Waypoints – February 10, 2007

Waypoints is my weekly catch all post. I’ll start this week with the GPS reviews that I’ve updated, with new links from around the blogosphere.

GPS Reviews

• Garmin Forerunner 305 review – I’ve linked to this brief review from Wired.
• Garmin nuvi 360 review – Gadget Lounge has posted a brief review.
• Garmin nuvi 680 review – GPS Magazine has published an excellent and thorough review of the Garmin nuvi 680.

GPS hardware

• Can a cap be hardware? I guess it can be when it’s got a GPS receiver in it. SkyKap has done just that — they put a GPS in your golf cap. I thought this was a hoax when I first saw it, but it appears to be the real thing. More on GPS for golfers.
• A 3-D motorcycle GPS. Um, sort of. Via Digg.
• PC Magazine gave a fairly positive review to the Netropa Intellinav One.
• I have to wonder why no one else has done this — a GPS with a built-in radar detector. It even lets you mark speed trap locations.
• A combination GPS and satellite phone will be in production by late spring.

GPS software, maps, data, etc.

• I’ve added Redtrails.com and the AdvRider.com GPS tracks forum to the resources covered by my GPS data search tool.
• GPSInformation.net has posted a comparison of Garmin WorldMap versions 3 and 4 with Magellan’s WorldWide Map.
• Lowrance has announced MapCreate 7.
• Lots of sources of aerial imagery. Too bad there isn’t a description of each.
• Garmin has announced firmware updates for the StreetPilot c510, c530 and c550. Meanwhile Magellan has posted firmware updates for the RoadMate 3000T/3050T and 6000T, and the eXplorist XL.
• Garmin has also posted updated versions of its Training Center software for Mac and Windows. Thanks to Allory for keeping us posted on this and firmware updates.
• SportDo.net is yet another way to track your workout data. Via Duncan Mackenzie.

Garmin

• GPS Now has the nuvi 370 and 670
  in stock and they have changed their shipping policy. Purchases over
  $399 ship for free (the same day for orders placed by 5 p.m.)
• Garmin will begin selling its nuvi 680 and 360 through Ford dealerships.

TomTom

• GpsPasSion has started a thread on their test of the TomTom ONE v3 with the Global Locate chipset.
• TomTom has updated their logo.

Mio

• GpsPasSion has started a Mio message forum.
• Mio C310x hacks. Via GPSLodge.
• Meanwhile, GPSReview.net is reporting rumors of a couple of new Mios — the Mio c320 and c720.

GPS and cellphones

• Free maps for your cellphone from Nokia. But you have to pay extra for navigation.
• Watch out kiddies. Don’ make hoax calls on a GPS cellphone. Via Digg.

Geo-Google and their competitors

• How to cache Google Earth imagery for offline use.
• Here is a brief video tutorial on overlaying a map on Virtual Earth. Via Ogle Earth, which says it’s pretty easy and more accurate than Google Earth overlays.

All the news that doesn’t fit

• Don’t place geocaches on private property.
• The battle between SiRF and Global Locate continues.
• This GPS World article doesn’t have much going for it, but the two charts comparing the growth of  aftermarket vs. factory installed GPS are fascinating.
• And sales are going up even faster in Canada.
• Billings, MT residents can take advantage of an upcoming GPS class.
• Yahoo Pipes is a hot topic on geoblogs like the Google Earth Blog and Ogle Earth. Maybe I’ll try it out once they get some documentation up.