Sanyo Gorilla NV-SD580DT and NV-SB260DT GPS Deivce

Sanyo Gorilla NV-SD580DT and NV-SB260DT GPS Deivce: "

Sanyo announced its new Gorilla NV-SD580DT and NV-SB260DT GPS device in Japan. Both of them have built-in 2GB memory for storing maps and they supports 1Seg digital TV reception.

Sanyo Gorilla NV-SD580DT has a 5.4-inch LCD display while the NV-SB260DT has a 4.5-inch one.

(Via iTech News Net.)

How to Buy a GPS ( from PC Mag )

The portable GPS market has virtually exploded in the last year or two. On the one hand, it means more choices for consumers, one the other hand it means that shopping for a GPS device can be quite an overwhelming experience. In order to get your money's worth, you should consider how often and for what purpose you will use the device. Do you want a multipurpose system that will play your music and display your photos in addition to getting you to your destination? Or do you just want an inexpensive, basic device that will just keep you from getting lost? You also need to think about the types of trips you'll use a GPS for—whether you're looking to avoid traffic on the way to work or find the shortest route to grandma's house or both, choosing the GPS with the right feature set is key. We help you wade through the options by breaking down the specs and sharing some of our favorite GPS devices. Be sure to read our guide before you buy.

GPS Essentials
So, what exactly makes a GPS device good in this crowded market? Important features include a large readable display, a variety routing options, built-in maps, a large points of interest (POI) database, and most importantly, a strong receiver. The SiRF Star III GPS receiver has become the defacto standard for GPS devices because of its fast Time to First Fix (TTFF)—the time it takes the receiver to find its position in a new location—as well as its ability to acquire and maintain a signal even in dense urban environments.


Pricing, an important consideration for most people, runs the gamut in the GPS market, starting at about $200 for your basic system and topping out at more than $1500 for a full-featured model. Many low-price units have small screens, and don't include pre-loaded maps—you have to load them onto a memory card yourself. Those who can afford to splurge on a higher-end device will get bigger screens, a more powerful GPS receiver, such as the aforementioned SiRF Star III, as well as Bluetooth capabilities, and multimedia features. These pricey devices also include preloaded maps of the U.S. and surrounding areas, as well as large, searchable POI databases, the largest of which exceed 6 million listings. You could literally find every Waffle House this side of the Mississippi.

Screen sizes range from 2.1 inches all the way up to the huge 7-inch screen on the Garmin StreetPilot 7200 series. A 2.1-inch screen works best when walking, while the 7-inch screen is intended for recreational vehicle (RV) use. A screen size of 3.5 to 5 inches is ideal for mounting on your car's dashboard. Our Editors' choice, the Garmin nüvi 680 hits the sweet spot with a 4.3-inch QVGA screen.

As with all consumer electronics, a GPS should have an intuitive interface and a straightforward menu system. Frequently used functions such as finding nearby gas, food, and lodging should be only a screen tap or two away from the main screen, or better still, the device should have a selection of dedicated buttons. It should be just as easy to revert back to the map view from other screens. Just about all GPS devices have 2D map views for both north up and track up. Most also have a 3D view that gives you a bird's-eye perspective.

When it comes to routing options, think about the types of trips you take. Road trippers will appreciate multi-segment routing; most everyone else will want fastest and shortest route options, plus the ability to avoid tolls and certain types of roadways. If you're in need of a pit stop, a large POI database is a must. Some GPSs let you search for a POI only near your current location, while others let you search within a city, near home, along a route, or near a destination. You can plot out your potty breaks, find a better place to eat than Denny's, and even search for a hotel room right from the driver's seat.

Optional Features and Extras

Commuters will want to consider a GPS with a traffic receiver. Not only can you receive real-time traffic reports based on your location, but GPSs with this function will also divert you around high traffic areas, such as accidents and construction zones, by suggesting alternative routes. Some devices come with a traffic receiver, while others are sold separately. You'll have to pay a subscription fee, typically about $50/year, but many companies will offer the first few months of service for free so you can try it out. Just make sure the areas in which you frequently drive are covered by the traffic receiver; you can usually find coverage maps online.


GPS devices can do a lot more than just tell you your location and if there is traffic ahead. Garmin has partnered with MSN Direct to offer location-based services including traffic, weather, gas prices, and even movie times—you can try out this feature on the nüvi 680. Magellan's Maestro 4040 has a built-in AAA TourBook and roadside-assistance information. You can even store your AAA membership number, so you don't have to fumble through the glove compartment looking for your card once you've given up trying to change that flat tire yourself.

If you're willing to pay a premium, text-to-speech capability is a compelling extra. A unit with a text-to-speech engine is able to pronounce street names in addition to announcing upcoming turns. For example, instead of "In 2 miles, turn left," the device would state: "In one point five miles turn left on Broadway." Not only is this convenient, but it means you don't have to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen. Devices with this capability usually start at around $500. You can also choose whether you want a man or woman's voice telling you what to do—in some case it's a celebrity ordering you around. (You missed da tuhn, girly man!

Planning a trip to the Amazon or perhaps a "three hour tour?" If you're the nautical type, the Lowrance iWay 600C which includes a marine navigation mode, complete with point-to-point navigation and satellite images, is worth a look. The Magellan CrossoverGPS is geared toward campers, hikers, and hunters, and also has an optional marine mode. The Mio Digiwalker H610 has pedestrian and bicycle modes. Finally, the Novogo S700 offers off-road navigation, so you can track your route and get back to your starting point in areas that are unmapped. (Or maybe you just don't want to be found.)

Of course, high end GPS devices can handle a lot more than navigation. Multimedia players are a nice addition as long as they're easy to use and there's ample additional storage for your songs, videos and pictures. Remember: your multimedia files share space with your maps and navigation tools. Also check to see whether you can play your music and navigate simultaneously—some devices only allow one or the other at a time. And make sure your music's file format is compatible too. The best players will let you create playlists: Thunder Road, anyone? An integrated Bluetooth speakerphone interface is convenient for making hands-free calls—even directly from the POI database. (Great for booking a hotel or making a restaurant reservation.) The GPS model to beat is Garmin's nüvi line; the nüvi 680 includes bright 4.3-inch screen, Bluetooth capabilities, an MP3 player, and the ultrasensitive SiRF Star III GPS receiver.

Via PC Mag

Get More Than Directions

These GPS devices offer sweet extras such as weather reports, traffic information, AAA integration, and even Zagat Guides. ( From PC Magazine )

No road-tripper is without a GPS device these days—I mean who has the time to pull over to read bulky maps or stop for directions after making a wrong turn. In that last year or so, these devices have begun to sport a variety of handy non-navigation features too, including built-in audio and video players. While these functions are pretty cool, most enthusiasts will already have a better, dedicated device for this purpose. But recently, a few companies have really stepped things up, adding more practical features sure to make your drive less stressful and the stops along the way a bit more fun.

One of the challenges on the road is finding something decent to eat. Sure, there are always the familar fast food restaurants to fall back on, but what if you're in the mood for something special? You can check the POI (Points of Interest) database for nearby restaurants, but there's no way of knowing before you pull up whether it's a hole in the wall or a true gem. Navigon has partnered with Zagat to help foodies find the best cuisine along the way. With this feature you can access reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants golf courses, and nightlife and other attractions along your route.


Worried about getting a flat tire or breaking down in a strange area? You probably already have a AAA membership, but the Magellan Maestro 4040 helps you get the most out of it with AAA TourBook and roadside-assistance information built right in to the device. Just tap on the tow truck icon for toll-free numbers for both membership and assistance. Better yet, it takes the pressure off by providing your exact location, including street name, relative position, latitude, and longitude. You can also store your membership number in the device so you don't have to fumble in your wallet or glove compartment for it.

While live traffic is an extra with the 4040, the upgraded 4050 conveniently comes with an integrated traffic receiver (check back soon for our review). The Navigon 7100 offers a decent traffic solution for free. The LG LN740 has a built-in RDS receiver. To start, you get a free 90-day subscription to Navteq traffic information; after that you pay $60/year. You can see incident and construction data for most of the U.S. and you can program the device to route you around traffic jams.

Garmin takes things a step further with its nüvi 680. The capable device offers location-based services not only for traffic but also for weather, gas prices, and even movie information. For each service, available through the company's partnership with MSN Direct, the data displayed is based on your current location. Speaking of the weather, you can view data for other cities for better travel planning.


If staying on land is too limiting for you, the Lowrance iWAY 600C has a completely sealed waterproof case and offers complete marine navigation mapping data. Of course, it helps you navigate across land as well.

All of these devices include a large screen, a text-to-speech engine, and a powerful GPS receiver. Most also include Bluetooth speakerphones for hands-free calls. Check out summaries of the GPS devices mentioned above, and be sure to click through to the full review of each before you hit the road.

Garmin nüvi 680
LG LN740
Lowrance iWAY 600C
Magellan Maestro 4040
Navigon 7100

Continue Reading...

Via PcMag.com

Garmin nüvi 660 Review

BOTTOM LINE

Garmin's nüvi 660 is now the leader of the high-end shirt-pocket GPS market. It's pricey, but if you want the most fully featured yet tiny navigation device with a 4.3-inch screen, the nüvi 660 is your only choice.
PROS
WQVGA 4.3-inch screen. Sensitive GPS receiver. Integrated traffic receiver. Bluetooth speakerphone interface. POI database integrated with phone capabilities.
CONS
Pricey. No multisegment routing capability.
PRICE
$488.00 - $964.00
SPEC DATA
Type: Portable
Turn-by-turn: Yes
3D View: Yes
Display Type: Touch
Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches
Flash Memory Type: SD/MMC
Preloaded maps: Yes
Waterproof: No
Speakers Included: built-in
Power: Adapter, Battery
Supports MP3: Yes
Multi Segment Routing: No
REVIEW
Last fall, Garmin created the shirt-pocket GPS market with its introduction of the nüvi 350. It set the performance bar high and earned an Editors' Choice by combining a SiRF Star III GPS receiver with a 3.5-inch screen and a host of features that appealed to seasoned travelers, such as a language guide, world clock, and a currency calculator. This summer, the nüvi 350 received a refresh—the nüvi 360 which added Bluetooth speakerphone capabilities to the nüvi 350. Now, Garmin has raised the bar once again. The nüvi 660 takes all of the qualities that earned its predecessors accolades and adds a few new features—to make this nüvi Garmin's most compelling ever.

Read the Full Review here

Via PcMag

Nextar C-3 Arrives for Review

Nextar C-3 Arrives for Review: "

The Nexar C3 GPS is a definite bargain at around $149, which is about the cheapest GPS on the market. I couldn't resist the chance to try one out so I got one in for review. The unit offers 3.5-inch screen, which is a standard size for most GPS systems. The unit offers verbal turn cues, and maps of the US. With 1.6 million Points of interest (POI) the Nextar C3 is a little light on places to navigate to. The Nextar C3 does have SiRF star III chipset for a solid lock on satellites.

The Nextar C3 includes mounting cradle, suction cup mounting bracket, dashboard mounting disk, remote control, DC adapter, AC adapter, USB Cable, and convenient carrying pouch. If absolute value is the name of the game, try out the Nextar.

I will run it through its paces to see what it's made of.

(Via GPS Lodge.)

new Nokia N800 will have GPS and Wi-Max

new Nokia N800 will have GPS and Wi-Max: "

Nokia made official that they will be introducing a WiMAX-enabled version of their N800 internet tablet early next year. Intel is also in this with their Baxter Peak WiMax chip, making use of the WiMax service Sprint will make available in select cities.

These next-generation N series will also contain an integrated GPS chip unlike earlier models which were navigation capable but did not integrated its own GPS. There are also rumors that Nokia will also introduce N800’s without WiMAX but only GPS. Will keep an eye on this and keep you updated…

(Via NaviGadget.)

ViaMichelin x970 quick look

ViaMichelin x970 quick look: "

The Michelin Red Book is Europe’s premier restaurant guide. Yes, it’s sponsored by a tire company but its rankings are so highly regarded that an eatery can make or break its reputation based on a star from the guide’s reviewers. It’s big overseas, but not so big over here, which is why ViaMichelin, a GPS device maker and mapping service, has a hard road ahead of them.

The X970 is a twee GPS device that comes with a power cable and base with built-in speaker. It’s fairly basic — program in your destination and go. However, it also includes content from the Michelin Green Guide of famous points of interest and it works with ViaMichelin.com to allow you to drag and drop restaurants and other destinations onto your unit.

(more…)

(Via CrunchGear.)

Digitallife07: Mio DigiWalker C720T Navi Has 2MP Camera to Geocache Your Memories

Digitallife07: Mio DigiWalker C720T Navi Has 2MP Camera to Geocache Your Memories: "

Mio is taking advantage of the combo of GPS and the digital camera in the DigiWalker C720T. Take a picture with the 2-megapixel cam on its back, and it becomes a navigable point of interest, so you can return to that one romantic spot (or the scene of the crime). This GPS navi, introduced today at DigitalLife, also has a TMC traffic receiver in its cradle (service free for 3 months; $65 per year after that). It's got a full media player and maps of Canada, US and parts of Mexico, including detailed navigation in Mexico City. Now shipping for $599

(Via Gizmodo.)

Garmin Edge with Maps and ANT tech

Garmin Edge with Maps and ANT tech: "

Garmin has included ANT Sport technology to their Edge 705 GPS navigation system that targets cyclists, enabling the unit to communicate with power meters (such as the Cinqo sensor) while providing you with a handy map so that you'll know where you're headed off to exactly. Should you opt for the bundle option, the Edge 705 will even give out a list of interesting places you can wind down after a long ride. Since the ANT Sport thing is not proprietary, this means any power sensor manufacturer will be able to ride on this technology by linking their product with the Edge 705. The Garmin Edge 705 will be released only next January, and ought to retail for $650 if you pick up the bundle option.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Mio C720 with built-in Camera

Mio C720 with built-in Camera: "

The Mio DigiWalker C720t combines the convenience of GPS technology with useful tools including a two-megapixel camera, real-time traffic updates, a 4.3-inch widescreen display, text-to-speech driving instructions and enhanced Bluetooth capabilities. Navman Introduced camera/GPS mash-ups a while ago, then they got acquired by Mio and Bam! You get the first Mio with a camera built in. The unit also takes advantage of the business card recognition allows you to take a picture of a business card and suck it right into a contact manager.

The Mio C720t also comes with a TMC traffic cradle and a free 3-month subscription to traffic feeds; this is great. Since the form factor is the same as the Mio C320 and Mio C520, maybe the cradles will work on those too?



Whether traveling across the country or simply driving through town, the C720t’s integrated tools make it a perfect companion for a modern explorer’s digital lifestyle. The C720t makes it fun and easy to capture and store digital photos of your travels. The integrated two-megapixel camera allows users to embed GPS coordinates into images and navigate back to the photographed location. Business card recognition software is also included with this feature, automatically inputting data into your contacts list by simply taking a photo of a business card. Adventures with family, friends or colleagues can now be easily stored, organized and enjoyed over and over again.

‘We are confident that the C720t will dramatically alter the perception of GPS technology,’ said Kiyoshi Hamai, North American sales director, Mio Technology Ltd. ‘Mio Technology is committed to moving beyond simple driving directions by combining GPS with other portable technologies, and we see the ability to navigate to destinations shown in photos and to sort images by location as a natural evolution of the Mio Technology promise. We’re thinking outside the car.’


To help users avoid traffic jams and car accidents, the C720t comes with a Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) cradle and three-month paid TMC subscription. Real-time updates, provided by ClearChannel’s network of affiliates, can be easily viewed on the C720t’s split-screen interface, which will instantly allow you to route around the obstruction.

The Mio DigiWalker C720t has an industry-leading 12 million points of interest in its memory to provide endless recommendations for shopping, dining, sight-seeing and entertainment across North America. Users can now customize their point-of-interest database by using photo-posting sites such as Google Earth and Flicker to load additional ‘PhotoPOIs’ onto an SD card. The point-of-interest database is just a jumping off point to a lifetime of plotting your own course.

The device includes full maps of the U.S. and Canada, as well as additional map information for Mexico City, Guadalajara, Aguascalientes and major roads throughout Mexico. With expanded map data and integrated features, you’re ready to cross every border in North America – unless your dog eats your passport.


Mio DigiWalker C720t Product Specifications
To top off this all-in-one GPS device, Mio has incorporated essential features in the C720t, including integrated Bluetooth support and a built-in media player for sharing photos, music and videos. The C720t also comes packaged with a car mount, USB cable and protective carrying case. With pre-loaded maps, the C720t is ready to operate in minutes with no computer set-up required. Digital video, audio and photo files are easily loaded using the built-in SD/MMC slot.

GPS Receiver Channels 20-channel SiRFstarIII
Memory On-board 2 GB NAND flash memory, 64 MB RAM
Display 4.3' TFT with Touch Screen and 65k Colors
WQVGA – 480 x 272 pixels / landscape orientation
Speaker/Earphones Built-in speaker and 2.5 mm headphone jack
Camera Two-megapixel, digital zoom, 320 x 240 to 1600 x
1200, multi-shot, 5/10 second timer
Storage Format SD/MMC Memory Expansion Module
Battery 1300 mAH rechargeable Li-ion battery
USB V2.1
Weight 6.7 oz (190g)
Dimensions 4.96' x 3.19' x 0.78'

(Via GPS Lodge.)

Nextar shipping more advanced GPS

Nextar shipping more advanced GPS: "

Nextar has recently started shipping out their latest and best GPS device. Nextar calls it the X4B and it comes loaded with goodies.

The unit comes loaded with maps of America as well as Canada, supplied by Navteq. Secondly, comes with 1GB internal memory, and supports Bluetooth for hands free calling. One unique feature in this GPS is that it has 2 million POI, or points of interest, such as nearest stores, markets, phone booths, and whatever else you might need when traveling.

It features a 4.3 inch touchscreen and text-to-speech. The X4B’s GPS receiver is from SiRF Star III, and it features an Intel Processor.

Price is 400 dollars.

(Via Gadgetell.)

Mio C230 Officially Announced in US

Mio C230 Officially Announced in US: "

Mio Technology the Mio DigiWalker C230 for the US today. The unit has been talked about around the world, and has even shown up on a few websites for sale. The Mio C230 is a compact, affordable and easy-to-use GPS navigator that includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and real-time text-to-speech directions, allowing drivers to ‘navigate by ear’ from door-to-door.

The big news has got to be the value price and the text-to-speech (TTS) features. The C230’s text-to-speech functionality delivers timely voice prompts, calling out actual street names when making turns – ‘right turn onto Main Street’ instead of ‘right-turn in 500 yards’ – helping drivers keep their eyes on the road while driving.

The C230 features a bright backlight and an updated anti-glare display to offer clear maps and menus on sunny days. These features, paired with the latest map data and more than 1 million points of interest – including restaurants, hotels and gas stations – helps users find new hot spots in their neighborhoods and beyond, turning everyday travelers into modern-day explorers. Personally I find that a bit on the light side, so you'll sacrifice some POI's with this choice, but that's what typically happens in the value end of the market.

‘Consumers are using GPS in different ways, from pure navigation to an integral component of their digital lifestyle, and we are committed to providing a diverse product portfolio to meet the needs of every user,’ said Kiyoshi Hamai, North American sales director, Mio Technology Ltd. ‘With the launch of the Mio DigiWalker C230, shoppers can purchase an affordable GPS device designed for no-hassle navigation, without skimping on quality and features.’


The Mio DigiWalker C230 comes pre-loaded with maps of the U.S. and more than 1 million point of interest locations, and is ready to operate out of the box in minutes with no computer set-up required. The C230 supports standard voice guidance in 16 different languages including English, French and Spanish.

Mio C230 Specifications
GPS Receiver Channels 20 (SiRFstarIII), WAAS Enabled
Memory On-board 1GB NAND flash memory
Display 3.5' TFT with Touch Screen and 65k Colors
Storage Format SD/MMC Memory Expansion Module
Battery 800 mAH Li-ion
USB V2.1
Weight 5.08 oz (144g)
Dimensions 3.54' x 3.30' x 0.94'

(Via GPS Lodge.)

Nextar X4B

Nextar X4B: "

Nextar X4B is the most advanced model Nextar has to offer when it comes to GPS navigation systems.

It features a 4.3″ touch screen with US & Canada maps from Navteq which sits on a 1GB built in memory, and has bluetooth connectivity for taking hands free phone calls. Also included in its memory is close 2 million points of interests to help you locate the closest farmers market, phone booth, etc…

Nextar X4B also supports TTS (Text to Speech), a feature you’d like if you can’t take your eyes off the road not even for a second.

As far as hardware we know the processor is from Intel and the GPS receiver is SiRF Star III. It sells for about $400 on Amazon.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Medion GoPal P4425 SatNav has Fingerprint Recognition

Medion GoPal P4425 SatNav has Fingerprint Recognition: "

Given that SatNav systems are one of the hottest items to steal these days, Medion's latest GoPal might go some way to redress the balance. Its P4425 model boasts fingerprint recognition for extra security, meaning that not only will thieves be unable to use it, but might find it that little bit harder to find out where you live &mdash unless, of course, your car is parked in your driveway when they break into your motor and steal it.

Just 17 mm thick, the P4425 has voice recognition for certain commands, meaning no more one-handed steering while you thump the SatNav unit as it repeats 'Come off the motorway at the next exit' in its robot voice. There's RDS-TMC antenna for live traffic updates, 1.5GM memory, a 4.2-inch color widescreen and an FM transmitter for so you can get 'Come off the motorway at the next exit' voice guidance piped through your speakers. There's even a pre-loaded database that tells you where all the speed cameras are.

With maps of the UK and the rest of western Europe, the GoPal P4425 is out in the UK in November for £299.99, or around $600. Will this be the shape of SatNav security to come?

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Sanyo Gorilla GPS

Sanyo Gorilla GPS: "

Sanyo has added a new model to their Gorilla series. The two new models will be NV-SD580DT and NV-SB260DT which will not only allow the user to watch digitally broadcast channels but also record them.

The series is dubbed Gorilla for a good reason; offering a sharp display measuring 5.8 inches and a durable battery to last at least couple of hours.

More specs:

• VGA


• FM transmitter


• 1Seg TV tuner


• SD card (2GB max)


• VISC


• MP3 player


• SD-Video card reader (plz leave comment if you know what this is…)


• 100.5x177x33 mm


• 570 g

Gorilla series also come in HDD versions such as the NV-HD830DT…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Navigon 5100 Review

Navigon 5100 Review: "

CNet has a review up on the Navigon 5100 that is worth reading if you are interested in the Navigon line. Recently PCMag reviewed the Navigon 7100 and gave it good, not great marks. Overall, CNet appears to have liked the standard 3.5-inch screen Navigon 5100 as it represents a formidable entry by a challenger, and gives it top markets for navigation as well as some of its new features. Those features include a photo realistic view of complex intersections so that you know which lane to be in. Let’s face it sometimes ‘Keep left’ isn’t enough on some of these highway interchanges that civil engineers dream up.

The unit also comes with Zagat information on top markets, to bolster the regular address/phone information that usually comes with POI’s. The Navigon 5100 also comes with TMC traffic standard, and includes a lifetime subscription. I love the fact that they do this, but am a bit concerned that this is a poor business move. Everyone, including CNet, will look at the price of the unit and think that it’s overpriced, not immediately realizing that the lifetime TMC subscription adds quite a bit of value (and cost) to the unit.

The Navigon 5100 is available at Amazon.

ReadMore at CNet for their Review of the Navigon 5100

(Via GPS Lodge.)

Medion GoPal P4425 reads your fingerprint

Medion GoPal P4425 reads your fingerprint: "

European sat nav device maker Medion today announced the arrival of GoPal P4425, a GPS navigation system with 4.3″ touch screen and fingerprint recognition for extra security.

Come to think of it this extra feature may come in very handy in case a serial killer steals your vehicle. You don’t want to lead him to your house when you are stranded in a remote parking lot with your garage door opener and cell phone left in the vehicle.

On more pleasant topics; the extra slim GoPal P4425 measuring only 17mm thick also supports bluetooth hands free calling with voice recognition for certain commands, RDS-TMC antenna for live traffic updates, and an FM transmitter to hear voice guidance through your cars speakers.

It will be available in the UK for £300 in November.

(Via NaviGadget.)

the new Acer P700 series

the new Acer P700 series: "

Acer launched a new range of GPS navigation systems called P700. These will supplement the current models Acer P600 and the Acer V200 that we had already mentioned on Navigadget.

The new P700 will have the largest screen of all of the above measuring at 4.3 inches. New on the P700 series is the new version 7 of ALK CoPilot navigation software.

CoPilot 7 has a new interface which is more pleasant and easier to read. A new functionality called Pin-Lock will allow the users to lock the device just like you can do on your phone with a PIN number.

The maps for the P700 series will be provided by Navteq and are from the fourth quarter of 2006. Currently the P700 series will have two models: Acer P710 which will come with a 512MB SD card for regional maps and Acer P730 that has a 2GB SD card for maps of the whole Europe.

The difference between P710 and P730 is that latter also supports RDS-TMC traffic information.

Main features:

• Integrated SiRF III GPS receiver


• 4.3″ LCD display at 16/9 and 480x272 resolution supporting upto 16.7 million colors


• 64 MB of ROM and 64 MB of RAM


• SD/MMC port


• 1100mAh Li-Ion battery - lasts upto 3 hours


• 1.5 Watt internal speaker


• Windows CE.net 5.0


• ALK CoPilot 7 navigation software with maps provided by Navteq; radars preloaded


• RDS/TMC Premium traffic Information (only on P730)


• Image viewer

Acer P710 will come with regional maps and cost 199€ and the same P710 with maps of Europe will cost 249€ - both available in October…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Mio C320 Full Review

Mio C320 Full Review: "

The Mio C320 is a widescreen GPS follow-up to their widescreen C520 model that hit the market earlier this year, and has already made a mark on the shelves brining widescreen affordability to the masses. The Mio C320 can be considered an entry model widescreen GPS that offers solid navigation on a widescreen unit without some of the features that are found on mid-tier models. You still get SiRF star III chipsets, a widescreen, maps of the US, as well as MP3 playback capability. The unit hits its price point by shedding the Bluetooth handsfree capability and the maps of Canada along with some POI data. It does maintain the split screen capability that the Mio C520 brought with it (See my review of the Mio C520), which is a user selectable option and one that I personally like.

The Mio C320 was announced today, but I have had the opportunity to check it out ahead of the launch to put it through its paces over the last couple of weeks before the general public gets its hands on it. The unit I used was a full working model.


Design


The Mio C320 continues the minimalist design that surrounds the widescreen with a sleek black frame. Like the C520, the mount has a pretty wide mounting cradle that makes it easy to hit when mounting the GPS unit, and the cam lever action makes getting the unit on the windshield easy also. The articulating mount takes a couple of hands to set, but once you tighten down the screws the mount is solid from there on out.

I mentioned in the C520 review that the unit has a mini-USB power inlet in the bottom of the unit, but unfortunately uses a mini-USB plug in the car that comes straight out instead of an ‘L’ plug. This creates a couple of tough situations that I would put in the refinement category, and not in the ‘can’t stand it’ category. You will need to have the unit just a bit higher off the dash than others because the plug comes straight out the bottom of the unit. The unit’s mount also has a hole for the mini-USB plug to go into the unit, not a slot (see pictures at my Mio C520 review). This makes taking the unit off the mount a two-step process: 1) unplug the mini-USB, 2) Dismount the unit. If there was a slot, you could simply dismount the unit and stow it to get it hidden when you run into stores, etc. I have resorted to taking the whole unit off the windshield, which in the end is probably the safer thing to do.

The top of the unit has a single power button that is easy to operate and a quick tap powers off the unit. The left side has an SD slot for media data as well as a headphone jack. The back of the unit has the speaker that is plenty loud, and a small external antenna jack. The unit has an internal battery that should last several hours, I had no issues with it lasting plenty long and I believe that the claim of it going around 5 hours would be accurate.


Navigation
Navigation with the Mio C320 is fairly easy with numerous ways to find your destination. The new Mio Map version is on the C320 and it includes a ‘type ahead’ feature that shows you only the letters that are available next in the word that you are typing. So, when you type Maple St., and you type the ‘M’, the unit will only highlight letters that can come next, including ‘A’. This has the effect of speeding input; net, a big help here.

The Mio C320 has 1.7 Million POI, versus the 6 Million in the C520. The Mio C320 has the ability to search for stores and places of business, which is a huge help, but the database is a bit limited. WalMart, Target, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks are all in there, but things like Old Navy and The Gap aren’t.

Navigating with the Mio C320 is good, and voice prompts come at the right times. I like the split screen views as the unit can give you plenty of data (tab 1) or a list of next turns (tab 4). The maps are based on the new TeleAtlas maps (version - 2006.10), which does away with a lot of the inaccuracies that were an issue just a year ago.

Split Screen – Tabbed Browsing
When I first saw the split screen I was skeptical, and a bit leery of its usefulness, but it’s surprisingly helpful. The split screen is optional while navigating a route. Touch the small arrow in the upper right corner of the map, and you can hide the split screen. Tap is again the split screen grows out of the right side of the unit. With it shown, you quickly see that the right side of the screen is actually a tabbed interface. The main tab shows key navigation data, including speed, time of day and date when you are not navigating, but additional helpful information when navigating to a destination. When navigating the unit shows current time, estimated time of arrival (ETA), Distance to destination, as well as right at the top of the screen distance to next turn and a turn indicator arrow.

The next tab, the POI tab, shows distance to gas stations, which may also be a good thing while on a trip. Nicely enough, the POI tab on the Mio C320 split screen is configurable, which is fantastic. Set it up with the POI that you need and want to have access to; gas stations, restaurants, fast food only restaurants, train stations, post offices, etc.
In order to change what is showed, you need to display on the map the POI that you want to see; from the Map Screen:
1) Tap the lower left ‘Menu’ button
2) Tap the Gear or ‘Settings’ button
3) Tap the ‘Manage POI’ button
4) Search through the POI list and when you get to a category that you want displayed, you highlight it and then tap the ‘Show’ button in the lower left corner of the screen. [In order to highlight a higher-level category, you can tap it, and then tap the ‘Back’ arrow in the upper left of the screen to highlight the category button.
The POI tab now has the new POI category or categories that you just highlighted. You can do multiple categories.


The third tab shows traffic information if you elect to have the traffic module installed (I did not), while the last tab shows a list of turns that are upcoming. These turn indicators show you the distance to that turn as well as the street name. This can be a big help when navigating, and I found it reassuring when I was trying to scan the route when going into unfamiliar territory. All of this can be had without losing sight of the maps or the layout of where you are going that stays right in front of you, inspiring confidence in your navigation experience.

Net I like the idea of tabbed browsing on the interface, and expect that this be a big step change in the user interface much like tabbed browsing has changed internet browsing.


Review Summary
Overall, I think that the Mio C320 is a solid GPS for Mio and offers a good entry-level widescreen GPS. Mio continues to keep price pressure on the GPS world, and in the year since they rocked the GPS market with the introduction of the Mio C310x, they have seen more competition in the value end of the market. With that said, they have not stood still and continue to innovate and drive shelf prices lower, keeping a price edge and staying competitive in features arena. The navigation is sound, and the interface is good, but not as dead easy at a Garmin. There are a lot of very happy Mio users who come to learn the interface quickly and are confident in the navigation. I think that the Mio C320 represents a good value with some innovative features that can make your navigation life easier after you learn your way around the interface. Definitely add the Mio C320 to the list when shopping around for entry-level GPS devices.

The Mio C320 is available at Radio Shack.

What's in the Mio C320 Box?

The Mio Widecreen C320 GPS

12V power cord

Cam lever action windshield mount

Cradle for Mio C320 to attach to the Mount

Adhesive Disk for dash

Mio Manual on CD ROM

Quick Start Guide Booklet

Quick Start Guide Poster

Note – I excerpted some text for this review from my Mio C520 review, which isn’t necessarily bad since the units are on the same base operating system, basic functionality and the same chassis.

(Via GPS Lodge.)

Samsung i560 w/ GPS

Samsung i560 w/ GPS: "

After i550 which we featured here before, now we get the news that Samsung i560 will also include an integrated GPS receiver chip. The new Samsung SGH-i560 will only be exclusively manufactured for Vodafone of Europe so do not get your hopes up just yet if you live in the U.S.

Very little detail is known at this point but we know i560 will feature 3rd edition of Symbian S60 and come with QVGA screen measuring 2.4 inches. i560 will be compatible with 3G/3G+ networks. and come with a 3.2MP digital camera and have the ’slider’ form factor.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Binatone Carrera X350 Sat-Nav

Binatone Carrera X350 Sat-Nav: " Famous for its phones, shavers and hairdryers, Binatone now braves the cut-throat world of sat-nav. Any good?"

(Via TrustedReviews: Site-wide Feed.)

Acer brings us more Ferrari gadgets: bellissimo Pocket PC

Acer brings us more Ferrari gadgets: bellissimo Pocket PC: "

Acer continues to release products devaluing using the Ferrari brand, with the introduction of a pocket PC with GPS. Nothing particularly special about that, but it does include the latest Navteq maps, something called Powerful Trip Planning which (surprise surprise) will show you ‘Ferrari Points of Interest, like Ferrari dealers and museums.’

Ferrari-tuned specifications:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity


• 122 grams


• 58 x 108 x 16.8 mm


• 2.8-inch screen


• Touchscreen GPS


• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 OS includes Pocket Outlook, MSN, Word, Excel and the new Power Point Mobile.


• SirfStarIII LP GPS receiver


• Navteq pre-installed maps (latest 2006 issues)

I though the whole point of a Ferrari was that by the time you knew where you were you had left anyway?

(Via Gadgetell.)

Holux GPSmile55 - more details

Holux GPSmile55 - more details: "

We now have more details on Holux GPSmile 55 that is soon to come out in the US market. Like we mentioned before it features a wide 4.3″ touch screen, bluetooth for hands free calling and accepts SD cards for memory expansion.

In addition we now know that GPSmile55 also supports TMC traffic info receiver and features a 2600mAh battery that will last up to 10 hours (sounds optimistic…). It measures 121.4 x80.5x18~25mm and weighs about 200 grams. OS is MS Windows CE 5.0 core version running on a Samsung S3C2440A 400MHz CPU.

Unfortunately we still don’t have any details on pricing or availability.

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom GO 720 Full Review

TomTom GO 720 Full Review: "

The TomTom GO 720 is a solid product introduction that offers not only some feature improvements, but some innovative steps that shows TomTom positioning itself as an innovator in the GPS marketplace. TomTom is not afraid to step up and maintain its position in the upper echelon of GPS manufacturers. With this introduction, it is more obvious that TomTom is willing to develop products and software for the US market, where they previously brought over a nearly unaltered Euro product. The change is welcome and will make them more competitive in the US market where growth rates are still well north of 50% per year.

The TomTom GO 720 at the base is a widescreen GPS navigation system that has a SiRF star III chipset and text to speech capabilities. The unit comes with North American maps. The unit also offers MapShare, a program to allow users to make minor alterations on their units, submit those changes, and if elected receive changes from other users who use MapShare. The TomTom GO 720 also has a fun feature to make your own recordings for the verbal navigation commands. Finally the unit also features a ‘Help Me!’ button that allows users get access information to quickly get help from police, service stations and hospitals.





Design

The TomTom GO 720 is unmistakably a TomTom, with familiar lines and design treatments that we’ve seen on the TomTom ONE XL. The unit has more upscale feel with metal accent finishes and a more refined look. The result of this and a longer life battery makes it a bit heavier, but still a unit that is very easy to carry around.

The suction cup mount is a ‘press-on’ variety, which is not my favorite, but works well with a diligent shove to get it on the windshield. Less valiant attempts may have it pop off if you aren’t serious about making it stick.
The mount itself has a minimal design to it, and the square piece on the mount slides into a channel on the back of the GO 720. At first, I was skeptical about its functionality, as you are essentially mounting this unit blind onto its mount, but the channel in the unit is deep enough to give you good tactile feedback and I generally got it mounted first try without issue.

The top of the unit has the power switch to the right side, which is set in a depression that guides your finger to it. The rear firing speaker is cleat and comes out right below the mount. On the rear, there is also an outlet for an external antenna.

One thing that I really like is the option to put the Menu Bar at the side of the screen, which for me, makes better use of the widescreen real estate. The map stays large vertically, and the key data is off on the side of the screen, all there, easy to get to. The only other improvement would be to be able to select which side to put it on (Right side only for now).

Across the bottom you have a TMC antenna input, the rest button, a USB input, and the SD card slot. The front of the unit offers metal accents and two small microphone holes that allow you to use the Bluetooth Handsfree feature and record your own verbal turn commands. While I did not have a TMC antenna for this review, I know that they are a simple thin wire addition that has its own suction cups to hold it to the windshield. I would love to see it integrated into the power cord like the Nuvi 660 unit.

MapShare
MapShare is the program that was announced with the TomTom GO 720 that allows you the user to update maps; pure and simple. The changes that you can make are limited in nature, so you can’t draw a new road and then navigate it, but you can unblock roads, change their one-way status, and report issues with roads (not there, wrong place), as well as issues with points of interest (POI).

First, these general changes that you can make are immediately available to you on your GPS. If you would like to participate in the MapShare community, you can elect to opt in. If you do decide to participate in the community, you can share your changes and separately elect to receive changes from the community. There are different levels of scrutiny that you can set on your device. So for instance you can elect to include: Corrections made by you, Corrections that are Verified by TomTom, Corrections to a POI list that you subscribe to (think speed cameras), Corrections from trusted sources, corrections made by many, and corrections made by some. As you continue down the list you can see how the scrutiny goes down also. No word from TomTom on what the algorithm is to verify or set as a ‘Trusted Source’. But when you do submit corrections they will be done and tied to your GPS unit, so if there are erroneous changes made by you, your input will probably be tossed out.

Once you have set the GO 720 to participate in the MapShare community, you can elect to have a reporting button right on the map screen that will allow you to tap it and input an issue at any time. Might be overkill, but if you are encountering mapping issues that frequently, we might have a lot more work ahead of us than I first imagined. Once you do elect to make a correction, let’s say report a road in the wrong place, the process is easy to submit the change. The process is easy to walk through, pick a street off the map or by entering a name, and then type in the error from a pick list that includes items like wrong speed limit, in the wrong place, house numbers are wrong, etc. You also get the option to type in a short note that would be included in the submission, detailing further the issue.

I applaud the program, but can’t say that I have benefited on a day-to-day basis yet. The program is just getting going, and with the recent rollout of new software to the TomTom ONE XL that includes MapShare, things should start to really pick up steam.


Custom Voices

The ability to record your own turn commands is a total gimmick, and one that I have to say makes the TomTom GO 720 much more enjoyable. I fell for it, I’ll admit it. The TomTom GO 720 has text-to-speech capability and will tell you the name of the street that you are turning onto through a computer representation of the street name. The performance is generally good. In order to use the custom voice recordings though, you will need to rely on the 56 set commands that do not say the name of the street.

The process of recording is brainlessly simple, and involves going into the Change Preferences menu, then Voice Preferences, and Record Voice. The TomTom 720 then recommends that you go somewhere quiet to record the voice tracks. The process can take about 15 minutes, and records voice tracks as *.wav files.

The process essentially takes you through a list of commands that are listed on the screen, you tap ‘Record’ and the unit then writes the data to its internal memory and you move onto the next phrase.

So, out of the 56 phrases, you have the ability to record what ever you want instead of the text that is written, but I will say that whatever you say for ‘Turn Right’ and ‘Turn Left’ had better be something that you like, because the GPS says them a lot of times…. Luckily for me our recording was pretty fun, so I though it was fun. It’s also fun to get several people to say the commands, because the TomTom will stitch phrases together to make up the command; ‘Turn Right, ‘Then’, ‘Get in the right lane’. Three Phrases, and fun to have three voices come across.

In order to get your voice as the chosen voice, you need to then go into Change Preferences -> Voice Preferences ->Change Voice, then select a voice (we selected Mandy), and you get a note that says: ‘You have selected a recorded human voice. Human voices cannot read messages or warnings aloud to you. Would you like a computer voice for reading messages aloud?’ Tap ‘no’. The unit then responds ‘Recorded Voice: You have recorded your own spoken instructions. Do you want to use your recordings?’ Tap ‘Yes.’ Now this will disable the reading of speed warnings, etc and the reading of street names, but it is definitely a lot of fun.


Navigation

TomTom did their homework when they upgraded the destination input screens. The experience is much improved. The primary change is the move to a state based hierarchy that allows the unit to remember the last state that you were in/searched for.

The TomTom GO 720 allows you to navigate to your home, favorite, address, recent destination, Point of Interest, a point on the map, Lat/Lon coordinates, and the position of your last stop, i.e. where you left your car, or where you left your wallet at that last gas station. When searching for a Pint of Interest (POI) you can search near you, a POI in a city, a POI near home, a POI along route, and a POI near destination; all of these are tremendo9usly helpful in a GPS when narrowing what you want to search for and where. Who cares about a place to eat near you when you are looking for a good place to eat near your destination 20 minutes away? The TomTom GO 720 allows you to narrow your search, which is a big help.


When navigating to an address, as I said, TomTom has added a state based system to the GO 720. So, after searching, it will assume a state and display that two-letter abbreviation in the corner, making the assumption that you are searching in that state. Often times for me it is right, saving aggravation. A simple tap of that state abbreviation let’s you pick from a list or spell the state. Once you have a state, you can then spell the city. If you only want to hit a few letters, you can then hit the down arrow to the right of the state button to get rid of the keyboard and list 6 entries, making scanning through that list a lot easier. Pick a town and you are all set to move onto the street name, etc. Instead of picking a house number, you can also at this point pick a cross street which will offer you a list of only the streets that cross, giving you some nice flexibility.

I thought that the navigation was solid and allowed me to navigate well with clearly spoken directions at appropriate times. In my torture test of navigating from my home near Boston to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the TomTom came back with an interesting question, mentioning that it navigated via HOV lanes, and if that was OK. I indicated that it was not, and it recalculated the route, quickly and displayed the results in short order. The TomTom estimates a little long on the time estimate, which lines up with my experience in driving for more than a couple of hours with it. I had several routes that were 3+ hours with the TomTom, and it estimated a few minutes long, only to constantly revise down as I drove the routes.

Bluetooth HandsFree
The TomTom GO 720 includes the ability to connect to your phone and offer you a handsfree connection for your Bluetooth capable mobile phone. The pairing with my Moto phone was easy, no directions required. Set the phone to discovery mode, have the TomTom search for it, and pair the two after typing in a password into the phone. I set them up to re-connect if separated. The TomTom GO was able to pull in the phonebook and recently made calls, and call quality was good. The phonebook does get pulled in as a list of all phone numbers, giving you several entries under one name, with no real designator as to ‘Home’ or Mobile’. Nicely the recent call list gets pulled in which is not always the case. Finally it is easy to also dial phone numbers from the POI listings where there are phone numbers associated with businesses, etc.

Review Summary
The TomTom GO 720 represents a big step in innovation and customization for the US market. With State-based hierarchy in the address menu leading the charge I am happy to see some subtle but persistent issues disappear. The GO 720 is a solid navigator, and one that will get better with age, and not worse, as the MapShare program should continue to improve the quality of maps and POI as time goes on. While the ‘Help Me’ functionality is nearly ubiquitous in the top GPS devices, I applaud the work to add it to the units. For many, the GPS is a safety device that helps them feel secure, and this feature will go a long way to reinforcing that benefit. Not that I thought TomTom was ready to pack up their bags, but they are definitely here to stay and they are not shy about introducing easy to use, highly competitive GPS devices that will keep key rivals at the top of their game.

(Via GPS Lodge.)

GPS integrated UMPC makes appearance again

GPS integrated UMPC makes appearance again: "

At a stand at IDF a new model of UMPC was being demonstrated called EB (Elektrobit) - which we have featured on Navigadget before. The device really is a Mobile Internet Multimedia Device (MIMD) that integrates a TFT LCD of 4.8″ and a complete qwerty keyboard that slides underneath, slightly resembling a Sony Vaio, but there were still some interesting differences. First off it is based on Linux, which contributes to an almost instantaneous boot, and in addition is based on Intel’s Menlow which a fast and energy efficient chip specially designed for multimedia applications.

The UMPC by Elektrobit is not too big nor heavy, almost fits in the palm of the hand, which a size that is becoming more popular among other UMPC form factors.

The wireless connectivity is centered in the Wi-Fi chip and the Bluetooth, besides you can count on the possibility of working under WIMAX and HSDPA networks. Device also has a 3.2MP camera and a navigator thanks to the integrated GPS. And it uses microSD cards.

Really, this must be a device with enough potential because Anad Chandrasekher, general manager Ultra Mobility Group at Intel, dedicated a few minutes of his keynote to it…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Narizon’s Virtual GPS for iPhone

Narizon’s Virtual GPS for iPhone: "

Finally you can get a GPS in your iPhone, just get the Narizon’s virtual GPS installed. It is done by locating the nearest WiFi hotspots and cellular towers. Narizon also uses a database of geo-information built by its user community. After the installation, you can setup Google Map to use the virtual GPS. You can have a try as it’s free for 15 days after that you will need to pay $25 to continue.

(Via 2dayBlog - Technology Journal, New Gadget everyday!.)

Asus R3 UMPC with GPS

Asus R3 UMPC with GPS: "

We have a live pic of the newest UMPC from from Asus called R3.

The new UMPC features integrated GPS, a 4.8″ screen with 1024x600 resolution, webcam, and a fingerprint reader. It is expected to ship in 2008…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Proporta's Freedom key ring GPS receiver stays out of sight, keeps you located

Proporta's Freedom key ring GPS receiver stays out of sight, keeps you located

Sure, your phone has GPS capabilities, but who wants to carry around a receiver everywhere you go? Well, what if the receiver were tiny... and your key ring? That's exactly what Proporta is proposing (ha ha) with its latest 'world's smallest' (the company's claim, certainly not ours) GPS receiver, the Freedom. The ultra-compact device does in fact function as a key fob, in addition to being a SiRF Star III-equipped receiver which can interface with whatever friendly device you happen to have nearby. The Freedom will last you nine hours on a single charge, connects with up to 20 satellites, and plays nice with Bluetooth devices, making your navigational world slightly more enjoyable. The little guy is available right now for €99.95, or $129.99.

(Via Engadget.)

Samsung SGH-i560 GPS Symbian

Samsung SGH-i560 GPS Symbian

The new Samsung Symbian S60 based smartphone (pictured above) is called i560, has a slider form factor and will be available somewhere in the fourth quarter this year for about 415 EUR. In terms of specs, the upcoming device will among other things come with the built-in GPS receiver, 3.2 MP camera with 16x digital zoom, 2.4″ QVGA screen, HSDPA connectivity, Bluetooth, and the microSD expansion slot.

(Via Latest phones and cell review.)

GPS: Cobra XRS R9G GPS-Enabled Radar Detector Available Now

GPS: Cobra XRS R9G GPS-Enabled Radar Detector Available Now

The Cobra XRS R9G GPS Radar detector we first saw in January is available now. Why would you want a GPS-enabled radar connector? Besides beeping when you go too fast, it also has an index of police red light cameras and speed traps.

(Via Gizmodo.)

eTrex: An outdoor Legend

eTrex: An outdoor Legend : "

The folks over at GPSTracklog.com just posted their extensive review' of the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. This eTrex hit the scene a few months ago, and has been making a big splash ever since. It's no surprise that this crew of course loved the high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver this Legend has. This ensures great satellite reception under heavy tree coverings and other situations where your device has a limited accessibility to the direct sky. Among the other highlights reviewed, was the button layout. When maneuvering the buttons, this reviewer ed called them, 'incredibly intuitive.' He also discusses ways to customize your Legend HCx, expand your memory, and travel tips and options. For everything eTrex check out the entire series, and lock onto the great outdoors!

(Via Garmin Blog.)

Garmin Edge 605 and 705 - Maps, Wireless Sharing

Garmin Edge 605 and 705 - Maps, Wireless Sharing

Garmin has announced the Garmin Edge 605 and 705, two new cutting edge bike computers that have some amazing features built in.

First let me say, ‘Thank you’ to Garmin for rolling in mapping features into the Edge 605 and 705, this is fantastic. One has to hope that we will see a Forerunner 605 and 705 soon that have mapping capability too. Mapping is the one feature that I was hoping for way back in February when Garmin originally talked about new fitness models. I have also hoped for ways to share data wirelessly for handheld units; and that’s in the new Edge 605/705 (Can I get this technology in my eTrex? Please?).

The Edge 605 and 705 will feature a basemap and mapping capabilities (Detailed Maps available too), while the Edge 705 will add ANT+Sport wireless sharing capability that will allow you to swap workout, route, waypoint, etc. data with other Edge 705 users. The units of course have all that (boring in comparison to wireless technology) stuff like heartrate cadence, etc capability. One thing that I would like more information on is the claim that the Edge 705 measures torque and cadence for each leg.

Anyway, the products sound amazing, and definitely targeted at high end bicyclists. The units should arrive just in time for the holidays, and will be list priced at $499 for the Edge 605 and $549 for the Edge 705 (no wireless), and $649 for the Edge 705 with wireless. Too bad if you’re the only one in your group to go for the wireless feature……. Sounds cool.

More after the jump....
Garmin introduced the Edge 705 and Edge 605 -- the latest innovations in the popular line of integrated personal training systems for recreational and advanced cyclists. The Edge 705 and Edge 605 provide mapping capabilities, street navigation and a 2.2' color display in addition to tracking vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, and time.
The Edge 705 represents several breakthroughs in cycling technology, including power compatibility and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with SRM, Quarq and other experts in mobile power diagnostics for bicycles, Garmin for the first time gives cyclists the opportunity to monitor GPS position, power, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude and gradient on the same display. And Edge 705 users will be able to share their information -- including saved rides, waypoints and workouts -- with each other through ANT+Sport(TM) wireless technology.
'The Edge 705 gives cyclists the most effective tools they need to train efficiently and share data easily,' said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales, 'and these new products are further proof of how innovative technology can enrich people's lives and help them better enjoy their exercise and recreational activities.'
ANT+Sport technology allows the Edge to interface wirelessly with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor or other Edge units. Cyclists can share courses, workout data and saved rides. When paired with an optional power meter from SRM or Quarq or another third party's ANT+Sport-enabled device, the Edge 705 measures power -- torque and cadence for each leg at the pedals -- which is often cited as a true indicator of an efficient ride.
The mapping capabilities on the Edge 705 and Edge 605 allow cyclists to truly get lost in their ride without losing their way. Routes can be adapted to revisit previous rides, personalized shortcuts or new destinations. Both units come with built-in basemaps, and optional detailed street or topo maps are available on preloaded data cards.

Altitude is recorded using a barometric altimeter for the Edge 705. This accurate altitude data makes it much easier for cyclists to match their altitude profile with their speed, cadence and heart rate during post-ride analysis. The Edge 605 measures altitude through GPS positioning.
Whether you need to know where you've been, where you're going, how long it's taking or how high you're climbing, the Edge 705 and Edge 605 offer answers. Cyclists can display their customizable data fields on large color screens, and the addition of a click stick helps users navigate through the various options. Sleek, waterproof and durable, the Edge uses a high- sensitivity GPS receiver to sustain reception in the most challenging conditions, such as heavy tree cover or 'urban canyons' created by skyscrapers. It attaches to either the stem or handlebars of the bicycle, and is designed for easy removal at the end of the workout.

The Edge 705 heart rate monitor uses a robust wireless technology that eliminates cross-talk and interference and delivers real-time heart rate data exclusively to the user's device. This data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis. The Edge 705 with speed/cadence sensor incorporates a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor that mounts to the rear chain stay of the bicycle.

Customizing the Edge is achieved using several innovative features:

Workouts: Design workouts with multiple steps based on time, distance,
calories or heart rate. Establishes workout targets based on speed,
calories, cadence, heart rate and power (heart rate is standard on
Edge 705, speed/cadence sensor is optional and power requires an
ANT+Sport-enabled third-party meter).

Virtual Partner®: Team up with a virtual training partner that
provides continuous feedback. Depicts a digital cyclist (desired speed)
in relation to the user's real-time speed and notifies if ahead or
behind desired target.

Courses: Cyclists can race against a recorded course and match
previously set speeds at every point of the way. Combine the Courses
and Virtual Partner features and race an opponent that varies speed
while climbing hills and navigating tricky turns.

Navigation: Ride to a specified location by following turn-by-turn
prompts, or try out brand new routes by downloading GPX files and
leaving your paper directions at home.

Bike Computer: Customizable bike computer screen shows up to eight
different data fields. The user may customize the display for the size
and placement of the data.

Auto Pause®: Pauses the timer when the user's speed drops below a
preset threshold.

Alerts: Program alerts to sound if the user strays outside the range
of speed, heart rate or cadence values. Alerts can also indicate when a
set amount of time or distance has passed.


When used with Garmin Connect(TM) -- Garmin's new and improved online training site at connect.garmin.com -- the Edge's benefits continue long after the workout. By pairing the Edge 705 or Edge 605 with Garmin Connect, users can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts and log their workouts, track their totals, share workouts and participate in an online community.
The Edge 705 with Heart Rate Monitor is expected to be available in December 2007 and have an estimated retail price of $499.99. This device includes an ANT+Sport heart rate monitor, AC charger, USB PC interface cable, bike mounts, owner's manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

The Edge 705 with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor is expected to be available in December 2007 and have an estimated retail price of $549.99. This device includes an ANT+Sport heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, AC charger, USB PC interface cable, bike mounts, owner's manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

The Edge 705 bundle is expected to be available in December 2007 and have an estimated retail price of $649.99. This device includes an ANT+Sport heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, microSD card with City Nav NT maps, AC charger, USB PC interface cable, bike mounts, owner's manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

The Edge 605 is expected to be available in December 2007 and has an estimated retail price of $399.99. It includes bike mounts, USB PC interface cable, AC charger, owner's manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

(Via GPS Lodge.)

Mercedes GPS with Yahoo Search

Mercedes GPS with Yahoo Search: "

Mercedes Benz is planning a launch that should start to heat up the pre-installed GPS options as they are offering the ‘Search and Send’ capability that will allow you to obtain addresses online and outside of the car and send those addresses to your car via the installed TeleAid system (Think ‘OnStar’). This while not fully connected, this starts to walk down that pathway, as people will continue to drive the capability and needs in that direction.

I have to say that this is a lot like the ‘Dash Send to Car’ capability that was demonstrated with the Dash Connected Navigation unit that was unveiled last year. Recall that unit is fully connected, with WiFi capability and integrates websearch as well as map updates via downloads.

This 'Search and Send’ capability on the Mercedes S-class sedan and CL-class coupe will be available as of September 5 and eventually in the entire 2008 C-class lineup.

More at Mercedes

(Via GPS Lodge.)

LG LN800 coming to Europe

LG LN800 coming to Europe: "

Korean brand LG is adding a new high-end GPS navigation device to its LN family - a successor to LN 700 which we talked about here at Navigadget before. The new GPS navigation system will simply be called LN800 (and LN800T).

LG LN-800 has a 4″ screen with a 320x240 resolution which is unusual since at this size we would expect the usual 480x272 pixel resolution. This new model uses GPS SiRF III like many others and the maps are stored in the internal memory. The navigation software is Destinator 6 with maps supplied by Navteq. LN800 has voice synthesis making it possible to announce the street names during voice guidance.

Compared to the LN800, the LN800T also includes RDS/TMC traffic receiver.

More features:

• Integrated SiRF III GPS receiver with integrated antenna


• 4 inch touch screen with 256K colors, 240x320 pixels resolution, and 300 cd/m² brightness


• Centrality Atlas 2 processor at 276 MHz


• 512 MB of ROM


• 64 MB of RAM


• SD slot


• Mini USB 1.1


• 1W speaker


• 3 hour battery life


• weight: 200 G


• Windows CE.Net 5 OS


• Destinator 6 navigation software with preloaded radars and 2006 Q4 maps from Navteq


• text-to-speech


• Image viewer


• Audio player

LG LN800 (and LN800T) will be available in September for 200€ (and 300€). It would be also be useful to point out that LG LN800 is already out in Australia and if you are curious you can read the review and the other review.
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(Via NaviGadget.)

Exclusive Dash Express GPS Hands-On

Exclusive Dash Express GPS Hands-On: "

We got our hands on the new Dash Express GPS Navigation system that was shown yesterday on Dash’s official blog. Look at our Dash Express photo gallery too see it from every angle. A few details can still change, but this is very representative of the final product.

Some context:
The Dash is a GPS Navigation device that is always connected, thanks to its CDMA (the tech used by Sprint and Verizon networks) and WiFi connection. Dash has partnered with Jasper wireless to move the data over CDMA. Because it’s always connected, it can pull information in real-time (traffic, weather, gas prices…). Users can also send routes planned on their PC over-the-air (At last! Others are working on it too).

This GPS is a two-way communication device that also sends data. For example, Dash (the company) plans to analyze anonymous GPS coordinates from all devices in service to get better real-time traffic information and better historical statistics. As the customer base grows, the information will be more and more accurate.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)