TomTom GPS navigation line-up for 2012

TomTom earlier this month introduced three new lines to their products. These are TomTom START, TomTom VIA, and TomTom GO LIVE.

Here’s the summary really:

TomTom START: Pretty basic, budget devices that get the job done.

• Lifetime traffic and map updates
• Speaks street names
• Fuel prices

TomTom VIA: Have more money to spend? Get this. Add these features to above

• bluetooth hands free calling
• voice recognition
• better graphics
• slim design and TomTom’s famous mount

TomTom GO LIVE: Connected high-end product. Add these features:

• HD Traffic
• Live services
• Capacitive touch screen
• Travel apps

Brought to you by your GPS navigation site NaviGadget.

TomTom GPS navigation line-up for 2012

Magellan RoadMate 5190T GPS navigation system for commercial truckers

Not too long ago we talked about the Magellan RoadMate RV9145. Now we have yet another GPS navigation system for truckers and other big vehicle drivers. This one is called Magellan RoadMate 5190T and is designed for commercial drivers.

Here are some of the features:

• customized routing based on the vehicle height, weight, width, length and HAZMAT restrictions
• multi-destination routing
• free lifetime traffic
• tracking log to record hours of service, mileage
• Bluetooth connectivity
• loud built-in speakers
• A/V inputs for back-up camera or others

Garmin Approach G6 – all you need to know

You’re looking at a shiny new Garmin Approach G6 GPS golf device. Here’s the scoop:

• available Feb 2012
• MSRP is $300
• preloaded with over 25,000 worldwide courses
• weighs just over 3 ounces
• 2.6’ sunlight readable display
• offers layup arcs that are drawn on the map
• battery lasts up to 15 hours

Too expensive? Older models, such as Approach G3 and Approach G5 must be a whole lot cheaper by now. Too big? Check out Garmin Approach S1 which is just a wrist watch.

Magellan RoadMate RV9145 for RV and truck

Magellan RoadMate RV9145 is the latest GPS navigation system from the company that focuses on RV’s and trucks. It is going to sell for $399 according to their own website but we’ve seen other sites reporting lower numbers. Here are the facts for the RV9145:

• 7″ touch screen
• A/V input
• The Good Sam club Trailer Life directory
• Customize your RV routes using your own vehicle’s length, width, weight and height
• auto night view
• Preloaded Maps of US, Canada, Puerto Rico

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom announces new professional GPS navigation systems

TomTom announces new professional GPS navigation systems

TomTom last week announced three new GPS navigation systems for professional use - each with 5″ display.

• TomTom PRO 7150
• TomTom PRO 7150 TRUCK
• TomTom PRO 9150

They all offer mileage logging, time logging, status reports, and more which are part of TomTom’s WORKsmart system. Some other features include IQ routes technology, ECO routes, lane guidance, text-to-speech, and hands free calling. The difference is PRO 7150 TRUCK offers truck specific routing which accounts for cargo, heigh, weight restrictions for 15 European countries. PRO 9150 on the other hand has integrated WEBFLEET connection which doesn’t require the TomTom LINK.

Here is what the recommended pricing is like: PRO 7150 359 Euros, PRO 9150 429 Euros, and PRO 7150 TRUCK is 399 Euros.

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom unveils VIA Series in North America

TomTom unveils VIA Series in North America

TomTom, one of the more trusted names when it comes to GPS navigation systems, has recently announced that they will be making available their new VIA Series in the US as well as the Great White North. These new TomTom VIA navigation devices was originally announced at CES 2011, where they are meant to deliver a powerful navigation experience in a sleek new design, accompanied by an enhanced software platform and premium safety-enhancing features such as Intuitive Voice Recognition and Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling.

In addition to deliver even more choices for drivers, the new VIA Series will feature a range of models that include the 4.3’ VIA 1405 and 1435, alongside the 5’ VIA 1505 and 1535. If you intend to purchase those, you can also opt for Lifetime Maps and/or Lifetime Traffic if you have additional dough to spare.

With TomTom VIA’s super-slim design and their new, integrated and innovative fold-and-go EasyPort mount, you will find it a snap to position your spanking new GPS navigation device on the windshield or the dash, where the display of the device will orient itself courtesy of a handy flip-screen feature. Since life is all about choices, you are limited to just two finishes (to prevent the paradox of having too many options) - where the VIA 1435 and 1535 comes with a contemporary brushed-aluminum finish, while the VIA 1405 and 1505 range will be more stately with their classic, black finish.

Among the features that will ship with these new devices include :-

• Intuitive Voice Recognition (optional)
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling (optional)
• Integrated Mount with flip-screen
• Crisp, sharp graphics and intuitive user menus
• Expanded driving view on 4.3’ or 5’ touch screens
• Lifetime Traffic & Map Updates (optional)
• Spoken Street Names
• Advanced Lane Guidance

Available now, pricing for these will start from $169 upwards, depending on what else you decide to throw into the ring.

(Via Coolest Gadgets.)

Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750

Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750

I think Garmin is doing a good job focusing in markets other than just end-consumer vehicle navigation. They have really great products for avionics. They just announced the GTN 650 and GTN 750 which are panel mounted touchscreen avionics units. They are certified and ready to fly GPS/NAV/COM systems that provide graphical flight planning with victor airways and high-altitude jet routes, remote transponder, remote audio control (750 only), SafeTaxi and electronic chart capabilities (750 only).

Apparently the GTN 650 and 750 are the first touchscreen avionics certified for general aviation aircraft. The biggest difference between these two models and the previous (430W, and 530W) is the screen size. GTN 650 has a 4.9″ screen giving 50% more area, and GTN 750 has a 6.9″ screen which is twice as much screen space.

The interface with the new GTN’s is also greatly improved. They have a shallow menu structure, audio and visual feedback, finger anchoring bezel, but still support the old knob’s for the most basic tasks such as setting a route, and changing COM frequencies. Other features includes enhanced situational awareness with built-in terrain, mapping and obstacle databases, high resolution presentation of the surrounding area, and even a built-in terrain elevation database that shows color-coded alerts when potential terrain conflicts are ahead.

You can also extend the features of Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750 by adding sensors, XM WX Satellite Weather, lightning, and traffic system inputs.

Both units are approved for a long list covering most Part 23 fixed wing aircraft. They already started shipping. How much?

• GTN 650: $11,495
• GTN 750: $16,995

(Via NaviGadget.)