01.AlerteGPS G200
Price $149
Contact www.alertegps.com
The AlerteGPS G200 is designed for drivers who want a device that indicates speed camera locations only, without the navigation functions of a fully featured car GPS.
This pocket-sized detector has a single-line LED display indicating current driving speed or speed limits in the area with a camera. While the red LED display is clear and easy to read in normal conditions, it's difficult to read in bright conditions. Several buttons on top of the detector control volume, speed limiting functions and display brightness, while a clear and concise voice alert indicates speed cameras on approach. A beeping sound is also given if you're going over the speed limit for a particular area.
Our car GPS tester, Scott O'Keefe, drove past six fixed speed cameras that have been in use for some time, two of which the G200 did not pick up. The packaging suggests the unit alerts drivers to the position of mobile speed cameras, however, this is not entirely accurate. It actually accesses a database of mobile speed cameras that have been observed by other AlerteGPS users who then select a button on the unit to record its position. The G200 records the frequency of observations and alertes you to a possible mobile speed camera, hardly an ideal solution.
The kit includes a USB cable for connecting to a Windows PC to update the fixed and mobile speed camera database, and a 12V in-car power adaptor. The mounting hardware consists of a self-adhesive disc with a magnetic top to hold the device on the car's dash, however you can easily knock it out of position when pressing one of the buttons.
The G200 has a socket on the side for an external antenna, which you may need if your car has an athermic (UV-coated) windscreen.
CHOICE verdict
For an extra $100 or so, you're probably better off buying a car GPS device that offers a lot more than just speed camera alerts.