Three GPS phones that could topple iPhone 3G

Sure, the iPhone 3G has GPS, but with no voice prompts or even proper satnav-style navigation software, it’s left at the mercy of the mobile competition.

Check out these alternatives, they use more than just Google Maps to show your location, so if you’re really looking to replace that satnav with an all-powerful navigation phone, they’ll be right up your street.

Garmin Nuvifone
Garmin is one of the world leaders in GPS, so it’s not surprising that Nuvifone’s key feature is navigation. In fact, when you put it on the dashboard of your car, it automatically switches into GPS mode, plotting journeys, speaking directions and all the rest.

We like the large “Where am I?” button best, that tells you precisely where you and your Nuvifone are. As a phone, it’s also respectable, packing in a whizzy interface, and a full-blown web browser.

Nokia N96
Nokia has put a lot of time and budget into navigation on the N96, with its all-new Nokia Maps software cranking out proper directions (with optional voice prompts for a small fee), as well a proper points of interest, and a dedicated pedestrian mode.

Its maps are better looking than ever too, with urban detail marked in and alternative satellite views.

Windows Mobile and CoPilot Live 7
And then there’s the killer navigational app, CoPilot Live 7. Run this latest version on the best Windows Mobile Smartphone you can get your hands on and you’ll have instant access to all of the latest street maps in Europe, down to the last footpath and bridleway. The software includes millions of points of interes, and is specifically honed for use on mobiles. It’ll let your mates track your progress online, and even send directions direct to your handset, so you don’t have to worry about finding tricky addresses. Its completely re-designed graphics engine is also screamingly fast, serving up 3D views and slick visuals.

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