GPS car navigation review Nov 2009

Find the best GPS system for both city and country driving, whether in a car or on a motorcycle.
 
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02.What to buy - car

Car GPS devices are no longer a premium item reserved for those willing to spend several hundred dollars on the latest gizmo. With good units now available for less than $200, a car GPS device can be handy even if only used occasionally for the holiday trip or when driving to a destination in an unfamiliar area. Our top performers provide clear directions in both the town and the country and all except one model will cost you less than $400.

These models scored the best results in our test:

  • Tom Tom ONE 140 — $249
  • Tom Tom XL 340 — $299
  • Garmin nüvi 1350 — $399
  • Kogan Ezinav — $199
  • Garmin nüvi 1250 — $299
  • Garmin nüvi 1390 — $449
 

 

6 CHOICE buys

Tom Tom ONE 140

Scored 80/100 | $24980%

Good points:

• Very good value for money.
• Very clear indication of roads and route with good size text.
• Names the streets, and roundabout exits are numbered first, second, etc.
• Printed manual included.

Bad points:

• Mount is not as adjustable as the more common ball-jointed type.
• Can’t add live traffic (SUNA) as an option.

 

Tom Tom XL 340

Scored 79/100 | $29979%

Good points:

• Very clear indication of roads and route with good size text.
• Names the streets, and roundabout exits are numbered first, second, etc
• Widescreen.
• Printed manual included.

Bad points:

• Mount is not as adjustable as the more common ball-jointed type.

 

Garmin nüvi 1350

Scored 77/100 | $39977%

Good points:

• Very clear indication of roads and route with good size text.
• Excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight (but not quite as good as the zūmo).
• Excellent display of street names.

Bad points:

• Worst country performance of the recommended models.

 

Kogan Ezinav

Scored 76/100 | $19976%

Good points:

• Soft carry case provided.
• Names the streets, and roundabout exits are numbered first, second, etc.
• Printed manual included.
• 3.5mm audio out socket and FM transmitter inbuilt.

Bad points:

• Borderline sound quality. Voice sometimes has lengthy pauses mid-sentence.

 

Garmin nüvi 1250

Scored 74/100 | $29974%

Good points:

• Very clear indication of roads and route with good size text.
• Names the streets, and roundabout exits are numbered first, second, etc.
• Excellent display of street names.

Bad points:

• Equal-worst score for points of interest.

 

Garmin nüvi 1390

Scored 74/100 | $44974%

Good points:

• Very clear indication of roads and route with good size text.
• Names the streets, and roundabout exits are numbered first, second, etc.
• Excellent display of street names.

Bad points:

• Equal-worst score for points of interest.

 
 

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