Garmin StreetPilot 7200 and 7500 GPS Auto Navigators Review

The Garmin 7200 and 7500 StreetPilots have identical features apart from the 7500 including dead reckoning capabilities for when a GPS signal is not available. Both models are available in North American and European versions (different maps) while the 7200 has an Australian version. The 7200 or 7500 StreetPilots are preloaded in internal memory with City Navigator NT for North America or Europe with full cover Australian maps available for that version. Both models have high end features and prices to match. Not only are navigation features covered comprehensively but also entertainment/multimedia features.

Garmin StreetPilot 7200

The large, 7 inch, widescreen, WQVGA (480 x 234 pixels) touch screen display is the distinctive feature of the StreetPilot 7200 and 7500. The size comes from Garmin designing these StreetPilot models for use in large vehicles where there is a greater distance from the driver to the navigation screen. It should be noted that the screen has an auto dimming backlight to adjust to different ambient light conditions.

Navigation with the StreetPilot 7200 and StreetPilot 7500

Navigation instructions can be entered either via the touch screen or a 19 button IR remote control. On screen navigation maps can be in either 2D or 3D. If you do happen to wander off course you can be quickly rerouted with a single touch of the screen. Text-to-speech functionality means that you get confirmation that you are on the right track without having to look at the navigation screen – a safety bonus. Any background audio is automatically muted when navigation instructions are being delivered.

Other navigation functionalities include;

Calculation of the most efficient route between multiple destinations for saving valuable time.
Facility to specify specific areas or road segments during route calculation.

The North American versions of the the 7200 and 7500 StreetPilots have a large pre-loaded Points of Interest (POI) database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. It’s also simple to add your own custom POIs such as school zones or safety cameras.

With the addition of an optional XM antenna and a subscription to XM services (U.S.) you have the ability to check weather and traffic conditions, traffic and listen to XM radio. You can also opt to receive TMC traffic alerts (some cities only) when used with a compatible traffic receiver. Route calculations can then take account to traffic information in calculating your best route.

StreetPilot 7500 Dead Reckoning Capabilities

For drivers who may frequent areas with low GPS signal strengths, the StreetPilot 7500 includes dead reckoning capabilities, which means it continues to provide position data if you lose signal in areas such as urban canyons or tunnels. Heading and acceleration sensors provide dead reckoning data. Professional installation is required.

Entertainment

As well as being a top end GPS navigation devices, the StreetPilot 7200 and 7500 are also well equipped entertainment devices with features such as;

MP3 player for listening to your music collection,
Capability to listen to up to 150 XM satellite radio channels,
Audiobook player for playing books downloaded from audible.com,
Portable devices such as DVD players can be connected using the AV in connector,
Audio routing to your car stereo through the StreetPilot’s integrated FM wireless transmitter or via an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug,
Speed adjusted volume levels and
Music loading through a USB or SD card with a simple drag-and-drop operation.

Included Items

StreetPilot 7500 or 7200
Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America, Europe or Australia (7200 only)
MapSource City Navigator North America NT DVD or City Navigator Europe NT DVD (full unlock)
Quick-release dash mount
Alphanumeric remote control
Vehicle power cable
AC power adapter
USB cable
Dead reckoning cable
Owner’s manual
Quick reference guide