The market of GPS navigation units is becoming intensively competitive, its likely that companies will continue to add newer and more diverse functions to their line of products. Navman has done this, and began with an inclusive camera. With their new top of the line system, the ICN 750, they have included a 1.3 MP camera, which offers more functions than just picture taking. The NavPix software not only allows you to take pictures and place a GPS tag with them so you where you took them, but also plans are being made in the future to incorporate downloadable tour routes, with pictures. The way these functions are unique, are that they allow a user to click on a picture and get instant directions to where they can see that landmark.

Hardware wise, the ICN 750 packs a crisp 4" 480 x 272 widescreen display, which is of course touchscreen, and is bigger than most rival screens allowing more data to be presented. The battery allows over 120 minutes of use, the processor is an Intel PXZ270 312MHZ, and is packed with 64MB RAM and a 4GB hard drive. The GPS chipset is a fast SiRF Star III, which from a cold start takes around about a minute to acquire location. It is almost half the weight of rival systems, and costs a fraction too. At $700, this is great for a top of the range system.

The unit's screen also includes dedicated buttons for nearest parking and petrol stations, main menu, 3D/2D views, and the navigation GoTo screen. Amazingly the buttons are made out of metal, which not only improves the build quality but shows some sign of a long lasting unit. Navigation screens also include time to go, distance and turning statistics. Port wise, there are headphone, SD card slot, power, USB and the metal contacts for the dock.

Aside from all these advantages, there are a few disadvantages. The screen creates heavy glare, there is no battery indicator, or remote. Performance has also been stated as very slow, which can create problems for those in tight city situations.

The package includes a suction grip/dock, a leather case, software, wires and manuals. Because the system is HDD based, no setup is really needed, everything is pre-installed.

Via Pocket Now