Navman MY30 Portable GPS Automotive Navigator Review

Navman’s MY30 GPS automotive navigator is the entry level model of Navman’s MY Series. Although it has a similar design, the MY30 has a smaller 3.5 inch touchscreen than other MY models which is probably the biggest detraction. For an entry level device it has a reasonable feature range including; text-to-speech for announcing street names, Advanced Lane Guidance, 3D Junction views, Live Traffic Updates (optional) and Keyword Destination Search. You need to look at the MY50 or MY500XT if you want to be able to play back music and video files on your navigation unit.

Navman MY30 GPS

Navigating with the Navman MY30T

It should be noted that the MY30 has a smaller battery (720mAh vs 1100mAh) than other Navman MY models although it is most likely due to the smaller power draw from the smaller screen. The estimated time till battery recharge is 3 hours and this is most likely only to be a problem if the MY30T is used in pedestrian mode away from the car.

The Navman unit comes with predictive text to allow address entry with fewer key presses. As each letter of an address is entered, the Navman compares all possible combinations against the maps installed and determine which address you might intend to type.

If you wish you can preview a calculated route and make amendments if you consider it necessary.

If you happen to miss a turn the Navman will re-calculate your route and you will be redirected to the new route.

The MY30 has a resistive rather than capacitive touch screen as with the premium MY30 model, the MY500XT. There is a lot of debate over the superiority of capacitive over resistive touchscreens or vice versa with no clear winner as yet. Women with long fingernails will not have the problems with fingernail tips not registering as they would with a capacitive touch screen.

Smart Find Keyword Search

Keyword Destination Search is our favorite feature and it’s sure to be a much appreciated feature with other users also. It skips the multi-screen destination entry with an online search engine type single find menu providing the ability to search via entry of the full address, keywords or postcodes. Just like a search engine it will present a list of options for your selection. The speed of this process will win over many a fan.

NavPix

Navigation using NavPix is also an option. Navman call pictures that contain encoded GPS coordinates (geotagged) NavPix which can be used to navigate to the GPS location.

3D Junction Views

3D Junction Views helps give you through complicated intersections by displaying a detailed 3D image of the approaching major intersection. Arrows guide you through the intersection.

Advanced Lane Guidance

Knowing the correct lane to be in prior to a turn can make life on the road much easier. Navman’s Advanced Lane Guidance displays onscreen arrows which combined with spoken directions provide advice on the best lane to be in when approaching a turn on or off a motorway. Advanced Lane Guidance coverage is restricted to some major intersections, highways, freeways and motorways.

Multi-stop Routing

The MY30 will allow you to enter waypoints you wish to visit on route.

Digital Logbook

The Digital Logbook allows you to record your trip details and output mileage reports, including distance, start and end locations, time of travel and fuel consumed to ensure doing your expenses and taxes are quick and easy.

Premium Safety Alerts

Premium Safety Alerts groups together speed and red light camera alerts, blackspot warnings and railway crossings.

School Zone Warnings

As one might guess, this functionality warns the driver when they are approaching reduced speed limit school zone. User feedback has been that the alerts are a bit overzealous by popping up at any time of day and not recognizing those schools on busy roads which do not have a 40km/h speed restriction. The loud ding-dong and large on-screen warning could become annoying.

Maps

Navman have a map guarantee which allows purchasers to download a free map update if one becomes available within 30 days of first using your MY30. Updating is simply a matter of installing Navman’s NavDesk PC software (included) and connecting your device using the included USB cable.

User feedback has revealed some concerns with map accuracy which highlights how essential it is for consumers to check for map updates soon after they purchase their GPS navigator (especially given the map guarantee) and regularly after that. Everyone seems to realize that you need the latest printed road maps but, less so with digital mapping data. Navman supply a link from their website to NAVTEQ, their digital mapping supplier, where you can report mapping inaccuracies.

The Navman MY30 comes with a reasonable 2 year warranty.