Cobra GPS 500 vs Navman iCN 550 : quel ancien GPS convient ?

Quick answer

Choose the Navman iCN 550 if you want a larger 3.5-inch touch screen with turn-by-turn guidance and built-in North American maps. Choose the Cobra GPS 500 if you prefer a compact 1.1-inch unit with a built-in compass, altimeter, and 500-waypoint storage for route planning.

Screen size and maps: the biggest practical split

The Navman iCN 550 uses a 3.5-inch landscape touch screen at 320 x 240 resolution, which is easier to glance at while driving than the Cobra GPS 500's 1.1-inch display. The Navman also stores North American maps on a 4GB hard drive, so you are not relying on a small internal memory for map data.

The Cobra GPS 500 has only 2 MB of internal memory for downloading maps, so plan on managing map coverage carefully. Its 18-channel WAAS-enabled receiver is rated for 3-meter accuracy, but that spec tells you about satellite positioning, not about how much map detail fits in memory.

Routing features and what each unit expects from you

The Navman iCN 550 includes turn-by-turn guidance, back-on-track rerouting, and a 3D mapping perspective, plus a massive POI database. That makes it the more self-contained dedicated GPS device for point-to-point driving.

One catalog limitation matters: the Navman's SmartST 2005 software is described as needing to be downloadable. Confirm how that software is obtained before buying, because without it the routing features may not be usable. The Cobra GPS 500 instead stores up to 500 waypoints and 20 routes with 50 waypoints or points of interest, which suits pre-planned trips rather than spontaneous rerouting.

Accessories, ports, and everyday handling

The Navman iCN 550 includes a remote control, which can be handy if the touch screen is out of easy reach. The Cobra GPS 500 includes a USB port for PC connection, so you can manage waypoints and map downloads from a computer.

Neither listing specifies battery life, mount type, or live traffic, so do not assume those features. Treat both as older GPS unit buying decisions where the supplied catalog facts, not modern expectations, should drive your choice.

Decision rules for choosing between these two

• If screen visibility while driving is your priority: Pick the Navman iCN 550 for its 3.5-inch touch screen and turn-by-turn guidance. Check that you can obtain the SmartST 2005 software before you commit.
• If you plan routes in advance and want a compact unit: Pick the Cobra GPS 500 for its 500-waypoint and 20-route storage, then use the USB port to load maps within the 2 MB limit.
• If you need rerouting on the fly: Choose the Navman iCN 550, which lists back-on-track rerouting; the Cobra listing does not state rerouting.
• If you want a built-in compass and altimeter: Choose the Cobra GPS 500, which includes both; the Navman listing does not mention them.

Product facts at a glance

• Navman iCN 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator: 3.5-inch landscape touch screen with 320 x 240 resolution and North American maps on a 4GB hard drive The larger screen and onboard map storage make it easier to follow routes without loading maps yourself.

  

• Cobra GPS 500 1.1-Inch Portable GPS Navigator: 18-channel WAAS-enabled receiver rated for 3-meter accuracy, with 2 MB internal memory and 500-waypoint storage It suits compact, waypoint-based navigation, but the small memory means you must plan map coverage carefully.

  

Who each older GPS suits

Best for

• Drivers who want a larger touch screen and built-in North American maps
• Buyers who value turn-by-turn guidance and automatic rerouting

Not for

• Buyers who need confirmed battery life, mount type, or live traffic, which are not specified
• Anyone unwilling to confirm how the Navman's SmartST 2005 software is obtained