The Delphi NAV200 has a nice compact design, and it provided accurate driving directions. It can also be used outside of the car as a portable entertainment device. Delphi's optional traffic kit includes a lifetime subscription to Clear Channel's traffic service.

Delphi is probably better known for its satellite radio products, but the company has also tried its hand at portable navigation systems. Though not as documented as the big players in the industry, such as Tom-Tom and Gamin, Delphi is hoping to change that with its latest in-car GPS device, the Delphi NAV200. intended for the value-oriented customer, the NAV200 comes with a fairly reasonable price tag of $399.99 (though we liked the original price of $349 better; Delphi said industry demands caused it to raise the price) and features all the basic steering tools, with the option to add other armed forces for more-advanced users. All in all, it's a decent navigator offering accurate directions, and you get more bangs for your buck than the similarly priced Tom-Tom One. That said, we favor the clean and simple interface and receptiveness of the Tom-Tom One.



intend

Like most in-car GPS devices these days, the Delphi NAV200 has a nice, portable form factor (5.3 by 3.2 by 1 inches; 6.7 ounces), so you can use it in multiple cars. There's a flip-up antenna in the back that adds some slight bulk to the overall package, but not so much that it makes the unit unwieldy.

Features

Equipped with a 400MHz processor and SiRFstarIII GPS receiver, the Delphi NAV200 is ready to use right out of the box. Just insert the included SD card, and you're ready to start planning your trip. Delphi also has a nice feature where it gives you the option of operating in one of two modes: Standard or Extended. Standard is best suited for first-time GPS users as it gives you only the basic options; essentially, you can route from point A to point B, and that's about it. Once you become more accustomed to using the device and navigation tools, you can switch to Extended mode, which allows to you create multidestination routes, search for points of interest based on different criteria, and more.

Like most of today's portable nav systems, you can get directions by entering a specific street address, an intersection, a point on a map, or a location on your Favorites or Recent Destinations list. You can have the NAV200 create routes by fastest or shortest route; with or without interstates and toll roads; and in vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle mode.

Maps are available in 2D or 3D view with a night-mode option, which changes the color of the maps for better nighttime viewing. The map screen can actually be quite overwhelming, as a wealth of information is presented to you. There are about 18 bits on data, such as estimated time of arrival, remaining distance to destination, next road name, current speed, current heading, and more, that frankly, take up a lot of screen and map real estate; plus the icons are not clearly identified, so be sure to give the Owner's Manual a good read before starting out.