Before buying a satnav system consider how you will use it and what features are important to you. Here are some questions to think about:
- Will you only be using it in the UK or do you need European maps?
- Do you need Bluetooth included so that you can use your mobile phone hands-free while driving?
- Are you looking for a more compact device so that you can take the unit with you while you are on foot? Or do you want a big unit with a larger screen?
- Do you need traffic avoidance and speed camera warnings? Both of which are usually involve paying a subscription fee for the updates.
Knowing the answers to some of these questions and understanding what you need will help you choose the right sat-nav system for you.
Portable vs. Built-In (Factory Fitted)
We believe that the portable Sat Nav systems that you find here currently offer more benefits than the in-built ones that are fitted and supplied by car manufacturers.
Portable – so you can take it with you. If you find you're driving a different car to your own simply take your portable SatNav unit with you. You'll be familiar with using it so you'll be ready to go straight away without having to learn how to use a different satellite navigation system or go without if the car you're driving doesn't have one.
Easier & cheaper to update – portable units are easier and cheaper (sometimes free) to update. Updating the maps, POI (points of interest) and speed camera data usually involves connecting to the internet and downloading the updates to the satellite navigation unit via a computer and USB cable. Factory-fitted systems are updated via a DVD which is purchased from the carmaker, the price of which can cost more than buying a new portable Sat Nav system.
Easier & cheaper to replace - if a new Sat Nav model is released with improved technology and features, it's simply a case of replacing your old portable unit for the new one, and since it isn't built into the car. On the other hand if your car manufacture changes satnav systems and no longer supports the old one then you could be left with an obsolete on-board system.
More Choice – you are not stuck with the Sat-Nav system provided but can choice from hundreds of portable devices for the one that suits your needs.
Traffic Updates
Currently there are two main ways for Sat Navs to receive traffic information updates. The first is by mobile phone internet access, and the second is by radio.
Mobile Phone (GPRS)
In all satellite navigation models that support traffic updates, you can link your mobile phone to the satnav device via Bluetooth. The sat nav unit then downloads the traffic information using your phone's internet connection (GPRS). At present this is the most common method but also the costliest. There is the small cost of internet access to consider and also a subscription fee for receiving the traffic information.
Radio (TMC)
Certain Sat-Nav systems have built in RDS TMC receivers capable of picking up traffic information via radio stations using an antenna that you fix to your windscreen. Others sat nav models have the option to add an RDS TMC receiver which can be purchased at a later date. The advantages of using radio is that it's free, so after the initial purchase there is no continuing costs in using the service.
It's important to note that either method is only as good as the availability and accuracy of information provided by the service. Also remember you'll need to be able to either pick up an internet connection via your mobile phone or a radio signal via the TMC receiver. It has also been reported that subscription services offer more detailed and up-to-date traffic information, than radio channels.
