4 best portable navigation devices

Portable navigation devices, commonly known as GPS (Global Positioning System) devices or GPS navigators, are electronic gadgets designed to provide turn-by-turn directions and location-based services to users. These devices are often used in vehicles and are related to various product categories within the realm of car electronics and electronics in general. Here's what you need to know about portable navigation devices and their connections to related categories:

  1. In Dash Navigation: In-dash navigation systems are integrated GPS and navigation solutions built directly into a vehicle's dashboard. These systems typically offer larger displays and may include features like touchscreen controls, real-time traffic information, and multimedia capabilities. Portable navigation devices, on the other hand, are standalone units that can be removed from the vehicle and used in different cars.

  2. Car Video: Car video products often include features like in-car entertainment systems, DVD players, and screens for passengers.While portable navigation devices primarily focus on navigation, some models may have additional multimedia features, such as the ability to play audio or video content, making them somewhat related to car video.

  3. Car Electronics: Portable navigation devices fall under the broader category of car electronics, which encompasses a wide range of electronic components and systems used in vehicles. These include audio systems, car alarms, radar detectors, and more. GPS devices are essential car electronics, providing drivers with accurate navigation information.

  4. Car Vehicle Electronics: Car vehicle electronics, like car electronics, encompass various electronic systems and components used in vehicles. Portable navigation devices play a crucial role in this category by offering GPS-based navigation and location services that help drivers find their way and reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

  5. Electronics: Portable navigation devices are electronic gadgets at their core. They use satellite signals and digital mapping technology to provide real-time directions and location information. In the broader electronics category, they are considered consumer electronic devices designed to assist users with navigation and wayfinding.

Portable navigation devices come in various shapes and sizes, with features that can include real-time traffic updates, points of interest (POI) databases, voice-guided directions, and the ability to connect to smartphones for additional functionality. These devices are widely used by drivers to navigate unfamiliar routes, find nearby amenities, and optimize their travel experiences.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable navigation devices on the market
  

Garmin RV 785 & Traffic, Advanced GPS Navigator for RVs with Built-in Dash Cam, High-res 7" Touch Display, Voice-Activated Navigation & Portable Friction Mount - Frustration Free Packaging

Based on 455 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Garmin RV 785 & Traffic, Advanced GPS Navigator for RVs with Built-in Dash Cam, High-res 7" Touch Display, Voice-Activated Navigation

RV navigator with high-resolution 7? touch display plus built-in dash cam to record your drive and enable features such as forward collision and lane departure warnings.Data cards : yes (Dash Cam 8 GB microSD™ Class 10 data card included; accepts up to 64 GB microSD card for dash cam, Class 4 or higher, not included)



Garmin Portable Friction Mount - Frustration Free Packaging

Garmin 010-10908-02 Vehicle Mount for GPS

  • Product 1: Custom routing takes into account the size and weight of your RV then finds the best route for your vehicle
  • Product 1: Provides road warnings to keep you aware of steep grades, sharp curves, weight limits and more
  • Product 1: Includes a directory of RV parks and services plus integrated content from Ultimate Public Campgrounds, KOA, overlanded, PlanRV, TripAdvisor, Foursquare and more
  • Product 1: Pair with your compatible smartphone to gain access to hands-free calling and smart notifications; also includes voice-activated navigation for convenience on the road
  • Product 2: Ships in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging
  • Product 2: Four-arm shape conforms to your dashboard
  • Product 2: Garmin ball mount easily attaches to your existing cradle
  • Product 2: Compatible with nüvi series GPS navigators and StreetPilot C5XX series

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with the garmin bean bag style dash mount
Answer: I don't know, being a suspicious looking USB, the first thing I did was format the entire thing into a single partition. I highly suggest you try copying at least a TB to the drive before you use it for anything. The one I got acted goofy after just 130 GB was copied to it.
Question: What is the difference between the 780 and 785 models
Answer: I doubt it. It did not even last 5 minutes for me on a PC. This thing is garbage. Pick something else.
Question: Does this GPS show red light cameras
Answer: I wouldn't. Get a decent SD card from San Disk or PNY or Kensington and put that in a USB SD reader before you buy this.
Question: Can you use a 128GB sd card for the dash cam
Answer: This is what fooled me into buying it before actually taking the time to read. This USB is garbage. Try a reputable one.

Mini GPS Navigation,Portable Outdoor Location Finder Tracker Handheld with Kay Chain USB Rechargeable for Outdoor Hiking Traveling Hunting Wild Exploration(Green)

WonVon

Based on 103 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this track lets you find your way around unknown regions conveniently. A user-friendly interface in this sports GPS navigator simplifies operation and assists in quick navigation. Rely on this receiver as it can be used in any weather conditions. What's more, this lightweight GPS receiver stores and locates up to 16 of your favorite shops or restaurants. Don't miss it!

Specification:

Material: Aluminum Alloy

Receiver: L1, C/A

Capture Channel: 51

Tracking Channel: 14

Maximum Update Frequency: 10Hz

Display: Pixel Height * Width 128 x 64 dot matrix

Backlight Type: Blue

Product Size: approx. 6.5 x 5.2 x 2.1cm / 2.56" x 2.05" x 0.82"

Memory: 512KB Key: 3 Function Keys

Location: 10m (Support the difference correction system area up to 2 meters)

Speed: 0.1m/s

First Positioning Time: 5 seconds for hot start, 40 seconds for warm start, 2 minutes for cold start

Sensibility: -161dbm for tracking, -157dbm for recapturing, -148dbm for capturing

Data Protocol: NMA-0183 v3.01

Power Supply Voltage: USB DC 5V / 3.7V 390mA Built-in Lithium Battery

Operation Time: around 6 Hours

Power Consumption: 70mA for Capturing, 30mA for Continuous Tracking

Working Temperature: -20℃-55℃

Storage Temperature: -30℃-55℃

Humidity: Up to 80% non-condensing

Range of use: This product only work under outdoor sky open areas around elevation 15 ° no building cases to receive satellite signals!

Package Weight: approx. 103g



Package Includes:

1 x Mini GPS Tracker

1 x Key Chain

1 x USB Cable

1 x User Manual

  • 【Premium Material】Made of high quality aluminium alloy, anti-rust, sturdy, durable, lightweight and portable.This product is a highly sensitive personal oriented feature that allows the user to return to the original starting point or return to the desired target at any given time.
  • 【Small Size And Easy To Carry】Easy to operate and portable with a key chain, it enables users to return to starting point or preset destination with high sensitive guiding function.
  • 【Ergonomic Design】Of 3-button design and ergonomic shape, it can store up to 16 locations.Offers real time longitude and latitude co-ordinates, route distance and time, traveling speed and altitude, satellite time.Easy to operate, comes with a key chain for convenient carrying.
  • 【Portable GPS Navigation Location Finder】The product is a small, portable, hand-held global positioning system mini receiver. It has the coordinates indicating and guiding, global time zone time, distance, distance, speed, etc.
  • 【Application】Getting lost in the mountains? Running and biking every day, don't know how much? Finding the road treasure can accurately record your journey and winding number! Go fishing, find a nice spot, set it directly, and find it next time. Golf ball, 18 holes are most difficult to find, set each point directly according to your demand! Outdoor travel, snorkeling, don't know how far to go, find the road treasure to help you! Without a phone card, you can locate the world and get the exact l

User questions & answers

Question: can this display 8 digit MGRS
Answer: NO!!! it is crap!
Question: How specific are the coordinates? I am looking for the coordinates that will change when just moving 10 feet
Answer: It works even when you move 10 feet
Question: What’s is the battery life
Answer: Charge: Via USB, 5V Operating Time: 10 hours, Aprrox.
Question: is it waterproof
Answer: I have no idea mine came broken had to send back😞😵

Winterworm Outdoor Mini Handheld Portable GPS Navigation Location Finder Dot Matrix Display for Biking Hiking Travelling Geoaching Wild Exploration

Winterworm

Based on 117 reviews Check latest price
  • Mini shape, just like a watch, Can be used as a keychain,Compact, easy to carry.
  • Destination point can be set, maximum 16 points
  • With screen display and memory, Records distance and milage
  • Provide current position: longitude, latitude, and altitude information
  • Popular for mountain climbing, hiking, bike riding, camping and geocaching.

User questions & answers

Question: How well does this work in the mountain
Answer: I have only used it in minor rolling forested areas. Based on the initial locating time, it appears that the unit does not have the sensitivity of expensive GPS units such as Garmin handhelds. However for the price it is a wonderful tool and works as advertised.
Question: If I'm in a biking trail and don't know how to get back home, will this tell me
Answer: Yes.You can set the location of your home first and then when you finish biking,you can go home through the coordinates you have set before.
Question: does it come with a locator function? Meaning, can I log on in a PC or in an app and see where it is
Answer: it will tell you on the device where it is, there is no app linked to it that i know of.
Question: How do i set this to feet & miles? how do i set this to pacific standered time
Answer: How to set this to miles:Go to Measure Unit picture,then press ■ for measure unit selection.Press ▲ or ▼,unit displays in white:'km' and 'mile',which stand for kilometer and mile.Select desired unit and press ■ for final selection and unit displays in black.It can't be set to feet.It can only be set to kilometer or mile.How to set time zone:Go to Time Zone picture,then press ■ for time zone selection.Press ▲ or ▼,time zone digits display in white:-12,~,+13,which stand for time difference against GMT.Select the local time difference and press ■ to confirm,time zone digit displays in black.

Product features

Multifunction Outdoor Mini Portable GPS

  • The GPS Location Finders and Trackers help people locate where they are, where they are going, and where they have been. 
  • It is an amazing guider and helper for wild explorer 
  • It is particularly useful because it displays geographic coordinates, velocity & altitude. This is great info for every hiker, climber, biker, skier and camper. 
  • Find golf hole, find parking car, find fish group, record running distance and speed etc.

Details

Primary Function: GPS Receiver and Location Finder that displays geographic coordinates, velocity & altitude, digital clock, and features a distance and mileage recording function 

Typical Uses: Outdoor mountain climbing, hiking, bike riding, camping 

Casing Material: ABS Plastic 

Display: 128 x 64 Screen 

Operating Time: 8-12 hours in active mode, 48-60 hours in standby 

Operating Temperature: -20 to + 50 Degrees Celsius 

Power Source: Built-in rechargeable battery (3.7v, 390 mAh lithium battery) 

Charge/Recharge: via USB 

Setting: Backlight, Clock, Time Zone, Measure Unit, Clear POI, Cold Start, Reset Default 

Accuracy: 

- Position: Up to 10 meters 

- Velocity: 0.1m/second 

Time to Start: 

- Hot Start: 5 Seconds approx. 

- Warm Start: 40 Seconds approx. 

- Cold Start: 2 Minutes approx. 

Sensitivity: 

- Tracking: 161 dBm 

- Re-Acquisition: 157 dBm 

- Acquisition: 148dBm 

Protocol: NMEA-0183 v3.01 

Certification: CE, FCC, RoHS 

Units: Can display both metric and imperial standards 



Package Contents: 

1 x GPS Location Finder 

1 x Keychain with Carabiner 

1 x USB Cable 

1 x User Manual 

Note:

We send out the color at random (Usually Green)

GPS Navigation for Car Truck, Latest Map Touchscreen 7 Inch 8G 256M Navigation System with Voice Guidance and Speed ​​Camera Warning, Lifetime Free Map Update

AROVA

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Lifetime Map Updated for Free】Pre-installed with the 2021 latest North America Map, include USA Canada Mexico Maps, Install and update Maps at no extra cost. If you would like to update the latest map, please contact us, we offer a professional website for navigation GPS troubleshooting and a free map update.
  • 【2D / 3D view mode and 7-inch touchscreen】 Navigation system with 7-inch, high-resolution touchscreen with a high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, 8 GB MEMORY 256 MB RAM. with 2D / 3D view modes, The GPS navigator will show you exactly which lane to go before heading for the exit. Turns or difficult intersections.
  • 【FREE UPGRADE】Latest touchscreen technology, no need for styluses, HD display providing clearer viewing for poor eyesight, can be seen in bright sun light, built-in FM transmitter can provide GPS sound to your car stereo.
  • 【NAVIGATION FEATURES】 Supports Postcodes, Address, Coordinates & POI, Driver Alerts, Active Speed Camera Detection, Street name Broadcasting, Current Speed, Lane Guidance & Estimated Arrival Time, Intelligent Route Planning Fast & Economical, Turn-By-Turn Real Voice Broadcast in over 40 Languages, Support FM broadcast, but FM not mean FM radio, just for transferring the gps sound to your car, Automatic Day & Night Mode Switching, Fast & Accurate GPS Tracking.
  • 【WHAT YOU GET】7" Touch Screen GPS Navigation, Car Charger, USB Cable, Suction Cup Mount, Back Bracket, User Manual; Offering 100% Satisfaction - we want you 100% satisfied or your money back, If you have questions about the product, please contact us via Amazon message

Product features

Convenient

Driver Alerts, Real voice broadcast like a friend, receiving alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, Speed control zone, Nearby red light, and so on.

Free Map

Latest Maps included, This GPS Navigation has been installed the latest Maps for North America, Including United States, Canada, Mexico maps.

Customized Height

Customized routes, The best Route can be customized by yourself according to your vehicle and driving usage, Avoiding the road restrictions.

Automatic route planning
Traffic light reminder
Voice broadcast function
Speed limit reminder

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