Comparison: smartphones as navigation systems

Z a guided tour for free - what seemed unthinkable until a few years ago is everyday life today. Above all, the software giant Google has contributed. With 'Google Maps' he offers a free route guide on Android phones. Competitor Apple recently followed suit with the new iOS 6 operating system for the iPhone and offers a comparable guide - also free of charge. In other words: Since both cell phone systems are widely used, many people can enjoy the free route guidance.

And that doesn't work badly: As our sample on Google Maps shows, you can also get there with this one Software to the goal. Your plus: traffic jams on the route are displayed in real time - even in the city, which many other services can only to a limited extent. This service is usually chargeable for other types of navigation systems. The question arises: Who still needs conventional pilots?

Targeting via smartphone can be expensive

It is impossible to imagine the market without them. Because smartphones are more suitable for route guidance for people who only occasionally need a navigation system. A fiddly operation and small displays do not make mobile phones safe scouts. Even if current smartphones already have 4.3-inch touchscreens, this is nothing compared to the portable route guides with seven-inch displays that are already available.

In addition, the battery life of the cell phone is reduced when route guidance is used. A power cord in the car is required. Then there is still the problem of data traffic: with Google Maps, for example, the map material is not on the mobile phone, but is on an external server. That can be expensive if you don't have a data flat rate. In addition, the quality of the GPS sensors in the cell phones fluctuates. This can lead to reception problems with coated vehicle windows.

This is rarely the case with portable pilots. In any case, they are the recommended alternative to cell phones, because well-equipped devices are available from 100 euros. The permanently installed systems for retrofitting or direct ex works cost significantly more. At prices starting at around 500 euros, they are ideal for those who want perfect vehicle integration.

Devices for retrofitting

The retrofitting costs between 600 and 1,000 euros. The well-equipped pilots, including the multimedia system, can usually only be installed with great effort. LightThe devices have to be installed in the factory optics, such as those from Zenec.

Advantages: Good operation, lots of equipment, optical route guidance, high precision, good reception, touchscreen operation.

Disadvantages: Time-consuming and complicated assembly, mostly expensive acquisition, software not always up-to-date.

Navigation apps in smartphones

There are now Lots of navigation apps for smartphones. Those who only occasionally need a pilot are well served with this type of route guidance. Caution: When making your selection, always make sure that you have taken out a data package for the mobile phone. Because some systems do not save the map material on the mobile phone, but pull it from an external server. Without a flat rate this can be expensive.

Advantages: Inexpensive to buy, no assembly necessary, full mobility, good equipment (traffic jam info).

Disadvantages: Operation, battery does not last long, display too small, GPS reception problems

Portable navigation systems

Portable pilots are usually up to date - even the cheapest devices for around 100 euros. Real-time traffic jam information, such as that offered by the Google app for free, is not available for free here. That's a disadvantage. On the other hand, it is positive that they offer software that determines routes depending on the day and time. In addition, the stand-alone devices usually have no reception problems, almost always have the latest map material (often with a free card subscription) and come with seven-inch monitors. In terms of price-performance ratio, they are the first choice for frequent users.

Advantages: Inexpensive purchase, low installation effort, good equipment, current software, good optical route guidance, mostly precise voice output .

Disadvantages: Tangled cables in the interior, real-time traffic jam information on all roads only for a fee.

Fixed-mounted devices ex works

Are inexpensive the manufacturers' guides have seldom so far, if only because they are often combined with multimedia systems. Large displays, safe operation, precise route guidance and perfect integration into the car speak for the systems. But it is also cheaper with 300 or 500 euros, as VW and Opel show. They slim down on the scope of services or went new ways. Opel offers an app radio with navigation app in the Adam.

Advantages: Good and safe operation, perfect vehicle integration, good equipment (multimedia), optical route guidance, high precision .

Disadvantages: Expensive purchase, navigation equipment, route software and maps are not always up to date.