PRODUCT REVIEW: LG LN740 GPS Unit

I didn't really know what to expect from the LG LN740 never having used a GPS system before. Truth be told, I don't really need a GPS unit. I do have a long daily commute, but I know the route - and the shortcuts - better than a machine. Or do I?

Look & Feel

Compared to other models I have seen, the LN740 looks a lot thinner and cooler (as if Apple had something to do with the design). It's very portable, and the four-inch touchscreen makes it super easy to use while on the go. It also doesn't look out of place when mounted to your windshield because there are no cables hanging down since it can run for up to six hours on the battery.

LG LN740 GPS unit

Features

One of the biggest features of the LN740 is that it comes pre-loaded with over a million points of interest. This includes everything from hospitals to coffee shops, and locations can be specifically selected (e.g if you only want Starbucks coffee you can tell it to only show Starbucks locations).

Another excellent feature is the voice navigation which tells you what direction you are turning towards, and even the name of the street you are turning on to. You can also use the unit in a car or on foot, which is a big plus if you're into hiking or camping. Additionally it can be used to view photos or listen to MP3s via the SD memory card slot.

Test #1

The system worked out of the box (maps were pre-loaded and the battery had some juice). It pinpointed where I was and followed me where I went. When I entered my home address into the unit, it calculated my route from the point I was at, and off I went. For the most part it did a fine job getting me home (even though it wanted me to get off the major highway to take a smaller highway). The main complaint I had was the voice navigation continuously telling me I was exceeding the speed limit, which I eventually found out can be turned off.

Test #2

My second test is what sold me on the need for a GPS. My family and I went to a cottage four hours north of Toronto. We had never been there before and it was very much off the main road. Before leaving, I set our destination and told the the unit to show gas stations and coffee shops as my points of interest. Without the GPS we would have been very lost (even my wife agreed she felt safer having it with us) and we would never have found a gas station when we needed one.

Bottom-line

LG impressed me with the LN740 and it's made me want a GPS system! Whether it will help me find a new route on my daily commute is still debatable, but for traveling or looking for a gas station in the middle of nowhere it comes in very handy.

The LG LN740 GPS unit is available at most electronic stores with a MSRP of $449 U.S.

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