July 24th 2006, London. So you’ve decided to buy a sat nav device, but with a wide range on offer what do you choose? Satellite navigation is one of the fastest growing markets in the world, and with a wealth of devices on offer from various manufacturers, you might find yourself wondering: what would be the most suitable navigation device for me? To make it simpler, we’ve put together a guide to buying a satellite navigation device.

1. Ease of use No one wants to spend time scanning through endless pages of an instruction manual that makes you feel lost before you’ve even set off. Look for a device that will ‘plug and go’ straight from the box, ensuring you can begin enjoying your navigation experience immediately. If you want a device that gets you from A to B at just the touch of a finger, choose a unit that offers easy touch screen functionality.

2. Map coverage Are you someone who dashes around town or cruises across borders? Choose a device that provides the right map coverage for you (pricing will vary depending on whether you need single or multiple country maps). Ensure your chosen device provides you with regular map updates. Should you need to travel that bit further, look for devices that give you the option to cross borders through Western Europe or even the USA.

3. Clear voice instructions Ever been in a car with the passenger next to you shouting directions? Scribbled a few road names on a piece of paper and hope the signs will do the rest? Imagine your reduced stress levels, if you had a unit that gives easy to follow instructions. Choose one that has a choice of voices, to ensure you can select the best one for you. Some units even offer a range of funny voices to keep you entertained during those long journeys. A text-to speech function will also read out aloud street names, SMS messages or traffic information alerts.

4. Safety Safety should always be a priority. Features such as hands free calling and text to speech functions allow you to take calls and listen to text messages being read aloud, without compromising on road safety. A satellite navigation device with touch-screen technology ensures you focus on the road ahead, rather than fiddling with buttons. Safety camera alerts are another feature to bear in mind, as well as a remote control, to operate your device from anywhere in the car.

5. Display Do you struggle to make sense of a map? Look for a device that offers a large screen with clear and simple to use icons. This will make it easier to select the information you want to see. Built-in light sensors that adjust to the light outside, would also ensure an optimum view at all times.

6. Recommended features Are you looking for the ultimate road trip or looking for an alternative route in rush hour? If you want a device that offers more than just straight sat nav, then consider the latest functions and features that many of the devices now come with. Features can include re-route calculation, itinerary planning, Points of Interests highlighting all the ‘must see sights’ along the way, music player and slideshow. Traffic and weather alerts ensure you dodge traffic jams and rainy days on your route.