Given the attention lavished on our cars, it’s not surprising that some people want a sat-nav device that doesn’t just get them from A to B, but looks good at the same time. Becker’s latest addition to its Travel Assist line is a premium priced product and knows it. The black aluminium faceplate and rear-speaker grille are worthy of the interior of any supercar. Turn it on and you’re also treated to glowing blue or red strip-lights down each side, which look surprisingly good.

The 7927 has a 3.5” display that makes the device more pocketable, while still leaving room for European maps and TMC traffic updates. It does cramp things a little when it comes to using the on-screen keyboard, though.
Aside from a ‘hard’ on/off switch around the side, there’s only the one red metallic button on show. This serves as both a quick power-on and a handy ‘back’ key for the complex menus.

Becker has certainly spent some time carrying through the good looks to the menu system, but unfortunately it’s not particularly user-friendly. Even the simple task of inputting a destination isn’t nearly as intuitive as on a TomTom or Garmin device.

The 3D mapping screen is a plain affair with few distractions, save a rather small direction arrow and ETA/distance/time info. Getting further options requires a tap to bring up the more cluttered 2D map, overlaid with nine on-screen shortcut buttons to the MP3 player, options menu and more.

The ETA can be tweaked according to your driving style — slow, normal or fast — which makes them more accurate than most. At complicated junctions arrows pop up to show you which lane you should be in — a real bonus.

Traffic set up is pain-free and there’s full information on any hold-ups ahead to help you decide if they should be avoided — or just switch to auto. The long TMC antenna does need to be plugged-in, though.

Given the premium price tag, the bundled cradle isn’t very impressive, with complex screws and clamps, and a fiddly attachment for the sat-nav. A (pricier) cradle with power and TMC connections is thankfully available.
As in-car entertainment specialists, Becker has been keen to push the unit’s music and video talents, but in reality they’re a little lacklustre. In the case of the MP3 player, audio quality through headphones isn’t bad and the player displays artist and track info, but when browsing tracks, only the file names are listed.

Becker’s big problem though, is the competition. As of October, it has the Route 66 Mini to contend with. This has the same combo of European mapping and TMC, in a same-size body, complete with a similar brushed aluminium fascia and it has more user-friendly menus. All that and it’s nearly a £100 cheaper. Much as we like the Becker’s go-faster lights, they’re not worth that much.

Specifications

3.5” widescreen (480 x 272), 400MHz CPU, 2Gb RAM, SiRF GPS III, MS Pro Duo slot, TMC, Mood Lamp, antenna, dash mount, car-adapter Size 104 x 19 x 82mm Weight 174g

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