The Magellan RoadMate 3000T and 3050T GPS navigation systems both have a 3.5″ display. Like other models in the Magellan RoadMate series, both the touch screen and buttons are used for navigation. GPS functions are provided by the highly regarded SiRF Star III receiver. The 6000T has Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and is Traffic enabled allowing users to avoid traffic delays using real-time traffic information. Also included is the popular text-to-speech functionality whereby street names are pronounced which Magellan call SayWhere.

Traffic Enabled

The Magellan RoadMate 3050T has an integrated Magellan TrafficKit receiver (option on 3000T) which provides live traffic incident reports to allow users to avoid accidents, slow-downs, road closures, severe weather, road work and other traffic delays. Traffic incident locations and details are available on the touch-screen and automatic re-routing around upcoming traffic problems is available. Traffic data requires a traffic subscription however the 3050T does come with a 3-month subscription included. The user is prompted by the 3050T when renewal of the trial subscription is required at the end of the subscription period.
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The Magellan RoadMate 6000T is a high-end GPS navigation unit with a 3.5″ display. Unlike many other vehicle navigation units, both the touch screen and buttons are used for navigation. The units GPS functions are powered by a SiRF Star III receiver which is highly regarded for its GPS performance. The 6000T has Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and is Traffic enabled allowing users to avoid traffic delays using real-time traffic information. Also included is the popular text-to-speech functionality whereby street names are pronounced which Magellan call SayWhere.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth wireless technology allows the Magellan 6000T to connect to compatible mobile phones for hands-free phone calls using the built-in microphone and speaker. When connected, you are able to access your mobile phone’s address book through the Magellan 6000T for making calls.
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The Garmin Nuvi 680 is a classic exampe of convergence of capabilities in consumer electronics. As well as being an automotive navigation device, the 680 is an entertainment device, a communication device and a wireless services interface.

Some of the best automotive GPS navigation features are available in the Garmin Nuvi 680 are common across the Nuvi 600 series including:

• large widescreen 4.3 inch TFT display,
• mp3 payer,
• audio book player,
• picture viewer,
• world travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator,
• Garmin Lockâ„¢ (anti-theft feature),
• maps preloaded into internal memory – use straight out of the box.

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The Sony GPS PSP-290 is an add-on accessory for Play Station Portables. At only some 40 odd mm squared and 16g or so its not a hefty or weighty accessory. It has a 20 channel GPS receiver which provides position accuracy to 5m.

Sony have PSP map software which allows users to find points of interest (POI) on city maps. Searches can be make for addresses and locations can be bookmarked as favorites and comments added. Comments and POI bookmarks can be exchanged with other Sony PSP users. Its another example of a GPS manufacturer trying to encourage a viral type use of their product – Tom Tom have their “Buddies” application.

With its atypical user base the PSP promises some fairly interesting software applications including gaming. One software package available includes maps of Japanese golf courses and allows golfers to check distances to the green and obstacles. There is also a car navigation application which has roadmaps for Japan. The latest maps can be downloaded using the PSP’s networking capabilities.

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The TomTom GO 700 is one of two models in TomTom’s car GPS navigation range to have a built-in HDD (hard disk drive) with the premium GO 900 model being the other. If you’ve looked at the entry level GO 900 and have wanted hands-free phone calls using a Bluetooth connection to your mobile (check TomTom website for compatibility) then this might be the model for you. Another standout feature of this model is the assisted Satellite Navigation (ASN) for uninterrupted GPS navigation in poor reception areas such as tunnels and urban canyons. For those who have problems operating gadgets the unit comes with TomToms easy to use, Linux based navigation software controlled with the touch screen. For GPS signal reception the GO 700 has a 12 channel integrated GPS receiver.

Operation

The GO 700 display is a 3.5 inch TFT with a of 320 x 240 pixels resolution. Unfortunately, the antiglare coating on the display does darken it making reading it in direct sunlight more difficult.

Maps of the USA and Canada (TeleAtlas map database) are pre-installed on the 2.5 Gb HDD so the unit is ready for use out of the box. TomTom recommends that owners create an account on the TomTom Web site so that they can be notified to download map updates.

The TomTom GO 700 makes maximum use of the touch screen interface with the only button being for power - all other functions controlled through the touch screen menus. A nice feature is the speed-linked volume which varies the output volume in relation to the vehicles speed.

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The TomTom GO 300 is the least sophisticated of GO range however, it exemplifies TomTom’s marketing of a GPS navigation device which is simple to install and operate as you simply turn it on and GO. The unit has TomToms easy to use, Linux based navigation software controlled with the touch screen. For GPS signal reception the GO 300 has a 12 channel integrated GPS receiver.

Operation

The GO 300 display is a 3.5 inch TFT with a of 320 x 240 pixels resolution. Unfortunately, the antiglare coating on the display does darken it making reading it in direct sunlight more difficult.

Maps of the USA and Canada pre-installed on the 1 Gb SD card so the unit is ready for use out of the box. TomTom recommends that owners create an account on the TomTom Web site so that they can be notified to download map updates.

The TomTom GO 300 makes maximum use of the touch screen interface with the only button being for power - all other functions controlled through the touch screen menus. A nice feature is the speed-linked volume which varies the output volume in relation to the vehicles speed.

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TomTom has enviable brand name recognition for GPS navigation devices and being the premium model in its automotive navigation range, much is expected of the GO 510.

Some of the standout features of the GO510 are:

• SiRFstar III GPS chipset and 400MHz processor
• Extensive map coverage including US and Canada (TeleAtlas map database)
• Wider than most competition four inch widescreen WVGA (480 by 272 pixels) display
• Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth
• Excellent language support
• Four hour life lithium ion battery

SiRF Star III GPS Processor

The TomTom GO 510’s GPS functionality is provided by a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III family has proved a watershed innovation GPS chip architecture by offering impressive performance improvements to the GPS receiver manufacturing industry. They have also been adopted by other major GPS manufacturers including Garmin and Magellan. The SiRF Star III offers faster fix times, higher signal locking, higher tracking sensitivity and lower power requirements.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the GO 510 for safer hands-free phone operation. There are both internal and external microphones (included). As with other systems, any other audio is automatically muted during phone calls. A handy convenience is being able to access phone numbers associated with the POI making it simple to call ahead.

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TomTom has enviable brand name recognition for GPS navigation devices and being the premium model in its automotive navigation range, much is expected of the GO910. Some concrete evidence of the GO 910’s delivering on its heritage is its winning the LAPTOP Editor’s Choice award and the GPS Magazine Editor’s Choice Award. With its price and features, the GO 910 is up against offerings such as the Magellan’s RoadMate 860T and Garmin’s StreetPilot c550.

Some of the standout features of the GO 910 are:

• A 20 GB hard drive
• SiRFstar III GPS chipset and 400MHz processor
• Extensive map coverage including US, Canada and all Europe – all pre-loaded on the hard disc (TeleAtlas map database)
• Wider than most competition four inch widescreen WVGA (480 by 272 pixels) display
• Text-to-speech navigation instructions,
• MP3 player
• Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth
• Excellent language support
• Four hour life lithium ion battery
• Remote control

SiRF Star III GPS Processor

The TomTom GO 910’s GPS functionality is provided by a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III family has proved a watershed innovation GPS chip architecture by offering impressive performance improvements to the GPS receiver manufacturing industry. They have also been adopted by other major GPS manufacturers including Garmin and Magellan. The SiRF Star III offers faster fix times, higher signal locking, higher tracking sensitivity and lower power requirements.

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As well as its range of in-dashboard GPS navigation and entertainment systems (AVIC-Z1, AVIC-N3, AVIC-D2 and AVIC-D3) Pioneer have a portable GPS navigation product, the AVIC-S1. Although designed to be portable, the AVIC-S1 does come with a suction mounting accessory if you wish to use it in your car. It also has a 12V adaptor for in-car charging.

The Pioneer AVIC-S1’s GPS functionality is provided by a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III family has proved a watershed innovation GPS chip architecture by offering impressive performance improvements to the GPS receiver manufacturing industry. They have been adopted by major GPS manufacturers including Garmin, TomTom and Magellan. The SiRF Star III offers faster fix times, higher signal locking, higher tracking sensitivity and lower power requirements. The lower power requirements and consequent reduced battery demands have contributed to Pioneers efforts to make the AVIC-S1 stylishly thin.

Operation

The AVIC- S1 has a full color, 3.5 inch TFT screen with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution. The screen is anti-glare for easy reading. The screen is actually a touch screen and can be used to navigate menus (or touch information icons), plot routes, or change map views. There is also a scroll wheel which allows voice guidance sound level adjustment and quick scrolling through menu icons. Map and Menu buttons provide easy access to two commonly used features. Current location information, turn distances and approximate time to destination are displayed.

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Pioneer’s AVIC range of in-dash navigation/entertainment systems have all been evidence of its embracement the current trend of convergence in consumer electronic devices. The AVIC-D3 is another further step down this track building on the success of its sibling the AVIC-D2 and will be available in stores this spring.

Pioneer market it as an automotive GPS navigation system however, it is a generously featured, all-round entertainment system product as well. The system is double-DIN sized for car dashboard installation and has a motorized front panel display. A couple of interesting additions over the Pioneer AVIC-D3 features are the AUX input on front for both Audio and Video and multicolor illumination allowing color matching with your vehicle’s dashboard.

Some of the highlight features of this well equipped system are;

• An 8 channel GPS receiver
• Voice and visual navigation guidance - recorded voice not text-to-speech
• Large, 6.1-inch, high resolution LCD touchscreen display with wide viewing angle
• Audio/video DVD/CD player
• AM/FM radio
• Safe, hands-free phone operation utilizing Bluetooth

The Pioneer AVIC Series

The Pioneer AVIC- D3 has three siblings in its AVIC family including the AVIC-Z1, AVIC-N3 and AVIC-D2 to match a range of needs and budgets.

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The AVIC-D2 is a classic example of the current trend of convergence in consumer electronic devices. Pioneer market it as an automotive GPS navigation system however, it is a generously featured, all-round entertainment system product as well. The system is double-DIN sized for car dashboard installation and has a motorized front panel display.

Some of the highlight features of this well equipped system are;

• An 8 channel GPS receiver
• Voice and visual navigation guidance - recorded voice not text-to-speech
• Large, 6.5-inch, high resolution LCD touchscreen display with wide viewing angle
• Audio/video DVD/CD player
• AM/FM radio

The Pioneer AVIC Series

The Pioneer AVIC- D2 has three siblings in its AVIC family including the AVIC-Z1, AVIC-N3 and AVIC-D3 to match a range of needs and budgets.

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The AVIC-N3 is a classic example of the current trend of convergence in consumer electronic devices. Pioneer market it as an automotive GPS navigation system however, it is a generously featured, all-round entertainment system product as well. The system is sized for car dashboard installation and has a motorized front panel display.

Some of the highlight features of this well equipped system are;

• An 8 channel GPS receiver
• Voice and visual navigation guidance - recorded voice not text-to-speech
• Large, 6.5-inch, high resolution LCD touchscreen display with wide viewing angle
• Audio/video DVD/CD player
• AM/FM radio
• Safe, hands-free phone operation utilizing Bluetooth

The Pioneer AVIC Series

The Pioneer AVIC- N3 has three siblings in its AVIC family including the AVIC-Z1, AVIC-D2 and AVIC-D3 to match a range of needs and budgets.

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The AVIC-Z1 is a classic example of the current trend of convergence in consumer electronic devices. Pioneer market it as an automotive GPS navigation system however, it is a generously featured, all-round entertainment system product as well. The system is double-DIN sized for car dashboard installation and has a motorized front panel display.

Some of the highlight features of this well equipped system are;

• An 8 channel GPS receiver
• Advanced voice and visual navigation guidance - users can “talk” to the system
• Large, 7-inch, high resolution LCD touchscreen display with wide viewing angle
• Audio/video DVD/CD player
• Generous 30GB built-in hard drive for map and audio storage
• AM/FM radio
• Learning capable navigation routing algorithms
• Safe, hands-free phone operation utilizing Bluetooth
• Gracenote CDDB Music Recognition Service

The Pioneer AVIC Series

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The Lowrance iWay 600c is the first portable GPS+WAAS navigation device to offer both highway and marine navigation capabilities. For marine duties the iWay 600c has watertight sealing. Lowrance Electronics is fully owned subsidiary of Navico marine electronics company, a well known for its fishing and marine equipment, such as depth recorders, fish finders, and marine GPS devices. Automotive GPS is a new field for Lowrance however, it promises much given the company heritage.

Siblings to the 600c are the lower specification Lowrance iWay 250c, 350c and 500c. The other automotive GPS sibling models do not have the 600’s standout features of detailed satellite imagery for hundreds of major cities in the US and Canada and marine mapping/navigation capabilities. Maps overlay the satellite imagery as with Google Maps.

A 12-channel parallel receiver has WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capabilities giving the Lowrance iWay 600c enhanced accuracy to within 3 meters.

The 600c has a touch-screen display with voice and visual turn-by-turn directional guidance. It has a 30GB internal hard drive, with 25GB of storage dedicated to high-detail mapping and satellite imagery (10GB dedicated to mapping detail for Western Europe models). 5GB of storage is reserved for MP3 audio files and JPEG image files (20GB for Western European models). The 600c comes preloaded with comprehensive NAVTEQ digital map data of the USA and Canada, plus electronic charts with depth contours for U.S. inland lakes, Great Lakes and coastal waters. Users also gain access to the NAVTEQ Points-of-Interest database which includes over 5.5 million high-interest destinations such as restaurants, hotels, leisure facilities and gas stations.

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The Lowrance iWay 350c is an automotive GPS navigation device. Lowrance Electronics is fully owned subsidiary of Navico marine electronics company, a well known for its fishing and marine equipment, such as depth recorders, fish finders, and marine GPS devices. Automotive GPS is a new field for Lowrance however, it promises much given the company heritage.

Siblings to the 350c are the lower specification Lowrance iWay 250c and higher specification Lowrance iWay 500c and 600c. The iWay 600c has marine mapping/navigation capabilities in addition to automotive GPS navigation.

A 16-channel parallel receiver has WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capabilities giving the Lowrance iWay 350c enhanced accuracy to within 3 meters. Only the 250c doesn’t have WAAS capability.

The 350c has a touch-screen display with voice and visual turn-by-turn directional guidance. It has a large 4GB internal hard disk drive providing for NAVTEQ maps of the United States and an extensive points-of-interest (POI) database.

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