On test: Binatone Carrera X350
Back in the days when men wore braces, women donned shoulder pads and advanced technologies such as sprites, bitmapping and (wait for it) floppy disks were the talk of the town, Binatone was happy to make cheap musical instruments and pong-style TV games. I remember sitting in front of the TV, paddle in hand, perfectly happy playing ‘tennis', ‘football' and ‘squash', and conjuring plinky-plonky ELO-style compositions on a friend's electronic keyboard.
But times move on, none more so than in the technology industry, and today Binatone has gone from home entertainment novelties to more mundane fare such as phones, shavers, hairdryers and kitchen appliances. Its latest venture is into the world of satellite navigation and at £100 the price of the X350 isn't far off those of its more humdrum, home appliance cousins.
→
More
- Start page
- > Telephony & Internet
- > GPS Navigation Devices
Satellite navigation device
Reviews on Satellite navigation device
"Binatone Carrera X350 Sat-Nav"
Published on: 9/2007
"Binatone Carrera X350 sat nav"
Published on: 9/2007
On test: Binatone Carrera X350
Binatone has recently branched out into the GPS market with its Carrera X350, a rather basic, yet portable, navigation aide.
→
More
"TomTom Go 720 GPS satnav device"
Published on: 9/2007
On test: TomTom Go 720
Go down the roster of top-of-the-line GPS features, and the TomTom Go 720 has them all covered: text-to-speech pronunciation of street names; the ability to play audio files from an SD Card through your car's stereo; and clear, colourful 3D maps displayed on a big screen. About the only thing missing is the high-end price - the TomTom Go 720 retails for £329 inc VAT.
→
More
"Navman S90i GPS receiver - First Look"
Published on: 9/2007
On test: Navman S90i
Navman has officially launched its new S-series, following a "dramatic redesign" of the company's satellite navigation systems. But is it for the better? We were able to have a brief play with the new models at the launch event in London.
→
More
"Mio A501 Digi Walker GPS PDA phone"
Published on: 9/2007
On test: Mio A501
The Nokia N95 isn't the only phone that promises, a phone, a camera and a GPS in one device to take with you wherever you go. But can the Mio A501 live up to the challenge? We take a closer look.
→
More
"TDS Nomad 800L Rugged PDA"
Published on: 9/2007
On test: Tripod Data Systems Nomad 800L
Whenever the word 'rugged' is mentioned in conjunction with an item of technology, a primitive urge stirs inside me and a tingle of excitement shivers down my spine. Almost immediately, the Johnny Knoxville in me (doesn't everyone have one?) begins to devise all manner of evil schemes and increasingly elaborate test scenarios designed to test the mettle of such claims.
I imagine driving over it with my two-ton MPV and stamping on it with a pair of ice skates. I dream of dropping a caravan on top of it and immersing it in freezing dry ice. I fantasise of putting it straight onto a searing hot barbecue, cackling and rubbing my hands together with glee as I picture the plastic melting and the battery going 'boom'.
Strangely, however, when I propose such ideas to manufacturers they're usually less than enthusiastic and keen to stress that, when they mean 'rugged', they actually mean 'ever-so-slightly less prone to break when you drop it in the street' than your average piece of throw-away technology.
Which was why I was that bit more excited than normal to get my mitts on Tripod Data Systems' 'rugged' Nomad 800L.
→
More
"TomTom Go 720"
Issue: 10/2007
On test: TomTom Go 720
The Go 720 is effectively a replacement to the Go 910, although if TomTom intends to follow previous numbering policies, there's probably a hard drive equipped 920 on its way. For now though, the 720 offers everything the 910 did but uses memory cards to add storage space for pictures, music or audiobooks. The Map data is stored on internal memory, containing the whole of Europe.
→
More
"Two-in-one car kit stalls"
Issue: 10/2007
On test: Harman/Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500
Why clutter your dashboard with a GPS and an MP3 player, when you can have one unit that acts as both? Well, if the GPS-500 is anything to go by, it's because the single-unit option is massively compromised.
→
More
"TomTom Go 720"
Issue: 65/2007
On test: TomTom Go 720
The Go 720 introduces a range of features that raises the bar for its competitors.
With a slim 4.3" widescreen display, the device is perfectly weighted at 220g and yet retains the feeling of being small. It's finished off in a rubberised material for durability and the car cradle is tiny and ideal for transportation between vehicles. The USB cradle can power your device and connects to your PC for either data transfer or using TomTom Home - a system for downloading new maps, voices and updates to your device.
→
More
"Garmin 250W"
Issue: 65/2007
On test: Garmin Nüvi 250W
The nuvi 250 was released by Garmin earlier in the year, bringing full European map coverage to its entry-level range. The 250W is a quick follow-up, building on the strengths of that device while adding a stunning widescreen display to the mix.
→
More
"Mio C520t"
Issue: 9/2007
On test: Mio C520t
Mio's slogan for its new navigation system is 'change the way you travel every day'. it's a small and lightweight portable SatNav solution that ships with complete map data for the whole of Western Europe, 22 countries in all. It's also an MP3 player and picture viewer, and comes with a TMC traffic receiver and speed camera warning system to enhance your driving. It can even be used on foot.
→
More
"TomTom ONE XL"
Issue: 9/2007
On test: TomTom One XL
TomTom's ONE family is ever-growing, and is now available in its third incarnation. The XL is an enhancement of the second ONE unit, which slimmed down considerably from the very first model. As technology has advanced, so has the ONE product. It incorporates many of the Go features, such as speed cameras, traffic info, weather reports and other TomTom PLUS functions. These can be accessed via a mobile on the move, or hooked up to a PC with the excellent HOME software.
→
More
"Asus MyPal A696"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: Asus MyPal A696
Asus has been producing Pocket PCs with integrated GPS receivers for some years, and the MyPal A696 is its latest offering in this range. Asus also has a longstanding relationship with Destinator for navigation software, and the combination of a Pocket PC with GPS receiver plus navigation software for £199 (inc. VAT) looks appealing. But is the MyPal A696 a competitor in today's handheld market, where integrated GPS receivers are now commonplace?
→
More
"Asus MyPal A696"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: Asus MyPal A696
Asus' new PDA, the MyPal A696, is something of a triumph of style over content. If you're after a functional PDA-type device that also includes navigation features, this may not be a big problem, But if you're mainly after a satnav unit, the MyPal A696 is a bit behind the times.
→
More
"Road Angel Navigator 9000 GPS satnav"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: Road Angel Navigator 9000
The Road Angel Navigator 9000 has a built-in SIM, which allows updates on the move (there's no PC required).
With highly accurate weather, traffic and camera reporting, you can also receive SMS messages via the Road Angel Navigator 9000's own number – but bear in mind the use of a mobile while driving is now a very expensive, and dangerous, way to break the law.
The Road Angel Navigator 9000 also allows emergency services to track you, if needs be, and for you to send your destination to the device before setting off.
→
More
"TomTom Go 720 Sat-Nav"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: TomTom Go 720
Social networking and file sharing is revolutionising the planet it would seem. Not a day passes without some mention of Facebook, YouTube or MySpace in the technology news. It certainly seems that everyone I know is using one or other of these three services. But when you think about it, networking and sharing has always been an essential driving force in the world of technology, it's just the way in which we're doing it that has changed over the years.
The Internet itself is the ultimate expression of this where computers are concerned, and mobile phones became ubiquitous because of our desire to stay connected and share information years before people began to join these services and make friends. But what's next? According to TomTom it's sat-nav's turn to get the treatment.
→
More
"Garmin nüvi 200W Sat-Nav"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: Garmin Nüvi 200W
In the world of satellite navigation, Garmin is one of the founding fathers. It began producing receivers way back in 1989, started out selling products to the boating market, moved on to handheld units, which it supplied to the American military during the first Gulf War, was one of the first to combine GPS with moving maps and now has more GPS products on its books than there are Mr Men cartoon characters.
The company clearly has an impressive pedigree, bags of experience and a rock-solid reputation, but in a world where sat-nav is rapidly becoming the next commodity technology, it's going to have its work cut out to maintain that status over the next few years. As part of that process - to keep step with the competition - the firm's latest range of in-car devices has now gone widescreen. And its 200W makes a good first impression. It's slim and light and the screen bezel is kept to a minimum, which means more room for maps while keeping the profile of the 4.3in widescreen in your windscreen to a minimum. In the world of Mr Men, the 200W is definitely Mr Cool.
→
More
"RAC Satnav 220"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: RAC Sat Nav 220
If I ask you to think of companies making sat-nav equipment I doubt you’d offer the RAC. Odd, that, considering it is a motoring organisation with a vast membership and has been offering door to door route planning from its Web site] for ages.
Then again, maybe it isn’t so odd, because the RAC’s new range of three sat-nav devices is its first real foray into this area. Yes, there was a single device launched last year, but it was more of a quiet toe in the water than a big launch.
→
More
"Mio Digiwalker C320 satellite navigation"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: Mio C320
It is no longer enough for a satellite-navigation device to get a person from A to B, it must now also look good and make a statement when placed in the front of a car.
Some sat navs do this by coming in a variety of colours, others offer the ability to display pictures from a memory card, and then there are some, like the Mio Digiwalker C320, which make their mark just by looking slick.
→
More
"Garmin nüvi 250W"
Published on: 8/2007
On test: Garmin Nüvi 250W
The Garmin nuvi 250W is an entry-level model offering UK and European mapping plus safety cameras, but little in the way of extras. It's available now for around £170, with more information at Garmin's Web site.
→
More
"TomTom ONE XL"
Issue: 64/2007
On test: TomTom One XL
It seems like TomTom is bringing out a new model every couple of months, with little to choose between them, but the new TomTom ONE XL is instantly recognisable for its big departure fro the standard models. XL refers to the new widescreen format, although there are also several other notable changes from the previous ONE NE version.
→
More
"Medion GoPal PNA470"
Published on: 7/2007
On test: Medion GoPal PNA 470
With TomTom dominating the in-car GPS market, newcomers like Medion have to pile on the features to get a look in. Its range-topping PNA470 has full European mapping, TMC traffic info, Bluetooth connections and multimedia extras. It's available now for just under £300.
→
More
"TomTom One XL Europe"
Published on: 7/2007
On test: TomTom One XL Europe
With so many PDAs and phones offering every type of functionality under the sun, it's easy to be seduced into thinking that they're good enough to do all their jobs brilliantly. That's not always the case, however, and as with attractive female tennis players, who are seduced by the lure of endorsement deals, technology companies often go too far and their products lose focus.
TomTom is definitely not in this category – its products are more Justine Henin than Anna Kournikova – and has been producing top quality sat-nav systems for years. The latest in the TomTom range is a widescreen version of its portable One sat-nav and it aims to continue the tradition. TomTom's sat-navs are also a favourite in the TrustedReviews offices. We like them because they do two things very well: they provide accurate and sensible driving instructions, and they're intuitive and easy to use.
The One XL is no different from its predecessors in this respect.
→
More
"Keomo Personal Navigation satellite navigation device"
Published on: 7/2007
On test: Keomo Personal Navigation Device
Keomo's Personal Navigation is the perfect example of why, sometimes, it's best to keep things simple. While a satnav device should ultimately be reviewed on its navigation, if the other features are there then they must also be brought into the equation. And, unfortunately, the Keomo Personal Navigation's multimedia features are all present and incorrect.
→
More
"Harman Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500"
Published on: 7/2007
On test: Harman/Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500
What more do you want from a GPS unit than the ability to get you from A to B when you haven't got a clue where you are or which way to go? Well, Harman Kardon is hoping that multimedia features will also feature highly on your shopping list as its new Guide+Play GPS-500 also features video and audio playback.
→
More
