We’ve been more than a little impressed by Ovi Maps 3.03, with its turn-by-turn navigation, but it’s only recently that we’ve started using it – installed on a Nokia N97 Mini – as a dedicated sat-nav device. What’s Ovi Maps 3.03 like in this role, however? Read on to find out how we’ve been getting on, and if it’s time to throw out your car sat-nav device…

The first thing you’ll need if you decide to use Ovi Maps 3.03 in your car is a cradle for your Nokia. We used the official Nokia car kit for our Nokia N97 Mini, but there are also various aftermarket solutions you can go for.

Once this is in place, we found the new menu system in place on Ovi Maps 3.03 is a joy to use on the move, as it’s simple and intuitive. That said, on our Nokia N97 Mini, the onscreen buttons are a little small when you’re trying to operate it with the phone attached to your window and at arm’s length.

One of the most impressive things about Ovi Maps 3.03 is the speed of it, with your destination appearing mere seconds after typing it into the search. Ovi Maps 3.03 is also quick to plot a route, letting you get started quickly.

On the move, verbal directions – at least on our Nokia N97 Mini – were loud and clear, and visual directions are also really easy to follow. As with the speed throughout the rest of the software, Ovi Maps 3.03 is also quick to reroute if you deviate off the chosen route.

We found that directions were slightly unconventional, although unlike a lot of dedicated sat-navs Ovi Maps 3.03 can access the internet every five minutes for traffic updates, re-routing you around any congestion.

All-in-all, Ovi Maps 3.03 is a fantastic solution, and it really does offer a premium user experience for free. If you do decide to opt for it over a dedicated sat-nav, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.