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.)

Nokia Astound

Nokia Astound: "

Nokia C7 will be known as Nokia Astound on T-Mobile! Nokia Astound will be available on the network starting on April 6 and will only cost $80 after a two year contract. The device is a Symbian and has a 3.5″ amoled display with 640x360 resolution. It can capture 720p HD video and as far as stills you can go up to 8MP.

The Nokia Astound supports five bands on HSPA, and quad band GSM, has 1200mAh battery, WiFi, microSD card slot, bluetooth, and even a GPU. But what we care about the most is of course the GPS navigation experience. Nokia has come a long way at this:

Equipped with the latest commercial version of Ovi Maps1, the Nokia Astound provides free voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation in almost 100 countries in 46 languages. The Nokia Astound comes pre-loaded with automotive grade maps for the entire U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean2. With more than 8,000 3D landmarks and free premium content like Lonely Planet guides and TripAdvisor, consumers can explore new places and experiences along the way. New features include improved search engines and WiFi positioning, a drive assistance mode for real-time traffic updates, maps of public transit lines, and the ability to check in to places and share great moments with friends on Facebook, Twitter and many local social networks.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Cobra 5550 PRO

Cobra 5550 PRO

Cobra just today announced a new GPS navigation system called Cobra 5550 PRO, that is designed for truckers or any other professional driver with its 5″ screen. The new 5550 is very similar to Cobra 7750 Platinum but offers enhanced graphics, junction view with lane assistance, state mileage log, and hours-of-service log, and ‘last-mile routing’ which they claim is best in industry with unmatched road coverage on secondary highways.

Other features that target this market include distances to weigh stations, travel centers, rest areas and mile markers. Cobra 5550 PRO even has State Mileage Log feature to keep track of distance covered within a state for IFTA reporting and an Hours-of-Service timer that makes it easier than ever for drivers to track their On-Duty, Off-Duty, and Driving Time.

In addition drivers with Cobra 5550 PRO will get 3 months of unlimited downloads from Cobra’s exclusive AURA Camera & Driving Hazard Database, which alerts drivers to the locations of fixed speed and red-light cameras, dangerous intersections, and known speed traps.

Wait until April this year to get your hands on one of these. It will cost you $350.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmin unveils G1000H

Garmin unveils G1000H

Don’t get so excited! This doesn’t really apply to you unless you are planning on buying a new helicopter. But Garmin just unveiled G1000H, an all-glass avionics system designed for the VFR Part 27 helicopter market. The G1000H get your flight data, navigation, communication, flight instrumentation, weather, traffic, identification, terrain, and diagnostics and maintenance computer — and presents it digitally on large, high-resolution displays that are capable of real-time 3D images.

We’re not really experts on integrated aviation system so we’ll just quote the features:

…the G1000H seamlessly integrates control and presentation of virtually all flight data, sensor and instrument functions in one comprehensive ‘big picture’ package. The G1000H includes features like single or dual integrated solid-state attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS) that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts and handle highly dynamic flight maneuvers; full reversionary capabilities allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display; integrated digital audio control system; and integrated Mode S transponder that interfaces to Garmin’s TIS capable transponders and ADS-B transceivers…

First in line to get the new G1000H is Bell Helicopter that will install the system on their 407GX…

(Via NaviGadget.)

DeLorme EarthMate PN-60

DeLorme EarthMate PN-60

We already knew about DeLorme PN-60W with Spot from all the way back in January. Now DeLorme just unveiled EarthMate PN-60; pretty much the same device without two way satellite connectivity.

The new DeLorme EarthMate PN-60 include GPX file support for waypoint, geocache, and track files management; a new elevation profile tool, and new power and display options for better battery life. Also new is the 3.5 GB of on board memory. DeLorme PN-60 is going to sell for $400.

Some other features of the device include icon-based interface, ruggedized, waterproof (IPX-7) body, 32-channel GPS chipset, and dual-core processor. Included in the box is DeLorme Topo North America 9.0 GPS maps and PC software.

Both Delorme PN-60 and Delorme PN-60W are already available on Amazon.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Go! Hiking GPS for outdoors

Go! Hiking GPS for outdoors

If you live in Spain, or somewhere near by there’s a new sports GPS for you called Go! Hiking. We don’t think going hiking is the only thing you can do with this since it comes bicycle mounts for example.

While cell phones are OK to use as a GPS when you cycle, you’ll quickly see that it drains the battery quite fast. You really should consider buying a dedicated GPS for the job. Called Go! Hiking this is a model from the Go! Zipy brand specializing in products designed for sports. Go! Hiking allows you to store up to 256 waypoints and keeps them in a GPX format - which is really nice if later want to see your tracks on your computer.

It only costs 60 Euros. And if you live in the States you can consider similar but even more capable GPS X GUIDER

(Via NaviGadget.)

General Dynamics Itronix GD300

General Dynamics Itronix GD300

General Dynamics just announced Itronix’s GD300 rugged wearable computer based on the Android platform which provides GPS and situational awareness for the army.

GD300 is as light as commercial GPS receivers and allows you to refer to pre-loaded mission plans and access secure tactical networks while being worn on the arm- or chest. It only weighs less than 8 ounces and can interface with Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154) for secure access to the tactical networks. Its quadra-helix antenna helps it get a position fix in mountainous regions or urban environments.

GD300 can operate in two distinct modes:

• stand-alone GPS device


• tactical mission computer when connected to a tactical radio

It even supports military ‘apps’ like the Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR) System which is currently in use by the military.

GD300 has up to eight hours of battery life when in continuous operation; powered by standard lithium-ion batteries. GD300 has a sunlight readable display, 3.5″ touch-screen display, and meets MIL-STD 810G specifications for ruggedness.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmin GPSMAP 62, 62S, and 62ST now on Amazon

Garmin GPSMAP 62, 62S, and 62ST now on Amazon

Not too long ago we talked about the new Garmin GPSMAP 62 series. The new series consist of the base model Garmin GPSMAP 62 which is now available for pre-order on Amazon for $324. However Garmin GPSMAP 62S is already in stock for $450, and the top of the line Garmin GPSMAP 62ST is also in stock for $550.

The difference between these latest models is that GPSMAP 62S adds microSD card slot, electronic compass, barometric altimeter, wireless data sharing, high speed USB to the base model whereas the 62ST tops everything off with a preloaded 100K topographic maps for the entire US.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Becker’s new Traffic Assist Z215

Becker’s new Traffic Assist Z215

Becker’s latest and greatest GPS navigation system these days is the Becker Traffic Assist Z 215. It is already on Amazon for 267 € but that’s the German site… We have no information whether it will come to the U.S. yet; however we have all the details and features of Z215.

Becker Traffic Assist Z215 features an eco route software for the most fuel efficient route, allows you to enter your commands via speech provided you have a thick German accent. It offers free lifetime traffic information, Navteq’s traffic patterns solution, 3D navigation display with lane guidance and even buildings. Some other features include text-to-speech, 3D terrain view, and trip computer. You can hook up your bluetooth enabled phone with Z215 too.

It comes with maps of 41 European countries pre-installed, and the speech commands we mentioned works in D, E, F, GB, I, NL, and PT.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmin GPSMAP 695 and 696

Garmin GPSMAP 695 and 696

Garmin just announced new chart capabilities for the GPSMAP 695 and GPSMAP 696. Soon you will be able to refer to georeferenced Garmin FliteCharts. With its 7″ portrait style screen pilots will be able to view the entire approach plate, and see their plane’s exact position while monitoring other tidbits of information on approach charts.

With Garmin GPSMAP 695 and 696 if the current approach is known, it will automatically select the correct chart based on the flight plan.

You will have to wait until 4th quarter of 2010 to get your hands on the new georeferenced version of Garmin FliteCharts. It will cost one-time fee of $500 and can be enabled at fly.garmin.com.

Garmin-Asus Announces the A50 for Australia

Garmin-Asus Announces the A50 for Australia

Aussie’s can now find their way on their giant island thanks to Garmin. Garmin just officially announced Garmin-Asus A50 for Australia; partnering with Optus. A50 was already out in other places for a while now including USA, Taiwan, etc.

Feature set of Garmin-Asus A50 haven’t changed much. It still likes to geotag anything and everything, offers 3.5″ touch screen, 3MP auto focus camera, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, USB 2.0, and a 1150mAh battery.

A50 is quite competitively priced in Australia. It costs $0 after a 2 year contract starting today and online starting August 2.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Escort 84 Smart Mirror GPS Navigator

Escort 84 Smart Mirror GPS Navigator

Rear view mirror GPS navigation systems have been on our radar for a long time now. We just came across this on Amazon the other day. For a whopping $800 Escort 84 Smart Mirror GPS Navigator can be yours. But hey! You get free two-day shipping! Some of the features of this Escort brand GPS navigation system include hands-free bluetooth connectivity and integrated speakers, 4-inch touch screen LCD with 16:9 ratio; 16 channel GPS receiver, and a SD memory card slot for your media files such as other maps, photos, and music; all fitted in your mirror.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Nokia C6

Nokia C6

Nokia just recently announced their latest Symbian handset called Nokia C6. This is S60 5th edition and includes customizable home screen similar to N97. Obviously this is a GPS enabled device and the GPS related features include Ovi Maps with free lifetime navigation, integrated GPS, and A-GPS receivers, accelerometer for correct orientation of display, automatic geotagging of images, and even a Nokia Maps loader application for a PC.

Other then the GPS features Nokia C6 is still packed. You’ve got a 5MP camera, secondary camera for video calls, LED flash, a full keyboard, WiFi, and a 3.2″ touchscreen. The battery in there is a 1200mAh which should be decent, but if you leave the FM radio on you could easily drain the battery faster than you think.

Anyhow, it will cost £289 unlocked or £229 with a pay as you go plan. Check it out here.

Magellan Unveiled The eXplorist 710 Handheld GPS Device

Magellan Unveiled The eXplorist 710 Handheld GPS Device

Magellan unveiled the rugged eXplorist 710 handheld GPS device which will be available to consumers in Q4 2010 at an M.S.R.P. of USD $549.99. The eXplorist 710 features a 3.0-inch color touch screen, a 3.2 mega-pixel camera with auto-focus, microphone and speaker to record geo-referenced images, videos, and voice notes. Preloaded with Magellan’s World Edition map, the device also includes OneTouch™ favorites menu, expandable memory, paperless geocaching, GPX compatibility, 16 hours of battery life, high sensitivity GPS enabling 3-5 meters of accuracy, vertical profiling, a digital almanac, track summary statistics and area calculation.

(Via TRENDY GADGET.)