Review: Magellan Maestro 4250
The Magellan Maestro 4250 is a solid mid-level portable navigation system which includes voice commands, text-to-speech directions, an accurate, high-sensitivity receiver, integrated traffic tracking and avoidance, and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone functionality. The Magellan Maestro 4250 is more compact and lighter than the other Maestro portable navigators.
The Magellan Maestro 4250 sports a 4.3-inch touch screen that shows off 64,000 colors at a 480×272 pixel resolution as well as supports an auto night-dimmer that provides a sharp and clear picture. The system provides guidance according to text- and voice-guided urn-by-turn directions, plus text-to-speech functionality and by SayWhere the system will speak actual street names.The Magellan Maestro 4250 is equipped with an SiRFStarIII GPS chip and comes preloaded with Navteq maps of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska.The 4250 also includes an automatic route recalculation, a detour function, multidestination trips, and support for traffic capabilities along with 6 million points of interest (POI). It also offers you AAA TourBook guide enable you to find business and recreation spots throughout the U.S. and Canada. Inspite of all the Magellan Maestro 4250 suffers some general performance delays and glitches.
Features:
* Voice Command; AAA TourBook reviews and ratings
* 4.3-inch WQVGA full-color, anti-glare, touch-screen display
* Bluetooth for hands-free calling
* SmartDetour prompts drivers to route around traffic and delays
* Simple, intuitive interface; Utlra-thin design, only .7 inches deep.
Review: HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion
The iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion is the best hybrid PDA/navigation device yet by HP, in partnership with TomTom. The HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion delivers a sleek all-in-one navigation, productivity, and entertainment device to mobile professionals with a 3.5-inch touchscreen, enough memory out of the box to store all the maps you need, and a friendly user interface. The HP iPAQ Travel Companion is full-function Windows Mobile 5.0 handheld also has a integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth wireless technologies.
The HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion is a sleek device, both as a portable nav system and a PDA. The iPAQ’s thin, stylish design fits simply in the car and very comfortable to take with you wherever you travel. The HP iPaq comes with stunning streamlined look and attractive silver casing and burnt-orange accents. The 3.5-inch, QVGA touch screen has a 240×320 pixel resolution and features an antiglare coating as well as quick links to Navigation, Entertainment, Travel Assistant, and the Internet. The HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion is equipped with a SiRFstarIII GPS receiver and comes loaded with maps of North America and TomTom Navigator 6 software as well as Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC Edition, which includes the full Microsoft Office Mobile Suite. The HP iPaq can also entertain you with your favorite music, view your photos and videos, surf the web, or play games as well as navigate and let you stay connected wherever you travel.
Review: Garmin Nuvi 500
The newer Garmin Nuvi 500 is also a hybrid GPS that combines the best of Garmin’s various GPS products into a single, easy to use device that’s equally at home on the road(car), trails, or water(boat) and offers a better design and user interface than the CrossoverGPS with faster performance to boot. The Nuvi 500 is a waterproof version of Garmin GPS navigators and features water-proof hardware, a removable 8 hour battery, electronic compass, preloaded with topographic maps of the US (including Hawaii and Puerto Ricoincluding Hawaii and Puerto Rico) and it can be upgraded with additional maps, traffic, and MSN Direct.
The Nuvi 500 is the most stylish and compact design by Garmin’s GPS system in the Nuvi series which sports a compact rectangular shape and comes in a charcoal gray color as well as more sleeker than the Magellan CrossoverGPS, and also features a waterproof casing.The Nuvi 500 includes the smaller display size of 3.5-inch QVGA touch screen with a 320×240-pixel resolution, since it is also designed for use on foot and on a bicycle, at the same time the Nuvi 500 has an easy-to-use interface and all the onscreen icons are large and clearly identified. The Nuvi 500 offers turn-by-turn, text- and voice-guided directions, but it doesn’t support text-to-speech functionality.The Garmin Nuvi 500 also includes a automatic route recalculation, detour function, the Garmin Lock security feature, picture viewer, a world clock, a calculator, and a unit converter. The Garmin 500 Nuvi can also be used for bicycling, walking in pedestrian mode, or loaded with optional marine charts for boating.
Features:
* GPS Navigator with 3.5 in Easy to Use, Touchscreen Interface
* Preloaded with Highly Detailed City Navigator North America NT Lower 48 States Plus Topographic Maps for the U.S
* User Modes Include Driving, Boating, Bicycling and Walking
* Turn by Turn Directions with Voice Guidance / Turn Right in 500 Feet
* Features Wherigo Player, HotFix Feature, Garmin Connect Photos, and Waterproof Design
Review: Mio Moov 310 GPS Navigation
Mio unveiled new GPS: The Mio Moov 310 portable navigation system have a 4.3″ TFT Anti-Glare Touch Screen (480 x 272), and come with the text-to-speech functionality, a one year free Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) subscription to real-time traffic updates.But the the Mio Moov 310 sufferes from sluggish performance and slow route calculations.
The Mio Moov 310 comes in a sleek black casing and a slim rectangular shape that’s similar to the Mio C520’s.There’s a spacious 4.3-inch touch screen on the front with an antiglare coating and 480×272 pixel resolution.The display is sharp, but colors tend to wash out a bit in bright daylight.The Mio Moov 310 comes packaged with a car charger, a TMC antenna, a USB cable, a vehicle mount (windshield and dash), a software CD, and reference material.The Mio Moov 310 is equipped with a 20-channel SiRFstarIII GPS receiver with SiRFInstantFixII (for faster satellite acquisition) and comes preloaded with maps of the United States and Puerto Rico.The Moov 310 also support multidestination trips, and there’s a database of 3.5 million points of interest (POI) to help you with any services. The Mio Moov 310 in-car GPS is a nice set of navigation features for a wallet-friendly price.
Features:
* Text-to-Speech for Turn-by-Turn Voice Guidance
* 1 Year FREE Real-time Traffic Alerts
* Stylish design
* Preloaded U.S. Map of All 50 States and Puerto Rico
* Preloaded with Over 3.5 Million Points of Interest
* No More Waiting for GPS Signal with SiRFInstantFixII
* 4.3” Touchscreen Interface
* SD / MMC Slot
Review: Sony NV-U83T
Sony debuted at CES with its new the NAVU-U NV-U83T is one of 2 new GPS devices by Sony. The Sony NV-U83T boasts a spacious 4.8-inch touch screen, and you can perform certain operations with the swipe of your finger. The Sony NV-U83T is a seemingly attractive in-car GPS with a large display and useful navigation features but its hard for the U83T to compete with the other GPS navigators in the market because of its ugly side with poor directions and subpar performance.
The NV-U83T features an extralarge 4.8-inch touch screen and with its 480×272 pixel resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, maps are nice and easy to read on the unit.The U83T is also featured with text-to-speech, real-time traffic and gesture command controls, nearly 5 million points of interest, 2GB of embedded memory,Bluetooth hands-free calling capability and Sony’s “Position Plus” engine, which offers an approximate location when the unit can’t connect to the GPS satellite. The Sony NV-U83T include a unique feature called Gesture Commands that enables you to perform certain functions by “drawing” symbols on the touch screen with your finger. Satellite acquisition time is erratic and route calculations weren’t the most efficient one in the U83T.
Features:
* 4.8-inch color touchscreen
* Realtime traffic updates
* Bluetooth capable for handsfree conversations
* Gesture command
Review: Nokia 500 Auto Navigation
The portable navigation device from Nokia- Nokia 500 Auto Navigation has stepped into the market with a bang.The Nokia 500 Auto Navigation is a great melioration over the Nokia 330 Auto Navigation by large 4.3-inch touch screen and featured with text-to-speech functionality, integrated Bluetooth, and traffic information capabilities. The Nokia 500 Auto Navigation also offers you the Nokia 500 switches from Route 66 Navigation 7 software to Nokia Maps and supports SDHC (SD High Capacity) memory cards up to 16GB.
The Nokia 500 Auto Navigation has a nice charcoal gray casing with silver trim accompanied with its compact design and higher portability.The Nokia 500’s touch screen displays 65,536 colors at a 480×272-pixel resolution. The Nokia 500 Auto Navigation system is equipped with a SiRF StarIII LP GPS receiver.It equipped with a built-in FM transmitter so you can have audio piped through your car’s stereo and doubles as a hands-free speaker system with its integrated Bluetooth.The Nokia 500 has multimedia features, including a music and video player and an image viewer. The Nokia 500 is preloaded with Navteq maps of North America which are available in 2D and 3D view with day and night colors.
Nokia 500 Auto Navigation Specifications:
General:
Width: 4.8 in
Depth: 0.9 in
Height: 3.4 in
GPS System:
Recommended Use: Automotive
Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth
GPS Functions / Services: Speed, Distance
Traffic Services: TMC (Traffic Message Channel)
Voice: Navigation instructions
Antenna: Built-in
Features: Clock, Photo viewer, Video playback, Built-in speaker, Smart POI search, Speed limit warning, Text-to-Speech (TTS), 2D / 3D map perspective, Built-in FM transmitter, Built-in digital player, Automatic day/night mode, Hands-free calling via Bluetooth, TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready
Software Included: SiRF Star III, Windows CE 5.0
Removable Memory: 2 GB miniSD Card
Built-in Display:
Type: LCD – Widescreen
Resolution: 480 x 272
Diagonal Size: 4.3 in
Features: Touch screen
Display Illumination: Yes
Color Support: Color
Connections:
Connector Type: USB, Headphones – Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Navigation:
Trip Computer: Avoid ferrys, Average speed, Avoid highways, Avoid toll roads, Street address search
Digital Player:
Digital Player: Yes
Supported Formats: AAC, BMP, GIF, MP3, PNG, WMA, WMV, JPEG, MPEG-4
Miscellaneous:
Included GPS accessories: USB cable, Car holder, Carrying case, Car power adapter, Windshield holder, MiniSD to SD adapter
GPS design features: Touch screen, MP3 player with FM transmitter, Video player, Photo viewer
Slot Provided:
Slot Provided: SD Memory Card
Battery:
Battery Enclosure Type: Integrated
Environmental Parameters:
Min operating temperature: -13 °F
Max operating temperature: 131 °F
Review: TomTom GO 930 GPS
TomTom GO 930 GPS is the new navigation tool by Tom Tom company, it combines highly competent navigation and fast signal acquisition and route calculations with all of the latest technical goodies.The TomTom GO 930 GPS is excellent companion for travelers that provides address entry via voice as well as lane assistance and 3D renderings to make you interact with it.
The GO 930 is featured with a wide screen, integrated Bluetooth, IQ Routes(route calculation based on historical traffic data), enhanced position technology (EPT), advanced lane guidance, Voice address input, and Hands-free calling. TomTom GO 930 GPS package contains a remote control, TomTom services(including fuel prices) and can also connect and control an iPod.
TomTom GO 930 GPS Specifications:
General:
Width: 4.6 in
Depth: 0.9 in
Height: 3.3 in
Weight: 7.8 oz
GPS System:
Recommended Use: Automotive
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Voice: Navigation instructions, Voice command recognition
Antenna: Built-in
Features: Built-in speaker, Built-in microphone, IQ Routes technology, 2D / 3D map perspective, Built-in FM transmitter, TomTom Map Share technology, Hands-free calling via Bluetooth, TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready
Built-in Memory: 4 GB
Software Included: TomTom HOME
Maps Included: USA, Canada, Europe
Built-in Display:
Type: LCD – Widescreen
Resolution: 480 x 272
Diagonal Size: 4.3 in
Features: Anti-glare, Touch screen
Color Support: Color
Display Menu Language: Czech, Dutch, Danish, French, German, Polish, Slovak, Catalan, English, Finnish, Flemish, Italian, Latvian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Lithuanian, Portuguese
Connections:
Connector Type: Antenna – Bluetooth
Miscellaneous:
Included GPS accessories: Remote control, Docking station, Mounting bracket, Car power adapter
Slot Provided:
Slot Provided: SD Memory Card
Battery:
Run Time (Up To): 5 hour(s)
Battery technology: Lithium polymer
Review: Garmin Nuvi 880 GPS navigation systems
A new 800 series of Garmin Nuvi GPS navigation systems Garmin Nuvi 880 after the nuvi 860 model with MSN Direct capability. Garmin Nuvi 880 is additionally featured with voice recognition, picture navigation, web drop, digital elevation maps, MSN Direct services, Bluetooth and the embedded Linux OS, into a compact design.
The Garmin Nuvi 880 is satiny, compact, and simple GPS navigation system by the Nuvi 800 series.Its small size makes it highly portable you can use it outside of the car as an entertainment device or travel aid.The Nuvi 880’s wide 4.3-inch touch screen with a 480×272-pixel resolution makes it simple and user friendly.It is provided with 3.5mm headphone jack, a microSD expansion slot, and a mini USB port.The Garmin Nuvi 880 comes preloaded with City Navigator NT maps of North America, maps are available in 2D and 3D view with day and night colors.The POI database contains all the major categories for millions of points of interest.
Garmin Nuvi 880 Specifications:
General:
Width: 4.9 in
Depth: 0.7 in
Height: 3.1 in
Weight: 6.2 oz
GPS System:
Recommended Use: Automotive
Connectivity: USB
Voice: Navigation instructions, Street name announcement
Antenna: Built-in
Features: Clock, Calculator, Custom POIs, Garmin Lock, Built-in speaker, Automatic routing, JPEG photo playback, Built-in FM modulator, 2D / 3D map perspective, Hands-free calling via Bluetooth
Software Included: MapSource City Navigator North America NT
Built-in Display:
Type: TFT – Widescreen
Resolution: 480 x 272
Diagonal Size: 4.3 in
Features: Anti-glare, Touch screen
Display Illumination: Yes
Color Support: Color
Navigation:
Waypoints: 500
Routes: 10
Trip Computer: Back-On-Track, Avoid highways, Avoid toll roads, Fast/short route
Digital Player:
Digital Player: Yes
Supported Formats: MP3, JPEG
Miscellaneous:
Included GPS accessories: USB cable, Vehicle mount, Remote control, Car power adapter
Slot Provided:
Slot Provided: MicroSD
Battery:
Battery Enclosure Type: Internal
Run Time (Up To): 4 hour(s)
Battery technology: Lithium ion
Dell Axims Series with Bluetooth GPS Navigation System
After the huge success of the hot Axim X30 and X50 series in the market Dell is now offering Bluetooth GPS Navigation System to go with these Axims, combining the Bluetooth technology in the GPS receiver.It is featured with customizable navigation options and NAVTECH’s North America and Europe as well as it provides both power and flexibility for Axim users.
Dell GPS Navigation System features such as turn-by-turn instructions, points of interest and street-level maps in 20 European countries,Us and Canada. The system will help you to reroute you automatically within seconds if you miss a turn.You can access the map, calculate routes and get guidance using the navigation software on your Pocket PC.
Features & Benefits:
Compatibility with Dell Axim Series : Axim X51(v), Axim X50(v), Axim X30 (Bluetooth-enabled).
Navigation : Address-to-address, turn-by-turn directions with visual and spoken guidance and compatible for marine, topographical, and airplane navigation.
Route Calculation : Dynamic route calculation to get you back on track if you miss a turn.
Display Modes : Displays estimated arrival time, drive-time, and distance – Portrait or landscape screen orientation – Day/night map display modes.
PC System Requirements : Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000 Professional, or XP operating system, Handheld OS: Windows Mobile 5.0 or Windows Mobile 2003 or higher, Microsoft ActiveSync 4.0 or higher, 266 MHz Intel® Pentium® II microprocessor with MMXTM or equivalent, 64 MB RAM, 80 MB available hard drive space.
Available Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Spanish.
Package contains : Bluetooth GPS Receiver, 12V car charger, windscreen mount, owner’s manual, CD set with map data of 20 European countries, map loader and Pocket PC application.
Asus R700t with Traffic message channel
Asus will be releasing a new GPS device called the R700t which comes with a 4.3-inch touchscreen with 480 x 272 resolution, which supports mp3 playback, bluetooth 2.0 and microSD card slot.The Asus R700t portable navigation system features a slim design and has an integrated traffic receiver. It also provides complimentary subscription to the traffic services, integrated Bluetooth, and 3D building renderings.
Asus R700t also features a built-in FM transmitter which helps GPS unit to transmit phone conversations, navigational directions, and voice out SMS though your vehicle’s speakers, and most utilitarain feature , the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) with real-time information on traffic conditions such as accidents, road diversions, traffic jams, and traffic light breakdowns so you’ll get to your destination quicker and safer.The Asus R700t is available now for $325.
Asus R700t Specifications:
Datasheet State: Preliminary specifications
Datasheet Views: 2625 views since addition of datasheet (April 08, 2008)
Release Date: March, 2008
Dimensions: 128 x 80 x 13.2 millimetres
Mass: 200 grams (battery included) Software Environment Operating System: Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Core (Macallan) Browse devices running this OS Microprocessor, Chipset
CPU: 32bit Samsung S3C2443 Browse devices based on this microprocessor
CPU Clock: 400 MHz Memory, Storage capacity
ROM capacity: 1 GiB
RAM capacity: 64 MiB Display
Display Type: color transflective TFT , 65536 scales
Display Diagonal: 4.3 ”
Display Resolution: 480 x 272 Sound
Microphone(s): mono
Loadspeaker(s): mono
Audio Output: 2.5mm
Control Peripherals
Positioning Device: Touchscreen
Primary Keyboard: Not supported
Directional Pad: Not supported
Scroll Wheel: Not supported
Interfaces
Expansion Slots: microSD, microSDHC, TransFlash
USB: USB 1.1 client, 12Mbit/s
mini-USB
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.0
Wireless LAN: Not supported
Infrared Gate: Not supported
Multimedia Telecommunication
Analog Radio Receiver: Not supported
Digital Media Broadcast Tuner: Not supported
Satellite Navigation
Built-in GPS module: Supported
Complementary GPS Services: TMC Additional Details
Battery: removable
Battery Capacity: 1300 mAh