GPS has come a long way in Ireland in recent times. A lack of proper mapping meant that Ireland was once a blackspot for GPS systems, but now the way forward is clear.
The Mio Digiwalker 168 is not only a GPS system, it’s also a Pocket PC. Using CoPilot software to guide you around the streets and laneways of Ireland, the Digiwalker does so with maps, voice prompts and alerts.
CoPilot is installed as a program on the Digiwalker, and a 128Mbyte Secure Digital card contains the maps, preloaded. When you initialise the software, the opening screen gives the option of setting a new trip, adding a stop to the current trip, or simply start driving. Once you input the address, you can assign a name to it so you can find it easily again if you need to. With the trip details, stops and points of interest registered, the GPS software will try to pinpoint your current position. This can take a few minutes, especially if it’s cloudy.
Choosing ‘Guidance’ mode will give you the full experience — voice prompts, maps — while the planning mode will give you a list of on-screen directions to your chosen destination. There’s also a walking mode that allows you to take the handheld to the footpaths of Ireland.
The device can be set to show different facilities or points of interest, such as petrol stations, parking facilities or even museums. As you approach these points of interest, the software issues a voice prompt.
We liked this device, particularly because it multi-tasks as your PDA. You can take your e-mail and contacts on the move too, or access your Word documents while you take a break form driving. The CoPilot software rarely steered me wrong, apart from one or two turns near a rather confusing roundabout in
Dublin.
Whenever I wandered off the course planned by the GPS, it recalculated my route quickly and gave me alternative directions. And when I couldn’t find specific addresses, they were easy to pinpoint on the map and add as a stop.
Our Verdict
Rating: 4 stars
Effortless navigation with an easy to use interface
Contact: 3D Logistics 01 620 2767
17/01/05
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