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Garmin nuvi 660 review

September 26, 2006 By 60 Comments

Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 660

UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 660. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

I finally broke down and purchased a Garmin nuvi 660 a couple of weeks ago,
and it has quickly become the favorite workhorse in my stable of GPS receivers.
The nuvi 660 is a joy to use.

Before we get into the details of my review, lets look at other models in the nuvi 600 series. The nuvi 670 is identical to the 660, except that it adds European maps as well. The nuvi 680 uses MSN Direct services, giving you access to weather, fuel prices and movie times, in addition to the 660’s live traffic.

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Filed Under: Auto, Garmin, Garmin auto GPS, GPS Reviews, Hardware Tagged With:

Cutting edge GPS?

September 25, 2006 By Leave a Comment

I saw a press release today for UNS Infotainment, a new GPS receiver from a Dubai company. A couple of things caught my eye. For one, according to the press release, "UNS Infotainment(TM) will be rolled out to other GCC countries in the
coming months. Plans are also underway for expansion to UK, Europe and
North America market by early 2007." But it was the feature list that really got me:

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Filed Under: Hardware

Magellan RoadMate 2200T review

September 16, 2006 By 3 Comments

Roadmate_2200t

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide or check out our other Magellan auto GPS reviews.

The Magellan RoadMate 2200T holds the mid-line position of three new models being introduced by Magellan that are billed as crossover GPS units suited for automotive use or the great outdoors. The 2200T offers voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, a 3.5” color touch screen and pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, it features the SiRFstar III chipset, an SD slot that allows you to upgrade and add topo maps or marine charts, an MP3 player, photo viewer, and real-time traffic capabilities.

Below this model, the RoadMate 2000 leaves off the SD slot, MP3 player, photo viewer and traffic capabilities. One step above the 2200T, the CrossoverGPS (formerly known as the 2500T) adds pre-loaded topo maps to the 2200T’s feature set.

Compare prices on the Magellan RoadMate 2200T

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Filed Under: Auto, GPS Reviews, Hardware, Magellan, Magellan auto GPS

Magellan RoadMate 6000T review

September 6, 2006 By 2 Comments

Magellan_6000t

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide or check out our other Magellan auto GPS reviews.

The Magellan RoadMate 6000T comes pre-loaded with maps of the U.S and Canada, uses the SiRFstar III chipset, and sports an integrated traffic receiver (3 month subscription included).  It also has entertainment features — MP3’s and photos can be loaded to an SD card. The 6000T differentiates itself from the 3000T and 3050T primarily by incorporating Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use.

Compare prices on the Magellan RoadMate 6000T

 

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Filed Under: Auto, GPS Reviews, Hardware, Magellan, Magellan auto GPS

GPS Comparison Tools

September 1, 2006 By 7 Comments

Here are several GPS comparison tools, allowing you to pick specific GPS receivers for a head-to-head comparison:

Garmin

Magellan

TomTom

Mio

Additionally, at the beginning of each of my GPS reviews, I try to compare it to the units above and below it in the same product line.

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Filed Under: Hardware

Magellan RoadMate 3050T review

August 26, 2006 By 1 Comment

Magellan_3050t

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide or check out our other Magellan auto GPS reviews.

The Magellan RoadMate 3050T GPS is one of the newest additions to Magellan’s line of auto
navigation systems. Featuring built-in maps of the U.S. and Canada, the
30050T also includes a digital music player (MP3 and WMA compatible), a
photo viewer and the SiRFstar III chipset (unlike the Magellan 860T). A built in li-ion rechargeable battery makes it easier to use these features away from your car. Also included is the Magellan TrafficKitTM receiver and a 3-month starter
subscription, which provides live
traffic incident reports to avoid accidents, road work and more. The 3000T is basically the same unit, minus the TrafficKit receiver and starter subscription, though you can buy the receiver as an add-on.

Compare prices on the Magellan RoadMate 3050T

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Filed Under: Auto, GPS Reviews, Hardware, Magellan, Magellan auto GPS

Garmin StreetPilot c530 review

August 24, 2006 By 2 Comments

Garmin_c530_1 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 c530 offers pre-loaded maps of North America, Garmin Lock™ anti-theft protection and the SiRFstar III chipset. You can also add an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. Step up to the c550 for an integrated traffic receiver, MP3 capabilities, Bluetooth wireless and a unit that calls out upcoming street names.

Additional options include live traffic information, the Garmin Language Guide™ and Garmin Travel Guide™.

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Filed Under: Auto, Garmin, Garmin auto GPS, GPS Reviews, Hardware

SiRFstar III reception under dense canopy

August 7, 2006 By 14 Comments

Img_0769_1
UPDATE: Here’s my 2010 take on SiRFstar III, which is rarely available these days.

My wife and I went on our weekly mountain bike ride today, and of course we took our GPS receivers along for the ride!  I was kind of excited about it; we were going to ride a trail in dense redwoods that I had never been able to map due to poor satellite reception. But today I had my Garmin 60CSx along, which has the SiRFstar III chipset on board.

Now when I say dense, I do mean dense. Redwoods are actually a low biodiversity plant community; very little grows on the forest floor due to their dense shade. I’ve heard it said that native Americans here didn’t like the redwoods — that they are downright spooky. More likely it was just the lack of game and edible plants, but you get the idea.

Manly_gulchThe trail we rode, Manly Gulch, is as challenging as it sounds — narrow and technical, with steep dropoffs. The photo at left is of me coming around a tight curve between two redwoods. The trail section pictured is a narrow perched run set between a cut redwood stump on the upper side and a retaining wall on the lower side.

But to make a long story short, the 60CSx and SiRFstar III performed admirably, as can be seen in the map posted at right. I’ve seen my 60CSx get a lock inside, and I knew it had greatly improved reception over the 60CS, but it was still nice to see it all work so well where it counts.


Filed Under: Garmin, Hardware, Trip report (TR)

Garmin zumo 550

July 19, 2006 By Leave a Comment

ZumoUPDATE: Read our Garmin zumo 550 review

Garmin has announced the zumo 550, a GPS navigation device designed for motorcycles. Due to hit the market in October 2006, the zumo comes pre-loaded with maps of Europe or North America. Bluetooth allows for hands free cell phone calling through the cyclist’s helmet.

The zumo includes an MP3 player, and XM radio, traffic and weather are options. TMC traffic alerts are available as an alternative.

For more information, there is a flash demo for the Garmin zumo 550, and here is a link to the zumo 550 announcement / press release.

Technorati tags: GPS

Filed Under: Garmin, Hardware

Garmin nuvi 360 review

July 13, 2006 By 7 Comments

Garmin_nuvi_360

UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 360. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin nuvi 360 updates the popular nuvi 350, and both have consistently been among Garmin’s top sellers. The 360 adds Bluetooth, allowing for hands-free cell phone use, and the Garmin Lock™ theft prevention system.

This is on top of the features that made the nuvi 350 such a hit, including a 3.5″ touch-screen, an MP3 player, audio book reader, SiRFstar III chipset, and the ability to speak upcoming street names. The 360 comes pre-loaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada.

Additional options include live traffic information, the Garmin Language Guide™ and Garmin Travel Guide™. Stepping up to the nuvi 370 adds maps of Europe and a traffic receiver (optional on the nuvi 360).

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Filed Under: Auto, Garmin, Garmin auto GPS, GPS Reviews, Hardware
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