Navman's latest satellite navigation system promises a bigger screen and simple instructions, so does it live up to the promise? We hit the road to find out.
The first thing you are likely to spot on the new iCN530 is the introduction of a large 3.5 inch screen that dominates the unit and compared to Garmin's cricket ball i3 is is decidedly massive.
From shying away from large screens on its budget entry level offering the iCN320, it's nice to see that Navman has reinstated it here.
The large screen certainly makes a difference and also means that drivers who like to see road layout or junctions coming up can do so. Alternatively users can opt to change the display and Navman has positioned a button to the right of the screen that allows you to switch views without having to delve into a myriad of menus and preference choices.
Views available consist of 2D, 3D, Instructions Only and the final one borrowed from the iCN320 - Big Arrows.
In addition to the view button the Navman iCN530 like other Navman models in the range also offers two further buttons for finding petrol stations and car parks. One press of the button and the nearest 99 are listed in distance order. A quick selection and the device will automatically re-route to the desired location.
While we think the petrol station option is a bit excessive, the parking can be a godsend if you regularly find yourself in towns you aren't familiar with.
When it comes to maps, Navman continues to use the same as before and these are easy to use and understand.
Upgraded from previous model is the inclusion of the new SiRF III chipset and this means you can get a GPS signal indoors. As we've mentioned in previous reviews of other GPS units, this makes a huge difference and means that you can get a route planned and loaded before leaving the house.
To help you even further Navman has included support for eight digit postcodes, not just seven, along with the ability to find addresses via area or town, street, or point of interest.
The iCN530 comes preloaded with the UK and Ireland already on the unit with a CD in the box for the rest of Europe should you feel the urge to go travelling.
Acknowledging that satnav crime is on the up, Navman has paid special attention to making sure the cradle can be easily detached from the windscreen when you leave the car.
While the front bracket looks like it will snap off after a couple of months use, the cradle does pop on and off the windscreen with ease as promised.
The catch? While the iCN530 will be small enough to fit in your pocket, it is only 22mm thick afterall, the cradle is still to bulky to be stowed in a bag and no attempt has been made to make this any more compact than it already is.
The iCN530 is a good solid GPS unit that gives a good performance overall. Directions are clear and the maps simple to understand, especially as you can choose your display.
Those looking to expand the system can opt for the optional extra TMC traffic cradle (£100) which in design is a vast improvement on Navman's previous efforts - for starters your dashboard won't be covered in cables.
Easy to use, this unit offers a viable alternative to the highly praised TomTom range and at £299 is an affordable entry into the world of satnav.
NAVMAN ICN 530 con GPSPRO (www.mygpsnavi.com) tomtom igo primo sygic mireo miomap navigon destinator. Dec 14, 2018. On Pinterest. See more ideas about Gps navigation, Electronics and Map. 1250mAh Li-pl GPS Battery For Garmin Nuvi 300, Nuvi 300T, Nuvi 310. Battery for Navman iCN 510 iCN 520 iCN 530 iCN550 by Navman.
Navman makes a variety of GPS navigation devices for the car, boat or off the trail--or all three. Sometimes, for a handful of reasons, your Navman's base maps may become faulty or dated, or may freeze up completely. Other times, you may wish to unlock complementary maps on your Navman to travel outside the country where the device was purchased or to fine-tune your regional maps. This latter option will cost you upwards of $29.99, as of November 2010.
Step 1
Open the door for your Navman's SD card slot, usually on the side of the device. Push in on the SD card. It should pop out. If it is unseated, this may have created problems with your device's operations.
Step 2
Clean the SD card slot with a quick spurt of compressed air. Wipe any dust or residue from the card.
Step 3
Reinsert the SD card into its slot until fully seated, then close the door.
Step 4
Turn on the device and connect it, via your USB connector, to your Internet-ready computer. Turn on the computer too, and log in to your desktop.
Step 5
Navigate to the Navman Software Updates page (see Resources section), which includes a complete listing of software upgrades for each Navman series of models.
Step 6
Click on 'Download Software Upgrade' in the section that describes the software upgrade for your particular model.
Step 7
Select 'Save File' and 'OK' to save your file to a convenient location on your computer.
Step 8
Double-click on the file after it's fully downloaded. Click on 'Run' and follow the prompts on screen to load the new software upgrade to your Navman device. If you were having problems with your SD card or base map, this should have unlocked those features. If not, contact Navman U.S. support at 714-204-3389. If you want to unlock other map features that require additional fees, continue to Step 9.
Navigate to the Navman Map Unlock Keys page (see Resources section) for a list of available map upgrades. Shop and select the map of your choosing, and arrange for payment and shipment of your new mapping software or unlock code, which you can enter into your Navman after selecting 'Map Upgrades' in 'Settings.'
Items you will need
- Cloth
- USB connector
- Compressed air