As well as its range of in-dashboard GPS navigation and entertainment systems (AVIC-Z1, AVIC-N3, AVIC-D2 and AVIC-D3) Pioneer have a portable GPS navigation product, the AVIC-S1. Although designed to be portable, the AVIC-S1 does come with a suction mounting accessory if you wish to use it in your car. It also has a 12V adaptor for in-car charging.

The Pioneer AVIC-S1’s GPS functionality is provided by a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III family has proved a watershed innovation GPS chip architecture by offering impressive performance improvements to the GPS receiver manufacturing industry. They have been adopted by major GPS manufacturers including Garmin, TomTom and Magellan. The SiRF Star III offers faster fix times, higher signal locking, higher tracking sensitivity and lower power requirements. The lower power requirements and consequent reduced battery demands have contributed to Pioneers efforts to make the AVIC-S1 stylishly thin.

Operation

The AVIC- S1 has a full color, 3.5 inch TFT screen with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution. The screen is anti-glare for easy reading. The screen is actually a touch screen and can be used to navigate menus (or touch information icons), plot routes, or change map views. There is also a scroll wheel which allows voice guidance sound level adjustment and quick scrolling through menu icons. Map and Menu buttons provide easy access to two commonly used features. Current location information, turn distances and approximate time to destination are displayed.

Navigation

Routing directions are provided both visually on the display and by voice guidance through the built-in speaker. Spoken directions can be in English, Spanish or French.
The AVIC-S1 has 2GB of Flash Memory which are preloaded with map data 48 continental USA states and Canada. Pioneer will supply map data updates by SD card.
Destination searches can be carried out numerous methods including; address, zip code and stored destination history. Point of Interest (POI) searches has destinations sorted into categories for short-cut searches.

Handsfree - Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the AVIC- D3, which has built-in Bluetooth capability, for safer hands-free phone operation if the unit is being used for in-car navigation. As with other systems any other audio is automatically muted during phone calls. A handy convenience is being able to access phone numbers associated with the POI making it simple to call ahead.

Included Accessories

• AC Power Adapter
• 12V Power Adapter
• Carrying Case
• USB Cable
• Suction Mount
• Dash Mounting Plate
• Quick Start Guide
• AVIC-S1 User’s DVD

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Pioneer AVIC-S1 GPS Navigator

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