The Best Sat Navs on the Market for 2015
Sat navs have not quite come on in the same leaps and bounds as other mobile technologies. Over the last few years we’ve seen smartphones go from the original iPhones to devices that can almost replace your computer with amazing processing power, huge high definition screens and highly capable software. The Galaxy Note 4 even has 3GB of RAM!
Sat navs meanwhile have pretty much stayed the same since their inception. They’ve become a little sleeker perhaps and added just a few new features, but overall they remain much of a muchness.
That said, if it ain’t broke… don’t fix it! Sat navs haven’t changed much because they don’t need to. They remain highly useful gadgets that can help you to get to your destination quicker, save fuel and avoid getting lost.
But seeing as there’s so little in it, what are the best sat nav devices to choose at the moment? What’s the best GPS device for 2015? Read on and we’ll take a look.
The Best Starter Sat Nav
If you’re looking for a low-end device for a good price then there are several options you can pick from. Two of the best options though are the TomTom Start 50 and the Garmin Nuvi 52LM. The Start 50 is a device that offers pretty much everything you could want for a budget unit but unfortunately comes with a resistive touchscreen. That means that it’s not as responsive as its capacitive competitors which is something of a pain when setting up and navigating the various menus. There is voice recognition but unfortunately you can’t do everything using this input method so the screen is still a problem.
The Nuvi then is a slightly better choice and particularly as it also has the more advanced features. This is probably the best option out there in the budget category.
Higher Spec Sat Navs
Up the higher end of the spectrum you have devices like the TomTom Go 50 and the Garmin Nuvi 2599. There’s also the Go 40 which is essentially the same as the 50 except that you lose an inch of screen real estate (it’s 4” as opposed to 5). Again the Garmin has the slight edge here and has a built-in receiver for live traffic information. The TomTom is more reliant on your smartphone and mobile tariff to collect your data which is a downside for some. Both devices also feature voice recognition.
Other Options
There are other options too though if you’re looking for a way to get around without getting lost. One exciting choice is the Garmin HUD+ which has to be one of the most sci-fi looking sat navs on the market. That’s because it utilizes a ‘heads-up display’ which works by projecting the map onto the inside of your windshield thereby showing you turn-by-turn information without you having to keep glancing down at a small screen. It has a great knack for making any old car look a lot newer and more modern and it certainly is useful if you want to keep your head up and eyes forward. It does lack some of the more advanced features however.
You also have the option of choosing one of the myriad mobile apps on the market today – many of which are also completely free. This can be a tempting choice as you’ll save the upfront expense and they actually have some other advantages too. A smartphone is always on you for instance and it is better able to receive live traffic information and other updates from your connectivity. In fact many sat navs these days actually rely on a mobile connection in order to work. You will need a car charger for your phone for this to work though and some way to mount it on your dashboard.
So there you have it! Plenty of options if you’re looking for a new sat nav to help you make your way around. The best choice will depend on your unique requirements and preferences but rest assured any of these options will get you to your destination safely and on time and can help you use those exhaust brakes a little less often!
