Oct/Nov 2006

Among the latest dedicated satellite navigation systems to arrive in Britain is the Max-Track from German-based Maxfield, a company that markets a wide range of portable consumer electronics products such as flash memory modules, MP3 players and handheld photo viewers.

The company is claiming that the new satnav system is the fastest so far available, though we have yet to put this to the test. It is powered by a Samsung 400MHz processor, and behind the scenes runs under Windows CE 5.0.

Maps are pre-loaded on a 1GB SD card (selected European countries are covered as standard), and are displayed on a 3.5in TFT touch-screen display panel with a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. They can be aligned either in relation to due north or in the direction of travel. Two-and three-dimensional depictions are available.

Voice directions are also provided, and can be played on integrated stereo speakers or via the user's own headphones. Users can customise journeys by blocking specific streets or indicating a preferred route. It is also possible to save a list of frequently used addresses.

The MAX-TRACK navigation system is powered by a 2200 mA/h lithium-ion battery, and the supplied kit also includes a 12-volt charger that plugs into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.