Pharos Drive 200 Cont’d
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: GPS, navigation, cheap | Themes: Digital Entertainment
10. Pharos Drive 200 Cont’d
Performance: 5
We had no complaints with the navigation capabilities of the Drive 200. With constant satellite reception at or above the level of other units, rapid turn-by-turn spoken street name directions, and no problems getting around those dead-end streets that some units seemed to get hung up on, our confidence in this unit is high. Recalculating routes, when needed, was done without notification, and therefore rerouting was a stress-free activity.
The time for us to reach our destination was perfectly predicted. We also found the Drive 200 gave us the most efficient routing of any unit; we arrived in no more than three turns for routes that other units suggested four turns or more.
Battery Life: 5
The Drive 200 contains an integrated lithium-ion battery that is not user-replaceable, so it must be charged prior to use. This can be done with a USB cable or via the car adapter. The battery life of the unit is approximately seven hours during constant navigational use--which far exceeds the battery life of other similarly-priced units.
Value: 4
The verdict: This unit passed with flying colors, earning a near perfect 24/25 total points. With a perfect navigation strategy and the high-end features of the text-to-speech and the extra wide screen, there is no reason to spend any more than $150 for a premium unit. The Pharos just may be the GPS unit to rule all GPS units. 
| Pharos Drive 200 Specifications Table | |
|---|---|
| Price | $149 |
| Dimensions | 4.8x31.1x3.2 inches |
| Weight | 7.3 oz. |
| Screen Size | 4" |
| Resolution | 480x272 |
| Maps Platform | NAVTEQ Continental US Maps |
| Receiver Chip | SiRF |
| Text to Speech | Yes |
| USB Charging | Yes |
| User-replaceable Battery | No |
| Battery Life ( Standby) | N/A |
| Battery Life ( working) | 7 Hours |
| Removable Memory | SD Card ( Not Included) |
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I have used this unit, honestly I hate it. I was entering an address and everytime I would press a key (for example, T) a different character would get selected across the screen. ??? I calibrated the screen 2 times, still did it. The mount it comes with is VERY slimsy and is not strong by any means. Everytime you press a button it moves the entire unit and it shakes. The unit also took about 20 minutes to acquire a satellite, while my Nuvi took 20 seconds. Save your money and buy a Garmin, or comparable TomTom. I don't like TomTom either, but would rather have one ANY day over the Goodyear.
Lastly, if you really want a deal look at the Nokia 500. Amazing features for the price. Mapping for all over the world, text to speech, etc.
I own a Mio DigiWalker 300x (or something like it) and was very impressed with the interface and functionality (even if I never used the MP3 player). Good to hear the cheaper Mio's offer the same quality.
As for the Garmin and Mio getting lost, this is most likely an issue with the age of the Maps included. I know that Mio releases new map upgrades almost yearly, and they aren't too expensive if you can find them in stores. This would have been another interesting thing to point out, how old were the maps (sometimes they tell you or you can find out), and what are the options for upgrading the maps in the future. Even $150 is too much if you have to throw the thing away once the maps are outdated, or have to pay $75 to upgrade the map (as with Magellan).
One key thing to note with the performance of these units, is what version of maps are installed on the device. This Nuvi I highly doubt was updated with the lastest 2009 maps (which is free 60 after its first use) which obviously correct the garmin's performance issues.
Unknown
Thank you, that's something to consider. Each unit was tested with the maps provided from the manufacturer (in this case, Garmin). It is up to the manufacturer to provide the most up to date software for review units.
--Rachel Rosmarin, Editor of Tom's Guide
It was recently brought to my attention, and after the article was published, that the Goodyear135 does in fact come standard with text-to-speech for street names. The unit I tested did not perform this function during the testing, and I have to conclude that it was a faulty unit. The article will be noted to reflect this new information.
Thank you.
Linsey Knerl
Dear Friend
Good days, i am sorry for disturb you. this is Mr.AKE from SWEETHILL INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO.,LIMITED . we are the leading car dvd player and GPS navigation manufacture.i writing to you hope we can built business relationship.
I know now you should have a good supplier.but i believe if we can cooperation that we should be your best supplier.
now i send some price list for your reference,please checking it. tks
I wait for your reply, even good news or bad news.
best regards
sincerely
Mr.AKE
Telephone NO. : 86-755-27932240
FAX NO. : 86-755-29979960
SKYPE: weizhenke11
MSN: weizhenke21@163.com
website: www.sweethill.com.cn
Adress : 4- Building,hongxiang industrial park,xixiang town,baoan district,shenzhen,guangdong province,CHINA.
Dear Friend
Good days, i am sorry for disturb you. this is Mr.AKE from SWEETHILL INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO.,LIMITED . we are the leading car dvd player and GPS navigation manufacture.i writing to you hope we can built business relationship.
I know now you should have a good supplier.but i believe if we can cooperation that we should be your best supplier.
now i send some price list for your reference,please checking it. tks
I wait for your reply, even good news or bad news.
best regards
sincerely
Mr.AKE
Telephone NO. : 86-755-27932240
FAX NO. : 86-755-29979960
SKYPE: weizhenke11
MSN: weizhenke21@163.com
website: www.sweethill.com.cn
Adress : 4- Building,hongxiang industrial park,xixiang town,baoan district,shenzhen,guangdong province,CHINA.