Which satnav?

I ran tests on the Nokia Maps against my wife's Tom Tom One on a 120 mile journey. Results were pretty much the same for both highway and byway road information.

Nokia Maps is a little less talkative than the Tom Tom. That is, Nokia Maps will say "Follow the road ahead for 20 miles" and then wait until you get close before saying anything more. The Tom Tom will remind you with updates about every 5-10 minutes.

FYI...I also have Google Maps on my N97. I find it easier sometimes to use it especially since it has the search feature in it. For example, I started it the other day for lunch and typed in "Tacos" and it gave me an interactive list with all of the taquerias in the area with addresses and phone numbers very quickly.

Location-based services are Great!

I'm liking Maps 3 quite a lot.

I'm amused by the way on roundabouts the chap says "NOW take the exit" at the last minute. He sounds kinda worried. Very entertaining... But you do also get "at the roundabout take the 3rd exit" type instructions. They're clear and useful.

The UI is great on maps3. Smooth scrolling and chunky... And you get 3d buildings if you go near anywhere famous (which I mostly don't)

The autosync with maps on OVI doesn't work yet (you can only manual sync) but when that's working it'll be awesome.

I've had my N97 plugged into the car stereo and been using it for music & maps at the same time. Works a treat...

I'd recommend it.

(note: I can't comment on UK traffic rerouting as there's no trial and I don't fancy paying for it first)

(What's a roundabout? -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundabout )

On the one hand I kind of like the subscription method, on the other hand it makes it an annual recurring fee to use Nokia Maps. You get a year free use of the tool with your N97 so there is plenty of time to play around with it.

What I like about Maps is that it automatically provides the latest maps when available. Also the maps on the screen look clear to navigate with. One more pro is that Nokia Maps as I think the only tool, can use the compass built into the N97.

I came from Tomtom mobile and since Tomtom shows no intention anymore in providing new tools for Symbian (not to mention, it is the ONLY Navtool that did not recognise the GPS in my N95), I started a search for an alternative. I came across Sygic McGuider. Maps are also clear, work like a charm on the N97 and shows in my opinion the most useful information when navigating.

In my opinion is the choice for a navigation tool very personal. I have used and/or tried Tomtom, Sygic McGuider, Route66, Garmin, Navigon, iGo and some free navtool for Symbian. My preference is still McGuider.

I've used Nokia Maps and Garmin XT on my N97, and i seem to prefer Nokia Maps a little bit more than Garmin XT.

Also Google Maps is good for finding places that Nokia Maps can't, because once you save them as a favourite, it appears in Nokia Maps for you to navigate to.