Navman S-Series Platinum munches off Jobs' apple
In the lead up to Christmas, Navman has revamped its GPS line-up with the addition of four new slimline metallic models with a new interface inspired by Apple.
Sydney Motor Show 2008 In the lead up to Christmas, Navman has revamped its GPS line-up with the addition of four new slimline metallic models with a new interface inspired by Apple.
The four new S-Series Platinum models, the S100 through to the S300t, is complemented by a reworked version of its existing S-Series units, dubbed S-Series Classic. The former S30, S50, S80 and S90i models have been replaced by two models, the S35 with a 3.5-inch screen and the S45 with, you guessed it, a 4.3-inch screen. Both Classic models use the same chassis and software as their forebears, but feature the latest Whereis maps and text-to-speech, or spoken street names, as standard.
Despite being identical siblings, Navman's Platinum range looks set to be the best looking GPS devices on the market. At just 15mm thick, all Platinum models are thinner than Kate Moss after a meal of oxygen and nitrogen, as well as boasting a flush fitting 4.3-inch screen and brush metal backplate. Replete with large icons, white boxes and finger swiping gestures, the interface of these models has been completely redesigned with elements pilfered from the House of Apple.
Like its stablemate Mio, the new Navmans — that's the Platinum models, not the Classics — feature maps from Navteq instead of the incumbent Whereis. This move, according to Navman, allows for the addition of features, such as extended lane information for some complex highway and road junctions, and pronunciation information for street names, which should help the Navmans when dealing with Aussie names better.
 S35 |  S45 |  S100 |  S150 |  S200 |  S300t | |
| Price | AU$299 | AU$349 | AU$429 | AU$499 | AU$599 | AU$699 |
| Available | Now | November | ||||
| Screen size | 3.5-inch | 4.3-inch | 4.3-inch, flush | |||
| New interface | No | Yes | ||||
| Spoken street names | Yes | |||||
| Traffic messaging | Optional | Yes | ||||
| Map data | Whereis R15 | Navteq 2008 Q2 | ||||
| Safety camera locations | Yes | |||||
| School zone, blackspot info | No | Yes | ||||
| Bluetooth hands-free | No | Yes | ||||
| 3D landmarks | No | Yes | ||||
| Junction view | No | Yes | ||||
| FM transmitter | No | Yes | ||||
| MP3 playback | No | Yes | ||||
| Video playback and FM receiver | No | Yes | ||||