We first tested a MapmyIndia device, the Delphi NAV200, in November 2008 and came away very impressed at the company’s attempt to provide a portable navigation device for India. And while we did say that MapmyIndia fills an important niche in the Indian market, one that would slowly gravitate towards the mainstream, we also pointed out that some improvements were necessary.

So, here we are with the company’s latest device – the MapmyIndia ZX150 Deluxe. The device we tested in 2008 covered 200 Indian cities – this one covers 620. The Delphi NAV200 had a 3.5” screen and reasonable graphics. The ZX150 has a 5” touch-screen and considerably better map resolution – in fact the map rendering and detail is extremely good. Furthermore, MapmyIndia now refer to it as a ‘Navitainment’ device, which is a combination of navigation and entertainment. In addition to navigation, the device features Bluetooth, music and video playback, a photo browser, and also comes with reverse camera support.

The biggest problem with the device we tested previously, however, was that the actual directions could, at times, be a little skewed and/or convoluted. Well, in this case, we drove from Delhi to Mashobra, beyond Shimla, and the directions were completely spot-on. The device also contains hundreds of thousands of points-of-interest (POI) across the country, such as petrol pumps, ATMs, hotels, hospitals, clubs, etc. The list is so extensive in fact that it even included some roadside dhabas (eateries) in the hills en route to Shimla.

The touch-screen itself is very easy to use. There were times, however, in direct sunlight, when it was difficult to see the directions on the screen. Also, the volume for voice directions could have been louder as well. That apart, the car mount is very easy to install and uninstall, which means that you could take the device from car to car very easily if need be. It’s even small enough to conceivably keep in your pocket if required.

An additional drawback when we last tested the device in 2008 was that you couldn’t key in a specific street address. You could put in the name of a Colony, or map to the nearest landmark / POI. And, whereas you still can’t map to a specific house number, you can get directions to specific blocks in most colonies.

All said and done, MapmyIndia have obviously been hard at work over the past year-and-a-half. Their latest device is greatly improved from end 2008. It’s a great device for someone who spends a lot of time on the road, or for someone who’s new to a particular city, or, for that matter, someone who’s simply bad with directions – of which, admit it, there are a fair number of you.