Portable Satellite-nav.

March 2005

Sales of portable satellite-navigation systems have boomed as prices tumble and new products hit the market. The choice is bewildering - but which is the right one for you? We took the biggest sellers on the road to find out.

Although small, these devices use the same technology as the more expensive fixed in-car navigation set-ups. They pick up signals from global positioning system (GPS) satellites to work out where you are, then give on-screen and voice instructions turn-by-turn until you reach your destination. They will re-direct you if you hit a jam, while the best units will automatically re-calculate a route if you take a wrong turn.

We tested three types: dedicated sat-nav systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with a GPS ant-enna and pre-loaded software, plus kits for mobile phones and PDAs. Be sure the set-up you buy has the latest maps, and get a device with Europe-wide data if you plan to drive overseas. Also, be aware that some windscreens block satellite signals, so check yours first.

We used a computer to download software to the handsets of mobile phone sat-nav systems, and an iPAQ h6300 PDA to test the hand-held PC kits. All the others came ready to go.

Each set-up was used on a city-to-village route, and we looked for ease of programming. We also wanted to see dis-tinct maps plus clear and timely instructions. Portability, functions and price were factors, too.

Verdict

Virtually all products had no problem tracking the route and directing. The major differences came down to their ease of use. Magellan's Roadmate 700 was pushed into third spot by the Garmin StreetPilot 2620's high-quality audio prompts. But both were beaten by the compact size, simplicity and keen price of the Navman iCN 510.

Top 3

1. Navman iCN 510
2. Garmin Street Pilot 2620
3. Magellan Roadmate 700

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