I had my Road Angel Navigator stolen, and decided to replace it with the cheaper Road Angel Navigator 7000. It's OK-ish but I found the verbal direction instructions less clear and often they were provided too late, compared to the original Navigator.
The mapping display is different between the original unit and the 7000 (they use different mapping systems). I couldn't see that the 7000 offered any key advantage or disadvantage in the map display itself, but it's big drawback is you don't get the simple direction display of the original Navigator unit - the one that automatically replaces the map and gives you simple, clear and easily-read directions such as "turn left on to A6 in 5 miles".
The screen size for all of the current Navigator range from Road Angel is the same, although publicity material could lead you to believe the 6000 and 7000 have bigger screens. They don't, they just have smaller cases which are shown larger so they look the same size as the Navigator and hence the screen looks bigger! It ain't. I suppose the 7000 has marginally less screen clutter so the space available for the map itself is a bit bigger, but there's not a lot in it.
The windscreen bracket for the 7000 is a bit feeble, the original Navigator cradle is much better. If you're a motorcyclist or if you don't a have PC with Internet, then the 7000 is for you, because it's weatherproof and can be updated via a mobile phone, but if you're not a motorcyclist and if you do have a PC, then the 7000's only advantage is price.
In the end I wanted the features of the original Navigator, and so I exchanged the 7000 for another "original" Navigator. Which brings me to the biggest advantage of this product range - the Road Angel Group itself.
In my experience every one of their staff seems to know everything about all of their products. It's quite awsome. They also have a very keen "customer comes first" attitude. Nothing seems to be too much bother (like me deciding I didn't like the 7000 and they took it back). There is also a discount available if you're replacing a unit that's registered as stolen. This is customer service at its best - no bullshit, no false promise, just accurate information and good service.
I heard a rumour that the original Navigator is to be discontinued in favour of the 6000 and 7000, because these newer products more closely compete with the likes of Tom Tom. My advice to Road Angel Group is, keep the original unit for sale, for those who want a superior product. It may not be the cheapest but it is better.
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