While car companies still charge a fortune for their official in-car Sat Nav systems (VRT applies to them), most smart buyers simply buy an aftermarket, stand alone system from the likes of Tom Tom, Garmin or a host of other suppliers.
But this can be a pain as you have another thing to carry with you and plug in!
Now, if you have an iPhone, you can get genuine Sat Nav applications that turn your phone into a full Sat Nav which uses GPS.
We have been testing an App from the iTune Store called 'Sygic Mobile Maps Europe' (€79.99) and it has impressed us.
Using 'Teleatlas' mapping the 'App' provided the full range of functions we would expect from a stand alone Sat Nav unit.
With comprehensive mapping for Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, the unit worked very well.
On a trip to the UK last week it gave accurate directions using a clear voice which was audible from the iPhone's own speakers.
The App gave Speed/Safety camera warnings along with a display of the speed limit for the road we were on (it also gave warnings for cameras on our M50 - that have been removed recently because of roadworks).
In order to work the iPhone must be in sight of the sky, so a windscreen mount is essential, and of course as the Sat Nav App is running constantly, you should attach a power supply to the phone if you are on a long trip.
Sygic's App is very impressive.
