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GPS Navigation On The Cheap
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Written by Brian J. Sero   
Monday, 09 March 2009
AVERATEC VOYA 350

Despite its low price, The Averatec VOYA 350 Doesn't cut corners. This portable GPS (0.8 by 4.5 by 2.9 inches) has a 3.5-inch screen that's viewable in all lighting conditions ranging from total darkness to bright sunlight. It also comes preloaded with data for the entire United States and Canada, which includes approximately 1.6 million Points of Interest (POIs).

Like many new GPS systems, the Voya 350 is equipped with a SiRF Star III GPS receiver. This enabled me to track at least six satellites from the center of my office, 10 feet away from the window.

On my road tests, the Voya 350 never lost satellite lock (except in tunnels). Both the shortest and the quickest routes generated to our test destination were exactly the same as those on the more expensive Garmin GPS devices. Menus were easy to comprehend, and voice prompts were very complete. It's worth noting, though, that the Voya 350 lacks both bicycle and pedestrian modes. Also, I found the hardware buttons a little small and a pretty tough to press.

Although the Voya 350 doesn't have an MP3 player or other extras, it does basic navigation quite well. For the budget-conscious consumer, it's a fine choice.


Last Updated ( Monday, 09 March 2009 )