When Nokia told us its N95 would have access to maps for over 100 countries we’re chuffed to bits. Still though, access a map from your phone’s memory is faster than over a network, not to mention cheaper. Here’s how you can do it for nowt.

What’s the point?

Less standing around like a lemon as your N95 automatically wastes time accessing maps via your network connection, meaning you can get on your way sooner.

Is it free?

Naturally.

Sold! How do I do it?

Step 1: If you’re reading this on a PC running XP your half way there. If you’re a Mac man, you’ll need to call in a favour from a PC pal or pull a cheeky one and use your work PC.

Step 2: Right, head over to the Nokia site and snatch a Maploader download. Got it? Good. Install it, but don’t go connecting your N95 to your machine just yet or it’ll all go tits up…

Step 3: If you haven’t already, make sure you fire up the Maps application on your N95 and run it at least once. Ensure you slide the handset open, because the all-important GPS antenna is tucked just beneath the keypad and needs to be in clear line-of-site with the sky, so head outdoors. When it’s done its thing you can quit out, head back inside and plop yourself back in front of the PC.

Step 4: Hook up your N95 to your PC with the USB cable that came in the box. Your phone will ask you how you want to connect – make it happy by selecting the ‘Mass storage option’.

Step 5: Almost there. Open the Nokia Maploader app, choose which maps you want to funnel across onto your N95 and you’re off. It can take a while to pump across the maps onto your phone’s memory card, but hang in there as you’ll seriously see things speed up the next time you power-up the Maps satnav app.