Welcome to Technical Itch. The home of in-depth and down to earth gadget reviews. This page lists all the sat nav systems we have reviewed to date.
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Future Reviews
We currently waiting for a Garmin Nuvi 865T review model. More details to follow.
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TomTom Go 740 Live
Overall the TomTom Go 740 Live is an excellent navigation device. It has a wealth of features and options that should keep most users happy. These do come at a price though, this system costs a lot of money, and to get the most out of it you will need to pay the monthly subscription too, otherwise you will lose the LIVE services, so unless you’re a regular road user you will not get your money’s worth.
Read the full review.
Garmin Nuvi 255WT
Overall the Nuvi 255WT does a good job of building on the success of the Nuvi 250W. We like the addition of a traffic module and the “Where Am I?” feature. The on-screen menus have also been given a face-lift making the system more visually appealing.
There is a minor bug with the next turn feature, but apart from that we didn’t run into any major issues. Hopefully a future firmware release will fix this. Overall this is a good performer.
Read the full review.
Garmin Nuvi 775T
Overall we found the Garmin Nuvi 775T a disappointment. Garmin have added some useful new features over its predecessor, the Nuvi 770.
These include lane assist, speed limit displays, new route data display options and ecoRoute support, but the basic navigation aspects of the device were not good enough when you consider the high price tag. The bluetooth malfunctioned in our tests too.
Based on our testing the Nuvi 770 is a more reliable performer.
Read the full review.
Garmin Nuvi 770
The Nuvi 770 is a top notch sat nav system. It looks good, has easy to use on screen controls, has a huge POI database and the TMC reception is the best we’ve tested so far on a sat nav system. The speed camera and bluetooth features worked impressively well too.
We’re not convinced the FM transmitter is a useful feature, and in our tests it didn’t perform very well. When you consider the price tag we think the Nuvi 770 is a little overpriced, but if you’ve got the money you won’t be disappointed. The Nuvi 770 really is a superb unit.
Read the full review.
Garmin Zumo 550 Motorcycle Sat Nav
We really like the Zumo 550. We’re struggling to find anything negative to say about it. It is easy to use, contains plenty of features and is a competent navigator.
Garmin seem to have done a good job of designing it with bikers in mind, and we like the added bonus of a suction cup and mount for use in a car. Comparing it with other sat nav systems we’ve reviewed it is certainly up there competing for top spot.
The only negative points we could find was the lack of a bluetooth headset included in the box. Overall a great system which is well worth a place on your sat nav shortlist.
Read the full review.
Garmin Nuvi 660
The Nuvi 660 is a nice sat nav system. It has the same good looks and easy to use features that are common across the entire Garmin Nuvi range. The navigation worked well and it is backed up by a huge Points of Interest (POI) database.
The TMC reception is excellent and the bluetooth and safety camera features worked well. The only disappointment was the cradle design.
Read the full review.
Garmin Nuvi 250W
Overall the Garmin Nuvi 250W is a great device which performed very well. The wide screen is excellent. This combined with the slimline looks makes this an attractive looking piece of hardware. The large touch screen controls are well laid out and easy to use.
If you’re looking for a large screen sat nav system, that is easy to use, and has extensive points of interest (POI), then this system is a serious contender for your money.
Read the full review.
Navman S100
The redesigned cradle is a welcome improvement over previous models, and the addition of features like Text to Speech (TTS) and visual speed warnings is good to see.
The Navman S100 though is let down by the new Glide Touch interface and poor route selection. This is not a system we can recommend buying in the present format.
Read the full review.
Navman S50
The S50 boasts a good selection of features including a 4.3’’ widescreen, Bluetooth hands free calling, safety cameras and WAAS/EGNOS support. When you consider the price tag of just over £100 it represents very good value for money.
Overall the S50 is a nice looking system that performs well, but it is let down by a poorly designed cradle that is in desperate need of a redesign.
Read the full review.
Navman S50 3D
Overall the S50 3D is a competent navigator that will safely get you to your destination. We think the 3D feature is a bit of a gimmick and the Navman Connect just never worked in our tests.
It’s therefore hard to recommend the S50 3D, especially when you consider the lack of an external antenna socket, microphone socket or earphone socket which you get on the Navman S50. The S50 3D does have more up-to-date maps, but we found overall there was nothing really to get excited about when comparing the S50 3D with the original Navman S50.
Read the full review.
Sony NV-U73
Overall this is a good sat nav system. The navigation works well and it has a decent set of European maps and Points of Interest (POI) pre-installed. The NV-U73 includes some nice features like voice directions including road names and voice warnings when approaching safety cameras.
Some people have complained of the suction cup detaching whilst driving. In addition Sony are discountinuing this product after 2010 meaning limited future support. Keep that in mind before considering buying one.
Read the full review.
Sony NV-U53
There are a couple of funny quirks with this device, such as not being able to enter a house number when navigating to a postcode and button presses sometimes being ignored, but overall this is a very nice sat nav system that performed very well.
When you consider the price tag, the Sony represents excellent value for money for a widescreen sat nav system.
Some people have complained of the suction cup detaching whilst driving. In addition Sony are discountinuing this product after 2010 meaning limited future support. Keep that in mind before considering buying one.
Read the full review.
Discountinued Systems
Navman N40i
The N40i is a welcome improvement over the Navman Pin 570 but it still falls short in a few areas. If Navman could iron out these issues then it would be a more impressive device.
We’d like to see more accurate mapping software, the ability to enter a house number when navigating to a postcode and a more intuitive demonstration mode. A higher specification camera rather than the 1.3 megapixels currently on offer would also raise the Navman’s appeal, allowing it to double up as a standalone camera.
Read the full review.
Navman PIN 570
The Navman PIN 570 is not a bad performer from a navigational viewpoint, but it is let down in too many areas for it to be considered a good buy in our opinion.
The Navman PIN 570 is starting to look dated compared to the competition. The mapping software is several years out-of-date and inaccurate in places. There is also limited upgrade potential due to the product being discontinued by Navman.
This coupled with the fiddly on-screen controls and cumbersome user interface makes for a product that can be irritating to use.
Read the full review.
Sony NV-U51
The Sony NV-U51 has now been replaced by the better spec NV-U52. Having said that, the NV-U51 is not a bad performer, and there are good deals to be found if you shop around. Some stockists include a free TMC cradle for example.
If you’re not fussed about having the latest model and don’t mind the maps being a couple of years old then consider taking a closer look at this system. It also supports TMC which the replacement NV-U52 does not. Just bear in mind that since the product is discontinued you may get limited Sony support in the future.
Read the full review.
HP iPAQ rx5720
The TomTom navigation didn’t disappoint. The PDA is a good performer too providing easy integration with Microsoft Outlook, although you’ll probably find using Word and Excel on such as a small screen too fiddly. The lack of wireless out of the box may put off some people too.
If you’re looking for a great satellite navigation system, with built-in calendar and contacts list, then this could be the system for you.
Read the full review.
Medion MDPPC 250
This is a budget system so don’t expect an all singing, all dancing satellite navigation system. Having said that, there are some nice touches to this system, such as voice directions including road numbers. But overall it is let down by a lack of full postcode entry, low volume levels, and a basic POI system.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the weaknesses mentioned above then it is worthy of consideration. When you consider the cheap price which gives you both a decent spec PDA and basic satellite navigation system it represents good value for money.
Read the full review.
Mio C210
Overall this is a great satellite navigation system. It is surprising how many features it has when you consider the cheap price tag. The controls are fiddly to use unless you use a ballpoint pen, and it is a bit too chunky to fit into a pocket, but apart from that there are no real complaints. If Mio could develop a slimline version of this sat nav system then they would be on to a real winner.
If you want a cheap, reliable sat nav system you won’t be disappointed.
Read the full review.
25 responses so far ↓
1 c series navman // Feb 18, 2008 at 12:43 am
had one for two weeks easy to use reliable gets you there its got a lot of good features well impressed
2 Mick // Jun 18, 2008 at 10:09 am
There are no english road signs in Libya and am looking for a sat nav that will allow me to drive from one destination to another and it stores the information for use next time.
I am a novice where sat navs are concerned and would appreciate a reccommended model to buy for this type of use.
Regards.
Mick.
3 Dean // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:07 am
The sat nav systems I’ve used cover just Europe and North America. I’m not sure what map coverage is like for North Africa but it is likely to be very limited or non-existent.
Garmin do a WorldMap CD-ROM:
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/WM.jsp
But if you click on the WorldMap v4 link on the right-hand side of that web site, and zoom into Libya, it shows pretty much no coverage at all.
4 Mick // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:55 am
Dean,
What i need is a sat nav system that allows me to enter a start point and it maps the course as i drive along and then when i arrive i can stop it and save the course it has plotted to use it next time so that when my wife is driving alone it will tell her how to get there.
I feel sure there are sat navs that does this but being a novice then i need to know which one will do this as i am going to have to buy on line and get it delivered by courier service so want to be sure it works.
Best regards,
Mick.
5 Dean // Jun 18, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I’m not sure the answer Mick.
I think what you’re after is a tracklog facility which is like a breadcrumb trail which records the route you’ve taken. Some devices like the Garmin Nuvi 7xx series and Garmin eTrex support this, but I’m not sure whether you can then use that tracklog to create a route for future trips.
I believe these tracklogs are used for plotting routes used whilst hiking rather than driving. I’m not sure how practical it would be in a car, since the GPS will not be aware of any roads and will try to navigate you from point A to B without regards to roads, i.e. it may try and direct you off-road over rough terrain, etc.
You could try doing a search on Google, or maybe contact a couple of GPS suppliers for further help. Let me know if you have any success.
6 Mick // Jun 18, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Dean,
Many thanks for all your help will try the suppliers
Keep well
Best regards
Mick.
7 Peter Baxter // Jul 30, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Dean,
Just returned from a months holiday in France (someone had to do it !). Our Nuvi worked well and in one particular instance got me to an airport in Avignon to leave my son off for his flight after a major traffic delay. On the downside, on my way home, it directed me to a destination 15 miles away from the intended ferry port. One lesson when travelling in France and possibly other european countries – make sure you know the exact area you are travelling to as many place only a few miles apart may have the same street name. Also, as I was travelling with my caravan I needed to consult another map beforehand to make sure that I was not directed over unsuitable minor roads. Can I set my sat nav to avoid this type of road ?
Regards
8 Dean // Jul 30, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Peter,
Glad the Nuvi worked well in France. There are certain types of road you can avoid but I’m not sure it covers minor roads. If you go into the System Settings and select Navigation you can setup Avoidances. On my Nuvi 770 (should be same on other Nuvis) you can avoid unpaved roads but I don’t think that’s the same thing as a minor road. If I find out anything more I’ll let you know.
9 yvonne // Aug 3, 2008 at 11:52 pm
help please my sony sat nav NAV U 70T
has just been taken back out of the box ready to go away and its showing a fatal application error it says application nav-u.exe has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.if the problem persists contact the program vendor,please help as i have no idea what this means or what i can do to get it back on track
thanks
10 Dean // Aug 4, 2008 at 8:09 am
Yvonne,
Have you tried doing a factory reset? There should be a small reset button on the sat nav you can press with a small object, something like a paper clip will do. See if that fixes it.
11 yvonne // Aug 4, 2008 at 11:20 am
hi thanks,yes i have tried to reset it but its still doing the same any other suggestions?i really need it to work !!!
12 Dean // Aug 4, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I did a quick search on Google and found someone else who reported this error. In their case it was after they had tried updating the software on the unit. Were you trying to update the software on the sat nav prior to this error occurring?
Not sure what to suggest. You could try phoning Sony on 08705 111999.
13 yvonne // Aug 4, 2008 at 8:26 pm
thanks dean,
yes i was trying to put the map for italy on as the original only goes as far as france,but it was off of a legit disc,i will give them a call thank you yvonne
14 Dean // Aug 4, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Yvonne,
One final thing to try. Have a look at comments 122, 204 and 239 here.
One of my readers installed European maps onto the NV-U53, but he installed the maps onto a memory stick rather than directly on the sat nav, and then plugged the memory stick into the sat nav. That might be another option to try if you get no joy from Sony support.
15 paul thomas // Sep 21, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Hi Dean i have got a garmin 205wt and i would like to update my speed cameras , i was wondering if there are any free downloads to update the speed cameras and is it easy to do thanks paul
16 Dean // Sep 22, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Hi Paul,
Have a look at pocketgpsworld for safety camera updates. There is an active forum on that web site too should you run into problems. Let me know how you get on.
17 Ali // Oct 6, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Anyone know the manufacturer of the Sat nav in a 2007 Nissan X Trail?
18 Rick a // Oct 21, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Can anyone tell me if a Garmin nuvi205wt wide screen can take an external antenna please.?
19 Dean // Oct 21, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Hi Rick,
I think the answer is no. There is an external antenna GA 25MCX available, but the Garmin web site says it does not work with any of the Nuvi 2xx series.
20 Rick a // Oct 21, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Thanks for the info Dean great help.
21 Martin // Apr 3, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hello,
I am looking for a sat-nav for car use, which also does a decent job at guiding you by foot in cities. I’ve tested the “pedestrian mode” in Garmin 255WT on a local area that I know well, but even though the direct path through the woods shows on on the map, it sends me on a mile-long detour on a road that has no pavement!!! Surely some other system can do better than that???
22 Dean // Apr 3, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Hi Martin,
None of these car sat nav systems do a really good job in pedestrian mode. The pedestrian mode is essentially the same as vehicle mode except it ignores vehicle restrictions, for example it will ignore one-way streets.
I doubt very much you’d find any other car sat nav system able to perform better.
The routing profile can make a difference. Setting it to Shortest Route can help, you could check you have this set, but in your situation I don’t think it would help.
I believe pedestrian mode will only ever navigate you along roads and not footpaths.
Garmin are releasing some more pedestrian friendly systems later in the year.
Hope this helps.
23 Martin // Apr 3, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Thanks.
I just searched a bit more, and found that Navman has some models (S x00) that boast “routing on footpaths and underpasses” , but it appears they are not sold in my country (Denmark). I guess I’ll just have to wait for the Garmin 1200/1300…
24 Gordon // Apr 13, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Am considering a holiday in France and have heard that Sat. Navs. giving you advance warning of Speed Cameras etc. are unwelcome and may be confiscated. Is there any truth in this and are there any other points to watch in that connection?
25 Dean // Apr 13, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Hi Gordon,
Radar and laser detector devices like Snooper and Road Angel are illegal in France, since they are using the airwaves to detect radar and laser speed guns used by the police.
A sat nav system on the other hand is merely warning you of safety cameras built into the sat nav maps, information which is already in the public domain. You are safe to use a GPS system abroad.
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