Auto Express GPS Review 2004        

The Test New life may have been breathed into radar speed trap detectors when they were declared legal in 1998, but it was the arrival of GPS- based devices that sent sales soaring.

In one brilliant bit of sideways thinking, the industry wiped out years of covert use and thousands of irritating false alarms with the GPS units. Their introduction sent the number of people using technology to stay on the right side of the law rocketing.

These hi-tech satellite-navigation-based set-ups can cost up to three times more than the radar detectors we tested last week, but with their sleek styling and slick displays, they are fast becoming essential wear for the top of your dashboard. Certainly, the case for having some kind of help in staying under the speed limit has never been greater, as there are around 5,000 traps in the UK - with more being added all the time.

In the second part of our detector test, we look at all the top GPS devices which, when combined with a laser detector, arguably provide the most assistance for drivers looking to stay under the speed limit.

Thanks to the built-in database, they can not only warn of fixed devices such as Gatsos, but also traps that work out an average speed over a measured distance, as well as cameras that do not use radar.

All the ones we tested are directional (only alerting those units on your side of the road). And most offer extra warnings for the likes of schools and accident blackspots. Additionally, some only go off when you are over the limit approaching a camera. All include free updates for either six or 12 months, before charging a subscription - annual in most cases. Some offer reduced rates for advance payment, or even lifetime subs, which are worth investigating if you do a lot of miles. Database updates are from the Internet and all offer the extra cost option of a dedicated modem for those without the right computer access.

Four have laser sensors either as wired plug-ins or built in, although we found performance to be mediocre and generally disappointing. There are a couple of words of warning, though. Like any GPS devices, locators can lose their signal when surrounded by tall buildings, while heated or reflective screens can hurt reception - a separate antenna may be required.

We drove a test route which had a known accident blackspot, as well as four speed cameras. Accuracy, ease of use, practical features, a clear display and good ergo-nomics were of prime importance. We put the laser sensors through their paces with a police-spec laser gun at a range of around 500 yards.

Cyclops

Rating:  ***
Price: RRP £369

Subs (months free)/price: 12/£45 Despite being around for some time - in electronics, a year is a lifetime - the design of the Cyclops still looks good, and the stylish casing would sit well in most cars. It found all our traps in plenty of time and showed the speed limit, although the display wasn't as detailed as some. A recent price hike of £70 has put it among the big-hitters and highlighted two key shortcomings. It needs a proper mount - a non-slip mat or sticky Velcro pad isn't enough - and it doesn't have a laser sensor, which is disappointing.

Road Angel + Laser

Rating:   ****
Price: RRP£399.99

Subs (months free)/price: 12/£49 The Road Angel proved its worth - it's a plug and play device, with integral antenna which worked well to find traps and accident blackspots. But it's the oldest here and looking its age against the hi-tech opposition; its technical merits need to be backed by a more pleasing design to let it blend into a modern dash. A plug-in laser and USB download connection keep it in the hunt, but an update - planned soon - is overdue.

Snooper S4 Neo

Rating:   ****
Price: RRP £379.90

Subs (months free)/price: Six/£4.95 We were impressed with the S4 Neo from the moment we got it out of the box thanks to its excellent ergonomics and faux-steel front. It comes with a built-in laser sensor, so there are no trailing wires, and it locates blackspots and schools. The S4 noted our test traps and best of all, offered voice confirmation of the type of trap and speed limit so the driver could keep their eyes on the road. A worthy Recommended buy.

Origin B2

Rating:   *****
Price: RRP £429.95

Subs months free/price: Six/£50 The B2 proved a highly effective unit, and deservedly took our Best Buy award. Although neatly packaged, the screen gives lots of useful information including speed limit, trap type and a graphic/numerical countdown to a camera. It also includes schools and blackspots, and the display panel simply lifts off and into a pocket for security. It's permanent fit - taking about an hour for most cars - with a separate plug- in laser sensor and antenna. But only six months free is a bit mean and if you have two vehicles, you'll need a £99 second-car kit.

Micro Road Pilot

Rating:   ***
Price: RRP £395

Subs (months free)/price: 12/£50 The tiny Road Pilot makes more sense than its bigger brother, which is complex and bulky. The Micro has the smallest screen in the market but uses it well, a single button toggling easily to the required display. The size makes it simple to fit in most cars and it pulls off for security purposes. It doesn't have a laser sensor, but we believe one is due in March with hardly any price hik

Smartnav Safe Speed

Rating:   ***
Price: RRP £719 (including sat-nav)

Subs (months free)/price: 0/£18 per quarter An add-on to the Smartnav sat-nav system, this beeped warnings of traps (either loud or muted) and, if with the optional £200 screen, showed the current speed limit. If you have Smartnav already or want sat-nav, this is the logical way to go, especially as the database is regularly updated. But if you don't, it's an expensive laser-less option; Smartnav is £499 plus installation, plus £120 sub before you can add the Safe Speed camera locator service.


Snooper S6-R Neo

Rating:   **
Price: RRP £423

Subs (months free)/price: Six/£4.95 per month A hard unit to like, not least because the plug-in radar/laser sensor was rather lethargic when it came to finding live traps and guns. The large, clumsy design would spoil most dashboards and although it worked well enough, the numbers and indicators were on the small side and tricky to see. And as with the S4, it comes without any information in its database. This has to be downloaded from the Internet, but not until you've given your bank details for the subscription - a real aggravation.

The verdict

It was tough at the top this time, with the Origin B2 just sneaking ahead. But if you want an easy-to-swap device then eith- er the Snooper S4 Neo or Road Angel is for you. Both are priced similarly, but the S4 is fresher and this shows in its design and features.

GPS locators

1   Origin B2
2   Snooper S4 Neo
3   Road Angel + Laser