Navman S-Series Platinum munches off Jobs' apple

Sydney Motor Show 2008 In the lead up to Christmas, Navman has revamped its GPS line-up with the addition of four new slimline metallic models with a new interface inspired by Apple.

The Navman stand at the Sydney Motor Show
(Credit: CNET.com.au)

The four new S-Series Platinum models, the S100 through to the S300t, is complemented by a reworked version of its existing S-Series units, dubbed S-Series Classic. The former S30, S50, S80 and S90i models have been replaced by two models, the S35 with a 3.5-inch screen and the S45 with, you guessed it, a 4.3-inch screen. Both Classic models use the same chassis and software as their forebears, but feature the latest Whereis maps and text-to-speech, or spoken street names, as standard.

Despite being identical siblings, Navman's Platinum range looks set to be the best looking GPS devices on the market. At just 15mm thick, all Platinum models are thinner than Kate Moss after a meal of oxygen and nitrogen, as well as boasting a flush fitting 4.3-inch screen and brush metal backplate. Replete with large icons, white boxes and finger swiping gestures, the interface of these models has been completely redesigned with elements pilfered from the House of Apple.

Like its stablemate Mio, the new Navmans — that's the Platinum models, not the Classics — feature maps from Navteq instead of the incumbent Whereis. This move, according to Navman, allows for the addition of features, such as extended lane information for some complex highway and road junctions, and pronunciation information for street names, which should help the Navmans when dealing with Aussie names better.

	S35	S45	S100	S150	S200	S300t
Price	AU$299	AU$349	AU$429	AU$499	AU$599	AU$699
Available	Now		November
Screen size	3.5-inch	4.3-inch	4.3-inch, flush
New interface	No		Yes
Spoken street names	Yes
Traffic messaging	Optional					Yes
Map data	Whereis R15		Navteq 2008 Q2
Safety camera locations	Yes
School zone, blackspot info	No		Yes
Bluetooth hands-free	No			Yes
3D landmarks	No			Yes
Junction view	No			Yes
FM transmitter	No				Yes
MP3 playback	No			Yes
Video playback and FM receiver	No				Yes