Michelin X950T from ViaMichelin

The Michelin X950-T from ViaMichelin was launched in the summer of 2006. UK street-level maps come pre-loaded on an SD memory card. The Michelin Plug and Play solution means the X950-T is ready to use straight out of the box - just plug in the memory card, attach the power input and away you go. A USB connector, car mounting kit, mains and cigarette lighter power adapter are all included.

The X950-T, in common with other satnav systems, has an internal Li-Ion rechargeable battery. This allows the unit to be used outside the car for pre-journey routing planning as well as allowing the X950-T to be transferred between vehicles - facilitating the sharing of the satnav system between say a family unit or work colleagues. The system is light, stylish and compact and can easily be switched between vehicles. The casing is of a tough, durable construction yet remains light and easy to use and transfer.

The X950-T comes with an integrated GPS satellite receiver so there is no need for an external aerial or GPS satnav receiver. The GPS receiver uses SiRF Star III technology - the next-generation of satellite navigation receivers. Controlling the X950-T is straight-forward using a combination of the four buttons mounted on the X950's case and the intuitive menu controls through the X950-T's touch-sensitive screen.

As you would expect with a model of this calibre, voice-guided directions are given and the user can choose between a variety of different languages.

The key benefit of the X950-T is the integrated real-time traffic information allowing true management of the journey. Real-time updates of traffic problems, roadworks, accidents etc are broadcast to the unit via the Radio Display System (RDS) - the same system used to transmit information to in-car stereo's. The X950-T achieves this using the in-built RDS TMC receiver. No additional units, extras or add-ons are required. The information received can be used to avoid hold-ups using the X950-T's automatic route recalculation function.

The key benefit to note here is that for this RDS information there are NO FEES or annual licences to pay!

Some other systems require a monthly or annual licence fee - with the X950-T the only fee you pay is the purchase price of the satnav unit.

Another great benefit of the Michelin X950-T is that it contains exclusive information from both the Michelin Guide 2006 for hotels and restaurants and the Michelin Green Guide which provides tourist information. This information can be of benefit to both the leisure and business driver.

When everything is considered, the X950-T represents the next step in in-car satellite navigation where the satnav unit becomes more than just an electronic navigation system.