Review: Destinator 6 with Trafficsam GPS software

Standalone satellite navigation systems are popular thanks to their ease of use and the fact that everything you need is contained within one unit. Sat nav on a PDA or mobile phone is a bit more fiddly since it requires you to install software and purchase a separate GPS device - usually a Bluetooth model.

Destinator 6 is one of a variety of sat-nav software packages for PDAs and comes with a range of features aimed at making your journey faster and easier. The interface is clear and the large buttons make it easy to navigate with your finger instead of a stylus.

We plotted a number of routes on our test unit (using an HP iPaq hx2490 and GNS Bluetooth GPS receiver) and each one was calculated quickly and without error. When in 3D mode, the map doesn't refresh as smoothly as we'd like, but this is more of an aesthetic issue and not something that will hamper navigation.

Destinator uses the latest Navteq Q1/2006 maps as opposed to the Teleatlas alternative (used by Tomtom and some other GPS devices) and, during our tests, we didn't come across any unknown roads. Voice instructions were clear, if a little bland, but the volume will depend on the PDA you're using.

In an attempt to warn of nearby traffic problems, and to re-route appropriately, Destinator 6 comes complete with TMC (Traffic Message Channel) support. You'll need to make sure you've got a Bluetooth receiver that includes a TMC aerial socket in order to use this feature and having to attach the separate aerial to your windscreen can be frustrating.

For an extra £50, you can buy the TrafficSam version of Destinator. This updates more frequently compared to the free TMC service and is available in the UK, Germany and France.
Other features include an updateable database of points of interest, Pedestrian mode and seven-digit postcode support.

If you don't already have a PDA there's little point buying one just so you can run Destinator 6 - you're better off opting for one of the many standalone sat-nav devices. However, for those who already have a compatible PDA (see Destinator's site for compatibility) it's a good value for money option that works well.

Also consider:
ALK Copilot Live 6
A good sat-nav option for mobiles and has some interesting features

Route66 Mobile 7
Not as easy to use as standalone sat nav systems, but a good alternative if you want GPS on your mobile.

Mio C710
Mio’s high-end satellite navigation device comes packed with a wealth of features

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