Navigon 1400 GPS unit

The Navigon 1400 is an entry-level GPS unit with a handy pedestrian mode. It's one of the smallest and lightest GPS units we've reviewed and it offers excellent value for money.

The Navigon 1400 lacks the glossy plastic and chrome edging of more expensive models, but its matte black case feels reasonably well constructed.

The smaller size of the Navigon 1400 means it comes with a different window mount to other models. Unfortunately, it is large and bulky, and requires minor assembly when first opened, though it attaches to the windscreen without any issues.

The Navigon 1400 has a small, 3.5in display with a rather low resolution. It's fine for displaying most content, including the map, but viewing angles are poor and the screen isn't as bright or clear as displays on more expensive models. Thankfully, it's largely effective and it's responsive when tapped, and the Navigon user interface is relatively easy to use. It does lack the polish of interfaces from better known GPS brands like TomTom and Garmin.

The small display means the on-screen keyboard is somewhat cramped, and the fact that you can't change its layout from ABC to QWERTY is frustrating. Address input is a three-stage process of typing the city, street name and house number.

Once you've entered your destination the route summary screen is displayed. Navigon's MyRoutes is displayed here — it's a feature that is claimed to learn from the user's past driving experiences. For example, if certain roads take too long at particular times, MyRoutes will avoid them in future routes at those times. The MyRoutes feature is most useful for people who would use the GPS device on a daily basis (such as couriers or taxi drivers). Up to three route options are displayed with an approximate time for each — one of these is a MyRoutes option, highlighted green.

The Navigon interface uses variously sized and placed information boxes on the map screen. The next turn icons are one of the better features, as are the conveniently placed volume buttons. We found the text-to-speech voice to be loud and clear but it can struggle when pronouncing street names. The unit is fast to reroute when straying off course, and is also snappy at picking up and maintaining a GPS signal when turned on.

The Navigon 1400 has a "Last Mile" feature, allowing you to save the location of your car after parking. When you go to collect your car, you will be navigated on foot in pedestrian mode. This is handy for outdoor car parks, but not so useful in concrete, multi-tiered shopping centre car parks, as the unit won't be able to receive a GPS signal.

The Navigon 1400 GPS unit lacks full lane assistance but does include Reality View and Real Road Signs, the former designed to enhance the experience when changing lanes or exiting and entering freeways or motorways, and the latter showing the speed limit for most roads. The Navigon 1400 also has speed and red-light camera alerts, school zone warnings and notifications for bus lanes, accident black spots and railway crossings — all of these are available free out of the box.

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