Xgody Sat Nav (7 inch), with 2023 UK Europe Maps (Free

 

“The speed limit is 60 miles per hour, slow down”. The average flow of traffic is 67 mph, with typically 64 to 70 being used for 95% coverage (2 sigma). If I were to slow down, I’d be getting passed like crazy as I’d be holding back traffic. At least it’s useful to know what the general speed limit is when it’s not known and no speed limit sign is present – traffic signs must always be followed. Then comes a speed zone change where it becomes 50 mph. Ding! “The speed limit is 50 miles per hour, slow down” goes off while I’m clearly in the process of slowing down. Sometimes, the speed limits indicated by the device are not correct, where the device thinks it’s 65 (or 40) but a posted sign says 55. At least there’s the option to turn this off, though I tend to keep it on, so I have an audio reference as to what the speed limit is in case it’s unknown.

Finding your way around… I have absolutely no idea what the 4 different modes do and how they differ. I prefer “fewest turns”, with emphasis on fewest left turns. Right turns tend to be fast as you can often turn right on red lights (unless posted otherwise, which isn’t particularly common) whereas, with left turns, you have to wait for oncoming traffic (for no traffic light areas) or for the light to change, which can cost a lot of time. I also sometimes wished that state or even county roads would be included, especially if it cuts down a lot on distance. Instead, it puts most emphasis on the interstates and, to a lesser extent, US highways. I’ve looked at maps online and I can see much more direct routes that can shave off a good 50 miles at the cost of… lower speed limits and 2 lane roads instead of 4? It’ll actually save a good deal of time when all things are considered. The thing is, going 75 mph takes about 20% more fuel than going 65 mph so the slower speed limits are better for the fuel economy, so when you have to factor in the time needed to stop and refuel, the slower speeds end up being just as fast in the long run, if not even faster due to cutting distance down quite a bit. Basically, this could use some optimization. Of course, trucks/semis are one thing, family/passenger cars are another, since trucks have more restrictions. One way I work around this is to set multiple destinations, smaller towns along the way that use the more minor roads, mainly if it cuts back a lot on distance.

My main favorite thing is the 3D appearance of the landscape – I often wished the “camera” angle would always remain fairly low, like -20 or so below the horizon. The shading could be improved as well as the ambient is set rather high. I also wished it would show what the approximate elevation is. I can only very roughly estimate by cutting 4F of temperature for every 1000 feet.

Also, when an address doesn’t exist in the system, due to new construction, I wished there was a way to have it use an approximation system to at least get to the general area. I had to waste time calling my friend I was intending on visiting and figuring out some alternative address that was nearby.

My biggest complaint is that there isn’t any easy way to keep it secured in place. I had to figure out a way to utilize twine, wrapping it around the vents and using tape, to at least keep it in place as suction cups tend to not work well.

Other than just a bunch of wished for features to improve the potency, I’m quite pleased with this GPS navigator, especially given its price point compared to others. Away from home, I have minimal to no Internet so I got this as a way to cut back on data costs with mobile.