GPS reviews, news, tips, tricks and deals
UPDATE: It looks like they’ve changed the model number on this one from the 2505 M LIVE to the 2535 M LIVE.
UPDATE 2: Read my hands on review of the TomTom GO 2535M LIVE.
TomTom is finally bringing HD Traffic to the US with the TomTom GO 2505 M LIVE. The company claims this is a killer app, a game changer. Why? They say that three things make it better than current live traffic options:
UPDATE: Read my hands on review of the TomTom VIA 1535TM. I’ve also posted resource pages with links to reviews for the VIA 1405TM, 1435TM, 1505M and 1505TM.
TomTom is brining its VIA series to the US, a mid-range successor to the XL and XXL product lines. Already available in Europe, the VIA series features a new hardware design, with an integrated (inseparable) Easy Port mount, resulting in a thinner, more pocketable profile. The series will feature the new Webkit-based interface found on the GO 2000 line. Also notable – some models will be the first mid-range, non-GO units to feature Bluetooth and voice command. What you won’t find on the VIA series is the 2500’s capacitive touch screen or HD Traffic.
UPDATE: See my hands on Magellan eXplorist 310 review.
The Magellan eXplorist 310 has been announced ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show, bringing an entry-level model to the new eXplorist handheld GPS line. The 310 utilizes the same hardware as the eXplorist GC, which has a smaller, non-touch screen as opposed to the eXplorist 510, 610 and 710. As an aside, I’ll have a hands on review of the eXplorist 710 posted in the next few weeks.
UPDATE: Read my hands on review of the SPOT Connect
I should have seen this one coming. The folks that brought you the SPOT Satellite Messenger and SPOT Communicator have announced the SPOT Connect – a satellite communicator that pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to send text messages, email or even post to Facebook and Twitter from the middle of nowhere. Pretty nice when you need to tell the spouse “twisted ankle, will be late” or summon search and rescue when you break your leg in the backcountry.
UPDATE: Read my hands on review of the Garmin GTU 10.
Garmin has announced their entry into the GPS tracking market with the Garmin GTU 10 GPS locator and web-based Garmin Tracker™. The small (3”x1.3”x.8”), lightweight (1.7 oz.) and waterproof device can be used to track pets, kids, endurance racers, construction equipment – you name it.
Update: Amazon now has the Garmin dezl 560LT
Update 2: Read a hands on trucker’s review of the Garmin dezl 560LMT.
As predicted, the crew from Olathe has unveiled some big-screen trucker-friendly navigators for CES – the Garmin dēzl 560LT and dēzl 560LMT. These 5” wide-screen models offer a built-in loudspeaker and a number of features geared to truckers, such as truck-specific POIs and truck speed limits, as well as hours, fuel and mileage logging.
UPDATE: Amazon now has most of the 2400 series available for pre-order. Here are the links: Garmin nüvi 2450
UPDATE 2: Read my hands on review of the nuvi 2460LT. I’ve also posted pages for the Garmin nuvi 2450, nuvi 2450LM, and the nuvi 2460LMT.
No surprise here, since we’ve been talking about it for a couple of months now, but the Garmin nuvi 2400 series was officially unveiled today. Basically, this is the still unavailable 4.3” 2300 series expanded to have a 5” screen. Four models were announced, the nuvi 2450, 2450LM, 2460LT and 2460LMT. The LM/LT/LMT designations refer to lifetime map updates and/or traffic. The 2460LT and 2460LMT will add Bluetooth and voice commands to the 2450 models’ feature set. MSRPs are $249.99 to $349.99, with availability slated for the first quarter of 2011.
Garmin has announced their long awaited iPhone navigation application, dubbed the Garmin StreetPilot app (iTunes link), and it is available now! As you can see from the screenshots at left and farther down this post, the interface will be very familiar to any nuvi owner.
The app will retail for $39.99 and include free traffic alerts, lane assist, junction view, and speed limits. According to Garmin, the maps are off-board, delivered over the air, assuring you of the latest maps. They also say that the app will integrate well with iTunes and contacts, allowing you to control music and take a phone call while navigation continues in the background.
Hit the jump for more pics.
