DISPLAY Its 5” touchscreen is just under 1.5cm thick. The large screen lets you see lots of details.
FEATURES It gives you traffic updates from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), although this takes a while to download, by which time you may already be in a traffic jam. But once the update is done, it does a good job of re-routing you.
PERFORMANCE The search function comes out tops, thanks to its extensive database of points of interest (POI). Predictive text makes typing street names a cinch. Navigation and voice commands were near faultless. It took under four minutes to lock on to a satellite signal.
VERDICT: 8.5 The unreliable live traffic feature aside, this scores for its good navigation performance and clear instructions
APPLE IPHONE 3GS
Phone from $0 (with contract), from all telcos; GPS application Tomtom Singapore and Malaysia, US$59.99 ($84.73), from www.apple.com
DISPLAY Its 3.5” touchscreen was clear, sharp and a breeze to manage from behind the wheel.
FEATURES We tested Tomtom, one of the first mapbased
iPhone apps that offer turn-by-turn voice navigation. The telephone numbers that come with most places of interest are useful.
PERFORMANCE It was easy to use, but this took the longest to lock on to the GPS signal – just under 13 minutes – which can be a pain when you’re in a hurry. But the navigation is top-notch – routing is fast and precise. It shows you the route overview, distance and estimated travel time. And you can choose an alternative route if you want to avoid ERP gantries.
VERDICT: 7.5 Solid navigation that’s let down only by its slow lock-on time
GARMIN ASUS NUVIFONE G60
$649 (no contract), call Navicom Technology at 6296-8238 for stockists
DISPLAY Given that it’s a phone, its 3.55” touchscreen display gives a generous view of the maps. The screen is quite clear, even under bright sunlight. And it was the easiest to read among the GPS-enabled phones.
FEATURES The accelerometer lets you use it in a portrait or landscape mode on the bundled car kit. The GPS app comes with the phone.
PERFORMANCE The voice commands are clear and concise. Routing was quick and accurate. Its feel is similar to the Garmin Nuvi 765. It took just 3 minutes 20 seconds to lock on to a satellite signal.
VERDICT Equally competent as a navigator or as a phone
PHOTOGRAPHY JUSTIN LOH ART DIRECTION KATHLEEN CHAN
