1. handling / mechanical installation:
The exterior of the Z103 is tactile and visually very appealing and straightforward. The most important innovation: it will not require an external TMC antenna more. The data received via the mini-USB charging cable. It even works with a conventional mini-USB cable. Nice to have here a standard cable is sufficient that facilitates an eventual purchase of spare parts.
A very big plus is the active support of Becker. You need the charger cable is no longer deducted when the Navi is not to remain in the vehicle. Simply from the holder completed. Just as easily, it is consequently also upon boarding.
The holder shall be liable even bombproof on the windshield. Although my car is sprung pretty hard can be the holder on bumpy roads are not too large vibrations induce TOP! Since the holder has a Swivel Head, the optimal screen position can easily adjust it. Just be aware that the USB connector, which is routed to the rear, later finds enough space.
The charging cable is just over one meter long. The connector for the 12V socket (cigarette lighter) is fortunately quite narrow and relatively short run. A small LED also indicates the active power supply.
2. Bundled Software:
The CD contains the documentation and the (Windows) programs "Content Manager" and "POI Finder". The "Content Manager" also does not allow the management (add / delete) of maps, POIs, announcement and menu languages and elevation models but more. The POIs can not be edited in detail and because the Z103 anyway no multimedia functionality includes, you can quietly leave all contents on the device. The installation of additional maps or other contents, I could not test.
The "POI Finder", additional POIs are installed. After updates will be searched automatically at startup. Many contents are chargeable, which is often only reported when trying to install. This sucks a bit. Many POIs are also useless in my opinion and also classified under very general categories, such. As "business". Here I was expecting more.
3. Maps:
On the device Navteq maps for over 40 countries (Europe), most of the Q3 / 2008 is installed, which is sufficient in my opinion. In the pack is still the reference to a 45 day map update guarantee after purchase. Of this, however, should not expect too much of you look. Anyone who registers to 60 days after purchase (till receipt) with Navteq, given the opportunity, a latest map update, provided that it is published within 45 days after purchase of the device, to buy for a special price of 20 euros instead of 100 euros at regular purchase any two year update warranty alla "FreshMaps" from Navigon. One can argue about the benefits. If I need a new map update in two years, I'll buy more likely to equal a new Navi.
4. Operation:
I must confess, I have so far not even looked in the manual for the device speaks ;-) because it is very good intuitive. For this, kudos to Becker!
If you separate the Navi of its energy supply can be either "completely off" choose what the battery reserve protects, or the instrument will be swapped after a few seconds in the Ruhzustand. Then it continues in sleep mode and starts later faster.
After switching on (not sleep), the unit needs approximately one minute until it can be operated. After that you can go directly to the target range or card or initially adjusting or watch the TMC messages. In the destination selection, the last entered destinations are displayed. Is high "home" to be navigated directly to the previously entered your home address from your current location. A good feature which I use often! If you tap the "Enter destination" you can either enter an address in the following menu, select a point of interest (POI), take a point on the map as a destination directly, enter Geo coordinates or start a route planning.
The first point is the most suitable for rapid start a navigation, route planning can be done at home very nice. Initially one destination (again via address, map or Enter geo-coordinates). If z. B. not the postal code of a place is known, you can target the display always leave on the map and thus validate the input. Next, you can add more stages or the route saved. Route points are of course subsequently editable and movable in the order. Also POIs near a route point can be selected from (intermediate) target. Note: The starting point of a route is entered only after saving if you "calculate" selects.
After calculating the route with route planning is first displayed on the map and can be simulated. With direct speed dialing route guidance can also be started directly. Each is using the "Options" another edit the route possible. It can also route alternatives (short, optimal, Simple) are displayed. For this purpose, the navigation system can expect some first again. I have always chosen the "fastest" route. Avoidance criteria (u. A. highways, turning maneuvers, toll roads / permit bypass or not calculate) can also be selected.
The touch screen works very precisely. There is always a certain "pressure" is required, which virtually eliminates accidental addition Tap very beneficial for operations while driving. Through the red button at the bottom left on the device can always jump back from any menu or navigation a menu item.
If you have internalized the operation once, it's really easy to make a route planning or route guidance quickly and effectively. Other Watched by me Navis could be far less intuitive.
5. presentation / graphics:
One can use a 2D or 3D map display. I usually drive with 3D. On the map a small blue dot indicates the actually determined GPS location. This can quickly be recognized why the Navi sometimes seems an illogical direction instructions are, for. Example, in parking lots or in construction sites.
The map display is generally quite well. No useless graphics disturb the picture (building representation, the Z103 does not by the way). POIs are indicated by small icons. Which POIs are shown, can be via the menu item "Settings => Navigation Settings => Map => POI to select the" Configure the main menu. Caution: Should not all installed elements of POIs are displayed, first check the box of the POI category must be deselected and then arrival in the submenu each POI again or be voted out.
The Z103 enables 3D terrain view. However, only "big" differences in height are actually displayed. Small hills, especially up and down gradients in towns are either not represented or only minimally indicated, but also may be due to maps. Otherwise this feature spices up the "plate" 3D illustration on something. The background (sky) changes its color depending on the time. During the day, blue, reddish evening, however, no clouds appear, as can be seen on some pictures.
During navigation, the current or coming next road name are displayed at the bottom. The writing is generally legible and large enough. A successful compromise between a large map section and font size of the additional information. Travel / arrival time and remaining kilometers can be displayed at top left. Zooming is possible, but with the set "Auto Zoom" (very useful in large cities and at motorway junctions) will be switched back to the original view after a few seconds.
At major intersections or on motorways, the direction signs appear very large. The "right" exit (a road sign) is highlighted. This helps in comparing with the real traffic signs and therefore the ranking in the right lane. A click on any displayed messages, street names and traffic signs displays a relevant map in 2D mode, which does not "moves along". Here you have the "red button" to manually jump back to the Navigation view.
Unfortunately, the road signs representation conceal sometimes important map sections, esp. In rapidly successive taps at motorway intersections (z. B. Berlin Innsbrucker Platz, Driveway A100 Kreuz Schöneberg with subsequent departure to Grazer Damm). The announcements come in fast flowing traffic a little too late and when the map display is then covered in half, it can sometimes be tricky.
Something small, but big enough, the lane guidance is advised. Here you will be informed of the lanes to be elected. In large cities, but this is often useless because sometimes no lane information is displayed (eg. As in Berlin at the Islander, Grazer Damm towards Munsterdamm).
The backlight can not be adjusted in brightness, but is not a major drawback. During the day, handed me the brightness always made, even in bright sunlight or light from behind. This is where the very good contrast between the background and street view. And in really extreme light's still represents the voice message.
Night mode is very good. Pleasant dark and inverted graphic. The presentation is time-controlled switch, even in tunnels, provided that they are listed in the map. Tunnels are otherwise not shown separately in the presentation.
6. Navigation mode:
Depending on the location (open area or park house / apartment) are the GPS satellites quickly (10 seconds) or found only after several minutes. A "clear view" to heaven is of course always best.
The calculation of an inner-city route often takes only a few seconds. A day trip usually much less than a minute. A route of several thousand kilometers should there ever need 2 to 4 minutes.
In navigation mode, the device is exemplary when driving at high speed, the position indicator is always something left behind. Therefore, the announcements are made in good time and clearly a rule, but sometimes felt a little too late. However one can already detect early on the map (esp. In 3D mode) the next turn. Also disturbing no annoying "Warning" or continuous repetition of announcements. The motto here "not too much and not too little."
The current route concerned TMC messages are displayed and you can choose whether they should be considered or not. Clicking on the message of the affected section is (highlighted) on the map is displayed, which facilitates the decision often.
Speed limits are displayed not always reliable. But it is supposed to make themselves on the signs.
If he deviates from the calculated route from A message is "recalculate". Shortly afterwards, the route guidance is continued with a changed route. Here, the Z103 seems to primarily achieve the previously calculated route again. Maneuvers I ignore most and bend easily into the next street to leave again to continue "normal" me.
Text-to-Speach I've never missed otherwise. On the one hand it is annoying "chattering" avoided and on the other hand, the direction announcements in conjunction with the displayed street names always sufficient.
On my known routes the Navi not always chose Although in my opinion, fastest route, but you do not know whether you yourself are always driven the smartest way and speed limits, which includes the navigation, you do not keep up so often also - ) So far, in any case always guided me safely to the Navi goal and that is the main thing.
7. Others:
Speech: Text to Speach does not exist. The voice output has sufficient reserves in terms volume. More than the average volume level I've never needed. The sound never sounds annoying tinny.
Battery life: Well, for pedestrians is the Z103 not suitable. Approximately one hour, then it's over.
Oh, crashed the Navi is me never before!
Tips:
To load in between a commercially available power supply with mini-USB plug can be used, what is there for for narrow money. B. as an accessory for MP3 players.
Conclusion:
For under 200 euros you get an intuitive and easy to use and also very operationally reliable navigation system with the Becker Traffic Assist Z103. The route guidance with 3D map display and understandable announcements must be assessed primarily as very positive. Terrain View is a nice feature to seeing.
The feel of the device in connection with the bomb fixed active support is very good.
... For this there'd of 5 stars.
Only from the supplied software I had expected better. Other manufacturers offer nowadays also a multi-year, discounted tickets Update Service at Becker unfortunately not. In view of the price and the market competition, there's this one star deduction.
Still convinced the Navi in which what you buy it as a safe and efficient support when driving.
... In sum, therefore: 4 stars
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