ALK's CoPilot software has become a leading add-on for handheld devices and mobile phones. The latest edition, version 7, has just been released for Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone and Pocket PC, with other device formats to follow. We tested it on a Pocket PC with built-in GPS.

ALK has taken a long, hard look at its software for this revamp, and has made changes on all levels. Immediately noticeable is that the user interface is completely redesigned and has become a generally cleaner, slicker affair than it was before, even though CoPilot 6 was already quite a tight ship.

The emphasis is on large icons that are easily tappable on a Windows Mobile device, and fast, easy use with uncluttered screens. So the opening screen offers just four options: you can enter a new destination, go to a list of your saved favourite destinations, go to the settings screen, or hop straight into the map window and have the software track your driving.

Get the latest Dell Coupons and other computer coupons at CheapStingyBargains.com.

The map screens seem clearer than they were previously in both their 2D and 3D modes, and a tappable icon on the map screen takes you straight into the main menu. Full 7-digit postcode searching is enabled for the UK. This is a ‘must have' feature for any serious sat-nav system. As you enter a postcode, or a town or street name, a pick-list offering available options narrows down so that you can often make a choice without entering the full information.

When actually on a trip the spoken instructions are loud and clear, and you can tell the software when to deliver them, choosing to get instructions at 2 miles, 1 mile and 500 yards from a turn. When driving on local roads you can also get instructions at what the software calls ‘near turn'.

The handheld software is accompanied by a desktop utility called CoPilot central. This downloads software updates and new Points of Interest automatically, and will install these to your device when you next dock it. You can also use CoPilot Central to update the safety camera database, and it can be used to plan trips for later download to your device.

Live traffic information is an added extra which is delivered to your phone over the air. If you choose to buy it you can get CoPilot to show traffic incidents on the main map screen and even automatically route you around them.

CoPilot Live 7 has plenty going for it, not least the fact that you can be up and running within a few minutes and you should be able to plan your first trips without recourse to the manual.