LOST CAUSE? HERE8217;S A WAY OUT

Maps seem to be invading almost every form of digital media and gadgets. They have overrun mobile phones, with the high-end GPS phones claim...

Maps seem to be invading almost every form of digital media and gadgets. They have overrun mobile phones, with the high-end GPS phones claiming they can help you negotiate even the roads less travelled. Even the GPRS-only phones now offer a range of solutions as they download the surroundings onto their tiny screens. The all-encompassing Internet too has been assaulted with every form of mapping, with the satellite pictures, graphics and scanned maps available at the click of a button. So why should anyone want to buy a device that8217;s only a digital map with a screen? The A-MAX 06GP5A Navigator, the latest of MapmyIndia8217;s two versions, has the answer.

Built with black-and-silver plastic, the slick and slim Navigator is all screen. The 3.5-inch colour display isn8217;t just a window to the maps of the country; through its precisely calibrated touch-screen, it also acts as a simple and intuitive input mechanism. With the flick of a finger or the bundled stylus, you can easily and accurately select menu options, input the destination or find the closest ATM. In fact, it has removed the need for buttons and is left only with the power switch.

Besides the evolved screen, the Navigator has completely done away with the annoying flap-antenna, making it lighter and easier to carry. The entertainment section has also taken a step forward; the A-MAX can play a lot more formats of videos and music. So when it8217;s not navigating, it becomes a handy multimedia player. This is augmented by a built-in USB port, through which you can transfer your favourite flicks and tunes from a computer to the navigator.

What underlines this device is the sheer number and accuracy of maps that come with it. It has complete maps of 18 Indian cities, maps of 150 minor cities with important landmarks and connection points of 55,000 villages and towns. So it easily guides you to places where the lack of mobile bandwidth cripples phones and non-existence of Internet makes map Web sites look meek.

It also provides voice-enabled navigation, which tells you when to drive straight or turn without breaking your concentration. Even if you miss a turn or an intersection, the navigator re-routes and brings you back on track. The intuitive search function built into the map makes setting destinations as simple as a click. The address book also makes it easy to select and store important and frequent destinations like your house, office and favourite cafeacute;, so that the next time you go there, you don8217;t have to key in the entire address.

Sadly, one thing that holds this device back is the lack of Indian languages. Still, at Rs 21,000 in Delhi and Rs 22,000 elsewhere, it8217;s a small price to pay for never getting lost.