Vehicle equipment navigation equipmentFor several years, it has been considered a prerequisite for picking even inexpensive models. And navigators appear in a variety of versions. This may be an additional module as part of the parking radar, and an auxiliary function of the multimedia system. But the most accurate and easy to manage devices are available in a separate form factor. Such devices include the portable model Prology iMAP-5600. Reviews of this navigator note many advantages, the main of which is the mechanics of interaction with cartographic materials. But the device also has weak points that are important to consider.
General information about the model
The model represents the middle segment of the navigationautomotive devices, offering appropriate features. The developers provided the device with new software from Navitel, which is powered by the MStar processor. This combination determined the speed of the equipment. In addition, the car GPS-navigator from the manufacturer Prology differs effective work in terms of signal reception. According to the owners, under normal conditions, it can simultaneously monitor signals from 16 satellites.
По конструкции модель все же остается близкой к budget class. The creators adhered to the concept of minimalism, with the result that the body turned out to be small but functional. On its surfaces are the necessary controls, connectors and mounting grooves. The advantages of the optimized design and filling organically fit into the price of Prology iMAP-5600. The price of the device in the domestic market is 4.5-5 thousand rubles. This is not much, considering the quality of the model’s work - especially against the background of competitive offers.
General characteristics of the device
The device looks decent and officialworking parameters. Fast processing of cards was made possible thanks to a powerful processor, and ease of handling the device due to the use of Windows. The specific characteristics available to the Prology iMAP-5600 navigator are presented below:
- The frequency of the processor - 800 MHz.
- The number of receiver channels is 64.
- The amount of RAM device - 128 MB.
- The amount of internal memory device - 4 GB.
- OS - Windows CE version 6.
- The type of receiver is an internal antenna.
- Dimensions of the device - 13.5x8.5x1.2 cm.
- Weight - 180 gr.
Screen characteristics
The model is equipped with a small 5-inch display,which reflects cartographic information. The matrix type is LCD, so the picture quality allows you to view the image in detail even on a modest screen. This contributes to the optimal resolution of 480x272. But the most attractive for a modern motorist in this screen is the touch control principle. The creators did not completely abandon the hardware buttons, but the main menu toolbox is transferred directly to the sensitive display. This is a good navigator from the point of view of automotive ergonomics, since the driver will not have to grope for the side keys every time to perform operational commands. Also, the navigator allows you to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image, control the backlight, etc.
Power supply
The device is connected via a separate circuit.power supply via an adapter of 12 V. Power is supplied by a polymer lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 950 mA / h. In practice, it is noted that connecting to a car cigarette lighter fills up the charge in 3-4 hours. But with the help of the bundled interface, you can also charge with a computer, including a laptop. In this case, the energy will be filled in 6-8 hours. As for the battery life, it is very modest in Prology iMAP-5600. Reviews note that the battery of the device maintains performance for 3 hours on average. On the one hand, this interval does not really matter, since the navigator can be powered in constant mode during the operation of the machine. But on the other hand, the frequent use of the onboard power supply source becomes a load for the battery, which does not in the best way affect its durability.
Software
Software stuffing and content for navigatorsupplied by Navitel. Already in the factory version, the model is equipped with the latest version of the cartographic material. In the future, you can use the software releases for Prology iMAP-5600. The Navigator 5 update, for example, is available for free and in the modern nm3 format. The advantages of this release include no need for indexing maps. The user also does not need laying routes. All auxiliary operations are performed automatically. For example, in the country, the route is laid out in a couple of seconds, while the system takes into account the indications of the Navitel.Probki service and selects the most convenient directions.
There are also software additions thatimproved sensitivity setting when departing from a given route. The Prology iMAP-5600 maps themselves are now available in a new HD format, which allows you to view content on a 5-inch screen with detailed visual analysis.
Functional
The device should not be considered only astool for interaction with cartographic materials. For this purpose, a basic GPS-mode of operation. In addition, the device supports multimedia mode, where you can listen to audio materials, watch video content, as well as read texts and run games. However, in terms of additional applications, the device does not differ in wealth. In this version, the car GPS-navigator offers only a calculator and a touch screen calibrator. Most of the optional tools are focused on the capabilities of the navigator. In this section, you can note the automatic functions of the mentioned route strip, and voice notification, as well as the calculation of the route and the terrain loading.
Positive reviews
Больше всего положительных откликов получили screen and navigator software. The touch panel works clearly, stably and without delays, and the display transmits a bright and rich picture with good detail. Deserves praise and software content Prology iMAP-5600. Reviews indicate not so much the operating system shell as Navitel materials. In addition to the fact that the device has a built-in map, the developers regularly supply target devices with high-quality updates.
Отдельного внимания заслуживает и техническая filling, which, in fact, processes cartographic materials. In this part, there is a lack of pauses in downloads and transitions between the cards, confident reception quality and reliability of the device. Also worth noting is the style and design of the device. In the basic version, Prology iMAP-5600 Black is distinguished by the presence of a pleasant soft-touch plastic resembling a rubberized surface. But there is also a metallic modification of Gun Metal of gray color that fits well into modern car interiors. At the same time, the case has a solid assembly, which during operation does not give squeaks and other technical noise. True, the surface of plastic, as many have noted, still retains traces of fingers.
Negative feedback
It is worth starting with constructive nuances.First of all, users are disappointed with the mounting system. The kit includes a suction cup, which quickly breaks down and even in an integral state hesitantly holds the device. Therefore, it is recommended to initially acquire a universal mount for the body, which can withstand mechanical loads and vibrations in the elephant. There is also a critique of the form factor of the model. In particular, the dimensions of the display are criticized. Still, the navigation systems of premium manufacturers set the fashion for large-format screens, which is also reflected in the user requirements for the devices of the other segments. On the other hand, the lack of this solution is compensated by the quality of the Prology iMAP-5600 display. Reviews also indicate that not every massive screen can provide the same degree of clarity. And this is not to mention the exclusion of problems associated with the installation, placement and operation of large-format displays. Still, compactness is an important characteristic, for which many sacrifice and convenience when using translators of visual information.
Conclusion
В ценовом сегменте за 4-5 тыс.it is easy to find navigators that are attractive in terms of performance. At a minimum, this is the middle segment and the requirements for this product are significantly higher than in the budget category. Another thing is that manufacturers often raise the status of their models at the expense of new technologies, optional features and various secondary features. Against this background, a good navigator will always stand out, having not only broad functionality, but also high-quality performance of the main tasks. And the iMAP-5600 model is just different in that it facilitates the interaction of the driver with the Navitel map service. The quality of the navigator is due to a powerful processor and ergonomic controls. And the basic toolkit is complemented by automatic card management tools, which are also characterized by accuracy and high speed of action.
