THE ViaMichelin Navigation Version 3 is for drivers who want to turn their palm computer (PDA) or mobile phone into a satellite navigation unit.
Software is downloaded onto the PDA or phone and drivers are able to find locations through addresses, postcodes or points of interest.
Users can also plan routes, view maps, localise specific points and then save searches and personal settings.
There is also an option to down-load additional points of interest and alert functions which warn drivers when they are approaching a specific point of interest. All can be downloaded from the ViaMichelin website.
Price: from £135 European version, £85 regional version
Mobile Britain
MOBILE Britain from Route 66 is a satellite navigation unit which works on a mobile phone.
It has more than 70,000 points of interest including petrol stations, hotels and restaurants. It also stores the phone numbers of these so drivers can call ahead if necessary. A small GPS receiver links the phone via a Bluetooth connection enabling the satellite to locate the current position and then determine routes. Users can view maps on screen or follow voice directions. The system is also available in a European version with more than 700,000 points of interest in 15 countries.
Price: £199
Icepac
ICEPAC from Karputer combines navigation tools with entertainment functions such as CDs, DVDs and games.
The system runs all applications from a single unit and each function is controlled from a colour LCD touch screen which is mounted on the vehicle dashboard. All units are supplied with a wireless keyboard and mouse which can be used when the vehicle has stopped.
Karputer says the unit can fit into any car or van and as it can run any windows-based office application it can turn vehicles into offices. Additional features include internet access, Bluetooth integration, European-wide satellite navigation and multiple screens for DVDs or PC games.
Price: from £1,000
Copilot
COPILOT Live and T-Mobile have teamed up to launch the CoPilot live satellite navigation system for pocket PCs and mobile phones.
The system transmits directions through a loudspeaker although turn-by-turn instructions are also provided on screen and the system automatically re-calculates if a wrong turn is made. Users are able to programme fastest/shortest routes and avoid tolls. Maps are displayed in 3D graphics with a low-glare night mode and estimated time of arrival, distance to the next turn and destination are displayed. In addition to satellite navigation drivers can also use live real-time vehicle tracking, messaging and destination alerts.
Price: from £249.99
RoadMate 300
THE Magellan RoadMate 300 has a touch screen and turn-by-turn text and voice prompted street navigation.
The system can be used in any car and drivers can view major roads and motorways alongside customised maps for the whole of Europe. Street addresses can be found with an accuracy of three metres and drivers can create routes with multiple destinations. Up to 20 trips can be stored on the unit each and up to 20 destinations can be programmed for each trip. Drivers can also track mileage, journey times and other trip statistics. An integrated speaker gives voice prompts and the unit also comes with a set of headphones, dashboard mount and cigarette lighter adapter.
Price: £499
TomTom Go 700
THE TomTom Go 700 is a satellite navigation unit but can also be used as a hands-free kit for Bluetooth enabled mobile phones.
The system, which comes with a remote control, has street level maps covering the whole of Europe.
The unit can be operated by a remote control and several functions including real time information on traffic congestion, weather conditions and city maps can be downloaded.
The group also offers the TomTom Rider for motorcycle or scooter riders. This unit comes in a weatherproof case and fixes to any bike or scooter.
Price: TBA
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