Equipping a car with navigation equipment for several years has been considered a prerequisite for completing even inexpensive models. Moreover, navigators appear in a variety of versions. This can be an additional module as part of the parking radar, and an auxiliary function of the multimedia system. But the most accurate and easy-to-use devices are available in a separate form factor. The portable Prology iMAP-5600 model also belongs to such devices. Reviews of this navigator note many advantages, the main of which is the mechanics of interaction with cartographic materials. But the device also has weaknesses that are important to consider.
General information about the model
The model represents the middle segment of car navigation devices, offering corresponding features. The developers provided the device with new software from the Navitel company, which runs on the MStar processor. This combination determined the speed of the equipment. In addition, the car GPS-navigator from the manufacturer Prology is distinguished by its efficient work in terms of signal reception. According to the owners, under normal conditions, it is capable of simultaneouslytrack signals from 16 satellites.
By design, the model still remains close to the budget class. The creators adhered to the concept of minimalism, as a result of which the case turned out to be small, but functional. On its surfaces are the necessary controls, connectors and mounting slots. Advantages of an optimized design and stuffing organically fit into the cost of Prology iMAP-5600. The price of the device in the domestic market is 4.5-5 thousand rubles. This is not much, considering the quality of the model - especially against the backdrop of competitive offers.
General specifications of the machine
The device looks decent and according to the official working parameters. Fast card processing is made possible thanks to a powerful processor, and the handling of the device is convenient due to the use of Windows OS. The specific characteristics that the Prology iMAP-5600 navigator has are presented below:
- The processor frequency is 800 MHz.
- Number of receiver channels – 64.
- The device's RAM is 128 MB.
- The amount of built-in memory of the device is 4 GB.
- OS - Windows CE version 6.
- Receiver type - internal antenna.
- Device dimensions – 13, 5x8, 5x1, 2 cm.
- Weight – 180 gr.
Screen specifications
The model is equipped with a small 5-inch display that displays cartographic information. Matrix type - LCD, so the quality of the picture allows you toview the image even on a modest screen. This is facilitated by the optimal resolution of 480x272. But the most attractive thing for a modern motorist in this screen is the touch control principle. The creators did not completely abandon the hardware buttons, but the main menu tools were transferred directly to the sensitive display. This is a good navigator from the point of view of automotive ergonomics, since the driver does not have to grope for the side keys every time to execute operational commands. Also, the navigator allows you to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image, control the backlight, etc.
Energy supply
The device is connected through a separate power circuit using a 12 V adapter. Power is supplied by a polymer lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 950 mAh. In practice, it has been noted that connecting to a car cigarette lighter replenishes the charge in 3-4 hours. But using the bundled interface, you can also charge using a computer, including a laptop. In this case, filling with energy will occur in 6-8 hours. As for battery life, it is very modest for Prology iMAP-5600. Reviews note that the battery of the device maintains performance for 3 hours on average. On the one hand, this interval does not really matter, since the navigator can be powered continuously during the operation of the machine. But on the other hand, the frequent use of an onboard power supply becomes a burden on the battery, which does not have the best effect on itsdurability.
Software
Software stuffing and content for the navigator is supplied by Navitel. Already in the factory version, the model is equipped with the latest version of cartographic material. In the future, you can use software releases for Prology iMAP-5600. The Navigator 5 update, for example, is available for free and in modern nm3 format. The advantages of this release include the absence of the need for card indexing. The user also does not need to lay routes. All auxiliary operations are performed automatically. For example, within the country, a route is plotted in a couple of seconds, while the system takes into account the indications of the Navitel. Traffic service and selects the most convenient directions.
Software additions have also appeared that have improved the sensitivity setting when moving away from a given route. The Prology iMAP-5600 cards themselves are also available in a new HD format, which allows you to view content on a 5-inch screen with detailed visual analysis.
Functional
The device should not be considered only as a tool for interacting with cartographic materials. For this, a basic GPS-mode of operation is provided. In addition, the device also supports multimedia mode, in which you can listen to audio materials, watch video content, as well as read texts and run games. However, in terms of additional applications, the device does not differ in we alth. In this version, the car GPS-navigatoronly offers a calculator and a touch screen calibrator. Most of the optional tools are focused on the capabilities of the navigator. In this section, you can note the automatic functions of the aforementioned route planning, and voice notification, as well as route calculation and terrain loading.
Positive Feedback
Most of all positive responses were received by the screen and the software of the navigator. The touchpad works clearly, stably and without delay, and the display transmits a bright and rich picture with good detail. The software content of the Prology iMAP-5600 also deserves praise. The reviews point not so much to the shell of the operating system as to the materials of Navitel. In addition to the fact that the device has a built-in map, the developers regularly provide the target devices with high-quality updates.
Special attention deserves the technical filling, which, in fact, processes cartographic materials. In this part, there are no pauses in downloads and transitions between cards, a confident reception quality and a reliable device. It is also worth noting the style and design of the device. The basic version of the Prology iMAP-5600 Black is distinguished by the presence of a pleasant soft-touch plastic, reminiscent of a rubberized surface. But a metallized modification of Gun Metal in gray is also available, which organically fits into modern car interiors. At the same time, the case has a solid assembly, which during operation does not produce squeaks and other technical noises. True, the surface of the plastic, as manynote, yet retains fingerprints.
Negative reviews
It's worth starting with constructive nuances. First of all, users are disappointed with the mounting system. The kit includes a suction cup, which quickly breaks and even in a solid state holds the device uncertainly. Therefore, it is recommended to initially purchase a universal mount for the body, which can withstand the mechanical stress and vibration in the elephant. There is also criticism of the form factor of the model. In particular, the size of the display is criticized. Still, the navigation systems of premium manufacturers have set the fashion for large-format screens, which is reflected in the users' requirements for devices in other segments. On the other hand, the disadvantage of this solution is compensated by the quality of the Prology iMAP-5600 display. Reviews also indicate that not every massive screen is able to provide the same degree of clarity. And this is not to mention the elimination of problems associated with the installation, placement and operation of large-format displays. Still, compactness is an important characteristic, for which many sacrifice convenience when using visual information translators.
Conclusion
In the price segment for 4-5 thousand, it is easy to find navigators that are attractive in terms of performance. At least this is the middle segment and the requirements for these products are significantly higher than in the budget category. Another thing is that manufacturers often raise the status of their models bynew technologies, optionals and various secondary features. Against this background, a good navigator will always stand out, having not only wide functionality, but also high-quality performance of basic tasks. And the iMAP-5600 model is just different in that it facilitates the interaction of the driver with the Navitel mapping service. The quality of the navigator is due to both a powerful processor and ergonomic controls. And the basic tools are complemented by automatic card management tools, which are also characterized by accuracy and high speed of action.
