Conclusion
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: GPS, navigation, cheap | Themes: Digital Entertainment
11. Conclusion
While it’s not always a wise decision to cut costs with your navigational technology, there are some practical alternatives to pricy high-end units. These five models, which are all under $150, can be bought from a wide variety of retail and online sources. With a focus on features, a desire for easy set-up and use, and a mission to get where we wanted to go with the least amount of time and effort, we put them head-to-head to see which ones stood out as the best.
Our tests were simple: We took each unit directly out of the box and began using them right away. No charging or PC-based set-up was done, and we only used the documentation provided in the original packaging. Our test trips were planned to be identical for each unit, with attention paid to the time, efficiency, and accuracy of each unit while en-route.
While the units all scored high and their features were impressive for the price, there are a few units that come out on top. For those who want features, feel the need to have full text-to-speech functionality with street names and at least some of the extras that a higher-end model can provide, we recommend the Pharos Drive 200. In our testing, it was the most accurate in navigation, and it offered a slightly larger screen than the standard 3.5-inch viewing areas of the rest of the units. Budgeting never looked so good.
For drivers who aren't willing or ready to learn all the ins-and-outs of a GPS navigation device and need a quick setup that even the technologically-challenged can appreciate, the Mio Moov 200 is the way to go. Slick styling and a simple user interface make this unit sexy and not scary.
While the GoodYear GY135 was a worthy competitor, in the end we didn’t include it in the final picks. Its navigation was stellar, and it just felt like a sturdy unit. With a clumsy car mount that never quite stayed together, however, we just couldn't pick it over the Mio Moov. Maybe the next generation will have it all.
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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.
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sincerely
Mr.AKE
Telephone NO. : 86-755-27932240
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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.