Sunday, March 18, 2012

Archives for December 2010

Free MyTrails map now covers 37 states

MyTrailsJim Bensman’s free MyTrails map for Garmin receivers now covers 37 states, including the entire eastern US. Pretty cool for a project that started with just St. Louis area trails! This goes to show what one person can do, and it makes it even harder for me to understand why Garmin hasn’t put out a better trail product, given the massive amount of trail data found at Garmin Connect.

This is a transparent trail map, so it won’t block other maps enabled on your device. In the image at left from Asheville, NC’s popular Bent Creek area, some trails (gray) are on the underlying Garmin Topo US 2008 product, while others (red) only appear on MyTrails.

To get the MyTrails map, simply follow the link above and download and run the .exe files. Once they run, the map will be available in MapSource or BaseCamp. While the trails aren’t routable, it is nice to have additional information available on your GPS while out in the field.

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2011 GPS predictions

Crystal ballAfter a fairly successful round of predictions in 2009, I took a real drubbing this year. But glutton for punishment that I am, here comes another batch, though I am trying to be a bit more cautious. On a side note I’m going to have to start doing this post in early December, as multiple companies have already shared their CES news under embargo. So tight-lipped Garmin dominates this year’s predictions!

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You got a new GPS–now what?

GPS-giftsSo Santa was nice to you, huh? Well, we’ve got some tips to help you get more fun out of your new gadget. Whether you’ll be using it on the road or in the backcountry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some posts that you might find helpful…

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Magellan finds 7” niche–rolls out RoadMate 9020

Magellan RoadMate 9020Magellan has found a corner of the auto market they can dominate – at least until someone else introduces a 7” model. Having had significant success with the RoadMate 1700, a RoadMate 9020 has shown up on their site, adding lifetime traffic to the 1700’s feature set.

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TomTom GO 2505TM review

GO 2505 routing

Hands on with the TomTom GO 2505TM

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For a list of current TomTom models and their features, please see our TomTom comparison chart.

The TomTom GO 2505TM is the top of the line model in the new GO 2×05 series, which represents the most significant refresh I’ve seen since the first TomTom I ever used, a GO 300. The big changes are the new Webkit-based interface, a capacitive touch screen and a new magnetic mount.

The 2505TM has a 5” screen and includes Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use, as well as lifetime map updates and lifetime traffic.

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Garmin nuLink! 1695 review

Garmin nuLink 1695 review

Hands on with the Garmin nuLink 1695

The Garmin nüLink! 1695 is Garmin’s second connected navigator, updating the nuvi 1690 with trafficTrends (historical road speed database) and myTrends, which allows the device to learn your preferred routes. In addition, the 1695 offers a 5” screen, whereas the nuvi 1690 sports a 4.3” screen.

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Trapster acquired by NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ-TrapsterTrapster.com, which offers speed trap alert apps for most major mobile platforms, has been acquired by NAVTEQ, according to an Autoblog exclusive. The report states that a bidding war broke out, with five parties interested in acquiring Trapster; terms of the deal have not been disclosed. NAVTEQ itself is owned by Nokia.

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Three Russian GLONASS satellites end up in Pacific

GLONASS-Proton-rocketOuch! Three Russian GLONASS satellites carried atop a Proton rocket (pictured above) crashed into the Pacific after veering off course by eight degrees. It is believed that they went down near Hawaii. Apparently rocket separation failed to occur until a higher than planned altitude.

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Are driving recorders the next GPS feature?

windshield-viewDigiTimes is reporting that Mio is going to introduce a GPS navigator / driving recorder. The idea is to record video, along with location data, as you drive — kind of a black box for cars. Uses of this technology have primarily been commercial so far, though you can expect to see more consumer applications.

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Garmin nuvi 3790LMT

Garmin nuvi 3790LMT review

UPDATE: A new model, the Garmin nuvi 3490LMT, has superseded this one (despite the lower model number!).

The Garmin nüvi 3790LMT adds lifetime map updates to the nuvi 3790T, Garmin’s latest and greatest navigator. With its 4.3” glass screen and minimalist 0.35” thickness, it resembles an iPhone more than past nuvis. In addition to most of the goodies found on previous models, the 3790LMT allows you to add a customizable wake up phrase for voice command, offers a gorgeous 3D terrain view, and uses historical road speeds in calculating the fastest route.

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