Whistler WGPX-550 Car GPS Navigation Unit Review

The Whistler WGPX-550 is a well featured car GPS navigation unit. It comes preloaded with NAVTEQ maps for instant use, provides visual and audio directional instructions and has multimedia capabilities with a picture viewer and MP3 player. You will find a full specification at the end of this review.

GPS Receiver

The integrated GPS receiver isnâ€™t specified and its performance donâ€™t match any of the figures from our recent GPS receiver chip performance survey. The TTF (time to first fix) figures show the unit is quick to acquire its position. The position accuracy at less than 10 meters is not in the high performance end of receivers compared with units such as those powered with the SiRF Star III chipset. The accuracy implies the unit is not WAAS enabled. Some may find the flip up GPS antenna annoying.

Display

The Whistler WGPX-550 GPS has a reasonable size 3.5 inch 262K color TFT LCD touch screen with a QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) resolution. Transflective LCDs are an expensive option for manufacturers and are used for displays to be used in direct sunlight - as with GPS automotive displays. In low light (indoors) transflective displays use backlighting while in bright light (sunlight) they absorb the sunâ€™s rays and utilize them to boost backlighting ensuring a legible display and reduced power consumption. The WGPX-550 has a touch screen however, comes with a stylus. It would be advisable to use a demonstration unit to be satisfied just how much you would need to use the stylus.

GPS Maps and Software

The WGPX-550 is supplied with maps and navigation software by NAVTEQ and Netropa. The maps include detailed maps of U.S. cities and millions of POI (points of interest) all preloaded on an SD card which means its ready to use out of the box. Canadian maps are also provided on an included DVD.

Multimedia Features

Included multimedia features with the Whistler WGPX-550 are a picture viewer and an MP3 player. Media is loaded using the digital media card slot. There is a Create Custom Playlist function allows you to create a personalized playlist.

Connections

There is a USB interface for connection to an optional AC power adapter. Purchasers should check if they have to pay extra for an in-car DC charger cable and if the mounting bracket is included.

Whistler WGPX-550 GPS Navigator

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Specification for Whistler WGPX-550

Integrated GPS Receiver	20 parallel channels
Acquisition Time	â€§Reacquisition : 0.1 sec â€§Hot start : 1 sec. â€§Warm start : 35 sec. â€§Cold start : 42 sec.
Accuracy	Position: 10 m. for 90% Velocity: 0.1 m/s
Processor	Centrality Atlas Processor at 200 MHz.
Operating System	Microsoft Windows CE.Net 4.2
Internal Memory	32 MB flash memory and 64MB SDRAM memory for operating system and embedded applications
Weight	< 180 g
Dimensions	125.5(L) x75.8 (W) x21 (H) mm (H: 26.5 antenna included)
Car Holder / Charger	Input voltage: 11V. ~ 28V Output voltage: 5.4V. Â± 0.3V.
Battery	Rechargeable 1050 mAh. Li-ion 5 hours battery life when backlight is inactive 3 hours to fully charge
Extension Slot	SD
Display	3.5″ high-brightness & contrast ratio transflective TFT LCD (262k colors) with 240 x 320 (QVGA) resolution
LED	Red/Green LED for battery charging status
Audio	Built-in 15 mm speaker and stereo earphone jack
Operation Temperature	32Â° ~131Â°F (0Â°~55Â°C)
Storage Temperature	-4Â°~158Â°F (-20Â°~70Â°C)
Proprietary 24-pin Connector	USB client; DC power in
Special Keys and Buttons	5-way directional pad (up, down, left, right, enter) Four quick-launch application buttons