Garmin Nuvi 310D

The Nuvi 310D from the Garmin stable is a versatile, comprehensive satellite navigation system. Not only is it a GPS navigation system, it is also a whole lot more!

The Nuvi 310D includes a number of tools to make life easier and more entertaining - not only will it navigate for you - it also acts as an MP3 player, an audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, a world clock and currency converter - all in one smart little package.

The Garmin Nuvi310D is more of a personal travel assistant. In addition to providing satellite navigation it also provides translation for travellers, entertainment and communication. The Nuvi310D has a clear, bright 3.5-inch colour screen. Controlling the system is straightforward using the intuitive menu system which is controlled through the touch-screen menu.

The unit comes with a Li-Ion rechargeable battery built-in and should give between 4 and 8 hours of navigation depending on operational conditions (according to the manufacturer). This battery means the system is independent of the vehicle and can easily be transferred from one car to another making it ideal for a family to share.

The 310D is Bluetooth enabled. This allows the user to make hands-free telephone calls via their Bluetooth mobile phone (available separately) in a safe manner whilst in the vehicle. A "number pad" is displayed on the Nuvi310D's touch-screen and calls can easily be made and answered using this system. It is possible to call numbers stored in the phone's memory using this method.

The Nuvi 310D comes with a pre-installed Points of Interest (POI) database, which contains contact details. Use the 310D to locate your destination e.g. a hotel. If the hotel is in the system's database, using the Bluetooth phone you can contact the hotel to tell them you're running late or to confirm or make a reservation. Additional personal POI's and favourite destinations can also be installed using the POI Loader software available from the Garmin website. The user can load speed camera, safety camera, school zone etc databases to make the journey safer not only for the user and their passengers, but also for other pedestrians and road-users.

Destinations are easy to programme into the Nuvi 310D using the full postcode look-up facility. The Nuvi 310D comes pre-loaded with City Navigator mapping for UK and Ireland. An optional GTM 11 FM TMC real-time traffic information receiver is also available for the Nuvi 310D allowing for hold-ups and traffic congestion information to be received and shown on compatible Garmin systems in real-time.

In the UK, the GTM 11 FM TMC traffic information receiver comes with a lifetime subscription to the TrafficMaster system included in the purchase price - no ongoing fees or licences to pay.

This is a great system and represents excellent value for money.