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PC Advisor Best Buy

November 7, 2007

Navman S90i GPS satellite navigation device

The S90i is Navman’s top-of-the-line model in its S-series of GPS devices. It features a large 4.3in widescreen display, text-to-speech, Bluetooth handsfree calling and, of course, a leather pouch to carry it in. But the feature that really sets the Navman S90i apart from its rivals is its ability to navigate by image.

Indeed, Navman’s own NavPix technology allows the S90i to navigate not with postcodes and house numbers, but with the aid of a simple image captured with the built-in 2Mp (megapixel) camera. Images are automatically geotagged and saved for later use to the generous 2GB of internal memory. Navman’s partnership with photo-sharing site Flickr also allows you to download images from its database of 23 million pictures.

The Navman S90i looks and feels great. The bright, clear display is framed in black, and set within the smoothly-curved edges of the sleek, silver casing. It’s slim and, weighing in at 198g, will sit comfortably in your pocket.

Onscreen icons give quick access to the Navman S90i’s user-friendly navigation options, recent or saved locations, or to one of the 500,000 POIs (points of interest). You can edit the POI preferences to flag up petrol stations, emergency services, cash machines, the nearest McDonald’s or other food outlet.

Many of the Navman S90i’s features are the result of customer feedback and focus groups, which told the bods at Navman that consumers want more simplicity – and less buttons. All functions are accessed via the touchscreen, and the intuitive menu system is so clear that you won’t miss the buttons. Indeed, I didn’t need to consult the manual once.

The Navman S90i is quick to find a signal and, once on the road, its text-to-speech software goes one step further than most GPS devices announcing street names during navigation. The Navman S90i gives plenty of warning before turnings, and its voice is clear and precise. The mapping is up to date and, apart from not always recognising new stretches of road (such as the new section of the A23 just outside Coulsden), is spot on.

The Navman S90i’s integrated real-time traffic info service does a good job of alerting you to known accidents, roadworks and general congestion. As you would expect from a high-end satnav device, the Navman S90i also alerts you to speed cameras – impressively, it alerts you only to the cameras situated on the same side of the road as you’re driving. The Navman S90i’s built-in speed camera database can be updated at the Navman shop, while its iUpData feature allows you to log errors.

Battery life was a bit disappointing, and we managed to squeeze only 3.5 hours of juice out of Navman’s promised five. The Navman S90i is also a bit slow to recalculate your route – though this is simply picking holes in an excellent navigation device.

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Independent customer reviews from

Navman S90i scored:
8.8 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 109 reviews:

22 Oct 2007 Donna, Crewe

8

Good Points

Next direction is shown at the top of the screen - gives plenty of time to get into right lane etc. Speed camera alerts are excellent Easy to use and programme

Bad Points

Not always clear on exact direction - some common sense required! Following the directions to the letter could sometimes lead you up a dirt track etc Re-routing programme doesn't come as standard - you need to download it from the website. Without this option it's hard to sort out an alternative route should the motorway be closed for example. Not up to date on "no right/left turn" - will direct you where you're not allowed to go. Bluetooth option is not compatible with my phone - should be a list of compatible phones available when purchasing On the preferences menu for route options, there could be more options, like use only A roads etc

25 Nov 2007 Petra, Hampshire

10

Good Points

When I was deciding what to buy, I looked through all the models on the market and for it's price, this was the best. It has free traffic included in the price and comes complete with a database of speed cameras, although you have to pay for that if you want it upgraded. It also has European maps, which are useful. It was easy to use from the box and is quick to gain a signal. Its size is a major bonus as it fits easily into a pocket or hand-bag when you get out of the car. The sucker attachment works well, with no marks left on the screen, but if your car suffers from condensation, you may need to wipe the screen before you get out otherwise the round mark can show up. Maps (so far) seem very accurate and if you take an alternative route it re-plans the route within about 5-10 seconds, so no need to panic. The warnings are given early and then just before you need to turn, which seems ideal. Estimated Time to Arrival is accurate and constantly updated. I love the Nav Pix feature - where you can navigate back to a spot where you have taken a photo (camera included in this model), as I very rarely know people's postcodes. It is also possible to download photos from the Navman website picture library which means that you can navigate to those places too. It can also be used as a hands-free kit for your phone, which is worth having. I haven't used this yet, but have been assured by people that the sound-quality is good. Overall it's an excellent model. I'm sure I will find some issues with it over time, but at the moment I am extremely happy with my purchase. Definitely worth paying the extra and buying this top-of-the-range model, as the other models in the range are lacking the Nav Pix camera, European maps etc.

Bad Points

To be honest, there is not a lot wrong with this Sat Nav. My main niggle would be that it is not compatible with my phone (which I am due to change soon, so not a worry). If you are looking for something with different voices and things like guide-books etc., don't pick a Navman! It is built to get you from A to B quickly and efficiently. Don't get me wrong - it does have gadgets, but they are all useful, such as a mileage counter, petrol records, Nav Pix camera etc. It does not come with a mains charger, so you do need to buy one, but I bought an excellent one from e-bay for a few pounds. Ditto with screen protectors, which are worth having.

See more Navman S90i reviews on Reevoo.com

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User Reviews

Friday, 04 July 2008

Reviewed by Wercs

Star Rating: rating of 1

Duration of ownership: 6 months

Strengths:
Useful camera locator feature. Looks good.

Weaknesses:
Unrealiable! Now on my 3rd unit in 6 mths. Each, including this, suffers from random reboots. Also, the TMC aerial should be integrated with the in-car power plug (to make an neat installation).

Overall Evaluation:
After suffering the random rebooting fault numerous times with all 3 units, and the less than helpful support department, I'd say avoid the S90i. There must be better, & cheaper, units on the market.

Friday, 25 July 2008

Reviewed by jassythedog

Star Rating: rating of 1

Duration of ownership: 10 months

Strengths:
Ease of use. Camera

Weaknesses:
Reboots at will, usually just as you get to a junction you don't know!

Overall Evaluation:
Like previous reviewer my unit keeps rebooting. It has been back twice for repair and still has problem. A colleague of mine has his unit in for repair right now, same problem.

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