Navig8r G35 gets you from A to B on a budget
Not too long ago, in-car navigation was only for the well-heeled, but now just about anyone can afford an auto GPS device.
This week, I have been trying out Laser’s Navig8r as I’ve been driving around. One thing I really like about it, aside from the price, is that the spoken instructions are in an Australian accent. Having experienced some other GPS systems that featured grating American accents, or even worse still, one I suffered through with a cockney accent that one of those annoying liquidation store spruikers would be proud of, it was definitely a refreshing change!
There’s nothing too fancy about the G35, but you wouldn’t expect there to be for just $169 (that’s the recommended retail price, but you’ll find it cheaper online or on the street). The lever-action suction cup housing attaches easily to the windscreen and the device just slides in — don’t forget to remove the housing, not just the device, when you leave the car; even if you take the device with you, burglars won’t know that, and GPS devices are easily moved at the local pub by enterprising criminals.
The G35′s maps are updatable for free and are easily viewed in 2D or 3D on the 3.5in anti-glare screen, which has day and night modes for optimum readability in different lighting conditions. The speedometer lets you see at a glance how fast you’re going (either digital or analog) and speed cameras are also marked on the maps to keep you on the straight and narrow.
A 30-day trial of SpeedAlert is also included, which displays the speed limit that’s applicable to your location and turns red when you exceed it. You can get the full SpeedAlert program for just $9.95, which could be a good investment, as it just may save you some points on your licence.
And if you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, there are six built-in games to while the time away or stop the kids from whinging and asking “Are we there yet?”
In my tests, the G35 seemed to calculate routes in a timely manner and recalculated my journey in reasonable time when I deviated from the set course. In my own stamping ground, it did direct me in a more complicated way home than I would choose, but then again, I had local knowledge that no map could predict. And, after all, the purpose of a GPS device is to get you around areas you’re not familiar with.
The Navig8rG35 is available from all good consumer electronics stores.
Gail Lipscombe has worked for some of Australia's hottest tech magazines for over 10 years. In her blog, she focuses on demystifying technology, gadgets and the web for average consumers.