Bushnell's Nav500 GPS system is a comprehensive navigational tool that quickly locates the most efficient routes for driving or walking. The GPS unit features a 3.5-inch color touch screen display, SiRF star III chipset for strong reception, pre-installed United States and Canadian road maps and an MP3 player. The Nav500 makes traveling easy by giving turn-by-turn spoken directions during navigation. The Nav500 also has photo-viewing software, a rubberized back for easy handling and a pedestrian route mode for walking directions. The device is available in 2009 for $200 to $400.
Perks
The SiRF star III chipset has excellent reception that keeps the unit locked in to satellites at all times. The "NAV" button provides several quick destination points that give you route information with the push of a button. Examples include "Home," "Work" and "Recent" for a list of your recent destinations. The Nav500 can also plan routes that incorporate several destinations, a feature that is especially useful for road trips.
Sacrifices
The software that runs the Nav500 is developed in Europe by Smart2Go, which gives it some cultural quirks for American navigators. Several of the voice commands employ non-American English phrases such as "Follow the course of the road," and "Change the highway" when directing you to drive straight or switch roads. Also, the speed and time to destination information appears in small type on the screen, which can be difficult to read while driving.
Bottom Line
The Bushnell Nav500 GPS system employs an pleasingly easy-to-use interface with a convenient touch screen and clear, loudly spoken directions. Its route planning capability and well organized way of storing information make it a strong product in its price range. And the Nav500 also mounts easily to most vehicles.
About The Author
Jake Kulju is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based freelance outdoors writer with 10 years of experience. Jake is an outdoors guidebook author for Avalon Travel and his work is regularly published in Outdoor Traditions Magazine and Naturescape News. Jake holds an English degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. His nature-based poetry is published in Poetry Canada and Farmhouse Magazine.
