What is better: a tablet or a navigator for a car? Do you need a car tablet navigator, and why is it better than other car gadgets?

Today, thanks to the development of operating systems and navigation technologies that are offered with them, the lines that were previously between navigators and tablet computers (or phones) have been erased. Today, every gadget can be called universal - one that solves several problems at once.

In this article we will talk about how to find and choose the right tablet with a navigator. We’ll also tell you whether there are differences between it and a simple tablet computer, as well as how to find an affordable solution: save money and at the same time have a reliable assistant at hand who can give you the right directions.

Tablets today

Let's start with the fact that previously a navigator was understood as a separate electronic gadget responsible for tracking location and providing information about the further route of movement. Given this functionality, it is not surprising that navigators are most often used by drivers to know how to shorten the route, where traffic jams are currently occurring, how to get to the desired destination, and so on. They did not perform any other functions, except for those described above.

Today the situation has changed. Any smartphone or tablet running an operating system can perform this task just as effectively. Most importantly, you do not need to look for a tablet with a navigator separately, since any gadget is equipped with the latter by default. It turns out that you can only find the optimal (in terms of cost and technical parameters) tablet computer in order to enjoy the delights of navigation without any special restrictions. Taking into account the widest range of such devices in stores, this can be done very easily today.

Navigation Aids

The question arises about how a simple smartphone or tablet can replace a specialized navigator. After all, he does not have any special means for this. We answer: a tablet with a navigator is simply a mobile device that is equipped with a GPS module and software that allows you to “synchronize” the readings of the first one with data from area maps. Thus, on the preset Map, the user sees a “point” (himself) in real time. For more accurate verification, you only need to connect to the mobile Internet (for these purposes, to work far from civilization, we will need a tablet navigator with a SIM card). And that’s all - you have in your hands a full-fledged tool for determining your location and moving along the route you need.

Applications

If you bought a navigator and want to expand its “knowledge base” in order to be able to navigate a new area, you will need to download a package of specialized maps (after connecting the device to the PC and loading them onto its memory card). If you have a tablet with a navigator, things are simpler. Just download the application you need (from a catalog like Google Play or AppStore), after which more opportunities will appear on your device: new maps, convenient position tracking tools, and more. The list of various software solutions that facilitate interaction with the device is quite wide. Their advantage is that among them there are a lot of free solutions, unlike maps for navigators.

We find the optimal solution

Since almost all modern tablets have GPS, finding the best option (the best ratio of cost/performance of such a gadget) is not difficult. You just have to think about what features (besides navigation) you need. Or do you want to work with such a computer as a full-fledged mobile device (and do you want this electronic assistant to be equipped with a powerful processor, a high-quality camera, a battery with additional capacity, and so on?). By combining all these characteristics, we get a truly suitable option.

In this article we will focus on the “minimum”. Our tablet should be a navigator on the road and, in addition, it should be an inexpensive tablet navigator (after all, why, one might ask, pay more).

Inexpensive tablets

Of course, when talking about affordable devices, various Chinese gadgets come to mind first. This could be a Haier Hit 3G computer (with 4 GB of memory, a 7-inch display and a 2-core processor) costing 3 thousand rubles. By purchasing such a device complete with the starter package of any operator (with the mobile Internet function connected), you will receive a ready-made navigator.

Another example is the Digma Optima tablet. The screen here has the same dimensions as that of the model described above, but the cost reaches 4,590 rubles due to the memory increased to 8 GB and a quad-core processor. Of course, in practice such a device will work more quickly and stably.

If you want something even more functional, we present to your attention the Lenovo Tab 2 A7-20. This device will cost 7,500 rubles, but in addition to navigation capabilities, it will come with a higher-quality screen and a processor with superior performance.

For those who would like to see the route more accurately, there is an option to order the same price, but somewhat worse in performance, computer Digma Plane 10.7. It can also become a full-fledged assistant on the road, but with a screen size of 10.1 inches, it will be even more convenient in everyday work. Remember, this is just another tablet with GPS.

“Specialized” devices

However, there are gadgets on the market that are positioned as computers for navigation. Thus, if you are specifically looking for a tablet with a navigator for a car, you will very quickly find products from Explay. These are inexpensive devices that are simply equipped with a software package for navigation and route planning. In particular, we are talking about the special application “Navitel Navigator”. It is designed specifically for motorists, since it takes into account such details as road junctions and information about certain features of the route. This means that working with them is no less convenient than with Google Maps or Yandex.Maps. But in the case of the latter, you can also get up-to-date traffic information. On the other hand, what’s stopping you from installing the Navitel package on a simple tablet by purchasing this application on Google Play?

Innovative technologies are increasingly entering almost all areas of our lives. A few decades ago, even a push-button telephone was something new and incomprehensible for people, but today it is very difficult to surprise a person even with ultra-modern tablets, although for some they are not financially accessible. In this article we will talk about comparatively related to the category of automotive products called “car tablet”. For some time, these gadgets were unclaimed by car owners due to their high price and low functionality, however, now the situation has changed dramatically. Multifunctional car tablets are rapidly gaining popularity, which is why there is a need to figure out which product to give preference to when purchasing, and what criteria to pay attention to when selecting a gadget for a car. Let's consider the priority technical ones, as well as the rating of the best products in this category in 2018.

TOP best tablets with navigator.

Technical features of the tablet for the car

What is the need to buy a tablet for a vehicle: is it a measure of necessity or is it still a way to assert your status with a “fashionable” gadget for the car? A car tablet is a device that differs from other gadgets in its multifunctionality, which allows you to use a device, a navigator, a multimedia device, and a radar detector at the same time. The tablet combines the functions of many individual devices. Accordingly, by choosing a car tablet, the consumer will be able to combine large-scale functionality in one device, which, in turn, will affect driving safety, since he will not have to divert his attention to various technical devices in the car.

To figure out which device is right for you, you need to initially study the technical characteristics of car tablets, which are the necessary minimum for the average driver. The most important optional complex in terms of technical features of the device are:

• Availability of a high-quality GPS navigator;
• a screen with a diagonal of at least five inches, with a clear display image, preferably anti-glare screen protection and a decent viewing angle;
• Availability of Internet access and multimedia capabilities;
• the ability to use the device as a recorder, for which it is important to have decent built-in memory;
• the ability to recharge the device from a car cigarette lighter and a powerful battery.

One of the main tasks of a car tablet, necessary for every car owner, is its functioning as a navigator, therefore it is worth paying special attention to the question of which tablet to choose for a navigator in the car. Navigation is the most necessary option for residents of megacities, since with its help you can easily determine how to get to the required address, find the shortest route, set a trajectory to avoid a traffic jam or a problem section of the road. It is worth noting that today this function is a priority not only for taxi drivers and couriers, but also for ordinary drivers.

Most modern gadgets are equipped with navigators these days. Even budget-class mobile phones have this option, however, the quality of its work does not always satisfy the consumer. To ensure that your tablet can be used uninterruptedly and reliably as a navigator, you should pay attention to the following necessary technical parameters of the device:

• a reliable and uninterrupted GPS system that allows you to receive signals from various satellite systems;
• the power of the car navigator, which determines the stability of receiving data from satellite systems;
• reliability of positioning with minimal errors in geological coordinates;
• self-updating of information databases and maps through Internet resources.

In addition, when purchasing a car tablet, you should pay attention to the availability of special devices that allow you to install the device in the car. Most modern models are equipped with car holders, however, if the selected tablet model does not have such a device, it can be purchased separately.

A selection of the best tablets for cars

The range of tablets for the car that are equipped with is very diverse. All of them are characterized by versatility, the possibility of their use both in domestic conditions and in cars for the purpose of video recording, navigation and as a multimedia device. When purchasing a tablet for a car, you should give preference to devices that are positioned by manufacturers with the prefix “auto”, which indicates the maximum adaptation of the model to use in a car.

Although car tablets have relatively recently begun to gain popularity and are being purchased by car owners, it is already possible to make a rating of the best tablets for car navigation based on reviews from consumers and experts and answer the question of which car tablet is better to buy. The TOP 5 best car tablets include models that are in maximum demand among Russian consumers, have rich functionality, decent technical characteristics against the backdrop of an optimal pricing policy.

The DVR FC-950 device from FUJICAM belongs to the category of car tablets with GPS, occupies a leading position in sales in Russia, and rightfully gets “gold” in the “Best Tablet with Navigator 2018” nomination.

The cost of the model varies within twelve thousand rubles, however, according to reviews from experts and consumers, the price is appropriate given the rich functionality of the device. The tablet is distinguished by high performance, an accessible interface, reliable software and the ability to operate it as a regular tablet; it is a device that combines the multitasking of seven modern automotive devices in one device.

All-round video recording, a modern radar detector that allows the driver to detect cameras and traffic police posts at a sufficient distance for the driver to take action, an accelerometer that guarantees that the recorder is turned on in unusual situations on the road - these are the most important advantages of the car tablet compared to similar products from other manufacturers. As for navigation itself, the auto tablet has a continuous connection with thirty-two satellite signal generators, and the Navitel software guarantees easy and accurate search for the desired addresses and routes, and allows you to get a detailed map on the screen in 3D mode. According to experts, the DVR FC-950 model is the best tablet for a car in 2018.

The second line of the rating table and a well-deserved “silver” from Russian consumers goes to the manufacturer Junsun. The CAR DVR 3G GPS CM84 model from Junsun is a car tablet that is the best for car navigation in terms of price, quality and multitasking.

The cost of the device is about seven thousand rubles, which makes it affordable for the budget buyer category. The tablet is characterized by the following functionality:

• video recording of front and rear views;
• operational radar detector;
• excellent multimedia characteristics;
• GPS navigator with automatic update function.

The original design, a seven-inch capacitive display and the stylish and reliable fastening elements included in the kit ensure that the model fits harmoniously into the interior of any vehicle.

“Bronze” in the ranking of the best tablets with a navigator goes, according to experts and buyers, to the Camtab device. The Camtab model, costing about ten thousand rubles, depending on the region of sale, is an excellent purchase option for the budget consumer.

Among the advantages of the tablet, users note excellent color rendering criteria, good resolution, which allows high-quality recording of the situation on the road even at night, a convenient and simple Russian-language interface, and a built-in memory capacity of 16 GB. The quad-core processor allows you to quickly update navigation applications, and the seven-inch display with excellent resolution allows you to view navigation maps in detail. The autotablet comes with a special holder, which eliminates the need to purchase additional devices for installing the device.

The Bellfort GVR709 Spider HD model is confidently included in the ranking of popular car tablets and occupies the fourth honorable position. Despite the not-so-budget price, which ranges around fourteen thousand rubles, many consumers buy this particular tablet for their car, as it perfectly combines the functionality of a good navigator, an excellent video recorder, a multimedia gadget and a radar detector.

A powerful device with a quad-core processor, an excellent camera, a capacitive seven-inch display, a Navitel GPS navigator and a 3G module has proven itself to be reliable and uninterrupted in operation. The device comes with a bracket designed to mount the device in a vehicle, headphones, an AC adapter and a USB cable.

The Lexand SC7 PRO HD model is the most budget-friendly tablet for car navigation on the market today. High quality and reliability indicators against the backdrop of an affordable price push the device to fifth place in the rating. If it were not for the accessories included with the device for installation in a car and the adapter for recharging the device from a cigarette lighter, it would be quite difficult to recognize a car tablet in this model, since in appearance it is practically no different from ordinary gadgets.

Despite its low cost, this tablet is perfectly positioned as a car navigator. The ProGorod software is responsible for navigation, which allows you to quickly and accurately plot a route taking into account traffic jams, complex junctions and intersections, and warns the user about difficult sections of the route, pedestrian crossings, traffic police posts, and the need to change lanes for a complex maneuver. The navigator allows you to download current maps of sixty countries for free, which is very good for a budget model.

The models presented in the rating are the best in terms of price, quality and technical characteristics. Which is the best tablet with a navigator for a car to buy is a purely personal decision for each car owner, however, experts and consumers recommend these devices as ideal options for functionality today.

Let's sum it up

In modern times, almost every car has in its arsenal a video recorder, navigator, radar detector and other devices that significantly simplify the life of the driver. Modern technologies have made it possible to combine the functionality of devices important for motorists in one device, which is presented to consumers under the name “car tablet”.

The advantages of auto tablets can hardly be overestimated: one gadget simultaneously allows you to record the situation behind the wheel, know in advance about the approach to a real or mobile traffic police post, get directions to the desired point taking into account traffic jams, and also use the device for communication and as a multimedia device. A car tablet is a worthy and worthwhile purchase for mobile and active drivers.

The best prices and conditions for the purchase of new cars

The term “best tablet for a car” can be used to describe models with fast and reliable data, access to 3G/4G Internet and a good battery.

Most of these devices can also work as a recorder - although for this they will have to be installed in a special way.

Other fairly important criteria for purchasing such a device include a screen with a diagonal of no more than 8 inches and an affordable price comparable to the cost of an average navigator.

Features of using a tablet for a car

The main difference between a tablet computer and a standard navigator is the ability to run other programs, including games.

Such a device is also suitable for playing movies and music - after all, it remains in the car only for the duration of the trip.

After all, the tasks of a tablet for a car include determining the location on the ground and performing multimedia functions.

The advantages of choosing a tablet compared to using a navigator include:

• large screen size for its price - navigators with a diagonal of 7 and 8 inches will cost much more, and regular models are equipped mainly with 5 or 6-inch displays;
• the ability to install any navigation programs - not only standard ones, but also any others that will be convenient for the user to work with (including free ones);
• increased autonomy - most navigators work from the car network - tablets have a built-in battery;
• using gadgets instead of a radio, game and multimedia center, and even for work (especially when connecting a keyboard to a tablet).

Such devices also have certain disadvantages - you will have to buy special mounts for them, and tablets take up more space in the car than.

Therefore, when choosing where the gadget will be installed, you should avoid possible deterioration of the driver’s visibility.

Another disadvantage of tablet computers is the lack of a radar detector - although not every driver needs such a function.

The best offers on the market

Apple iPad Mini 4 – the version with the best functionality

The battery also has good performance, allowing the tablet PC to work for up to 10 hours.

• good viewing angles;
• 8 megapixel camera for shooting;
• high degree of autonomy;
• good reliability - Samsung tablets work without repair longer than most Chinese models.

• The disadvantages include the not very budget price. Although you can buy a tablet much cheaper than an iPad mini, it is still more expensive than other models in the rating.

Nikolay P.: Excellent multifunctional device. It is useful for home use and for installation in a car. Moreover, both the driver (for navigation) and passengers (for entertainment) can use it on the road. I didn’t find any disadvantages with the tablet.

Bellfort GVR709 Spider HD – auto tablet with radar

The GVR709 Spider HD tablet is a full-fledged navigator with a good main camera for filming the situation on the road and a default application (which can be easily replaced with any other).

The design of the model allows you to install two SIM cards at once - for example, for making calls.

The gadget supports all programs for its operating system (Android 4.1.2), although it did not receive the most capacious battery from the developers.

• presence of a camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels;
• complete with car mount;
• built-in radar detector to warn the driver about the need to reduce speed;
• good signal level from the mobile network.

• The main point on the list of shortcomings is the high price. For 14,000 rubles you can find a more functional tablet and a good navigator.
• Some users of the tablet note its small camera viewing angles and its not very durable body, which leaves scratches.

Olga L.: I was looking for an affordable tablet for my car and decided on the GVR709 model. I didn’t regret it - the device actually has all the functions of a regular DVR and a good, although not very powerful, tablet. Great for travelers. The only negative I noticed was the small video shooting angles.

Lenovo Tab 3 TB3-710i – standalone and affordable

The tablet from the Chinese brand has a good screen resolution of 1024x600 for its price category, 3G and GPS modules.

The battery of the model is not the most powerful, but, thanks to the energy-efficient processor and operating system, it allows the TB3-710i to work for up to 10 hours.

Tablet PC cameras are not very sharp for taking high-quality photos, but they are quite suitable for filming the situation on the road while the car is moving.

Driving a car means not only high-speed racing on country roads and highways, but also driving along busy city streets and quickly searching for new objects - houses, shopping centers, restaurants. In this case, a tablet is indispensable for a motorist. Thanks to the device, he can easily find his way in an unfamiliar city and find the shortest path to the desired object.

Appearance

The first advantage of an electronic gadget is its stylish design: clear lines, neat edges, a perfectly flat screen surface. Yes, and the color variations are pleasantly pleasing: you can choose a tablet for your car in white, black, blue, or in less traditional colors - silver and gold, which will highlight the driver’s individuality and decorate the vehicle’s interior.

Secondly, practicality; to keep the device clean, you need:

• protective film for the screen;
• durable and reliable case;
• wipes to remove dust from the surface of the electronic “assistant”.

If you choose a tablet for your car, be sure to purchase electronic gadget care products from a specialized store to keep it perfectly clean.

Navigation

Many motorists say that they need a tablet for navigation. Not everyone can boast of an impeccable memory and the ability to remember hundreds of streets, avenues, the location of parks, shopping centers and fashion boutiques.

In this case, a tablet with the Google Maps application will help you out a lot. It records the names of new streets and avenues, convenient search, and has a “Route” function, which will indicate the path to the desired object in a couple of seconds. But the main thing is that the application is free, consumes minimal battery power and is easy to use. It chooses not only one, the most popular route, but also considers alternative route options. All you have to do is choose a route and move in the given direction.

Another thing is GPS. Many drivers who buy a navigation tablet for their car choose this feature. Be careful, connecting to GPS quickly eats up your device’s battery power. It will last for 2-3 hours, after which you will have to charge the device to hit the road.

Another important question is: which tablet is better for working in a taxi? Experts advise not to deviate from the standard rules. They recommend evaluating the appearance of the device, the range of functions and the ability to install applications that will help you navigate the area and find the desired house number or shopping center in a matter of minutes.

By the way, another difference between driving a car using a tablet and not a navigator is the lack of sound. 40% of motorists admitted that they are annoyed by an intrusive voice and incorrect prompts - in most navigators there is only one “correct answer”; they do not consider alternative ways to travel around the city, country highway or rough terrain. It’s good if the route is optimal, because most often the navigator records the longest route, which will take up your time and increase your gas costs.

More functions - more possibilities

Another advantage of the tablet is its wide range of functions. With this device you will never get bored. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, you can always:

• turn on the movie;
• watch the next episode of a popular series;
• read a book;
• communicate with relatives, friends and acquaintances on social networks;
• launch a foreign language learning program;
• Learn new device management programs.

The navigator has only one function - drawing up a route. On a tablet, this indicator can be easily “pumped up”. You can install paid and free applications, update programs in accordance with your wishes and requirements.

Technical base

When choosing a tablet for a car, the same rules apply as when buying an electronic gadget for home and office. In addition to the external component, it is important to evaluate the technical features of the gadget:

• amount of operating memory;
• processor power;
• screen expansion.

The speed of operation of the electronic gadget, your convenience and comfort depend on these indicators. On the road, where the degree of tension is quite high, a tablet that constantly slows down can become a powerful irritant and throw you off balance. You must remain calm while driving. There are two options here: either control yourself and not pay attention to minor glitches in the operation of the electronic device, or purchase a high-quality electronic gadget that works flawlessly. The choice is yours.

Battery charge

Another important indicator that is extremely undesirable to lose sight of is the battery life of the tablet. The optimal option is 5-6 hours. If you have a long journey ahead, the battery charge is enough to overcome it. Alternatively, you can turn off the electronic gadget for a while and turn it on at the most “problematic” sections of the route - in big cities or on branched highways - to find out which direction to move next.

You can recharge the battery by connecting the device to a power source - a computer connected to the network or an outlet. It takes 1.5 to 3 hours to fully charge the car tablet. It all depends on the size and type of battery.

Choose a tablet for your car wisely, and you will find a valuable assistant on the road!

Discounts, TOP and credit

Installed operating system

The most popular operating systems pre-installed on the tablet are: Android, iOS, Windows.
Android is an operating system from Google based on the Linux kernel. Used on various mobile devices of many well-known brands.
iOS is an operating system created by Apple based on MacOS X. This operating system is used only on Apple devices.
Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft. It is used both on Microsoft devices and on devices of many other brands.

Ruler

Year of announcement

Screen diagonal, "

The size of the tablet screen is determined by the diagonal - the length from one corner of the screen to the opposite. It is measured primarily in inches. Models 5-7 inches are considered compact and are convenient to carry. Tablets with a diagonal of 9-10 inches are more comfortable for visual perception of information: reading, watching movies and web pages.

Screen resolution

Tablet screen resolution is the size of the image received on the screen. It is measured by the number of pixels horizontally and vertically. The higher the screen resolution, the more pixels and higher image quality.

Availability of multi-touch

Multi-touch is a function of touch screens for simultaneous detection of two or more touch points. With its help, the display responds to certain gestures. For example: pinch or spread two fingers on the screen, due to which the image on the screen will change towards smaller or larger; Two finger rotation to rotate the image.

Touch screen type

A touch screen is a screen that responds to touch. The main types of such screens are resistive and capacitive. Resistive screens respond to pressure from any object. Capacitive only with your bare hand. However, capacitive screens have a significant advantage due to the presence of multi-touch functionality (supporting pressing on two points at the same time).

Processor and memory

RAM capacity, GB

Built-in memory capacity, GB

Memory expandability

If your tablet no longer has enough internal memory, you can expand it if there is a memory card slot in the device. If there is such a slot, at any time it is enough to buy a memory card of the required size, insert it into the device and use additional memory.

CPU

Number of Cores

Connection

3G - support for 3rd generation mobile communication technology. The main difference from GSM is the higher data transfer speed.
GPS - used for determining location on a map and car navigation.
GLONASS - which is used to determine location on the map and car navigation.
LTE (or otherwise 4G) - support for 4th generation mobile communication technology. The main difference from 3G is the higher data transfer speed.
Ability to use the tablet as a mobile phone- for making incoming/outgoing calls and SMS.
Wi-Fi enables wireless Internet access in places equipped with Wi-Fi access points.
Bluetooth in the tablet allows you to exchange files with other devices (with a Bluetooth module), as well as connect wireless headphones or a headset to the tablet.

SIM card type

Number of SIM cards

Main camera, MP

The main camera is located on the back of the screen and is used for photo and video shooting. The main parameter is camera resolution, measured in megapixels. The more there are, the higher the detail of the image. The shooting quality of the main camera is usually higher than that of the front camera.

Front camera, MP