GPS Technology Reviews for news, guides and reviews of GPS hardware, software and services including Handheld GPS, Outdoor GPS, GPS PDA, GPS Phones and Auto GPS Navigators

The Garmin 3.5 inch touch screen 205 and 255 and the 4.3 inch screen 205 W and 255W are what Garmin refer to as their 2×5 model auto GPS navigators. All have improved features over earlier models including improved mapping and routing features, faster satellite acquisition (HotFix), navigation by photos, FM traffic updates and dynamic content from MSN Direct. With these models Gamin has included higher end features in what is an entry level auto GPS series.

Garmin Nuvi 2×5 Model Differences

Specifications for the Garmin Nuvi 255 and 255W and the Garmin Nuvi 205 and 205W are identical apart from the W suffix models having the larger widescreen and accepting SD cards as opposed to miniSD cards.
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GPS navigation device manufacturers know that a quick time to first fix is a selling point with consumers. Running predictive calculations of satellite positions while the GPS navigator is off is one way to speed up the time taken to establish a lock on a few GPS satellites so that navigation can begin is to. It works by giving the restarted GPS device a head start by knowing where to start looking for GPS satellites. Time saved with this technique makes possible warm start ups taking as little as 3.5 seconds.

Starting with the Nuvi 205 of the Nuvi 2×5 models, Garmin has based their product on STMicroelectronics’ Teseo GPS engine. As the result of collaboration with Rx Networks, their GPStream PGPS product is included. It enables the behaviour of GPS satellites to be modelled based on broadcast ephemeris readings for accurate prediction of satellite positions up to 5 days ahead. A single broadcast ephemeris reading allows the accurate prediction of satellite orbits which are developed and refined every time new broadcast ephemeris is obtained.

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.

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.
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NAVIGON is working to build a reputation for affordable yet, top feature packed GPS navigators. It’s rapid grab of market share and quick population of bestseller lists since its entry into the personal navigation market nine months ago are evidence that consumers agree with it’s focus. In March, NPD Group reported that their Retail Tracking Service was showing that NAVIGON had achieved an 11.5 percent (unit volume share) and fourth position in the personal navigation category. Picking up awards at the recent 2008 International CES for the NAVIGON 5100, NAVIGON 2100 and NAVIGON 7100 has certainly helped boost of NAVIGON’s range.

The NAVIGON 2100 max and 2120 max have a slim, stylish piano black casings and a wide, 4.3 inch, anti-glare, color, touchscreen display (WQVGA, 480×272 pixels). NAVIGON have used a Nemerix NX3 GPS receiver in their NAVIGON 2100 max models. Either a USB 1.1 drive or an SD memory card can be used to load data. The LiPo/LiIon battery will power operation for up to 3 hours depending on what features are being used. The only difference in specification between the NAVIGON 2100 max and 2120 max models is the maps they are boxed with. The 2100 max comes with maps of the continental U.S. while the NAVIGON 2120 max has the continental U.S. and Canada.
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TomTom’s new look flagship GO X30 series includes the TomTom GO 930 and GO 730. The specifications for the two models are identical apart from the GO 930 including;

• a larger 4 GB of internal flash memory compared to 2 GB for the GO 730,
• Enhanced Positioning Technology which uses a combination of movement and gravity sensors to determine position when a GPS signals are not available such as in tunnels or driving in an urban canyon between buildings
• maps of Europe as well as the maps of the United States and Canada on the GO 730

All the GO X30 models have 4.3 inch, WQVGA (480 x 272 pixels) LCD widescreens. GPS navigation is powered by a high sensitivity GPS receiver making for better GPS signal reception in low signal strength areas such as in urban canyons. There is an SD slot for loading digital data such as maps or music. The units are light enough (7.7 ounces) and of small enough form factor of 4.6 x 3.2 x 1 inches (118 x 83 x 24 mm) to be considered portable. The estimated 5 hours of operation from the lithium-polymer battery is a useful time period.
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The TomTom ONE 130 and TomTom ONE 130S are TomTom’s new entry level portable GPS navigators to replace the TomTom ONE. The compact size of the previous model has been retained despite a new windshield mount which can be left on the device and a new, larger, more powerful speaker. The LCD touchscreen remains at 3.5 inches.

As mentioned, the new EasyPort mount can be folded flat on the 130 or 130S for easy transport or moving between cars. It will fit in a shirt pocket. Attaching the EasyPort mount to the windscreen (dashboard mounting disc also included) is a simple sequence of pushing it against the windscreen, sliding it to the right position (if necessary) and twisting the lock nut. An opposite twist removes it. As well as being convenient, the built-in mount ensures you keep the mount and display together for their next use. The video below shows how simple mounting the unit with the mechanical locking system is.
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The only difference between the NAVIGON 2120 and recently reviewed NAVIGON 2100 is the preloaded maps. The Navigon 2100 GPS Navigator was recently honored by a 2008 International CES Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Award in the In-Vehicle Accessories category. Quoting the CES Awards Announcement in regard to the Navigon 2100: Slim, easy-to-use and affordable, the NAVIGON 2100 surpasses the basics to deliver an intelligent, premium navigation experience in an innovative package.

The NAVIGON 2100 comes with maps of continental U.S., while the NAVIGON 2120 is preloaded with maps of all the U. S. and Canada, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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The Garmin nuvi 860 has exactly the same specification as the recently reviewed Garmin nuvi 880 except for the preloaded City Navigator NT maps which are for Europe (full coverage) rather than the US. The premium feature of both the Garmin nuvi 860 and 880 is speech recognition.

The Garmin nuvi 860 comes with a FM traffic receiver and vehicle power cable. Below are the details of the traffic services available in Europe.
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Magellan view their CrossoverGPS as a GPS navigation device which can be used for car and outdoors navigation as well as marine navigation. It was originally called the RoadMate 2500T but Magellan changed it to CrossoverGPS to better reflect its capabilities. Features which support this spread of different navigation applications include preloaded street and National Geographic “Topo” topographic contour maps, IPX-4 waterproofing, compass, altimeter, protective Sport Guard and excellent battery life.

The Magellan CrossoverGPS has a 3.5 inch color touch-screen display. Its form factor is larger than outdoor specific navigation devices (3.4 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches or 8.5 x 12.5 x 2.6 cm) so that it’s a convenient viewable size in the car. Auto night view adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing when required.
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The Garmin zumo 550, 500, 450 and 400 are specialized GPS navigators for motorcycles built to be durable, vibration tolerant, waterproof. The plastics they are constructed from are able to withstand fuel spills and continuous exposure to the elements. The 3.5 inch, 320 x 240 pixel resolution, UV-resistant display is bright enough to be read in direct sunlight. Thinking of the user, Garmin have designed the navigation interface with icons large enough for operation with a gloved hand.

Garmin Zumo Use in the Car

With practical flexibility, the Garmin zumo can also be shifted to your car (mount included) and used as a automotive navigation device. The zumo car mount features an integrated speaker. Note that the zumo must be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket to use the speaker. There’s an audio output jack and microphone output jack on both the automotive and motorcycle mounts or you can use Bluetooth on the 550 and 500 models.
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