Top Sat-Navs to Buy

By Chad Lückhoff

Satellite navigation is one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the modern era. Initially developed as a military tool, the advancements in software and portable hardware means that civilian consumers are now afforded the same benefits, if not more, to assist with their daily lives.

Global Positioning System devices have their own benefits and downfalls. Most modern smartphones are capable of providing GPS locations and when combined with one of the many available navigation apps, can make venturing out onto unknown roads considerably less stressful, time consuming and dangerous.

Many infotainment systems found in cars are navigation-ready and some will be bundled with a navigation system from the factory. This takes a lot of the fuss out of setting up a separate SatNav or mounting your phone in a cradle in the car. However, many of these systems use native software and lack some of the features you may find in other units. They are also currently limited with regards to cross-device information sharing, meaning that you will have to manually enter in addresses from your address book.

Apple CarPlay solves some of these issues by allowing the use of the oft-lamented Apple Maps when your Apple device is plugged into the car. You will be able to use Siri to call up the address of a contact, or web based location, and set the navigation to that address.

We're still fans of Google maps but without effective Android Auto integration into local infotainments systems, this requires a separate cradle for your phone and voice command is less than ideal. It will however give you traffic updates and the likes, even if not always as accurate as some other user-generated incident reports. For this, many will prefer Waze for guidance and low-lag traffic reporting.

The biggest downfall of smartphone based systems is their dependence on network coverage and their data consumption while roaming. While one can download a route for offline use, those venturing into the unknown will need something that can stand on its own without needing network assistance. For this a stand alone SatNav or GPS will do the trick.

Sticking with a reputable, established name is advisable as the maps will be regularly updated and the user interfaces generally easier to use. While not an exhaustive list, here are some of the top SatNavs to look for:

1. Garmin Drive 40LM

Representing great value for money, the 40LM features a 4.3-inch (10.9cm) display with dual-orientation and is pre-loaded with lifetime maps for Southern Africa.

Expect to pay approximately R1700.

2. Garmin Drive 52LMT-S

A slightly more expensive option to the 40LM, the 51LMT-S features a larger screen coming in at 5.0-inches (12.7cm) and is loaded with Garmin City Navigator with free lifetime map updates. Provides live traffic reporting and TripAdvisor Points of Interest (POI).

Expect to pay approximately R2400.

3. TomTom Start 52

The TomTom Start 52 is a 5-inch (12.7cm) screen stand alone GPS that updates the maps on a daily basis, ensuring you'll never get the wrong street name of face unexpected closures. While slightly more cumbersome than the rivals, the TomTom Start 52 features spoken street names and has an integrated mounting solution.

Expect to pay approximately R2000.

4. TomTom Go 5100

The TomTom Go 5100 is a slightly more expensive offering, but benefits from a built-in SIM for real-time traffic updates, speed camera locations and a lifetime subscription to map updates worldwide. Features voice control and advanced lane guidance and a battery life of up to two hours stand-alone.

Expect to pay approximately R3500.

5. Garmin Drive 50LM

The larger brother to the 40LM, the 50LM features a larger screen coming in at 5.0-inches (12.7cm) yet contains many of the same features. Using Garmin Real Directions, the guidance is natural using references like landmarks and traffic lights. Includes free lifetime map updates for Southern Africa and Foursquare POIs.

Expect to pay approximately R2100.