Top 10 Sat-nav
01 TomTom Go Live 1005
Stuff says
Not the cheapest, but we reckon the big screen, software and slickness are well worth the outlay
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02
Google Maps with Navigation
The most intuitive, fluid and well designed sat-nav app ever made
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03
Garmin Nüvi 3490LMT
The most user-friendly hardware sat-nav around
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04
TomTom Go Live 820 Europe
A little old-fashioned but still a rock solid navigator
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05
Garmin nuLink 2390
Google search, weather, fuel prices and traffic images, all for a reasonable £230
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06
Navigon 70 Premium
Not only does this sat-nav work well, it looks fantastic and won’t break the bank, either
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07
Garmin Nüvi 3590LMT
A resourceful approach to smart sat-nav but too fiddly to be a winner
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08
CoPilot Live Premium UK & Ireland
A solid navigator despite some usability issues
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09
Nokia Drive
Low on extra features but it’s free, free to use and is a reliable navigator
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10
Garmin nuvi 3790T
Stunning looks with a fast processor to match, this is a truly modern sat-nav
Instant Expert
Car manufacturers were present and excited at this year’s CES extravaganza in Las Vegas. Why? Because they are gradually ramping up the level of tech in even the most affordable models. The new Ford Focus was shown at CES with the MyFord Touch system (ford.com). It consists of a pair of 4.2in screens in the gauge cluster, a steering wheel joystick and the pièce de résistance, an 8in, 800x480 internet-enabled touchscreen, with which smartphones of most denominations will be able to communicate and synchronise. Exciting (and currently US-only). The good news for standalone sat-nav manufacturers is that Stateside customers are finding the system a mite confusing.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
1. Size and positioning Safety first, people. Pick a sat-nav sized to suit your car – if it’s too big, it’ll affect visibility and be overly distracting. Put it bottom right, not centre-middle, so it sits near the A-pillar. It’ll bring the screen closer to you.
2. Ease of use A difficult thing to ascertain
until you’ve spent some time with a sat-nav, but ease of use is crucial for a smooth journey. Learn to use your sat-nav efficiently and always set it up before you set off.
3. What about free-nav? You know, like Google Navigation on Android phones, and Nokia’s Ovi Maps. They’re free! And damn good. But don’t forget the roaming charges abroad.
4. Mapping Do you go to Europe regularly? Or the US? Most devices will let you buy extra maps to upload for your trip, but buying one pre-loaded might be worthwhile if you’re something of a road warrior.
