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GPS navigation systems used to be a luxury gadget only for big spenders, but the decline in memory and LCD prices have helped make portable navigation devices affordable for more people. Even better, the new selection of less-expensive nav units functions nearly as well as their high-priced cousins. This Delphi NAV200 is a good example.
First, besides being a GPS navigator, it’s also a portable media player—playing MP3, digital photo and video files—though navigation is still its best skill. As soon as you turn it on, you come to the main menu which includes a clock, calculator, pictures and settings. For navigation, I kept the unit in extended mode, as this offered more options. The Delphi NAV200 arrived with the maps already loaded onto the SD card. I found the maps extremely accurate (data provided by Navtech), and the timing of the voice prompts perfect for negotiating turns. I was particularly impressed with the amount of detail provided on-screen when approaching points of interest. Not only does the unit show you an icon of a gas station or restaurant, it even shows you the name. Of course, information like that will change as businesses change, so it won’t always be accurate.
There were a few issues with the unit that affected its performance. First, it is a little slow to pick up a fresh GPS signal from a cold start, slower than many other units I’ve used. Second, the touch screen isn’t sensitive enough, even after calibrating with the stylus. It works better with the stylus, but using a stylus while driving (yes, I know I should only touch the screen when parked …) stinks, and the necessity of a stylus is counterproductive anyway since it’s bound to be lost. Finally, the screen is great for the navigation maps, but as a picture and video viewer it’s poor. When viewing pictures from an SD card you have to wait almost 30 seconds when switching pictures. Since you must remove the SD card that holds the maps to insert one to play MP3s, you can’t use the unit to listen to music while navigating.
Since the unit has a built-in battery, and is reasonably pocket-sized, you can use it in your car (there’s a suction-cup windshield attachment) or in your palm when traveling on foot in an unfamiliar location. It’s an extremely easy-to-use and compact unit that’s easy to recommend, especially with the easily navigable price of $399 (about $300 at most retailers). yy
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