Vector V100 Portable GPS

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Launched back in February, Vector is among the very few GPS devices that are available in the Philippines. We’ve been using one for a couple of weeks and bringing it on road trips on occasion.

With over 38,000 points-of-interests, Vector has a decent number of POIs I’ve seen around (my AVT initially had 40k with additional 11k this April).

vector

This touch-screen GPS comes with a built-in battery that lasts about 3-4 hours on a single full charge but you can always hook it up via a mini-USB car charger that comes with it.

Vector V100 specs:

4.3″ touchscreen panel @ 480×272 pixels

SiRFatlasV ARM11 533 Mhz CPU

128 MB DDR RAM

NDrive 10 navigation software

Bluetooth hands-free calling

2GB internal flash (up to 8GB microSD)

FM Transmitter

LED light sensor

USB 2.0

Extras: Calculator, Converter, Games

900 mAh Li-Ion battery

Vector has almost all of the standard features — turn-by-turn navigation with voice direction, expansive search, itineraries and alternate routes. The device is pretty easy to use although you could get confused sometimes with the icons and the menu (perhaps a quick read of the manual will help). The system loads quite fast and the satellite look-up of the GPS locks in under 10 seconds (though this will heavily depend on your location and other barriers).

Some nifty add-ons include hands-free Bluetooth connection with your phone, an FM transmitter, music/video player and basic games. It even has an LED sensor at the back panel that adjusts the brightness of the LCD depending on the ambient light.

Vector uses NDrive for the navigation system and Accu-Map for the map data (which I think is the most comprehensive local mapping data around). NDrive is heavily used in Europe and some Android phones also have them (like HTC and Samsung).

What I really liked about the NDrive system is that you can just pin-point any location or area in the screen and the GPS will take you there with its turn-by-turn navigation (so you’re not just restricted to POIs or search data).

The unit is available in SM Appliance Stores with a suggested retail price of Php13,900.