Monday 14th November 2005

Tiny new scamera detector launches

RoadPilot unveils licence-saving midget widget

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RoadPilot microGo

RoadPilot has announced the launch of microGo, which it described as "the world’s smallest GPS speed camera warning device".

The camera locator can be mounted on the windscreen or dash, is the size of a matchbox, and has a graphite coloured case, brushed aluminium face, and configurable coloured backlight for the 42mm LCD which can be adjusted to match the car's instrumentation.

The microGo uses visual and audible alarms to alert the driver to all types of fixed speed cameras across the UK and Northern Europe. Currently microGo includes France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Norway, with Sweden, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland to be added in 2006 at no extra cost -- although you might want to think twice about using it in France, given les gendarmes' policy of confiscating such devices if found in the car.

The information stored in microGo can be updated on a daily basis online from the RoadPilot database. A laser detector is added option costing £49.95.

The microGo is directional and speed sensitive, ensuring no false alarms from cameras covering opposite lanes or when travelling below the speed limit. The display is adaptable, allowing the driver to select what appears on screen, and is operated using one-touch technology.

Information available on the display includes:

• Position and distance of any speed cameras near the vehicle’s location
• Actual speed limit in the vicinity of the speed camera
• Vehicle’s precise speed, to a greater accuracy than a standard speedometer
• The vehicle’s precise GPS location, accurate to within 5-10 metres
• Vehicle’s proximity to the London Congestion Charging Zone indicating the approach, boundary or within the CCZ
• Driver’s own definable personal speed limit
• Rotating compass display showing direction of travel
• Trip and odometer showing distance travelled

You can personalise the display to show combinations of a rotating compass; date and time; trip computer; true vehicle speed; and a GPS positional reading to pass on to emergency services if necessary.

The microGo's manufacturer sells its technology and database to the AA for the organisation's AA Navigator, a combined speed camera locator and satellite navigation system for in-car use.

The microGo is available now and costs £199.95 with a 12-month warranty, with free information updates for the first six months. Updates cost £49.95 annually thereafter or £99.95 for three years. All prices include VAT.

• www.roadpilot.com

[vinceh]

Doesn't it make you spit that GPS devices like this can now be bought for £199.95 today (including six month's worth of free updates) and prices falling by the week it seems, when manufacturers still think it is OK to rip us off to the tune of anything from £1000 to £2500/3000 for a factory fit Sat-Nav system using the same technology.

I LOVE Sat Nav, but hate paying thousands for less than a hundred quids worth of components.

[mrloudly]

Just bought the Garmin I3 from Maplin. Comes with a disc containing all the fixed camera sites + UK postcode navigation. £193 for both nav and camera alerts. Why pay £200 for just camera sites????

[destexhe]

Looks like a typo cause the web site lists at GBP 279.95 without the laser option.

[mybrainhurts]

mrloudly said:

Just bought the Garmin I3

Have you seen the price of updates...? Ouch

[ledfoot]

I would go for the DriveSmart at £189

Not small, but has FREE updates, and is highly configurable.

www.laser-jammer.co.uk/acatalog/Basic_Products.html

They also have a forum on their own site and are developing a H.U.D for it.

www.drive-smart.co.uk/

[J99NNO]

destexhe said:

Looks like a typo cause the web site lists at GBP 279.95 without the laser option.

Thats the Micro RoadPilot, this new fangled RoadPilot is not even mentioned on their website yet!

[hobson]

Just got an i3 so I can easily transfer between cars. The scamera alert works fine. A bit fiddly, but I'm still just getting used to it.

I see comet doing them for 170 but the maplins ones are 256 memory with POI included.

[helfinger]

ledfoot said:

I would go for the DriveSmart at £189 Not small, but has FREE updates, and is highly configurable. They also have a forum on their own site and are developing a H.U.D for it.

why would you want to put that in your car? i have a 997 and there is no way i would put a drivesmart in my car, looks terrible this microgo looks perfect for my car

If you drive a LADA then buy a drivesmart, i have not spent £1000's on a nice designed car to stick a brick on my dash.....are you mad? Not Small is a understatement!!!!!



>> Edited by helfinger on Sunday 27th November 18:46