Review, Pharos Drive Auto GPS 150 with Text-to-Speech and Built-in U.S. Maps (Black) - $25 Mail Reviews | |
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Manufacturer: Pharos Part #: PDR150 Lowest Price: $134.99
Average rating:  Latest Deals: 15 total | | | Pharos Drive Auto GPS 150 with Text-to-Speech and Built-in U.S. Maps (Black) - $25 Mail Description: The Pharos Drive GPS 150 makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road when looking for a specific address with voice prompts and turn-by-turn spoken instructions that include name of the street or highway (Text-to-Speech technology). The large 3.5" color touch screen LCD clearly displays the preloaded U.S. street level maps and navigation routing.The Drive GPS 150 utilizes Text-to-Speech technology and a 3.5" color LCD to provide clear driving directions, throughout the United States.Large 3.5" TFT LCD with 16.7 million colorsPortable all-in-one navigation systemFast route calculation by 32-bit CPU processorBuilt-in ultra sensitive 20-channel SiRFstarIII GPS for fast and accurate positioningText-to-Speech; turn-by-turn directions with voice prompts announcing the street or highway nameEasy-to-use touch-screen operationClearly indicates the turning corner with arrowDisplays direction and distance of the next turn and final destinationPinpoints the destinatin on right or left hand sideEntire US maps; NAVTEQ ON BOARDMillions of POIs (Points of Interest); search nearby, near destination, hotel, restaurant, gas station or movie theater...etc.Find your destination by address, intersection, or Points of InterestTech support hotline: 1-888-PHAROS-8 |
Review, Pharos Drive Auto GPS 150 with Text-to-Speech and Built-in U.S. Maps (Black) - $25 Mail User Reviews: | | | | | Pharos Drive GPS 150 - Recommended | | Review By: Steveg on Nov. 30, 2007 | | Good: Compact, sensitive, text-to-speech, good display, price, | | Bad: Inaccurate report of speed over limit |
Review Summary: November 30, 2007. I purchased this unit because it was inexpensive and had text-to-speech (it calls out street names). It was on sale at Fry's. Normally priced at $199.99, it was immediately discounted to $149.99, and a mail-in rebate refunds another $50.00, i.e., $99.99 after rebate. I wanted text-to-speech because my other unit, a MIO-C310X, only shows street names on the display. With my vision, it is too blurry for quick reading. I consider text-to-speech a safety feature because the driver (with vision problems) does not have to strain while driving to read the street name.
I powered up the unit in the Fry's parking lot. It acquired a signal and identified its location quickly, though I did not time it. It took me home on a logical course.
I navigated to other locations in the city (San Diego) during the day. This was to locations with which I was familiar. The courses were logical.
Like other units, it will tend to route along major thoroughfaires when taking neighborhood streets would be the more direct route. If you are in familiar territory, you may wish to think ahead of the unit. The unit will generally adjust its course once it discover that you have chosen a different route. In unknown neighborhoods, the unit will get you where you wish to go, though perhaps not on the most efficient route.
The text-to-speech is in a female voice. It is close to but not exactly natural speech. Most street names are clear. Some street name pronounciations sound peculiar because of the literal translation, but they are generally comprehensible.
The unit has a feature which alerts the driver when the driver is exceeding the speed limit. On one portion of my route I was below the posted speed limit, but the GPS warned that I was exceeding the speed limit. I do not know how pervasive this problem is. If it persists, I will turn off this feature.
The unit allows you to choose the fastest or the shortest route. Fastest is the default.
I did not thorughly review the Points of Interest. I noted that a well-known restaurant was missing. I couldn't find a local post office in the data base. But I don't have enough experience with it. I am inclined to not put much emphasis on the Points of Interest feature. I assume it has its greatest utility when looking for a gas station or a restaurant when on the road.
The menu and settings are intuitive. I had no problem getting the unit running in short order, though I have the advantage of previouso experience with another GPS.
I like the unit. I rate it as "good." I recommend it.
SteveG | |
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