GPS reviews, news, tips and tricks
UPDATE: Read my Garmin nuvi 855 review and my Garmin nuvi 885T review.
Longtime readers know that I'm a big fan of GPS Now, a small operation that manages to get new Garmin models in before just about anyone.
Well they've just received a shipment of the new Garmin nuvi 855 and nuvi 885T. They only got a few in this first batch, and they're going fast, so I'd suggest moving quickly if you want one.
I was out testing the DeLorme PN-40 on the trails this afternoon, and thought I'd share this geek pic. That's the PN-40, Oregon 400T and 60CSx, left to right. I've got a review of both the PN-40 and its RAM mount coming. Honest, I do…
A couple of things got me thinking about Garmin's Android strategy yesterday. One was a post by Phandroid, speculating that the Garmin Approach G5 may morph into an Android app. The other was a question by a reporter about handheld device trends.
I'm not convinced that Garmin will create applications for devices manufactured by others, but I can see lots of opportunities for hybrid units. For example, we could see the following:
Looks like the Garmin Approach G5 may have some competition. Savant GPS has announced the OnPar GPS, which they claim is the "first hand held color touch screen GPS rangefinder," and with availability slated for next month, it does indeed look like they'll beat Garmin to market.
It looks quite attractive and perhaps even more robust than the Approach, but I have my doubts that they'll be able to match Garmin's skills when it comes to creating an intuitive interface. No word on price yet, but the screen is a wee bit bigger than that of the Garmin Approach (3.5" vs. 3").
The Insignia NS-CNV10 is a connected GPS navigator available exclusively from BestBuy. It includes a one year subscription for connectivity which gives you access to Google Local search, live traffic, and gas prices. The CNV10 is a 3.5” model with text-to-speech, so you’ll hear “in one mile, make a left turn on Main Street,” rather than just “in one mile, make a left turn.”
UPDATE: Read my Lowrance Endura Out&Back and Lowrance Endura Sierra review
Lowrance has posted details on their new Endura handheld series. Each model has a 2.7" touch-screen and a micro-SD slot for maps. All three are scheduled to be available in May, not April as we reported this morning.
UPDATE: Read my Lowrance Endura Out&Back and Lowrance Endura Sierra review
Lowrance has unveiled the Endura handheld GPS series — touchscreen models with a twist, in that they also have quite a few traditional buttons on them. Unfortunately, Lowrance hasn’t posted a news release or model numbers, so we have few details at this time.
What we do know is that the mid-range unit will go for a reported $370 when in debuts in April. At least some models will come with pre-loaded specialized maps, such as marine charts.
With the SHOT Show underway, and Outdoor Retailer right behind it, we're seeing a lot more handheld GPS news and related product announcements. So here's a few odds and ends for you outdoor types:
MiTAC has announced the completion of their purchase of Magellan’s consumer products division, and revealed some insights into their strategy and future plans:
UPDATE: TWICE is reporting that this or a similar device (they are calling it a UMPC ) will hit the market this fall at around $299.
Garmin has announced a new desktop application — BaseCamp — designed for backcountry GPS enthusiasts. It basically does the same thing MapSource does, adding 3D rendering, photo geotagging, and the ability to rotate to non-north up viewpoints. It will also bring improved printing capabilities, geocaching information display and data management functionality.
GPS Tracklog is written by Rich Owings, author of GPS Mapping.
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