Had this sat-nav since it came out in 2005, never once taken me into a field river or private road.

Looks >>>> This sat-nav is quite bulky at around 1" thick and 6" wide, has a resistive touch screen, back button, home button and zoom etc, for quick access. Considering its age it doesn't look old, software of physically; as it uses a frontal panel of aluminium and buttons in cased in a soft touch plastic.

Usability >>>> The software is simple, elegant and very quick and easy to read whilst driving. The voice on the sat nav is also bearable, and uses English without american versions of some words. The only map option is face down, i.e birds eye view/map view, this is great and makes it much easier to use, unlike some satnavs that allow an almost 3d car view, which can be confusing and hard to follow in my experience. When entering an address it only allows the first 5 components, you must then add the house number for example afterwords. This may be annoying if you're used to just inputting the whole postcode, which admittedly is easier and faster. Gives instructions in miles and yards, and always gives plenty of notice before a change of direction needs to occur. The menu's are easily navigable and self explanatory.

Whilst navigating it has a visual countdown to the turning for example, and also shows speed, est. arrival time and altitude.

The sat-nav includes the maps of Europe, and given its age may need updating via a PC to get fully up to date maps. Have used this throughout England, France and Spain with no issues, apart from a couple of new roads being non existent on the mapping software, but it recalculates fast. It also has a fair list of tourist attractions and petrol stations in its maps, which is helpful on long drives.

With age the battery now holds no charge at all, and have got through 2 car chargers, although these are cheap so not an issue.

it also has an mp3 player, cant see much use for this feature, and have never used it.

Comes with a load of extras such as: Carrying case, remote control, windshield mount, bike mount, earphones and a USB cable.


Overall >>>> Great buy, especially now when one of these could be bought for a fraction of the original price, and still does a great job. Never got lost while using this.