The best inexpensive tablets for GPS navigation. Do you need a car tablet navigator, and why is it better than other car gadgets?

If previously people traveled by car and used maps for navigation, now this is no longer necessary. Comfortable ones invented car navigators, allowing you to perfectly navigate on any terrain. Today it is convenient, practical and allows you to save a lot of your personal time.

If you needed free navigator on a tablet or smartphone, then this article will help you choose it. It is devoted to a description of navigator applications for Android. You can find out which ones are the best and why. You will also choose a convenient navigator without the Internet for Android.

Navigator "Yandex"

This is a full-fledged GPS navigator for Android. It allows you to quickly and efficiently plot a route to the desired address, highways, any attraction (museum, monument), another city. It should be noted that the Yandex navigator takes into account street closures and even traffic jams. This allows you to always be sure that the shortest and most convenient route will be offered.

This navigator contains maps of the main highways of the planet, but routing is available exclusively within the territory Russian Federation and Ukraine. Detailed maps settlements the countries listed above are drawn in detail, therefore, the application will be convenient for the population.

Does the navigator work without the Internet? Yandex can work in You will need to download the desired card to the memory of a smartphone or tablet. But the search various objects(shops, monuments, schools, restaurants, hotels) and building a route on Android requires the transfer of network data. This means that you can only see electronic card. Consequently, without the Internet, like an Android device, it will work limited.

Advantages of the application

• Voice prompts (choose male or female).
• Control the navigator using voice commands.
• Possibility of adding traffic events.
• Online indicator of traffic congestion.
• Search possible the right roads and objects.
• MTS subscribers are provided with free unlimited traffic.

"Navitel"

Navigation system in a compact application. Now Navitel is considered one of best apps for Android. Many will ask: why? Because this navigator works without an Internet connection.

When setting up, you need to download maps from the Internet to your computer, and then download them to your tablet or smartphone. The application works using a GPS satellite, quickly builds a route and searches for the necessary objects.

Additional services (requires internet connection):

• free map updates;
• various services (“Traffic”, “Friends”, “Weather”).

You need to remember that the application is free only for the first 30 days, after which you need to purchase a license. Navitel works well in most CIS countries and the European Union. The application also has the function of optimal route selection and can connect to traffic police video cameras.

OsmAnd

OsmAnd is a navigator without the Internet for Android. If you need navigation in offline mode, then this application will be convenient for you. You need to download the maps and you can easily plot your route. Voice prompts help navigate the area. It is possible to go back along the track.

Some points in management. The destination point on the screen is indicated by a red flag. Orientation follows the red arrow, which indicates the desired direction. The ability to create and edit various objects is available (your data is transferred to the application servers). This means that you can independently mark on the map the place where a monument or some restaurant or cafe is located.

An excellent navigator without the Internet for Android. But remember that the free version of the application allows you to download only ten cards.

CoPilot

Another good navigator without internet for Android. It provides excellent detailed maps all over the world, they are updated monthly. It’s interesting that when building a route, this navigator offers three route options - the main one and two alternative ones. There is a convenient walking mode (for pedestrians) - absolutely all small buildings and any shops are indicated on the map. There is a feature that allows you to publish to in social networks(“Twitter”, “Facebook”) information about your route and location. One of distinctive features- you can make calls from your smartphone without leaving the navigator.

The application is completely free. But there is a full version of it (it's paid), which additionally provides voice prompts and gives access to maps in 3D mode.

In the life of every motorist, it happens that you find yourself in unfamiliar places. Often in such situations the question arises: is my car moving in the right direction? This issue can be easily resolved. Nowadays, almost every family has a tablet computer, but, unfortunately, not many know how to make a navigator out of a tablet. But with its help you can easily find the right direction to the object you are interested in, the nearest cafes, gas stations, service stations.

The easiest option is to buy a tablet with a navigator. You just need to learn how to use the device. Let's look at another option. Let's say the tablet is already in stock. How can I find out whether it can be used as a navigator or not? It won't be difficult.

Checking the connection

• Turn on the tablet device;
• go to applications;
• download the maps of interest to your device from the playmarket;
• in the settings we find the “Location” option;
• We select the location data that is suitable for us and see if there is an item - GPS satellites.

This seems to have been sorted out, but how to use the tablet with the navigator function further? If you are in mobile internet, it is better to switch to Wi-Fi, you will need to download a lot of different things, and through the latter it is several times faster and cheaper. We took the device based on Android based, so it's better to use the app Google Maps or as it is also called Google map. It is located in the main menu of your device. We establish our location during the first turn on. We find an icon on the screen in the form of an arrow pointing upward, which shows the direction of our movement. It is he who will guide our route throughout the entire journey.

Here you can find a route to an object by indicating your location and the point of the object itself. The application will draw your route on the map and show the average time you will spend on the road. There is even an option that when you enter travel time into the database, a route will be selected for you that will take exactly the amount of time you planned.

But what to do if you want to use a tablet navigator without an Internet connection, and besides, the device does not support GPS? In this case, we recommend using an external GPS receiver. There are two connection methods, which one to use depends on technical characteristics your device.

Important! Some are not compatible with specific models tablets.

Therefore, before purchasing a receiver, make sure it matches your tablet computer.

In the video you can clearly see how the tablet works as a navigator:

First connection method. Via Bluetooth

Turn on the tablet and module. On the first one, we connect Bluetooth and wait until they start interacting.

Next, set a password to connect devices to each other (usually the password is three zeros). In the tablet settings, we allow the use of GPS to determine location. Thus, we have a full-fledged navigator or tablet with GPS.

If the navigator does not connect to the module, you will need to download from Play Market bluetooth program GPS Provider. You will have to run it before each time you turn on the navigator on your tablet.

The second connection method is via USB

The first option is a little simpler than this one. First, download and launch USB program GPS 4 Droid. During its operation, mark Start-Stop GPS with a quotation mark. With these actions we activate the Choose GPS device speed item, where you need to enter the code that is indicated on the receiver. Next, in the tablet settings, go to the “For Developers” application, and mark the “Fictitious location” column in it. Everything is ready, launch the navigator and check its operation.

Variety of navigation options software for android pleases the eye, but at the same time frightens an inexperienced person with its quantity. You have a choice - use the free version or buy the program in a specialized store, download and install the navigator on your tablet for free.

Necessary properties for a tablet navigator

There is no point in using devices with a diameter of less than 5 inches for these purposes. A tablet of 10 inches or more is a completely different matter. Everything will be perfectly visible on it, but a very large one will reduce the visibility for the driver. Therefore, the most optimal device for using a tablet as a navigator in a car would be a device with a screen size of 7-8 inches.

Which operating system A tablet for a navigator is preferable, naturally - android. The advantage over others is ease of operation and installation, transparency of settings and a greater number of various devices. When purchasing a new device, it is best to purchase a tablet with GPS and 3G support. Although all tablets currently offered have fairly strong components that can cope with almost any task. But still, the presence of GPS guarantees that there will be no need to purchase an additional module, and 3G will allow you to use the device to a greater extent and allow you to deal with traffic jams while the car is moving.

Not all manufacturers include the device with a holder. Therefore, you should think in advance about how you will use the navigator on your tablet while the car is moving.

If the tablet navigator program is not installed on your device, you will have to choose one of many navigation applications. Domestic manufacturers and application developers offer a variety of high-quality products to choose from, located on high level. Let's look at a few of the most common ones.

Navitel Navigator

The application actively leads in the number of users of smartphones, tablets and navigators. It accounts for about 60% of all sales and downloads. It differs in that it is multi-platform and supports large quantity different languages. Navitel Navigator also has an extended technical support.

This application is one of the most popular Yandex developments. All maps in this application are updated and downloaded to the device gradually, as needed. Its advantage is the ability to view photographs of monuments, landmarks and buildings that other users post online. Another plus is that the application has a module voice prompts.

The fact that this domestic development is highly functional applications it says that the Tolyatti Automobile Plant installs it on the built-in navigators of its cars, and the commercial licensed version of the application is used by many transport companies. The main advantage is the presence of “Traffic 2.0” technology. It displays the situation much faster than its competitors (Navitel or ProGorod).

Operating this application is simple and does not require any additional skills. The advantage is the presence of a system of dynamic corrections that reflect real situations occurring on the road.

One of the widely used navigators that do not require the Internet. The destination is indicated by a red flag; you can set it with a dot on the map or by entering a specific address in the search bar. The downside is that the free version of the application allows you to download only 10 maps.

Free version works without interruption and guides the user through 2D maps. All downloaded maps are updated at least once a month. The downside is the lack of voice prompts and limited access to 3D maps. These options are only available in paid version applications.

Benefits of using 3G GPS in a car

1. Calculate average fuel consumption and calculate the cost of the distance traveled.
2. Checks the accuracy of the car's speedometer.
3. Will help you find a hotel, cafe or store with an ATM.
4. With it, you will be able to view the weather forecast or news via the Internet.
5. Check your email or social media page.
6. Play a game or watch a movie at the stop.
7. Capacity battery tablet computer higher than on navigators.

But most of the above is available by installing the appropriate programs and applications (software) on the device.

Disadvantages of using a tablet as a navigator in a car

To a greater extent, for tablets there is no panel mount, so you will have to figure it out yourself. The GPS module is powerful only on expensive models; the use of cheaper devices risks that the signal may periodically disappear (for large cities this may occur when driving through tunnels, bridges and overpasses).

Currently Chinese manufacturers offer their customers a tablet with a TV tuner and a navigator, as well as a tablet navigator and a DVR. These devices, as a rule, belong to little-known manufacturers, but they differ from branded ones in their wide functionality. Their prices are naturally lower than those of well-known brands.

Attention! In the event of a breakdown or any malfunction, the user will have to decide whether to repair or return Money by mailing the device at your own expense to the Middle Kingdom.

When purchasing a branded device, just contact service center repairing phones, laptops, navigators, tablets and other equipment.

It is physically impossible to know every street. Well, what to do if you find yourself in a huge foreign city? Get lost? No. Not in our age and not with our technologies. Now almost everyone has such a thing as a tablet. And today we are talking about how to make a navigator out of a tablet.

Preparation and miraculous transformation

The very concept of “navigator” implies: an assistant in terrain orientation. And our faithful friend the tablet will solve this issue for us if we help him a little. Whether we walk or walk, the tablet doesn’t really care. This is a question for the software being installed. But more about it below.

Now let’s figure out whether our tablet can act as a navigator. So where to start? If until now we didn’t have the information on our tablet, then it’s time to master it.

Step by step to a miracle

Go to “Settings”, which is in the “Applications” menu, and look at the “Location” button there. She is - hurray! We are on on the right track. Next, we look for “ GPS satellites" Found it? Look how it's flooded. The “companions” immediately celebrated. And we realized that we have a navigator for the tablet.

To further advance along the chosen path, we will be provided with maps of the area. There are a lot of them. The most convenient and therefore popular are Google maps and Yandex maps. And since the base of our device is called Android, we are happy to use the first one, i.e. Google.

Video on how to enable GPS on Android:

Oh almighty Google Maps

We access the application from the main menu of the tablet. The first time the program meets us, it will ask you to indicate our location. Which is what we do. I advise you to switch to a Wi-Fi connection at this stage, if you haven’t already, because you will have to download a lot.

Car owners will appreciate this application. Here you can immediately specify two points (start and end) and plot the desired route. We can even set the travel time that we would like to spend on this trip. We can access Google Navigator using the icon with an up arrow. After all the operations performed, we can view in detail the entire laid path, and there is also a menu that controls the tablet.

If the manufacturer does not provide cards

Here's the problem: when we carried out the first steps in searching for a navigator program on a tablet, which are described at the beginning of the article, we discovered that it was missing. It's no big deal. We don’t worry, but install maps from the Play Market ourselves (when we have Android, if not, there are maps for any platform). And then everything follows the previously stated scenario.

Here I want to pay tribute to Yandex maps. Even if the manufacturer deprived us of a navigator in the configuration of the device, this application determines the location using Wi-Fi connections and works with A-GPS.

And in fairness, I’ll mention a few more good applications that you can install and not regret about it:

These are the applications that allow you to use your tablet as a navigator. Next, let's look at what there are that allow us to do this. After all, in order for everything to work out, our tablet must have a built-in GPS module.

Models with GPS, all the pros and cons

Today, you probably won’t find a tablet that doesn’t have a built-in GPS module. But we are concerned about something else: will such a device work as well as a GPS navigator specifically designed for terrain navigation? Will. And in some aspects, a tablet is even better than a dedicated GPS device.

Brief overview of tablets

Now we know how to use a tablet as a navigator, and below are some models of tablet devices in different price categories and with various possibilities:

Pros and cons of our idea

Modern tablets have all the qualities of GPS navigators that allow them to be used in a car. Well, in what ways they are superior and in what ways they are inferior, let’s look further.

Here are the pros and cons. The conclusion from all of the above is the following: a tablet is a worthy replacement for a navigator. But if we want to replace the navigator with a tablet, then the latter should be medium or High Quality . Then this replacement will be complete and will not cause us any complaints. But Chinese ones are not suitable for these purposes due to their low navigation parameters, and the hardware itself in general.

Please add comments to the article below and express your opinion on the topic.

In a small town it is very easy to remember the location of streets and avenues. And when you imagine a map of a large and especially unfamiliar metropolis, it becomes really scary. Fortunately, today there are many GPS navigators that will prevent tourists from getting lost in a new city. IN Lately Drivers are increasingly using their tablets as an assistant on the road: it is much more convenient and cheaper than buying a separate device. Read below to learn how to turn your tablet into a navigator.

Transformation process

What is a navigator? This is a help in case of problems with orientation in the city or outside it. This technology does not matter whether we walk or travel by car. In general, is it possible to use a tablet as such a newfangled card? Yes, of course you can. The most important thing is that the device has a navigation function.

Instructions

Turn on the tablet and look at the application settings. Do you see the “Location” item? Great, now click and go to “GPS Satellites”. If all this is present in the device, then your tablet can function as a navigator. For its full operation, download these popular apps, like Google and Yandex maps. You can load a map of any city into them, and in general, these navigation giants will be understandable to any user.

If the choice fell on Google Maps

After launch, you need to indicate your location. At this stage, you will have to download a lot of files, so it would be wiser to connect to Wi-fi than to waste traffic from the SIM card.

This navigation app is highly appreciated by experienced drivers. After all, you can specify point A (beginning) and B (end), and the program will independently provide you with several travel options. To choose the most convenient and optimal route, set the time you want to spend. Have you decided? Now you can zoom in on the map fragments and see your path in detail.

If the tablet supports navigation

There's really nothing wrong with that. Yes, this problem overtook you at the very beginning of the article, but everything is not so bad. In order not to get lost while traveling, we will install it ourselves navigation maps from App Store or Play Market. A further instructions already described above.

In addition to the Google Maps already discussed, the following navigation applications can be noted:

• Yandex maps, which are in no way inferior to their counterpart from Google. The program interface is very simple; in addition, it will calculate the mileage for you and show the traffic congestion.
• Navitel Navigator. The application attracts drivers with good drawing of maps and precise navigation. Navitel is designed for traveling not only in Russia, but also in Europe and the CIS countries. They say about this program: “it will lead you where you need to go.”
• Sygic GPS Navigator, which you will have to pay to operate. However, after purchasing them, you gain possession of many cards and the ability to constant update. It is also allowed to adjust the program interface for ease of use.
• Maverick GPS Navigation boasts its ability to work with offline maps. They will also show you your speed and quickly calculate your coordinates.

So, these are all the most popular applications, by installing which you can easily use your tablet as a navigator. Read below to find out which device is best suited for this purpose. By the way, if you want to choose a device yourself, then remember that the tablet must have a built-in GPS module.

What kind of navigation tablet can you buy:

1. Samsung Galaxy TAB 2 10.1 GT-P5100 Titanium Silver. This device includes high-quality speakers, a nice design and fast operation. On such a device you can not only download maps, but also movies, and then watch them with the whole family.
2. FreeLander PD20, a budget option to buy a tablet. I would also like to note for a long time battery life devices and speed when searching for satellites. For drivers, this model is perfect.
3. Superpad Flytouch 4 3G. Its advantages are large volume random access memory, multi-touch function and processor power. This tablet will handle a lot of applications, movies and music.
4. Digma iDn7 3G. Included with this device you will find a special mount for installing the tablet in the car. It also supports most Yandex applications, which work perfectly with each other. This way, you can get the latest traffic information while driving.
5. Treelogic Gravis 72G 8Gb. The model has a navigation module and antenna that process satellite data with maximum accuracy. The “Navitel Navigator” program is automatically installed on the tablet. You will also be pleased with the extensive multimedia functions of the device.

Advantages and disadvantages of a tablet navigator

Clear advantages:

• Display size. Navigators have a much smaller screen, and the largest screen diagonal will make working with navigation applications much easier. That is, it will be easier to zoom in on map fragments and click on the icon in the menu.
• Possibility of Internet access. Using this function of the tablet, you can find out about traffic jams, see the opening hours of any store or cinema, as well as clarify and adjust the route during the trip.
• Powerful processor, allowing you to download and install maps as quickly as possible. Moreover, you can download many games and movies onto your tablet without any problems. The device will not slow down under such a load.
• Long work battery Navigators are clearly inferior to tablets in this regard. When traveling, convenience comes first. And if the navigator quickly runs out, you will have to constantly stop and charge it.
• Big choice applications for orientation. The driver can quickly download any program he likes from the Internet, but the navigator does not have this option.

Minuses:

• No fastening. There is no special stand for a tablet in the car, so you will need to look for one in stores, since it is extremely inconvenient to use it.
• Weak GPS module cheaper tablets, and therefore weak signal satellite However, if you purchased an expensive and quality tablet, then this problem will not affect you in any way. Yes, it won’t be exactly budget-friendly, but for this money you buy not only a tablet, but also a lot of functionality.
• Many drivers are not satisfied with the wide screen of the tablet, which gets in the way full review. To do this, carefully consider where it is best to mount the device to avoid such a problem.

Of course, to each his own. But we can summarize: tablets can replace navigators. Remember, choose a quality device, do not skimp on yourself. Subsequently, because of the Chinese analogue, you may get lost and take a long time to find your way back.

When in an unfamiliar area, the user may need to find his way home, or to the nearest diner, or a place to stay for the night. His faithful companions can help him with this - a smartphone or tablet with a navigator. To use them correctly, you need to carry out a number of simple steps.

How to find out if your tablet has a navigator

To do this you need:

1. Find the “Settings” item in the application menu and go there.
2. In the device settings, go to the “Location” item. There you will be offered a number of options for determining your location. Check if there is a “GPS Satellites” item. If it is present, mark it.

• Using a tablet as a navigator means running on it special application with cards. Most Android devices come with various applications, one of which is the GoogleMaps navigator, called “Maps”. Find it in the main menu and launch it. When you first launch, you will be asked to allow the application to determine your location, as well as turn on Wi-Fi in order to avoid traffic costs.

1. Click on the pointer icon. In the window that appears, you will be asked to get directions from the place where you are.
2. As an example, let’s enter the Lukyanovskaya metro station in the “End point” line. Click on the “Get directions” button. The application will display an image of a map with a route on it, as well as the estimated time in which you can get to your destination.

• Click on the menu button. The drop-down list will offer additional options working with Navigator.

1. Entire route – allows you to see the entire path to be taken.
2. Route details – detailed description all turns and routes.
3. Sound off/on – allows you to turn off sound alerts when working with Navigator.
4. Layers – this option marks traffic jams, tourist spots, gas stations, ATMs, banks, restaurants, as well as a satellite view.

• To center the map on your location, just click on the icon with a blue arrow.

Tablet navigator: Video

How to install GPS on a tablet

There is a possibility that your tablet does not have Google Maps and Navigator pre-installed. In order to download them, you need to go to the applications menu and find PlayMarket. IN search bar you need to enter " Google Maps" and install the application.

There are also alternative programs For using GPS on a tablet, for example GLONASS. The rest are listed below:

If you are a competitor, then be in everything. Russian search system Yandex could not ignore such a valuable modern world direction like GPS navigation. Just like most other map providers, we are given the option to download maps before use or download them on the fly via the Internet. Interesting feature Yandex Maps has so-called folk cards, which are edited according to the principle “traveler for traveler”.
If your tablet is not equipped with a GPS receiver, this is not an obstacle for Yandex, which can work with A-GPS and determine the user's location by location cell towers and Wi-Fi.

Navitel Navigator

Navitel Navigator is a powerful navigator application that works in the CIS countries and Europe. Usage and functionality are performed at a high level.

Among the features of the program it is worth highlighting:

• 2D and 3D maps;
• convenient work with both a tablet and a smartphone;
• correct and detailed display of various objects on the map.

Unfortunately, this program is paid, but this is not the only drawback. The demands on the tablet's hardware resources also make themselves felt when you need a smooth and enjoyable experience with this application.