Find out which navigator and how to choose the best, and what software is suitable for your area. Find out which navigator and how to choose the best, and what software is suitable for your area.
The time when drivers used maps and atlases to determine the route from one settlement to another is becoming more and more a thing of the past. And if there are such drivers, then they are probably the most conservative. Now it is almost impossible to find a modern gadget that could not show the route from point A to point B.
Choosing a good car GPS navigator is already a whole dilemma, each has both pros and cons. Someone prefers a large screen, others are more compact, but crammed with everything that is possible. A large selection of such gadgets makes it possible to choose for every taste and color, as well as confuse any technically savvy person. But what should you pay attention to when choosing a GPS navigator?
What to look for when choosing
If you have already read the reviews and characteristics of GPS navigators, you have seen that many programs and platforms have been developed for them. So, it is on the software that you should pay attention to in the first place. It depends on the program how well the car GPS navigator will cope with the work.
The simpler and more legible the program and maps describe the terrain more accurately, show the accuracy of your location, the easier it will be for you to reach your goal and orient yourself on the terrain.
The market is now overflowing with a wide selection of GPS navigators, and it is getting more and more difficult to choose. Most work on the Internet, but this is very inconvenient in places where it is not available, or when you have left the border of the country. According to statistics, there are three main and popular navigation programs: Navitel, Garmin, I-Go.
Basic programs for GPS navigators
The number of programs is growing every day, let's look at the main ones, which were given for the example above.
Garmin
Garmin is a program developed by the Linux company, intended only for navigators of the same company. One of the best companies in the navigation environment. Among other navigators, it stands out for its quality and reliability, simple operation and beautiful design. But the main advantage is the program itself, it is very convenient to use, there are no analogues and very high-quality card coverage.
The disadvantage is that it works only on the Garmin navigator platform, it is not possible to install it on another, except for navigation it cannot perform other functions. I also did not like the fact that when setting the final route, the program does not show you the whole path, it often chooses the longest and most inconvenient route. It is often impossible to find the required address, village or hotel, you just have to put a dot on the map with your finger, and this is not very convenient. I also noticed that he is lying on the distance (he always shows more than km, and also exaggerates the real speed of the car).
The average price of such a navigator starts at $ 50, then the price will increase depending on the hardware, which screen you choose, the process and accessories for the navigator. As for updating maps, they can be downloaded for free from the manufacturer's official website, they are updated very often, about once a month, so navigation problems are minimized.
I-Go
Next on the list is the I-Go program, a very popular map among the owners of navigators working on Windows and Android. Nowadays, there are a lot of navigators that work on these platforms, therefore they are suitable for the lion's share of devices. Also, it has very good maps with accurate drawing. Due to the large list of devices where it can be installed, it is very popular when choosing. This software is installed on smartphones and tablets.
Navitel
The last popular program is Navitel, an equally popular program in the CIS countries, since it contains the largest number of maps for the CIS countries. But still, the quality of the cards is good only for the Western CIS countries. Like I-Go, Navitel works on the same Windows and Android platforms.
How the GPS navigator works
The navigator will not be able to work on its own. Most of the modern navigation systems built into tablets or mobile phones work thanks to the connection via the mobile Internet, but this is not always convenient. Therefore, you should immediately look for gadgets that do not depend on the Internet.
Do not forget that navigators will work only in open areas, or closed, but not with thick overlap. In order for the navigator to start working, it needs to contact at least four satellites that are above the Earth, more precisely above the position of the navigator. Through such communication with satellites, the navigator determines the speed of movement, location. All this data is taken from the GPS receiver. Often, such navigators are the most reliable in work, since there is nothing more needed for their work except for identifying satellites and their docking with maps that are stitched into memory.
Personally, from my own experience, I will say that there are two gadgets with navigation functions on hand, the Asus A696 (pictured above) and the HTC s710e smartphone. The first one, which Asus, works flawlessly anywhere, does not require any Internet, GSM network or other connection, the disadvantage is that it searches for satellites for a long time, but then the quality of the connection is at its best. Well, HTC is swinging, it won't load the card without the Internet, you only need to chemistry to make a miracle, it finds satellites faster, but still, the main thing is the card. Therefore, one old, but reliable, is better than two new fancy ones.
But, now there is an application for smartphones called MAPS.ME, the essence is this, you download the map of your country once and then you can use the smartphone and the map without the Internet, the main thing is to catch the satellite. It is very convenient, the interface and the principle of setting are the same as those of Google Maps. This application saved me a lot abroad when there were problems with the Internet.
Overview of GPS navigators
Apart from the software, the technical part of the navigator is also very important. A comfortable large screen will facilitate orientation on the terrain and ease of control while driving. It is also worth paying attention to other functionality, for example, the processor, the amount of memory for the cards. The speed and processing of the path by the navigator will depend on this. As for the screen, it is also not worth saving on it, since in bright light it will poorly draw the path, and at the wrong time you may not see the path. Garmin devices are an exception to such parameters, since they are purely made for their maps and are not designed for firmware of other software. A good processor and a high-quality display make Garmin the best in the field of navigators, as they work in any weather and in any light.
Most navigators run on Windows Mobile or Android, so it's not worth looking closely at the technical parameters. To run such operating systems, a sufficiently good processor, screen and amount of free memory are used. Therefore, maps and processing speed will be at their best. In other words, apart from the navigator, you get a miniature PC in the car. Popular companies include Asus, Acer, HTC, EasyGo, Tenex. The cost of such computers starts at $ 80.
