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INTRODUCTION

    GPS systems are becoming quite common place and affordable. For a device to be noticed it has to add extra value somehow… enter the new Globalsat GV-370 Personal Navigation Device. Not only is this standalone a GPS system, it also packs MPEG/MP3 players and an image viewer, with a low pricepoint… How does the device function? Is it a good navigational utility? Read on as the GV-370 is put to the test.

WHAT’S HOT

    This is a great little all-in-one unit: GPS, Image Viewer, MPEG Player, MP3 player. The small compact design is stylish and contemporary. Great map visuals and intuitive menu paths allow for ease of use.

SETUP

    Fortunately, all the maps are pre-installed on the 2GB SD card. Should this card go missing/get damaged, a utility exists on the included DVD which allows the user to create a new "system disk". Setting up the unit up involves inserting the card and sticking the mount to your windshield. Easy as pie.

PRODUCT FEATURES

    The device is built upon the Window CE OS (4.2) with a 266MHz processor. It has a 3.5" screen, charges via miniUSB and packs a 1400mAH battery. Expansion is via SD card. Dimensions are as follows: 4.33 x 3.42 x 1.00" (110 x 90 30 mm), weight 6.5 ox (183 g).

(all images link to higher resolution)

In the box: GV-370 PND, DVD including System Disk Utility and operating manuals, wall/car adapters, USB cable, vehicle mount, 2GB SD card containing maps of the US and Canada.

Power on, the device boots up to the main menu screen. The front of the device contains the following hard keys: Mute, Zoom in/out, main menu, on/off.

Here’s a comparison shot next to the HTC Excalibur

Walking around the unit, the right hand side contains: miniUSB port, volume jogger, 3.5 mm headphone port, stylus.

Here’s the top of the unit: external antenna port, and what appears to be the internal antenna.

Here on the left we have the SD slot.

The bottom of the unit contains a reset hole and a lanyard cut-out.

On the back of the unit we have an "On/Off switch". The unit will not power on or even charge of this is in the "Off" position.

Here’s a side-long stack comparison. Top to bottom: 5th Gen iPod, HTC Excalibur, GV-370 PND.

Here’s the end view of the same stack. Top to bottom: 5th Gen iPod, HTC Excalibur, GV-370 PND.

Inside the vehicle, the unit consumes little space thanks to the included windshield mount. Note: some States/Countries have banned these mounts. If you live in such an area, a cup or vent mount should be used (not included).

Driver’s eye view. The mount can be swiveled in a large number of directions; allowing the device to be viewed by either driver or passenger.

Here’s a close up of the unit in the car. Note easy to read instructions and clear Street names, etc.

SOFTWARE

   The GPS unit itself functions as advertised. Fix times were fast: 1 sec for a hot start, cold and warm were both around 30 secs. At the heart of the device lies a 20 channel SiRFSTAR III chipset, which I found to be extremely sensitive and very responsive. A few quirks such as QWERTY keyboard layout, plus a requirement to have the correct city name before a street would be recognized slowed input though.

GPS info page. Useful for testing the GPS function, relays your exact position.

The main GPS page lets the user choose a destination, adjust settings, view current location, or manage shortcuts.

Setting the destination involves choosing either street address, intersection, Point Of Interest, Fav, Recent, or CDB.

Here’s the view while navigating. Clear and unobstructed; zoom can be altered via hard key or soft key.

POI’s are categorized for quick location. A nice touch.

The map screen can be completely customized through accessing the settings option.

    Observant readers will note missing from the unboxing shot is any type of case or screen protector. This is a problem as far as I’m concerned, as I like to ensure my gear is stowed carefully and will be protected. The GV-370 is no exception, and would frequently be removed from the mount to store when not in use to avoid heat damage from the sun or unwanted interest (theft).

    I was at a bit of a loss, as this item is larger than most of today’s Pocket PCs/Smartphones. Fortunately, I had an old relic case left over from my 1st Gen iPod days: the Body Glove DataSuit. After a bit of tweaking and removal of inside card sleeves the GV-370 was able to fit snuggly within its neoprene walls.

    Therefore, although this is not included with purchase, I would highly recommend picking something like this up to store the GV-370 should you purchase it. I was unable to find much in the way of resellers, so I have added a couple of pictures of the DataSuit I used.

Suggested extra: a case such as the above, Body Glove DataSuit. It’s not included, but highly recommended. Top view.

Body Glove DataSuit (not included), bottom view.

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HELP SUPPORT

    Support files are shipped on the included DVD. A decent FAQ is located on the usglobalsat site, plus support folk are very helpful via email should you need assistance.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

    A PC or MAC with a DVD player and card reader is required generate a backup or new OS card if required, a card reader and a secondary SD card is required to transfer files such as MP3s or MPEGS.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
This device "almost" does it right. There were a couple of points which I picked up on that generated a bit of nuisance: 1) there’s no case or any type of screen protector. I used a 3rd party case to solve this problem. 2) The unit can be preset to shutdown after a specified period of inactivity. Turns out "inactivity" also includes navigation. The unit I tested would shutdown after the specified time while navigating a route! This was not only annoying, it was dangerous. The auto-shutdown function can be disabled, however, the default is 3 minutes, and it enables itself if the rear on/off switch is toggled. 3) the unit drains the 1400mah pretty quickly. 30 minutes of navigation absorbed 30% of the battery. I would keep the car charger handy… 4) Lastly, the onscreen keyboard used for entering street names and cities is laid out in alphabetical order. Doesn’t sound like a big problem, but when you’re used to QWERTY, it can take a while to find some keys.

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PURCHASING

   
The GV-370 is available from USGlobalSat for $329.95 after a $30 manufacturers rebate.

PROS

• 
  

  Does four separate, distinct functions

• 
  

  Highly sensitive SiRF Star III GPS chipset

• 
  

  Easy to use, intuitive menu layout

• Good price

CONS

• 
  

  No case or screen protector

• 
  

  Times out during navigation

• 
  

  Battery drains fast, non user replaceable

• Keyboard layout in alpha rather than QWERTY

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    For the price, this is a good deal. It gets the job of navigation done, and the bugs I noticed can hopefully be fixed one day via ROM updates. It’s a nice looking unit, and does not take up much space within the vehicle. It does not ship with a case, but as mentioned earlier, a third party solution can be obtained relatively cheaply. Overall, if you are in the market for an easy to use, off the shelf North American mapping solution, this will meet your needs and more.