Comparison MODECOM FREEWAY SX 2 vs EasyGo 555

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.

The number of communication channels supported by the navigator.

One communication channel allows the device to receive one operating frequency from one satellite. Without going into unnecessary details, we can say that the greater the number of channels, the more efficient the navigator works (including in dense urban areas and other adverse conditions) and the less time it takes for a “cold” start. On the other hand, numerous supported frequencies complicates the receiver and increases its cost.

As for the specific number, 12 channels are needed to work effectively with GPS, but today such receivers are considered obsolete and are almost never used. Most low-cost receivers support about 20 channels (there are also more modest solutions, at 16 or even 14 frequencies), mid-range solutions have about 30 – 40 channels, and in advanced models this number is most often 64 or 66 (although sometimes more) .

— GSM/GPRS module. Built-in wireless cellular module, similar to those found in GSM mobile phones. However, unlike phones, in GPS navigators this communication is intended solely for Internet access. Most often it is used to obtain information about traffic jams, although some advanced models may provide the ability to fully view Internet pages through the built-in browser. To use the GSM/GPRS module, as in the case of a mobile phone, you need to purchase a SIM card from a mobile operator.

— Digital camera. The navigator has its own digital camera; in some models there may even be two such cameras, on both sides of the body. The specific functionality of a digital camera(s) may vary depending on the capabilities of the device itself. Thus, most models with a DVR function use a built-in camera (for more details, see “Built-in DVR”). If you have a telephone module (see the corresponding paragraph), the camera can be useful for video communication. Many navigators with this function can also be used for classic photo/video shooting; The image quality, however, is usually relatively low.

— Video player. Ability to use the navigator to play video files. As a rule, we are talking about playing video on your own display - accordingly, the display itself is made in color and quite large for this purpose. This function is found mainly among car navigators (see “Sc...ope”), it is especially appreciated by drivers who have to spend a lot of time waiting - in particular, taxi drivers and truck drivers.

- Voice control. The ability to control the navigator using voice commands. This feature is especially convenient for automobile and motorcycle devices: it allows you to control the device without taking your hands off the controls and without taking your eyes off the road. However, before purchasing such a model, it would not hurt to clarify which languages it supports for voice control.

— Playback images. Ability to use the navigator screen to view graphic files; By default, JPG support is implied; other graphic formats are somewhat less common. A navigator with this function can be used as a digital photo frame - connect an external storage device and view pictures directly, without the participation of a computer. This function can be useful, for example, for viewing photos taken during a trip (when you don’t want to wait to get back to the computer), or for more specific purposes - for example, clarifying navigation data from a scan of a paper map.

— MP3 player. The ability to play audio files with the navigator (most often in MP3 format, hence the name). Playback can occur through headphones or an external audio system (if it is possible to connect them) or through the navigator’s own speaker. Such files can be stored in the device’s own flash memory or on removable memory cards.

— FM transmitter. Low-power FM transmitter with an effective range of several meters. It is one of the simplest ways to connect a navigator to a car's speaker system - just tune the FM receiver of the car radio to the frequency of the transmitter. In this way, you can use the car speakers, for example, to play voice prompts, music (see MP3 player) or the soundtrack of a movie being played (see Video player).

— Barometer. An auxiliary function that allows you to measure atmospheric pressure. It is often used as an additional tool in navigators with the function of measuring altitude using signals from satellites - this ensures increased accuracy of the received data. In addition, data from the barometer can be useful in forecasting the weather for the near future: for example, a sharp drop in pressure usually means worsening weather - even a storm or even a hurricane.

The amount of random access memory (RAM) installed in the navigator.

The amount of RAM is one of the key parameters of any computer system, directly affecting its performance and computing power. The more RAM installed on board, the better the device will cope with resource-intensive tasks and the more applications you can run on it without noticeable damage to the speed of operation.

Specifically in navigators, performance can be important, for example, when driving at high speed - the “braking” device may be late with a hint, which causes various unpleasant situations to arise. At the same time, paying attention to the amount of RAM only makes sense if an operating system like Android is installed on board.

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.

The operating time of the navigator on one battery charge or a set of batteries depends on the power source (see above).

This parameter is more visual and closer to reality than technical information about the type of batteries, battery capacity, etc. However note that the operating time is usually indicated for a conditional perfect situation: a good signal level without the need to reconnect, low screen brightness ( or completely turned off the backlight), minimal use of wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), etc. Practical conditions inevitably differ from perfect — accordingly, the operating time may differ noticeably from the claimed one (usually in the direction of reduction, but sometimes vice versa) . Nevertheless, the operating time stated in the characteristics is quite reliable information, and it is quite possible to evaluate the capabilities of the selected device, as well as compare it with other models.

This parameter directly determines the amount of energy that the battery can store; and the greater the energy reserve, the longer the device can work on one battery charge. However, this is in theory; in practice the situation is somewhat more complicated. Firstly, the actual autonomy of the navigator will also depend on the power consumption of the device - and it can vary greatly between different models. Secondly, milliamp-hours, in which capacity is indicated, is not a completely reliable unit: the physical features of such a designation are such that two batteries with the same capacity in mAh, but different nominal voltages, will also have different actual amounts of stored energy.

In light of all this, it is hardly worth assessing the autonomy of the navigator by the capacity of the included battery - it is better to look at the operating time directly stated by the manufacturer.