It’s no bigger...

It’s no bigger than a mobile phone, so slips easily into your pocket and is very light. The 2.7-inch colour touchscreen is a little dull in bright sunlight, and can be difficult to read, while you have to be accurate with your finger inputs. But we like the Navteq navigation software, which finds your destination quickly.

Although the map is basic, it’s easy to follow, and the turn arrows displayed in the corner are handy. However, when you approach a junction, it emits an annoying ‘bong’, which you soon get tired of.

Other features include MP3 and video file playback, plus a digital photo viewer. Data for this is stored in around 150MB of spare internal memory and any free space on the SD map card. We like the fact that the S270 Plus uses a rechargeable battery, too. It also has the ability to point out speed camera locations. The maker is renowned for its top-class database, and the unit gave us plenty of warning about the fixed sites on our test route – although it was a bit late on one mobile location.