Garmin GPS ? New navigators with reality view and lifetime traffic
[IMG]http://simplefeed.consumerreports.org/rsrc/i/1/auto/garmin_gps_new_navigators_with_reality_view_a_3267 62/4.gif?f=3dcb3160-01dc-11dc-32a2-0019bbc55f7f&s=AewyNia7NTvDvhaDemju5DEsbnVsbCwwLDA *[/IMG]Garmin GPS ? New navigators with reality view and lifetime traffic
Garmin has been shaking up its portable GPS navigation line recently by lowering prices, dropping models, and now announcing several new devices coming in time for the holiday season. As the sales-leader adjusts its product portfolio, Garmin is introducing new features, such as reality view (called "Lane Assist"), three-dimensional buildings, and free traffic alerts.
Three new models expand the well-rated Nuvi 2x5 line: the Nuvi 265T, 265WT (shown), and 275T. These build on the 2x5 foundation by adding Bluetooth connectivity and standard traffic receiver. If you want traffic information, it is usually cheaper to purchase a unit with the receiver built-in. For these units, and others in the 7x5 series, the traffic information is delivered via FM from NAVTEQ and the service is free ? no subscription required. The Nuvi 275T has maps for North America and Europe. Retail prices range from $300 to $400 for these new units. The next-evolution for the more premium Nuvi 700 series is the 7x5, including the 755T, 765T, and 775T (shown). As the "T" in the names suggest, these upscale units include a traffic receiver and ?lifetime? traffic service. More significantly, these units introduce a reality view feature that can help navigate major intersections by displaying a representation of the roads and signage. We have used reality view on Navigon and Sony units, and we found it a useful tool on busy exchanges.
The Nuvi 7x5 devices can display a semi-opaque, three-dimensional view of buildings to further aid guidance in some areas. This has potential in unfamiliar surroundings where there may be distinct landmarks. The HP iPAQ 310 has a similar feature, and we found it to be more of a novelty than a true navigational aid. The 775T has maps for North America and Europe. The range-topping Nuvi 785T has an MSN Direct receiver that can provide information on traffic, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes, and local events. Unlike the other units covered here, the Nuvi 785T comes with an MSN Direct receiver and three free months of MSN Direct, though it requires a subscription for the traffic and other information beyond the trial period. Retail prices range from $500 to $800 for the new 7x5 units.
In addition to these devices, Garmin has announced its "NuMaps Guarantee." This program applies to Nuvi and Zumo (motorcycle) GPS devices, enabling one free update per customer within 60 days of purchase and first satellite acquisition. So, if a consumer purchased an older unit, even a discontinued one like a Nuvi 660, that may have been on the store or warehouse shelf for months, the customer could be brought up to date with the latest map at no charge. The program takes affect October 15, and it will apply to units purchased since August 17, 2008. This is good news for customers looking for an affordable navigator, less concerned with the latest features. There are a variety of retired, and soon-to-be retired, models still available.
We will test these new units once they go on sale in the fall.
See the latest GPS ratings, and learn how we have recently made improvements to how we rate and present our findings. ?Jeff Bartlett and Desiree Calamari
Garmin GPS ? New navigators with reality view and lifetime traffic
Linear Mode
