
- The FM transmitter is a special device that significantly increases the functionality of the standard radio.
No. 9 – LEXAND Click&Drive CD5 HD
Price: 3500 rubles
The top car navigator continues to be a gadget with a good screen and good mounting. Five inches, resolution 800x480 pixels is what you need.
There is a hot start, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time searching for satellites every time. The company provides active technical support; in case of problems, you can always get competent help as soon as possible.
The device looks quite solid for its money, and the maps are updated regularly. There are no obvious disadvantages, except that the appearance is too simple and the hardware is obsolete.
LEXAND Click&Drive CD5 HD
Expensive segment (from 10,000 rubles)
Any taxi or truck driver wants to have the best navigator that will take you where you need to go on the first try, warning you about speed limit signs and hidden radars along the way. You can choose such a car navigator by studying the TOP 3 of the review below.
Garmin Drive 61 RUS LMT
pros
- Screen 6.1″
- Bluetooth, Hands-Free
- Loading traffic jams
- SD card slot
- Smartphone Link app
Minuses
- No GLONASS
- 1 hour battery life
From 12790 ₽
The limited Russian-language Drive 61 RUS LMT series is popular among truck drivers: a large touch screen with lane selection, Hands-Free option and radar and traffic jam warnings helps the truck driver cope with an unfamiliar road. The suction cup is good: it holds the weight 241 g securely.
TomTom GO 620
pros
- Radar detector
- 6″ screen with 3D maps and day-night mode
- Memory 16 GB. + SD card
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Hands-Free: Siri, Google Now
Minuses
- There is no Russian language in the manual and no Hands-Free option
- No maps of the Russian Federation
From 17199 ₽
A good model with a radar detector and synchronization with a smartphone gives a very fast response to touches, and also maintains a clear satellite signal. But Hands-Free is useless here if you don't speak English. Maps of the Russian Federation will have to be downloaded yourself, fortunately your memory allows it.
Garmin DriveAssist 51 RUS LMT
pros
- DVR, radar detector
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Hands-Free
- Loading traffic jams
- Maps of the Russian Federation with updates
- Synchronization with smartphone, rear view camera
- Duplication of road signs
Minuses
- 0.5 hours battery life
From 24359 ₽
The model with pre-installed updated maps from HERE accompanies the driver well on the road, while simultaneously recording what is happening around. It makes calls from a smartphone using voice control in Russian, warns about radars, traffic jams, parking spots and other nuances. But the model has already been removed from Garmin support.
No. 8 – iBOX PRO-7900 HD
Price: 4000 rubles
A popular model with a large screen – as much as seven inches. Simple and easy to use, the navigator also pleased me with its location accuracy - no more than ten meters of error.
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Using such a device, you can even read your favorite book while stopping for a rest. The soundtrack is loud and informative.
The gadget has problems with charging from the car network; any changes stop the process. There is a weather icon on the screen, but in the absence of an Internet connection it remains useless - no information about temperature and humidity is provided.
iBOX PRO-7900 HD
Which brand of car navigator is better?
Of course, when purchasing navigation equipment, you want to choose the best model to ensure fast and comfortable operation without failures or errors in operation. In this case, an important point will be the choice of brand. It is best to buy equipment from trusted manufacturers in official stores or on company websites.
Currently, there are various brands specializing in the production of navigation devices. For a more accurate description, you should study reviews from real users - they will be able to tell you in more detail what problems may arise during operation. Among the existing brands are the following:
- Navitel.
- Digma.
- Prology.
These options are of good quality and provide reliable operation in any conditions. If you wish, you can watch video reviews to select several suitable models. In the store you can get more detailed information on the selected equipment.
Attention! Try checking the functionality of the device in the store, and don’t forget to look at the package contents. Ask a consultant about the navigator's capabilities for complete information.
No. 7 – LEXAND SA5+
Price: 3100 rubles
A device with pre-installed Navitel cards and the ability to connect a 3G modem. The construction is of high quality, nothing creaks while driving. There is even a Bluetooth interface, a rarity among budget models.
High-quality fastening is a plus that should not be underestimated on domestic roads, where every bump can be the last for a poorly secured device. Connection and use are elementary, even a non-technical person can figure it out.
Every year the device asks to renew the license to update the maps - it can be annoying. The update itself occurs only by connecting to a personal computer, which is not very convenient. The touchscreen on the screen is quite ancient, so a regular touch will not be enough - you need to press down.
LEXAND SA5+
No. 6 – NAVITEL N500
Price: 3300 rubles
I was pleased with the conscientious assembly - nothing wobbles, and the gadget does not make any extraneous sounds while driving. The software and set of cards do not cause any complaints, there is an FM transmitter, the setup is quite flexible - you can adjust it to suit yourself.
There are no brakes or lags as a fact, which is already a lot for a budget navigator. It picks up satellites quickly, keeps the connection reliably, in general, according to the basic requirements, complete order.
What is missing are online services that report traffic and weather, but such functionality is typical of more expensive navigator models. The Windows operating system is frankly inferior in functionality to its Android competitors.
NAVITEL N500
Advantages of car navigators
The main advantage of car navigators is the installed software shell. Using it you can easily work with different car maps. There are 4 types of programs:
- One of the leading companies producing navigators and using Navteq programs in them, known all over the world.
- This software shell has become the best road companion for the driver. The services of such a program are used both in navigators and other mobile gadgets.
- Mitak, Tibo, Pioneer - these companies use their individual programs in inexpensive budget devices. The main feature is simplicity and reliability. This program can be used on any gadget.
- The domestic Autosputnik program can work with navigators from well-known global manufacturers. The software shell is capable of working with great accuracy and combines well with various navigators.
No. 5 – Dunobil Ultra 5.0
Price: 3800 rubles
The second half of the top best navigators for cars in 2020 is opened by a device with a really good display. In addition to decent resolution and a good sensor, the screen is bright and contrasty - even in the sun, all information is easily distinguishable.
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In terms of price-quality ratio, the device does not have many competitors; it can do everything you need, does not fail in any aspect, and the cost is quite adequate.
The device connects to the Internet not via Wi-Fi, but via a DUN connection via Bluetooth - many users despaired of setting it up and simply forgot about this possibility. The screen orientation is only horizontal; everyone decides for themselves whether they need the ability to change the location or can make do with what they have.
Dunobil Ultra 5.0
Wireless function
The Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless communication function expands the functionality of the device. The presence of VT allows the driver to use the function, thanks to which you can drive the car with both hands while simultaneously talking on the phone. They have a built-in speaker and microphone for this purpose.
Also, thanks to the VT module, the navigator receives information about traffic jams via a mobile phone. There is no need to buy an additional GSM module.
Wi-Fi navigators have appeared on sale relatively recently. This is a full-fledged Internet browser replacement. If the driver finds himself in a free Wi-Fi zone, he can easily read messages on social networks or check his email.
FM transmitter
Using an FM transmitter, you can output the navigator's voice to the car's audio system. This is a very convenient function, since there is noise in the car that drowns out the voice of the device.
GSM/GPRS module
There are devices that can load traffic jams. This is done in three ways. Via a mobile phone via Bluetooth, via a GPRS channel, if such a module is built into the navigator, and using an FM traffic antenna.
GPRS is a communication channel with the Internet present in mobile phones. Moreover, it should be noted that loading traffic jams via Bluetooth also passes through the GPRS channel, but much slower due to the intermediate point, that is, the telephone.
The built-in GSM/GPRS module means that you can insert a SIM card into the device, which has a special tariff that provides cheap services for receiving data via the Internet. This function, of course, increases the cost, but loading traffic jams is much faster, and the connection is more reliable.
Garmin offers its own traffic jam service. In order for this company to show traffic jams, it is necessary to install an additional antenna.
No. 4 – NAVITEL G500
Price: 4300 rubles
Those who are used to using GLONASS will be pleasantly surprised by the capabilities of this model. Cold start is almost instantaneous, satellites are located in a matter of minutes.
The route is built quickly, no lengthy thinking is required for the hardware. The case is assembled conscientiously, the plastic does not emit a smell. The voice acting is loud and even pleasant, and does not interfere with driving at all.
NAVITEL G500
The Windows CE operating system looks worse and worse as the price of the device increases. If you don’t expect anything supernatural from outright state employees, then having paid more than four thousand rubles, you still want to have more solid functionality at hand, which is only available to Android. A good navigator for a car, but without any frills.
MAPS.ME
Maps.me has the most accurate and detailed maps. You can overlay the vector map with another layer. It will be useful for walking. It lays out routes for public transport, a bicycle or a pedestrian, and of course for your own car.
An interesting feature of this navigator is that people themselves collect and add information to the navigator.
No. 3 – LEXAND SA5 HD
Price: 3400 rubles
The operating speed is one of the best in its price segment. The cold start is 42 seconds, but with subsequent use the time rapidly decreases.
Pre-installed PROGOROD maps allow you not to get lost not only on the highway, but also in an unfamiliar village. A powerful 1100 mAh battery allows you not to worry about power surges; the device can work for a long time even in a car with the ignition off.
It is possible to expand the basic internal memory using a flash drive, so the device turns from a regular navigator into a multifunctional multimedia center. The display is not bad, but with a frankly outdated matrix - you can’t count on an amazing picture.
LEXAND SA5 HD
Modern GPS navigators have the following functions:
- 1. Possibility of remembering the route.
- 2. Laying out the optimal route.
- 3. Display of the current vehicle speed, travel time, average speed and a number of other indicators.
- 4. The device is capable of providing appropriate voice prompts.
- 5. Informing the driver about speed limits on the highway.
- 6. The device issues a warning signal in cases of deviation from the planned route.
- 7. The navigator can be used as a multimedia device or a simple TV receiver.
- 8. Such gadgets can also be equipped with a video camera and operate in recorder mode.
It is not surprising that with such functionality and taking into account the affordable cost, such devices have become very popular among car owners. We will tell you how to choose a navigator for your car, which one will be better for use in the city or on long trips. Many car owners think about how to choose the right navigator for their car.
No. 2 – NAVITEL T700 3G
Price: 5300 rubles
Which navigator is better to buy for a car? If money allows, we recommend purchasing gadgets with Internet access, even if the bare version has some shortcomings, many of them can be corrected by updating the software and expanding the existing pre-installed cards.
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The seven-inch diagonal touch display is the real pride of this device; operating the device with the help of such a beauty is a pleasure. The decent packaging is also impressive - in addition to the device itself, in the box you will find a reliable mount and a charger for the cigarette lighter.
Owners report that the quality of the cards at times leaves much to be desired; blindly believing the instructions of the voice can lead to getting lost in circles. However, such shortcomings are quickly eliminated, since the manufacturer promptly responds to user comments.
NAVITEL T700 3G
What can you expect from a navigator today?
Today, everyone puts their own definition into the concept of a navigator. But everyone agrees on one thing: a navigation gadget is a portable electronic device that helps you quickly and effortlessly navigate the terrain and find the right point, no matter where you are.
A modern car GPS navigator can do the following:
- determining the location of the vehicle with increased accuracy;
- calculating the optimal route, taking into account the category of the road, markings, road signs and directional range;
- if it is impossible to drive along a particular road, the navigator offers detour routes or some additional options;
- calculates the total duration of the route, travel time and estimated time of arrival at the final point;
- warns the driver in cases where he has exceeded the permissible speed in order to avoid trouble with the road inspection;
- Some navigators calculate fuel costs depending on how fast the car is moving (similar to an on-board computer).
