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CNET editors' review
CNET Editors' ChoiceMay 01-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 05/30/2001
- Updated on: 03/28/2003
Captivating color
Weighing in at 3.7 ounces with a size of 1.13 by 2.06 by 4.75 inches, the GPS Companion is not quite as sleek as Nexian's HandyGPS module, but with the added dimensions come added features and a ten-hour battery life (up to six hours more than the HandyGPS). Included in the package is the GPS module, which is a 12-channel receiver; a CD-ROM containing MAP Companion and NAV Companion software; and two AAA batteries. The GPS Companion slides into the Visor's expansion slot and initializes immediately. In our case, we tested it with a Visor Prism.
Right off the bat, we were impressed with the color maps. Unlike the HandyGPS or the Geode from GeoDiscovery, the GPS Companion takes full advantage of the Visor Prism's color display, providing icons such as familiar red or blue interstate markers and red crosses for hospitals. Other points of interest (such as golf courses; air, train, and bus terminals; shopping centers; and lodging) have colorful icons to mark their position on the map.
The included software is what we'd expect from Magellan. MAP Companion allows you to search for destinations, enable GPS scrolling and positioning, and switch between Map and GPS mode. In GPS mode, you can view the current latitude and longitude, the altitude, the bearing and speed of travel, as well as which satellites you are locked on to. The NAV Companion program provides the same information as the MAP Companion, plus the ability to create waypoints and routes, which can be beamed to other Palm handhelds. You can also create track logs that show where you've been and the distance, speed, and bearing of your trip, then convert those logs to a route for future reference. Perhaps the only missing feature is a digital compass screen, which is always a handy tool when traveling in unfamiliar territory. Continue reading
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