Pre-installed soft
The navigation programme, originally installed in the navigator and sold with it, in other words, a set of maps available to the user “out of the box”.
Most modern navigators are equipped with such programs (although the name of pre-installed maps is not indicated for all models). Note that the functionality of complete programs in different models may vary. Most often, these are the simplest maps of the world or the region in which this device is sold. However, there are exceptions: there are models with detailed maps, programs with advanced functionality, etc. Such exceptions are especially common among high-end specialized devices, in particular marine and aviation (see "Scope"). And for some navigators, there may be several options for pre-installed programs and even the ability to select such programs at the request of the user. All these details should be specified in each case according to the manufacturer or seller.
It is also worth considering that the characteristics often indicate only the general name of the cards. At the same time, the same card can be available in several versions that differ in functionality and, sometimes, terms of use (paid / free). However, the main features are basic capabilities, interface device, etc. — usually, are common to all versions. Therefore, by the name of the complete programme, usually, one can quite accurately determine the general capabilities and features of the card's functionality.
Built-in memory
The amount of built-in memory installed in the navigator.
The amount of data that can be stored in the device directly depends on this indicator. However, it is worth keeping in mind that, on the one hand, a certain amount of built-in memory will inevitably be occupied by the operating system (if there is one), firmware and other programs supplied in the kit; on the other hand, the set of these programs in most cases also includes a preinstalled card. The latter means that the navigator can be used for its intended purpose “out of the box” without installing additional software; and for such an application the built-in memory is guaranteed to be enough. This means that it makes sense to pay attention to the storage capacity primarily if the device will have to work with additional data - from extended maps to photos and videos. This is especially true for models with a full-fledged OS like Windows or Android, which allows the installation of additional applications.
Interfaces
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Wi-Fi. A technology originally designed to connect to the Internet through wireless access points; for the same purpose, Wi-Fi is most often used in navigators. Note that not only a stationary router can play the role of an access point, but also a smartphone — many of these gadgets have the appropriate mode. But the specific possibilities of such a connection may be different. One of the most popular features is downloading up-to-date traffic data and other traffic information (see "Features"). In addition, navigators may provide updating maps and firmware via the Internet. And for models with full-fledged OS (see "Operating System"), the ways of using Wi-Fi are very diverse: web surfing, access to social networks and instant messengers, "social" games that involve communication with other players, etc. In fact , in navigators with OS, Wi-Fi capabilities are limited only by the set of installed applications.
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USB. The device has a USB connector. Most often, modern navigators are equipped with compact ports like miniUSB or microUSB, and the main purpose of such ports is to charge the battery and connect to a computer — for example, to update maps. The most advanced models may also provide the connection of external peripherals (for example, a flash drive with map updates or a 3G modem for Internet access), but such features are quite rare, mainly among navigators with a full-fledged OS (see "Opera
...ting system").
— Slot for memory cards. A device for reading removable memory cards — most often in the SD or microSD form factor; specific types of supported cards should be specified separately. Such a device (card reader) performs two main functions. Firstly, it allows you to expand the built-in memory of the navigator by supplementing it with external media; at the same time, the capacity of the card can be chosen at your discretion (taking into account the maximum volume — see below). Secondly, the card reader facilitates the exchange of data with other devices — smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.; this can be useful, for example, for loading maps and other navigation data, for copying recorded tracks, etc. The specific functionality of the card reader should be specified separately.
— Headphone output. The presence in the navigator of a special connector for connecting headphones. Usually the role of such an output is played by a standard 3.5 mm port. Headphones can be used for any tasks related to sound accompaniment — voice prompts, talking on the phone or via the Internet (via Skype, Viber, etc.), listening to music and watching videos, etc. (depending on which functions are provided in the navigator itself). At the same time, the “ears” are especially convenient in two situations: in a noisy environment, when the speaker of the navigator may not be heard over background sounds, and also when it is desirable to avoid unnecessary sounds (for example, if passengers are sleeping in the car).
— Bluetooth. A wireless communication technology designed to connect different devices directly to each other. The method of using such a connection can be different, one of the most popular options in navigators is connecting a wireless headset. Through such a headset, you can hear the voice prompts of the navigator and give commands to it, talk on the phone, listen to music, etc. (specific possibilities, of course, depend on the functionality of the navigator itself). However headsets are more expensive than wired headphones and have a limited operating time (the battery needs to be charged periodically); but they are much more comfortable.
— ANT+. This standard is mainly used to transmit information of a sports and medical nature — heart rate, distance traveled, speed, etc. It is characterized by low power consumption, but has a low bandwidth — up to 60 kbps. For ANT + to work, it must be supported not only by the gadget, but also by the smartphone or other device to which it is connected. At the same time, we note that, in addition to a direct connection to an external device, this standard allows you to build networks from ANT +-compatible devices — including integrate them into smart home systems.
— AV input. Input for connecting a composite (audio + video) analogue signal. With such an input, you can connect an external signal source to the navigator, such as a portable DVD player, a reversing camera (in car navigators), an echo sounder (in marine ones), etc.
