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Delphi NAV300: Portable GPS at its Best?
Nizam B. Ali
For 2007, Delphi replaces its 2006 NAV200 with the feature-packed NAV300. This updated portable GPS device now has hands-free Bluetooth with integrated microphone (for connecting and making calls through your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone), voice command, and ZAGATSurvey guides. In navigation mode, “Text-to-Speech” technology announces upcoming street names when providing audible turn-by-turn directions. Not only a great safety feature as it keeps the driver’s eyes on the road, hearing the street names also adds a level of comfort when traversing unfamiliar roads.
Street signs and speed limit warnings are also visible in the unit’s 3.5” touch screen display and users can choose the 2D or 3D mode for viewing routes and other on-screen information. The 3D mode is very cool as is seeing branded icons on the screen for the upcoming businesses on your route.
 But the NAV300 is more than just a portable navigation device, it’s also an MP3 player, video player and picture viewer for content the user can store on a separate SD memory card. The movies, music and picture viewing work fine in the 300, but the unit can take only one SD card at a time so it’s either navigation use or movie clips, music and pics.
The packaging comes the NAV300 GPS unit with stylus, a preloaded SD card with maps of the U.S., Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, a mount for both the windshield and dash, in-vehicle charging cable and owner’s kit with manual, DVD and quick start guide. MSRP for the unit is $399.99.
An optional traffic information service is available, which provides real-time traffic and weather reports to the NAV300. With this service, the 300 will adapt its recommended route to help drivers bypass traffic jams, road closures and extreme weather. The service is a one-time separate purchase for $199.99 which includes lifetime use.
 All in all, the Delphi NAV300 is packed with technological conveniences and is available at a competitive price. Yet, the unit does have some quirks. Boot-up time will seem very lengthy when in a rush and the manual claims that it could take from 2-5 minutes for the NAV300 system to capture a GPS signal. On the road, my unit occasionally lost its signal and it did take a few minutes to get up and running again. Also, it takes a while to get the hang of quickly inputting destinations. When using your fingers to add addresses on the small keypad, mistakes are very easy. Going with the included stylus helps, but because there is no place to store it, don’t count on having it around for long.
Quirks aside, the unit itself has much to offer with the ZAGAT guides being a big plus. But maybe it’s too much? The NAV300 is a jack of all trades, but master of none.
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