Labs

The designers at Navman clearly put some thought into the F30 and produced a satnav that has the features you want at your fingertips when driving. While other software, like CoPilot, is frustrating to use, the F30's SmartST is responsive and intuitive.

Rather than leave the 3.5in touchscreen to do all the work, there are four handy buttons on the right-hand side. The top two are genius - direct access to the nearest petrol stations and car parks: the two things you're likely to need when driving in unfamiliar places. Below that is the menu button and, below that, a navigation button that toggles through the guidance views: 3D, 2D, a journey overview and a list of instructions. Buttons are even backlit, so you can see them at night.

Like Mio Map, you can alter the view

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from 3D to 2D and, although you can't zoom in as close as we'd like, the route is highlighted in green. Roads are clearly labelled, and when you're on an A-road the number is displayed like an AA map. Another neat touch is that a secondary turn symbol is displayed below the main one if there are two turns in quick succession.

You can enter full seven-digit postcodes (numbers are usefully displayed along with letters), and when entering street names predictive searching is used to save you time. There are plenty of POI categories, and safety camera locations are preloaded. Another great inclusion is the TMC module, which is integrated into the windscreen mount and powered by the cigarette lighter adapter.

But the F30 isn't perfect, and we'd like to see Navman add several features. One is the ability to browse the map without a GPS signal, but a more annoying limitation is that you can't plan a trip in advance. It would be nice to avoid specific roads or areas in a planned route, although you can opt to avoid toll roads and unsealed roads, whatever unsealed means. Finally, multidestination trips, plus walking and cycling guidance would be on our wish list.

If you only want a satnav with safety camera alerts and free traffic updates, the F30 will deliver, but there are cheaper and less frustrating options here if traffic information isn't a priority.