Wayfinder Navigator Preloaded sat-nav software

Along with the Navigator Preloaded reviewed here, Wayfinder also offers a version called Navigator Online; this downloads maps as it goes and uses completely different, far inferior, software – so don’t buy the wrong one.

Installation is simple and traffic and safety camera updates are included in the price. Routing and spoken directions are clear and accurate, with good information about lane changes.

Quick keys are also available to perform functions such as changing the routing mode to motorbike or pedestrian, altering the volume, or switching the display type. There’s also a speed-dial function, so at a single button-press you will be automatically routed to a saved location. However, it needs rather more fiddling with the buttons to access functions such as the search tool, which is poor compared with much of the competition. In this area at least, the software doesn’t seem to have improved over recent versions.

The PC software allows you to add your own points of interest and when you browse the map it’s easy to route to them or to visit websites and place phone calls. Another handy feature is a parking reminder that keeps track of how long you have left before you’ll get a ticket.

There is a European version available, but maps are split into countries. You have to change maps at the border, so you can’t route seamlessly from London to Amsterdam, for example.

Wayfinder Navigator is good value for money – especially the new 36-month versions that include map updates for the life of the licence, too – and with it’s good-quality routing, it’s deserves recognition. It’s a shame, though, that the interface is not quite as polished as that of the competition, and key features such as the search aren’t more easily accessible.