Navman S300T, S200(Europe) and S100 S Series GPS Navigator Review

The Navman S300T GPS navigator is the premium model of Navman’s Platinum S Series of portable automotive GPS navigators with the other models being the S200 (S200Europe) and the S100. The S Series 4.3 inch (480 x 272 pixels resolution) widescreen touch display is housed in surprisingly thin (13 mm) and attractive brushed aluminium housing. The “T” in the S300T model number signifies that this GPS navigator comes with the convenience of FM Traffic capability. Navman S Series models are conveniently slim and lightweight for use in Pedestrian Mode which gives navigation instructions without vehicle specific messages such as turn restrictions and one-way street warnings. The rechargeable Li-ION battery gives up to 3 hours life for roaming.

Navman S Series GPS

Navigation Features

SiRF InstantFix provides GPS fix times up to 5 times faster for a quick get away
Assisted Lane Navigation is a full-screen graphic which pops up for major junctions showing you which lane(s) you need to be in to avoid missing your upcoming turn.
3D Landmarks is a feature which integrates 3D models of landmarks into the map view to provide another method of confirming your current location.
Fuel Efficiency Route finds a more efficient way to travel with less turns, less start and stop to optimise fuel efficiency.
Location Capture Button captures the GPS coordinates of your current location. It’s something like a real life screenshot function.
Mileage Expense Reporter records your trip details and output mileage reports simplifying expense reports and taxes.

Traffic

The S300T has an in-built FM receiver for picking up Traffic Message Channel (TMC) broadcasts of real-time traffic and weather information via the FM Radio Data System (RDS). Current traffic information for all roads and motorways can be used to calculate alternate routes enabling you to avoid potential delays. Event messages and traffic icons are displayed as they occur. If an event message obscures your current location, the map will adjust to display both the message and your location. Traffic requires an ongoing subscription after an initial trial.

The S Series also offers school safety warnings, speed and red light camera alerts, as well as blackspot warnings (accident prone areas) and railway crossings for enhanced safety. Schools are represented as icons on the map display and are accompanied by optional visual and audible warnings.

Navigating with the Navman S Series

The technology used for the navigation interface touch screen is referred to as Slide Touchscreen Technology by Navman. If you are familiar with the iPhone navigation then you will have a good idea of how this interface works. You can scroll menus rather than using single button presses like most GPS interfaces. It may take some a little time to master but, is well worth the effort. You can always access basic functions from the blue line located at the bottom right of the device which brings up a screen filling array of menu squares.

In the navigation square array you can enter your destination by;

Address Search by using keywords augmented by predictive text for more speed
Go entering a specific address you know in full. Using Go you can access a list of recent places – the Navman automatically saves your starting locations and destinations.
Find for navigating to a specific location (place, business, park) or a Point of Interest (POI)
Explore for searching your present local area. Links in with TrueLocal for searching of millions of business listings online.
Connect is your link to online searching for POI information.
My Places allows you to go to your saved destinations. This is where you can use NavPix for navigation – using pictures which have been geotagged (GPS coordinates have been annotated digitally to digital image file). With NavPix you can set up albums of associated pictures to simplify finding a location.

Navdesk PC Software

The NavDesk PC Software includes a suite of tools for obtaining greater functionality and product information via your computer. It allows you to;

obtain software updates
search online for local POIs
manage maps
manage custom POIs
manage safety camera subscriptions
report trip mileage
transfer pictures to your Navman using NavAlbum
browse the Navman website for special offers.

Those purchasing this navigator in Australia will appreciate that the unit will announce turn-by-turn navigation instructions, including street names, in clear Australian pronunciation.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Navman S300T and S200 have built-in Bluetooth for making and taking calls. The in-built FM receiver/transmitter allows the phone calls (and music playback) to go through your car stereo.

Multimedia Capabilities

Playing Audio Files (S200 and S300T)

Navman S Series users can play stored music files on your Navman or memory card (Micro SD). Additionally, It also allows you to play FM radio channels. Compatible audio file formats are mp3, wma and wav. Music files can be played in random order or by artist or album.

Playing Video Files (AU – S300T)

Supported video file formats are mp4, 3gp (mobile/cell phone video), m4v, asf, wmv and avi. Videos can be displayed at full screen size.

Navman S Series Maps

Map data for the Navman S Series models is provided by NAVTEQ MAPS. Maps for Australia and NZ cover those regional areas. For the UK/Europe S Series the maps for different models are listed below.

S100 – Regional map
S200 Europe – Western Europe (22 countries) or Regional
S300T – western European

Warranty

The warranty on the Navman series GPS varies with the region with 2 years provided in Australia and one year in the UK/Europe.

Navman Platinum S Series Introductory Video

To get an idea of the user interface appearance, menu structure and features available have a look at the introductory video for the Navman Platinum S Series below.