Palm-based handheld computers have struggled to get noticed recently, such is the popularity of devices based on Microsoft's Pocket PC 2003 system. To prove Palm products haven't been forgotten, though, TomTom has launched the new Navigator GPS system for the Tungsten T3.

Buyers get the TomTom transceiver, a kit for mounting your Tungsten T3 in the car, the software for your PC and the paperwork to help you get started. The standard maps include the UK, Benelux and Spain. For the rest of Europe, you need to fork out an extra £33.

We like the fact that a supplied SD Card has the Palm software preloaded.

Put the memory card into the Palm and you are ready to go. A CD-ROM is also supplied with the relevant software on.

Despite this being a wireless kit, the cables are still very much in evidence and installing the kit in the car is a bit messy. We chose to use the flexible mounting to adhere our T3 to the windscreen. We connected the wire which powers the Palm, before putting the Bluetooth transceiver on the dash, which also requires a power cable. These two wires share a single cigarette lighter socket and the result is unsightly. We also had some trouble getting the Bluetooth link established between the handheld PC and the transceiver.

Once this was overcome, though, the Navigator's route-planning performance was very good. The 3D route map soon becomes second nature, while the facility for using the full size of the T3's screen means the map is comfortable to use.

At £302, it isn't too expensive, but as with the Navman GPS4410, the cost of the handheld PC must be considered as well. Only the Palm Tungsten T3 is compatible and the best price we found was £255. And if you want all the European maps, it makes the total cost £607. The Navigator is good but isn't cheap when the total cost is added up.

Contact: Tom Tom
www.tomtom.com