Review: Navigon MobileNavigator 7 PDA Edition

The Windows Mobile version of Navigon’s Mobile Navigator 7 software offers quite a few differences from the Symbian version we first reviewed a couple of months ago.

Whilst the Symbian version concentrated on providing a solution for pedestrian users foremost (with its true pedestrian profile) and road navigation second, the PDA’s role is completely the opposite and brings to the table a host of features that are normally found on their dedicated PND models, such as text-to-speech.

Similar to the Symbian platform MobileNavigator 7 (MN7) is available to download and try for 30 days on a range of supported devices.

For the majority of tests we utilised a HTC P3600, but we also had the latest test build (7.3.3) which allowed us to run the software on our Touch HD as well, this version should hopefully be out by the time you read this.

Installation to our memory card was generally smooth sailing thanks to the handy setup wizard, though you may want to tap into the supplied PC utility (Navigon Fresh) to check for the latest updates before installing to your device and we must also point out that a data plan of sorts is required in order to activate the trial each and every time the program is started.

Once running MN7 provides a similar look and feel to its dedicated PND counterparts, with a compact click and retract style interface that suites the PDA’s smaller screen down to the ground.

Additionally from the front menu you get access to a couple of extra services, including a 3 day weather forecast and Hotel Reservation System. The latter allows you to find hotels near your chosen area and gleam additional info (address, price per room, phone number and map location).

However inputting destinations is still not as intuitive as it could be, for example entering a full postcode won’t allow you to refine your search further by adding a street or house number, there’s no Qwerty layout in the keyboard and the smaller alphabet keys were a little harder to press from a driving position (especially in landscape mode).

Also you can’t send your location to others via SMS/Email or navigate using GPS-coordinates and favourites don’t show up on the map either.

But on a positive note the software will at least calculate the closest matches as you type, plus you can always pick destinations from the map, saved favourites, POI, Outlook contacts or utilise the onboard multi-route planner/simulator.

During driving the initial route calculations were pretty quick on both platforms, though we did find that the landscape view on the P3600 doesn’t quite feel as smooth in operation as the portrait view (albeit a minor issue), and before embarking on your journey you can enable a Logbook function (records route specific data which can be read back in Excel) or view your route itinerary to adjust the different stages of your trip.

Route re-calculation performance was also respectable and in terms of the 2D/3D map views Navigon have managed to translate most of the PND features onto the smaller screen to great effect.

Saying that you are not given total freedom to customise all the directional aids but the majority proved useful regardless, so for example you have bars that appear at the base clearly indicating your current and future road position, street names, an accurate speed warning symbol, POI which are rendered using corporate logos, real-signpost information, lane guidance and Reality View Pro, which provides a real-time graphical representation of the motorway lane/exit you need to head to.

Whilst this view is pretty useful for motorway drivers, it only works when running in landscape mode (fiddly because the OS controls the screen rotation) and we did notice that when approaching certain motorway junctions the view was slightly impeded by one of the directional aides.

Of course with text-to-speech on board for pronouncing road names and junctions this does provide a unique experience on a PDA platform, not many software solutions can boast such a feature and generally this enhances the product no end.

Finally a safety camera database is supplied as standard but the TMC subscription service requires a compatible receiver and won’t be available until Q3 in the UK. Whilst camera alerts were a little basic, as you don’t get countdown distance markers, the vast majority were correctly identified and the voice prompt does a good enough job of alerting you to their presence.

Despite the odd glitch MobileNavigator 7 for the PDA platform still provides a solid navigational experience and with its 30 day trial onboard you have ample time to test the product before you buy.

Map coverage: UK & Ireland
Price (as reviewed): £59.99
Web: www.navigon.com

Performance: 8
Design: 7
Features: 7
Value: 8

Overall verdict: 8

Review originally published in Smartphone Essentials magazine. Words by Brett James.

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