The Garmin nüvi 3450 (despite the lower model number) updates the 3750 with a host of new customization options, Exit Services and 3D buildings and terrain. And just like with the previous version, you get all this in a super-thin package sporting a 4.3” multi-touch capacitive glass touchscreen.
Archives for 2011
Garmin nuvi 3450
Garmin nuvi 3490LMT review
Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 3490LMT
UPDATE: There is now a 5″ version of this model, the nuvi 3590LMT.
The Garmin nüvi 3490LMT (despite the lower model number) updates the 3790LMT with a host of new customization options, Exit Services and ad-free HD traffic. And just like with the previous version, you get all this in a super-thin package sporting a 4.3” multi-touch capacitive glass touchscreen.
US Supreme Court hears warrantless GPS tracking arguments
The US Supreme Court today heard oral arguments in a case destined to determine whether police can attach a GPS tracking device to an individual’s vehicle without getting a warrant. Cases such as this have divided various Circuit Courts of Appeal, with most coming down in favor of warrantless tracking.
Bracketron MobileDock Vent Mount review
I’m planning to pick up a new phone soon, and I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of buying clunky, expensive phone docks. And then there’s the fact that my wife and I have different phones, so if I take her vehicle, I’m stuck without a mount.
911 Fail: Your phone’s GPS may not locate you
I’ve posted tons of links over the years about how cellphone GPS has helped rescue folks in the wilderness. Of course you have to be where there is reception to reach 911. But as many GPS users know, the urban environment has its own challenges in terms of accuracy.
Knowing all this, I was still pretty shocked to see a story showing the results of a Michigan TV station’s test of cellphone GPS accuracy and how well it helps (or doesn’t help) 911 responders.
Now granted, they tried from challenging locations like a parking deck, but even less difficult environments proved problematic. Consider these results from a facility that appears to be pretty open…
CSR announces SiRFstarV chipset
CSR has announced the SiRFstarV chipset, which can utilize multiple GNSS systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Compass (once operational). That sounds great, but I’m not sure we’ll see it in many handheld receivers. To date, I can only think of a couple of Garmin sportwatches that have incorporated SiRFstar IV chips.
Perhaps this is due to a patent suit a few years ago leaving manufacturers a little gunshy. It certainly isn’t because handheld owners are overjoyed with other brands of chipsets.
Garmin eTrex 20 review
Hands on with the Garmin eTrex 20
The Garmin eTrex 20 is the mid-range model of three new units that bring a long-awaited update to the popular eTrex series, which now offers paperless geocaching, new customization options and BirdsEye aerial imagery capability.
Garmin Fit Apps and ANT+ adapter announced
UPDATE: Looks like the ANT+ adapter for iPhone will be available later this week.
Garmin has announced the Garmin Fit app for iPhone and Android this morning, and an ANT+ adapter for the iPhone (that link wasn’t live when I posted this, but it probably will be later this morning). This is Garmin’s first fitness app, allowing users to track speed, pace, distance, time and calories. And at $0.99, it’s likely to gain a lot of users pretty quickly.
TomTom cutting jobs; focus shifts to non-PND segments
TomTom announced their Q3 2011 financials today, showing growth in all segments except for personal navigation devices (PNDs), where they are forecasting a market contraction of 25 to 30% in North America and 10% in Europe this year.
Garmin eTrex 30
The Garmin eTrex 30 is the top of the line model in the new eTrex series, which brings a long-awaited update to this popular line. It offers paperless geocaching, new customization options and BirdsEye aerial imagery capability.
