Number of routes
The maximum number of routes that can be entered into the memory of the GPS navigator.
The ability to save routes is convenient, first of all, for those who regularly have to travel the same roads: instead of laying the path anew each time, it is enough to select the appropriate route in the navigator's memory. As for the number of "remembered" routes, in modern navigators it can reach several hundred, but large amounts of memory cost accordingly. Therefore, when choosing according to this parameter, one should take into account real needs: for example, it is hardly worth specifically looking for a model for 50 routes or more if your regular trips are limited to 5-6 places in the city and 2-3 places outside the city.
Waypoints
The maximum number of waypoints that can be stored in the navigator.
A waypoint is a point on the map with specific coordinates set by the user. Such points can be used both to mark individual important places (work / home, regularly visited institutions in the city, camps or springs in nature, etc.), and when laying routes (it is convenient to designate intermediate points through which you must pass the route). The more points the navigator is able to "remember" — the wider its capabilities; in the most advanced models, this number can reach 10,000 or even more. On the other hand, extensive memory will also cost more.
Bands number
The number of communication channels supported by the navigator.
One communication channel allows the device to receive one operating frequency from one satellite. Without going into unnecessary details, we can say that the greater the number of channels, the more efficient the navigator works (including in dense urban areas and other adverse conditions) and the less time it takes for a “cold” start. On the other hand, numerous supported frequencies complicates the receiver and increases its cost.
As for the specific number, 12 channels are needed to work effectively with GPS, but today such receivers are considered obsolete and are almost never used. Most low-cost receivers support about 20 channels (there are also more modest solutions, at 16 or even 14 frequencies), mid-range solutions have about 30 – 40 channels, and in advanced models this number is most often 64 or 66 (although sometimes more) .
GLONASS
The navigator's ability to work with the GLONASS satellite navigation system. GLONASS (GLObal'naya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema) is a Russian navigation system, the only currently functioning alternative to the American GPS. It has been operating in full format since October 2011. GLONASS itself has slightly lower accuracy than GPS, so it is rarely used in its "pure" form - usually navigators receive signals from both satellite systems at once. This format ensures positioning accuracy of up to 1.5 m. In addition, the navigator's ability to work with GLONASS ensures reliability in the event of a failure or breakdown of one of the navigation systems (although unlikely, but theoretically possible).
Display
Parameters of the display installed in the navigator.
— Display diagonal. Size screen size in inches. The larger the screen, the more information can be displayed on it and the more detailed this information will be presented. On the other hand, the size of the display significantly affects the dimensions of the device, and large screens are more expensive.
— Display resolution. Display size in dots (pixels) horizontally and vertically. The higher the resolution (with the same diagonal), the more detailed and clear the image the screen can produce. In addition, on high-resolution displays, small details are better visible, which increases the comfort of viewing information. Too high a resolution is usually not required for GPS navigator displays: for example, 800x480 pixels, limited by the standards of smartphones or tablets, with a diagonal screen size of about 6” are considered quite sufficient even for an advanced device.
— Matrix type. This parameter is indicated mainly for tech cases when the screen uses a high-quality
IPS type matrix. This technology provides high quality color rendering, good brightness and wide viewing angles; moreover, IPS screens are relatively inexpensive to produce.
- Touch. Screen support for touch control. You can give commands to the device by touching the icons on the display itself - similar to how this is done in smartphones and tablets. Touch control opens
...up many more possibilities than classic controls and provides flexibility in working with the navigator. In particular, by touching the screen you can set points on the route, zoom in or out on the map, etc.
- Color. This parameter determines whether the screen is color or monochrome (black and white). Black and white displays are simple, inexpensive, consume little power, and are quite suitable for displaying basic navigation information. At the same time, color screens are more functional: maps often use different colors to highlight individual objects, which would not be possible on monochrome displays. As a result, black and white screens are quite rare among modern navigators - mainly among the most compact and inexpensive models.
— Backlight. The screen has its own backlight system. This function makes the device independent of external lighting: the illuminated image will be normally visible both at dusk and even in complete darkness. It is also worth noting that many LCD screens have a backlight by default; it is activated when the screen itself is turned on and works regardless of external lighting - without it, the image on the matrix would simply be impossible to see. In particular, this operating principle is used in IPS-type matrices, which have gained popularity in modern portable electronics (including navigators).Battery life
The operating time of the navigator on one battery charge or a set of batteries depends on the power source (see above).
This parameter is more visual and closer to reality than technical information about the type of batteries, battery capacity, etc. However note that the operating time is usually indicated for a conditional perfect situation: a good signal level without the need to reconnect, low screen brightness ( or completely turned off the backlight), minimal use of wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), etc. Practical conditions inevitably differ from perfect — accordingly, the operating time may differ noticeably from the claimed one (usually in the direction of reduction, but sometimes vice versa) . Nevertheless, the operating time stated in the characteristics is quite reliable information, and it is quite possible to evaluate the capabilities of the selected device, as well as compare it with other models.
