Garmin StreetPilot 7500 Review

UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin StreetPilot 7500 is identical to the StreetPilot 7200 with one added feature, described by Amazon this way — “As a step-up feature from the 7200, the 7500 includes dead reckoning sensors to track your vehicle’s course when the GPS signal is blocked, which can occur when driving in urban areas or tunnels. If you lose GPS coverage in areas with tall buildings or tunnels, the StreetPilot 7500 keeps on navigating. This feature requires professional installation.”

Like the 7200, the 7500 has a big seven-inch touch-screen, and was designed with RV’s, buses and semi-trucks in mind. And like it’s sister unit, it includes an audio book reader, an MP3 player and XM satellite radio. With XM radio, you not only get music, but also weather and real-time traffic conditions that overlay maps in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. The StreetPilot 7500 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternate routes before traffic starts backing up. Of course this is all in addition to pre-loaded maps of North America, a touch screen interface and voice-prompted routing.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot 7500

And other reviews:

• Customer reviews of the StreetPilot 7500 are starting to show up at Amazon.
• GPS Information.net has posted a 7200/7500 review.

I’ll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other helpful resources:

• A link to a PDF version of the Garmin 7500 owners manual.
• Want to see how the 7500 stacks up against other units? Use this Garmin mobile GPS comparison tool.
• I know of no active and spam-free message forum devoted solely to the StreetPilot series, but there is an excellent UseNet group devoted to Garmin products in general at alt.satellite.gps.garmin.
• The official Garmin Street Pilot 7500 web page.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot 7500 at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin StreetPilot 7500 price at Amazon.com.
• Find the low price on a StreetPilot 7500 at GPSNow.com.
• Get the Garmin StreetPilot 7500 for an amazing price on eBay.