The Navman ‘S’ series range consists of the entry level S30, the mid-range S50, the S70 and top-of-the range S90. This reviews looks at the Navman S50.
The S50 boasts a good set of features for the price including a 4.3’’ widescreen, safety cameras and Bluetooth. I’ve found previous sat nav systems from Navman to be disappointing so I was interested to see if the S50 would buck this trend.
Overall the S50 shows that Navman is continuing to develop and improve their systems although there is still room for improvement, especially in the area of the cradle design.
Box Contents
This is what you get in the box:
- Navman S50
- Vehicle suction cup mount
- Vehicle power cable
- USB cable
- Drawstring soft cloth carry bag
- Documentation pack
Detailed Specifications
- Unit dimensions: 140mm(W) x 80mm(H) x 20mm(D)
- 4.3’’ widescreen
- Bluetooth
- Display resolution: 480×272 pixels
- Weight: 198g
- SiRFstarIII GPS receiver
- Battery life: up to 5 hours
- Preloaded TeleAtlas 2007 Q4 maps of UK and Ireland
- USB connector
- SD/MMC Card Slot
- 256Mb internal flash memory 64Mb SDRAM
- Navpix (does not include camera)
- Safety camera free trial
First Impressions
The S50 is nice looking system with a large 4.3’’ widescreen display. It is lightweight too at just under 200 grams. There is a USB port and SD/MMC slot underneath the unit. The left side of the unit has a rubber cover which when peeled back reveals a connection socket for an external antenna (not included), plus microphone and headphone sockets. The right side of the unit has a loop for connecting a lanyard (sold separately).
Overall the construction looks good although the mostly plastic design doesn’t look as rugged as I would have liked. Perhaps some rubber incorporated into the design would help to cushion the unit if it was dropped. I could easily see this unit crack if dropped.
When the unit is first switched on you are guided through a small tutorial on the screen. If you’re a complete novice to sat nav systems then this is a good idea as it shows you the basics to get you started.
GPS Signal
Initial GPS reception was a little disappointing. I was unable to acquire a GPS signal indoors when switching on the S50 for the first time. I had to stand outside for about 10 minutes before a satellite signal was established.
This shows the Navman is not as strong at acquiring an initial signal as the Garmin and Sony systems reviewed on this web site, both of which acquired a GPS signal indoors when switched on for the first time. Thereafter though the S50 was quick to acquire a signal when switched on. The S50 uses a SiRFstarIII GPS receiver which have always performed well in previous tests.
Maps
The S50 comes with pre-installed regional maps depending on which country it is purchased in. This review looks at the UK and Ireland version. If you need European maps then you will need to consider the S70 or S90. Navman use TeleAtlas maps which on the whole have performed pretty well in previous tests.
Usability
I found the S50 user interface well designed. The various on screen options are clear and easy to read. It won’t take you long to figure out how to move around the various screens.
My only minor niggle was the positioning of the POI shortcut icons within the main menu. These allow quick access to Points of Interest (POI) like fuel outlets, ATMs and food outlets.
The main menu consists of 3 screens. The option to navigate to a specific POI is placed on page 1, whilst the shortcut POI options are on page 2 and 3. It is easy to miss the shortcut POI options on page 3 if you’re not familiar with the system. I would have liked to have seen all the POI options grouped together on one page.
Cradle
The cradle is by far the worst aspect of the Navman S50. I did not like it at all. It’s a shame as the S50 represents an improvement over previous Navman systems, but it is let down by a cradle that is awkward and fiddly to use.
There are two areas I don’t like.
The first is how the in-vehicle power cable from the cigarette lighter socket plugs into the S50. Navman have designed it so one end of the power cable has to slide into a groove on the cradle before the S50 can be placed into position on the cradle. It is quite a tight fit and not the easiest thing to do.
Why Navman couldn’t allow the power cable to simply plug directly into the S50 or a socket on the side of the cradle I’m not sure. It makes attaching and detaching the power cable from the cradle so fiddly and time wasting. If you’re taking the S50 in and out of the car on a regular basis then it becomes annoying. The only explanation I have is that Navman wanted to ensure the power cable is kept in place and doesn’t become detached from the S50 whilst driving along, but it seemed a strange setup to me.
The second complaint is fastening the cradle into position. There is a cradle wheel to tighten the cradle into place once you have chosen the correct position. The problem is that this wheel is located on the back of the cradle. This makes tightening the wheel difficult to do. You have to reach over the top of the S50 and squeeze your hand between the windscreen and the back of the cradle to tighten the wheel. Quite frankly I found it a real pain.
Quick in-vehicle setup of a GPS system is important when you’re using a sat nav system frequently, so I’d like to see Navman completely overhaul their cradle design for future products. The current design is not user friendly in my opinion.
Navigation
In my tests the navigation worked as well as other sat nav systems I’ve tested from the likes of Garmin and Sony.
Full postcode entry is supported, although like previous Navman systems I’ve tested it did have difficulty recognising a couple of postcodes. No sat nav system is perfect when it comes to recognising postcodes so it would be unfair to criticise too much in this department.
The S50 supports various methods of navigation. You can navigate to your home address, a list of favourite destinations you use on a regular basis, and a list of recent destinations.
You can also navigate to a Point of Interest (POI). The main menu also includes shortcut POI icons which allow you to navigate to the nearest car parks, food outlets, hospitals, tourist attractions and ATMs.
I was surprised to see no routing profile options available. You cannot set the routing profile depending on the vehicle you’re driving (such as car, bicycle, pedestrian, etc.) This is a shame as many other sat nav systems offer this feature and it is certainly useful to be able to navigate by foot once in a while.
There is plenty of refinement when it comes to choosing the navigation profile though. Many sat nav systems just offer you a basic fastest time or shortest route profile which doesn’t offer you any opportunity to fine tune the route selections. The S50 uses a sliding scale design. Move the slider completely to the left and it will choose the shortest route, move the slider to the right and it will choose a faster route. Move the slider in between these two to fine tune the routes selected. You can tweak this setup until you have the system working as you want.
By default the S50 will read aloud each letter as you enter an address using the on screen keyboard. I couldn’t really see the need for such a feature and quickly found this irritating. You can switch this off via the Preferences–>Volume settings screen.
The maps are clearly displayed and easy to read and there are plenty of options for tweaking how the maps are displayed. Here is an example of a typical map view.
If you prefer the directions in text only mode then that is supported too.
Another useful feature is support for multi-stop trips. You can enter several destinations together and then navigate to each one in turn. One you reach your first destination, the S50 will then navigate you to the second destination and so forth.
On the open road the S50 performed very well, choosing the same routes I would have selected had I not been using a sat nav system. In fact in one area it outperformed Garmin and Sony by detecting a short-cut route that I knew about.
The only minor grumble is that the S50 did have problems calculating the number of exit points on roundabouts in a couple of tests. This is an issue I’ve seen before on other Navman systems and is due to a fault with the TeleAtlas mapping software.
The voice instructions will say “take the 4th exit from the roundabout”, when in fact it is the 3rd exit. This is caused by incorrectly counting a one-way road that joins a roundabout as an exit point.
This is a minor issue I’ve observed only in a couple of specific areas but it is worth noting. In my experience, just like recognising postcodes, no sat nav mapping software is perfect.
The voice instructions are clear and easy to understand, although I’m not a fan of the female voice used on this system. She sounds like a strict school teacher who repeats the voice directions in a slow laboured fashion as if you didn’t hear her the first time. I’d like to see a more user friendly voice used in the future.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the S50 supports WAAS and EGNOS. This is a feature I’ve only previously seen on more expensive systems so was a bonus. WAAS/EGNOS is a series of satellites and ground stations which improves the accuracy at detecting your current location. WAAS is used in North America and EGNOS in Europe.
A typical GPS system can detect your location with an accuracy of 100 metres or less. WAAS/EGNOS has an accuracy of 3 metres or less so it was nice to see the S50 support this feature.
The S50 also supports NavPix where you can navigate to a geo-tagged photo. This is basically a photo with the GPS co-ordinates stored inside it. The S50 uses this data to navigate to the position where that photo was taken. It’s an interesting idea although I’ve always considered it a bit of a gimmick.
Bear in mind though the S50 does not include a camera. You can only navigate to photos you’ve taken with another camera capable of geo-tagging photos (or used some software utility to geo-tag the photos), which you then transfer to the S50. If you want a camera built into the GPS to save all this hassle then you would need to buy the top of the range Navman S90.
Speakers
The built-in speakers deliver enough power for the voice instructions to be clearly heard. I did observe a high-pitched whistling sound coming from the speakers. This was only audible when driving at very low speeds (say less than 10mph) or when stationary in traffic. I don’t know if this was just a fault with this system or a more general problem but it was a niggling annoyance at times.
Safety Cameras
The Navman S50 comes with a free trial of safety cameras which come ready to use straight out of the box. It will detect fixed, mobile, average speed and red light cameras.
In my tests the S50 correctly detected fixed cameras, although I was unable to get it to detect any sites where mobile cameras can operate. The Garmin Nuvi systems for example will warn you when approaching an area where a mobile safety camera sign has been placed at the side of the road. The S50 did not warn me of any of these areas.
I was unable to test how accurate it was at detecting average speed or red light cameras as there were none on the routes I used.
Overall I think the S50 will perform fine at warning you of fixed safety cameras, although I feel the Garmin Nuvi systems overall perform better in this department.
TMC
The Navman S50 does not support TMC out of the box. There is a traffic option on page 2 of the main menu but it is disabled. You can purchase a TMC cradle if you want to enable traffic alerts. These typically retail in the UK for £50 or less.
Bluetooth
The S50 can be paired up with a Bluetooth compatible phone for hands free phone calls. You pair your mobile phone with the S50 via the Phone–>Search Phone option from the main menu. Initially this option was disabled, but I was able to fix this by turning the S50 off and back on again.
By default your phone address book is not automatically transferred to the S50. You need to press the refresh button on the S50 once it is paired with your phone before your address book is transferred.
There is an option in the phone settings screen to allow automatic importing of a phone address book. Select the menu option Phone–>Setup–>Phonebook to do this.
Overall the hands free calling worked well. The S50 can receive your SMS test messages too, although I couldn’t see any way to reply back to an SMS using the S50 like you can on the Garmin Nuvi range. I’d like to see Navman consider adding this feature in a future release.
Preferences
From the main screen you can setup the following preferences.
- Route Options – this enables you to set the route type (shortest distance to fastest time), preference for motorways (less or more), avoidances (toll roads, unsurfaced roads, ferry routes), driving alerts when speed exceeds a given limit and GPS logging.
- Map Display – here you can set the colour and scheme (automatic, day, night).
- Map POIs – this screen allows you to decide what POIs, if any, are displayed on the map.
- Volume – here you can adjust the speaker volume and set whether the system should speak the keyboard letters as you enter an address.
- Screen – set the screen brightness for both day and night time usage.
- POI alerts – this covers fixed, mobile, average and red light safety cameras. You can specify at what distance you are warned of an upcoming safety camera.
- GPS status – shows satellite signal strength plus you can set the GPS mode (normal, WAAS, EGNOS).
- Language – here you can enable/disable voice guidance, select the voice (UK female, UK male) and select the language.
- Traffic – traffic alerts are disabled. You need a TMC cradle (purchased separately).
- Power – displays battery status and when the system should turn off automatically (e.g. after 5 mins if running on batteries).
- Keyboard – set the keyboard type (a, b, c or QWERTY). Some people prefer a QWERTY keyboard so it is nice to see the S50 offering this choice.
- Units – this screen allows you to set the time (12 or 24 hours), distance (metric – km, imperial – fractional miles, imperial – miles and yards) and position format (decimal degrees or degrees, minutes and seconds).
- Start Up – enable/disable the tutorial and language selection screen that appear when the system is switched on.
- Saved Info – here you can delete recent locations, favourites, avoidances and reset to factory defaults.
- Bluetooth – this option allows you to setup bluetooth pairing with a mobile phone.
- Tutorial – run the tutorial that appears at startup.
- Shop Demo – runs a demo so you can see the Navman S50 in action.
Summary
The S50 represents a welcome improvement over previous sat nav systems from Navman. It boasts a good selection of features including a 4.3’’ widescreen, Bluetooth hands free calling, safety cameras and WAAS/EGNOS support. When you consider the price tag of just over £100 it represents very good value for money.
The Bluetooth was a nice addition but I’d like to see further improvements in this area like the ability to send SMS text messages.
From a navigation perspective this system will perform as good as any other system out there.
Overall the S50 is a nice looking system that performs well, but it is let down by a poorly designed cradle that is in desperate need of a redesign.
Good Points
- 4.3’’ widescreen
- Bluetooth hands free calling
- Safety camera warnings out of the box
- WAAS/EGNOS support
Bad points
- No routing profiles such as car, bicycle, pedestrian, etc.
- Cradle poorly designed
- Slight whistling high pitched sound audible from speakers at low speeds
- Voice instructions too harsh – need a more friendly voice
Where to buy
Buy the Navman S50 Widescreen Sat Nav from Lemon Digital. Quote “Technical Itch” when ordering for a special price promotion discount.
Buy the Navman S50 Widescreen Sat Nav from Amazon.
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102 responses so far ↓
1 Lee Chambers // Jun 19, 2008 at 4:21 am
thanx for helpful article. Only prob is that, like yours, my S50 ‘search phone’ is disabled but a restart didn’t enable it. No replies fron Navman site, so rather annoyed. any suggestions?
2 Dean // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Hi Lee,
Not sure what else to suggest. Is there anything under the Phone->Setup menu option for enabling it?
3 Mark McDermott // Jun 24, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Very useful review. I had some issues with the bluetooth element but found after a couple of deletes and installs its now working fine. I have had no noise a low speeds and have found it to be very accurate. I do however agree with the comments about the cradle. I have an A3 and when mounted it sits right back from the dash and is very fiddly to get at. Although a little gimiky I do like the photo feature. Just by pressing a picture it gets me to my destination, it does however make for some intersting destination pictures ( eg: mother in law is under a picture of “The castle of Doom” ) All in all I like the unit, it is easy to use, full of features and a bit of fun.
4 Adam // Jun 28, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Could you please inform me if yo or anyone else have had a poblem with the Navman S50, as I have a new one, but every time I ask for Southwark Bridge Road, it come up with more than 6 opions, and thereis only one in the uk. Could you please advise m on what I can do as I have only had the navman for 1 week and this is the thrid one I have had with this problem.
Many Thanks and I look forward ohearing from you soon.
5 Dean // Jun 29, 2008 at 2:43 pm
My guess is that all 6 options are for the same street in London, but different areas of the same road.
It may be offering multiple options since there is more than one postcode along that road. If I go onto the Royal Mail website it shows at least 6 different postcodes depending on where you are along that street.
Have you tried entering a postcode instead?
6 Phil // Jul 8, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Just bought one on your recomendation not sure if its an error but it has europe maps as well. Well impressed with build quality any idea where I can get a dash mount from
7 Dean // Jul 8, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Hi Phil,
I couldn’t find a dash mount accessory on the Navman web site. I had a search on Google and did find one, but it uses adhesive so may be difficult to remove later and may leave a mark on your dashboard.
If that doesn’t bother you then let me know and I’ll send you the link.
Looking at the Navman web site you’re correct about the European map coverage too.
8 suese barnes // Aug 24, 2008 at 10:10 am
I agree with everything the reviewer said – the cradle is extrememly frustrating and I have on occasions left the Navman S50 0n the floor of the car, relying on the voice only. I am looking for a universal cradle so I can ditch the one that came with it. Also, have given up on using the blootooth handsfree – it works OK in the house but not in the car.
9 Kate // Oct 1, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Where can I get upgrades for the software on my Sat Nav S50? Obviously routes and roads change and improve etc.
10 Dean // Oct 2, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Kate,
Have a look on the Navman web site. There is a section on software updates.
11 Jay // Oct 6, 2008 at 10:34 pm
My friend bought this and it is very similar to the S90i – but obviously without the camera and other bells/whistles.
The S90i – which I own – is fantastic. Not perfect, obviously, but extremely good, and anyone that sits in my car with it operating is always wowed by it. I love it, and after a software update, it also runs approximately twice as quickly.
12 Alec // Oct 15, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Very interesting article and very helpful.
Am in the early days of finding way round the instructions-all 139 pages of them !
Still yet to find what the slot underneath is for , presume for a card, but what size
13 Dean // Oct 15, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Alec,
It’s just a regular SD card. If you search on Google for “Navman SD card” you will find some examples.
14 jim // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Hi, Dean, just found your comment page. very impressive. I am about to purchase a new satnav, can you recommend the best purchase to make without breaking the bank. thanks Jim
15 Dean // Nov 6, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Hi Jim,
A few simple questions for starters:
(1) What is your budget?
(2) Will you use your sat nav abroad?
(3) Do you want optional features like Bluetooth or Traffic Alerts (TMC)
(4) Do you want text to speech? Instead of saying “Turn left in 50 yards” it will say “Turn left in 50 yards onto Western Avenue”
16 jim // Nov 7, 2008 at 10:04 am
I will not require europe as i have another one to do that.I do at present favour the s50. £100. Must have speed cams. regards Jim
17 jim // Nov 12, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Any answer to the last question Jim
18 ray // Nov 18, 2008 at 12:35 pm
i have a spare sd card i got with my new digi camera, can i use it in my navman , and what do i get from it.
19 lee // Nov 18, 2008 at 2:01 pm
you can store your pics, contacts, sms
20 lee // Nov 18, 2008 at 2:04 pm
can someone tell me why I cant get sms from a Nokia N95 to my Navman?
worked fine with Motorola till phone died, Nokia not as easy!
21 ray // Nov 23, 2008 at 1:06 pm
i noticed the revier thought the womans voice a little harsh and so did i,but you can change this to the male voice option.
22 Dean // Nov 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Jim,
Seems like you’ve made your mind up on the S50. It has speed cams so worth a closer look. Another model you might want to compare with is the Garmin Nuvi 200 widescreen. It is a bit dearer though at just over £100.
23 jim // Nov 25, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Seems like you prefer the garmin 200w. Is that so, and why.
24 Dean // Nov 25, 2008 at 5:41 pm
The Navman is not a bad system and on a price point it is quite good, but in my opinion Garmin overall is the better system.
The Garmin is easier to use, has 6 million points of interest (POI) which I believe is the most any sat nav offers and it has a better designed cradle. Garmin have been producing GPS systems for years and they do a pretty good job of it.
25 MARK // Dec 29, 2008 at 10:49 am
Hi, I have just purchased the S50 3D and registered it on line. My account is now activated. Can you tell me how to get my free map update please? Also how do i use the Secure PIN code lock on the unit and how to Update online with Navman iUpData? And how to install custom POI in the navman? Can i also install 3D images? And there seems to be a problem with POI alerts for the cameras. I’ve ticked both the boxes to alert me with an audible alert and visual alert, Sometimes its ok but sometimes it only gives me an audible and sometimes only gives me a visual or sometimes nothing at all. Can you help me please? Your hopefully Mr M Stringer.
26 Dean // Dec 29, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Hi Mark,
You will receive a free map update when the next one becomes available. I’ve no idea when that will be but they will contact you by email when it becomes available. Typically map updates are released every 12-18 months.
Regarding your remaining questions I suggest you read the user manual and see if that helps at all.
Not sure about the safety camera problem. Might be worth giving Navman a call.
27 Navman S100 Sat Nav First Impressions // Jan 6, 2009 at 10:00 pm
[...] design. This is something we’ve complained about before with previous versions like the Navman S50 and Navman S50 [...]
28 Dan // Jan 19, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I have tried to register my NAVMAN S50 3D online but I can’t find the product code. Can anyone tell me where to find it or some idea of what it looks like.
29 Dean // Jan 19, 2009 at 6:08 pm
There is normally a serial number on the back of the device below the barcode. If you can’t find one there then it may be printed on the outside of the box that your S50 3D came in.
30 Mark // Jan 19, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Hi Dan, When you register your S50 3D online it does not ask for a product code but a serial number. This can be found on the bottom of the device. I rembember some where that they ask me for a purchase order number. I bought mine on line, so it was on the invoice, which they Emailed to me. Hope this was helpful.
31 Navman S50 3D Sat Nav Review // Jan 22, 2009 at 8:34 pm
[...] previously reviewed the Navman S50 before on this web site. Overall the S50 was a reasonable sat nav with a good navigation system, [...]
32 Victor // Feb 21, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Was about to buy the S50 from QVC at what seems like a really good price and after a quick search for it online, I found this review….and I’m so glad I did. Thanks for an excellent review, especially with regard to the window mount/cradle problem. I think I’ll hold off the purchase and shop around maybe for the Garmin or Tom Tom.
33 Dean // Feb 23, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Victor,
Glad you found the review useful. Between Garmin and TomTom you should be able to find a good system to suit your needs.
34 Brent // Mar 7, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Hi, have just acquired S50 3D and I am still deciding whether to keep it or not. I have noticed though that I have only the female voice available, I do not have a choice to change to a male voice, am I missing something ? Also is there a remote available for the 3D version.
35 sam // Mar 9, 2009 at 2:51 pm
hi
ive just bought this navman s50 off QVC which was a gd deal if u registar it b4 a certain date you get the new 2009 maps free
had it as a bday present n i luv it still getting use 2 all its features bt a grate all rounder just one question tho dose anyone no where i can find alternate voices for it like funny ones ive looked on the navman site and ther dosent appear 2 be any on ther found some on one site bt you have to pay for them and im not 2 sure if the site is trust wrthy n hw gd the voices are
thx
36 Dean // Mar 9, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Hi Sam,
There are funny voices available, but as you mention I don’t know how trustworthy they are.
The Navman voices web site looks OK. There is a link to some demo videos of the voices in action on YouTube.
37 Mandy Wright // Mar 27, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I am finding it difficult to register my Navman that i purchased from qvc Have tried the link given but have been unable to register any ideas as it’s getting near the closing date.
38 Dean // Mar 27, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Mandy,
Have you tried the Navman UK home page. There is a product registration link on that page.
If that doesn’t work try giving them a call on 01293 780950.
39 sam // Mar 28, 2009 at 9:55 am
Mandy
i had trouble with registrating as well as i wasnt sure about the order number if this is wot ur stuck on then ring qvc up and they will give you the order number it only took 2 mins on the phone and it re did registration and worked fine hope this helps
40 Mandy Wright // Mar 30, 2009 at 8:54 am
Hi Sam , Thanks for replying But i do have all my details to hand but are unable to find the place to put the information any advice for this ?Cheers Mandy
41 Janet Burdon // Apr 9, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi Sam I bought a Navman from QVC for my neice as a birthday present. Her birthday was only yesterday and as only just opened it have missed the registration date for free map update. I have spent over an hour an don’t seem to be able to register it or find any contact number re this problem.
Thanks.
42 David // May 18, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I live in Northern Ireland has anyone tried the navman S50 over here .As i had bought a navman a few years ago and it would not find its way out off my street.I am thinking of upgrading to a new sat nav and was looking at the S50
43 Neil // May 31, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Can anyone help my satnav starts up and then freezes ?
44 Dean // May 31, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Have you tried doing a factory reset?
45 ROBERT // Jun 5, 2009 at 7:50 pm
CAN I USE MY PHONE XDA ORBIT AC ADAPTER DC OUTPUT: 5v and 1A FOR THE S50
46 Dean // Jun 5, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Robert,
I don’t know the answer to your question, but you could try asking you question here:
http://www.4winmobile.com/forums/htc-artemis/
47 ROBERT // Jun 6, 2009 at 12:54 am
DEAN// THANK ‘S FOR YOUR ADVICE IT WAS APPRECIATED AND IT WILL WORK.
48 Mandy Wright // Jun 7, 2009 at 8:41 am
Jayne try ringing QVC they talked me through the process of registration as i had also had problems you can also register on Navman but that doesnt get you the free update this offer has now closed but worth registering to recieve other up dates good luck Mandy
49 Keith // Jun 9, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Those thinking of the S50 may wish to know that Morrisons are selling the unit at £70 at the moment. Should make up the minds of the wavering few!
50 Tom // Jun 17, 2009 at 8:02 am
hello
thinking of buying a sat nav got about £100 to spend. would like one with speed cameras alert. Any suggestions
51 Dean // Jun 17, 2009 at 8:14 am
Tom,
The Garmin Nuvi 250W is selling on Amazon for just under £100 at the moment. It has been a popular with readers on this site for the last couple of years.
The Garmin Nuvi 255 (non widescreen) is another option to consider too.
52 STEW // Jun 18, 2009 at 1:31 pm
JUST GOT A NAVMAN S50 3D AND ALL I GET IS A WOMAN WITH HER HEAD OUT OF A CAR
53 Zoe // Jun 25, 2009 at 8:22 am
I haven’t managed to get my S50 to work yet. It powers up ok, and locates me via GPS, but as soon as I press any menu buttons the system resets itself back to the original safety question and navigation questions 1-9.
54 Dean // Jun 25, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Zoe,
Try doing a hard reset as follows:
Hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds and the device will power off. Then press and hold the power button to turn the device back on.
See if that fixes it.
55 Zoe // Jul 6, 2009 at 9:05 am
Dean, thanks for the advice. Unfortunately it did not resolve the problem.
However I did find another method which involved backing up the system, formatting the unit, and then re-installing all the software. It works perfectly now.
56 Dean // Jul 6, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Zoe,
OK thanks for posting your solution here. Others may find that information useful.
57 Glyn // Jul 16, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I have seen an offer for a Navman F37M, I can not seem to find this model on the web, can anyone point me in the right direction to get spec for this satnav.
58 Dean // Jul 16, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I can’t find this model either. The nearest I can find is the discontinued Navman F30.
59 Manwelo // Jul 17, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hello
The f37 is exclusive to Morrisons. It is currently on offer at £60. I bought one myself and I think it is easier to use than my brothers S70. It’s a bargain but hurry, offer ends on Sunday (19/07/2009)!
Hope this helps!
60 Glyn // Jul 17, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Dean / Manwelo Thanks for the info.
61 Manwelo // Jul 17, 2009 at 8:05 pm
You’re welcome…although I actually just read you’re post properly and you wanted the spec… well its listed on ebay and the description basically says whats on the back of the box http://tinyurl.com/lkymsd
it also features full postcode search and speed camera warning.
62 Steve // Aug 6, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi – I’ve just seemed to be able to set a destination in Germany on my S50 by unchecking the “Avoid Ferries” option and it’s calclated a route! Does anyone know if it will work on the continent as we are due to drive to Germany at the weekend and I don’t want to be left in the lurch!!
Cheers Steve
63 Dean // Aug 6, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Steve,
The S50 comes with regional map data for UK and Ireland. I don’t think it will work on the continent unless additional maps are purchased. You could always contact Navman to be certain.
64 Steve // Aug 6, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Thanks Dean
65 GARETH REES // Aug 27, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Hi I have just purchased this product and Im pleased with my purchase. Is there any way to get the sat nav to display the current road speed, not just the speed im driving?
Thanks
66 Dean // Aug 27, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Gareth,
I don’t have one of these to hand to answer your question but I think the answer is no. I know it works on the Navman S100 though. Someone else may be able to give you a definitive answer.
67 gary // Aug 29, 2009 at 8:31 pm
the navman f37m is now on offer at morrisons 4 £60 seems prity good got it today . the only prob is there is no mains charger.
68 Keith Woolford // Aug 30, 2009 at 8:56 am
Having snatched the very keenly priced S50 3D from Morrisons two months ago, I brought a mains charger from iBox Ltd (thru’ Amazon) costing £0.88 + £1.99 p&p = £2.84, arriving at the speed of light!
69 Dean // Aug 30, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Thanks Keith,
Here is the link to Amazon if anyone needs it:
Navman Mains Charger
70 Steve Brown // Sep 2, 2009 at 12:23 am
Bought this device because of the `free` 2009 map update but you try and get it to work!.I have the disc that came with the Navman S50 (navdesk 2008) but when you try and update it to 2009 version it just doesn`t work (have tried on two different computers) so i am not happy with Navman.I also find the `customer support` a joke,they only answer some emails,will but another brand next time.
71 dave // Oct 2, 2009 at 3:05 am
Hi guys
can some one please tell me how to delete recent address out of my navman . I have the s50 model and can’t seem to be able to delete any of my recent addresses on it
72 Dean // Oct 3, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Dave,
If you go to page 3 of the preferences screen there is an option called ‘Saved Info’ where you should be able to delete user data like recent addresses, favourites, etc.
73 dave // Oct 5, 2009 at 3:11 am
Thanks Dean,
That has done the trick much appreciated
for your help.
74 DAVE R . // Oct 8, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I HAVE OLD F40 WITH ALL CABLES AND B2 UNIT WHICH IS UP THE SWANNY . HAVE JUST PURCHASED NEW S50 . WILL ALL CABLES AND B2 UNIT AND OLD NAVMAN F-SERIES OF WESTERN EUROPE FROM F40 FIT S5O . CHEERS .
75 Dean // Oct 8, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Hi Dave,
I don’t know the answer but my guess is the maps will not be compatible. As for the cables they may work, worth giving it a go.
76 DAVE R . // Oct 9, 2009 at 12:09 pm
THANKS DEAN FOR PROMT ANSWERE . IT SAYS IN WRITE UP THAT THE C50 HAS INTERGRATED BLUETOOTH . DOES THIS MEAN THAT MY B2 UNIT FROM F40 IS NO LONGER NEEDED OR WILL I HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW BLUETOOTH UNIT .THANKS . DAVE
77 Dean // Oct 9, 2009 at 4:32 pm
The S50 has integrated bluetooth so you don’t need anything else.
78 hade // Oct 11, 2009 at 11:31 pm
hiya, just bought the navman s 50, but i find the 3d map is a bit slow, after turning a corner the graphics is still pointing straight and it takes a while to catch up. Is this normal or have i got a faulty one..thanks..
79 Manwello // Oct 11, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Hade,
Most satnavs, navman included, have about a 2-3 second delay. so you turn the corner and then about 2 seconds later, the map updates. if this is the case then its normal, but if the delay is a lot longer, you may want to return it.
Hope this helps
80 hade // Oct 11, 2009 at 11:58 pm
thanks manwello for the quick reply. it does take a bit longer than that. i may take it back then.
thanks again.
81 happyhammer // Oct 12, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Hi All.
Right my Father in law just bought the F37M as I know it’s a deal with Morrisons. But if you cant find the model on the Navman site how can you buy, say the traffic cradle for it? thank’s for any help or suggestions given.
82 amar // Dec 9, 2009 at 10:33 am
want to buy vavmans50 charger please suggest me from where and how to buy
83 Dean // Dec 9, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Try eBay or do a search on Google for suppliers.
84 steve // Dec 26, 2009 at 11:21 am
hi can`t seem to change female voice to male voice do i have to download software to do this
85 Dean // Dec 26, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Steve,
Go to preferences, scroll to the second screen and select Language. You can change the voice there.
86 Bob // Dec 30, 2009 at 12:47 am
I am having a problem with my wall charger when connected to the S50. The unit thinks that it is communicating to a PC and shows the screen that is used when hooked into Navdesk and will not give me access to the user screens. The charger is supplying 600mA compared to the 800mA from the car charger, which works perfectly.
I don’t have this problem with my other GPS which is an S45.
Would a wall charger with a higher output overcome this situation?
Bob
87 Dean // Dec 30, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Hi Bob,
I haven’t tested a wall charger with the Navman S50 so not sure how it behaves. Have you been able to previously access the user screens whilst using the wall charger, or has it never worked?
You could try a higher output charger but not sure it will make any difference.
88 hade // Dec 30, 2009 at 1:14 pm
hi bob,
the wall charger is just for charging the unit mine does the same, i plug mine in and hit the power button off and it charges. if you want to make changes and charge the unit the same time plug it in a pc.
89 Ryan // Dec 30, 2009 at 8:20 pm
The GPS is slow on when you first start it up, then, after multiple uses, the GPS will become quick.
Every GPS system needs time at the beggining to establish a signal!
90 Bob // Dec 30, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Dean,
that is the difficulty. When I use the same charger with the S45, it continues to allow access to the user screens whereas with the S50, NO WAY! And yet the S50 is fine when being powered by the car charger, with the “same” style plug, (mini USB).
Hade, I want (and at times, need) to be able to charge AND make changes at the same time. I don’t know how you are able to achieve this by plugging into a PC. As soon as I do this, I get the “communicating with a PC” screen and that is exactly what I do NOT want. If you could let me know the secret to this I would be obliged.
Regards,
Bob
91 steve // Dec 30, 2009 at 9:52 pm
hi dean tried to do you what you said about male voice on prefrences no male voice there
92 Dean // Dec 31, 2009 at 10:06 am
Steve,
Sounds like you’re stuck with the female voice then. Sorry about that, I thought a male voice was available.
93 hade // Dec 31, 2009 at 1:10 pm
hi bob.
have you installed the disc on the pc that came with the navman? when i plug my navman into the pc and open the program it picks the navman up automatically. you can download and update the navmans software aswell then.
94 Bob // Dec 31, 2009 at 11:26 pm
g’day Hade,
I have no problem getting the S50 to communicate with Navdesk but what I want to do is to be able to set up “favourites”, configure “Multi-stop Trip Planner” as well as tweak the other options that are available to the unit, and because this sometimes takes quite some time, it is best if the wall charger is the power supply rather than run out of battery half way through. If this can be done by using it when connected to the PC, please give me the clues. It would be much appreciated.
If only someone can explain why the unit behaves one way when getting its 5v from the car power than when it is getting its 5v from a wall chargers. BUT, are all wall chargers giving the same results. Do some allow access while others don’t?? Someone out there might be using a wall charger and still be able to access the screens, just as I can with my S45!!
Regards and thanks,
Bob
95 JohnOz // Jan 11, 2010 at 2:15 pm
My non pc lit friend bought a NavMan SD50 3D and it apparently worked very well for about a year, then it says no maps found on start-up. Does he have to buy new maps each year or has caused a problem? He and his co-driver are LTI Hackney Cab drivers. I intend to help them to fix maps and use bluetooth for two phones. I assume this is possible? Given the problems registering for free maps I assume they are the 2007 / 08 maps. Which website / link pls.
96 Dean // Jan 11, 2010 at 4:53 pm
JohnOz,
The Navman should not suddenly stop working so sounds like a fault somewhere.
Here is a link to the Navman web site. Then click the Customer Support link.
97 Bob // Jan 11, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Re my previous posts (starting at #86 ) I have managed to solve the problem.
I have bought a “no name” wall charger which has an output of 1000mA as compared to the 600mA of my other charger and the 800mA of the car chargers.
The S50 can now be charged on my desk and at the same time give me access to the user screens. Exactly what I was after.
Why the S50 needs the higher output but my S45 is happy with just the 600mA is an interesting question but one that does not create problems, at least not any more.
Bob
98 Dean // Jan 12, 2010 at 8:11 am
Thanks for letting us know Bob, interesting why it works with the higher power output.
99 mark // May 20, 2010 at 5:54 pm
S503d worked fine until i went to wales! Now all i can get is a “Fatal Application Error” screen , any suggestions as the Navman (now Mio) website is a ‘mare that just takes you round in circles!
100 Dean // May 20, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Rob,
I’ve heard this problem reported a few times. Not sure whether it is a hardware or software fault. I’d try and give them a call. If you get any luck let us know.
101 Artur // Jul 17, 2010 at 5:16 pm
I have a Navman S50 and I accept crashes when route directions. also tried to reset, but I already push the final stage is also suspended in August. assistance.
102 mark // Jul 18, 2010 at 10:08 am
I believe navman offer a 2 year warranty!
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