RAC 220

Technical Details: 400MHz ARM processor, 64MB SDRAM, 5 inch LCD widescreen, USB 1.1, Weighs 520g, Rechargable Lithium-ion battery.

Features: Microsoft WinCE.NET 4.2 operating system, Memory has embedded applications like Route 66 and NAVTEQ maps, suction car cradle, stylus pen, Bluetooth.

Pros: The wide format screen is impressive, measuring 110mm in width and 62mm in height. The spoken instructions are clear and concise, and reassuring due to the depth of advise. You can search by postcode, and something called Fuzzy Search. Fuzzy Search can be a real time saver, allowing you to enter just a few details or letters of a destination, it will then come up with a list of possibilities. Ideal if your unsure of the exact details of your destination. The mapping software covers most of continental Europe as well as the UK. You can also access TMC data through an FM antenna and receive live traffic data.

Cons: The device is deep in dimension, and weighing 520g it's bulky compared to many of it's competitors. If your security conscious, and like to slip your gps device into a pocket when parked up, then this isn't the gps for you. The navigation software is stored on an SD card, which coincidentally is nearly full. If you need to insert another card which has music etc. installed on it the receiver cannot navigate. The multimedia functions of this receiver are therefore only useful while not driving.

Verdict: The 220 is one of three GPS devices launched recently by RAC. These are the first ever GPS receivers released by this huge motoring organisation. The 220 is the top end device of the three. A real contender due to the inclusion of 'Fuzzy Search' and a wealth of features.

Reviews

Posted on 16 / 08 / 2008

Fuzzy search is pretty good, on-screen directions are clear, but can be off-putting while trying to concentrate on the road.
When it's placed on a windscreen using the suction cradle it can obscure visibility due to the large dimensions of it. It's too heavy as well.

Directs you with the minimum of fuss. However, on a couple of occasions it hasn't come up with directions for locations I know exist. It has also locked up on me a few times. I could only get it to work again by using the reset button.

User Rating -
User Name - M. Birch