If you're not the type to pull over and ask for directions, you may want to give the Rand McNally GPS navigator a look. Although its feature set is basic, in many cases that's a good thing, as this device offers just what you need to get from point A to point B. If you can do without Bluetooth connectivity, traffic warnings, wireless services, and other bells and whistles, you'll like what the GPS Navigator has to offer.
Design
The GPS Navigator's unassuming exterior goes right along with its no-frills operation. The front of the device is dominated by a touch-screen that offers good feedback when icons are pressed. While the screen offers lower color depth and resolution than other more expensive units, it gets the job done admirably. It also has an ambient light sensor, which changes the illumination and map view as the daylight waxes or wanes. A row of buttons beside the screen control power and volume. There's also a button for quick access to the main menu. On top, you'll find an SD memory card slot, which comes pre-loaded with base maps for North America, including Alaska. The back of the unit houses a stylus, which may be useful for some when planning a route at home, but it's not something most will want to fiddle with while driving. A headphone jack is provided on the side of the device, while charging is handled by a mini-USB port on the bottom.
Installation
Getting the GPS Navigator up and running is a snap. It ships with a well-constructed suction cup windshield mount and a sturdy cigarette lighter power supply. The unit contains a rechargeable battery, as well, in case you want to take it on foot. The first power-up requires you to define your geographic location and enter your language preference. The unit installed some software from the memory card and we were ready to go. The GPS Navigator's user interface, which runs on top of the Windows CE operating system, offers straightforward, icon-based navigation. The unit acquired a satellite signal surprisingly quickly, and it indicated readiness within 30 seconds.
Interface
The main menu presents options for navigating to an address or point of interest, planning a trip, changing settings, showing the current location on a map, returning home from the current location, or launching the built-in MP3 player. Basic navigation starts with choosing the Navigate icon and then choosing the method of entry, which includes address entry, point of entry lookup, a list of recent destinations, and a "My Favorites" list of preset destinations.
Points of interest-based navigation is simple, yet powerful, on the GPS navigator, and we were impressed by the speed with which the device found a wide range of gas stations, restaurants, retail shops, and other establishments within a given traveling range. Address entry is straightforward, too, with an effective touch-based based keyboard for text and digit entry.
Our only gripe in terms of the GPS Navigator's user interface was the row of icons at the top of the map view screen are also a bit too small for fat fingertips. For instance, most current navigators zoom in and out via plus and minus icons superimposed on the map screen. The GPS navigator opts for tiny icons crammed into the top of the screen. Like many other Windows CE devices, the overall user interface lacks the spit and polish of vehicle GPS units that operate on custom platforms. This criticism is purely aesthetic in nature, however; Windows CE does the job. It's just not as pretty as it could be.
Product Features
3.5-inch color touch screen display offers 2D and 3D map views
Automatic rerouting gets you back on track fast
Rechargeable battery lets you take the slim, lightweight unit on foot
Voice prompts alert you of upcoming maneuvers
Includes built-in MP3 player, as well as exclusive Rand McNally trips and destinations
