GPS News » garmin

Garmin’s New nuvi 1690 Will Be Shipping Soon

gpsguy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:52:36 +0000

Garmin has just made the Nuvi 1690 official, clearing up the speculation around its newest generation portable navigation device that comes with a host of new features. It is equipped with a built-in wireless module that enables customers to access Garmin’s nüLink! service which will offer direct links to selected online information including Google local search, traffic, weather, fuel prices, movie listings, flight status, local events, white page telephone listings and Ciao!. Social-network users will be able to take advantage of Garmin’s new Ciao position-aware social network that reports your location to the exisiting GyPsii and uLocate services and allows you to find and navigate to your friends.

All US-version of the nuvi 1690 will be equipped with 2 years’ free use of Garmin’s nüLink! service.

Slated to launch on 4th quarter of 2009 at a suggested retail price of $499.99, the new Garmin nuvi 1690 will pack a 4.3-inch WVGA display, North American maps, text-to-speech and also Bluetooth handsfree support.

Read the full Garmin nuvi 1690 review here.

Garmin Announced Release of New Garmin nuvi 1490T

gpsguy — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:42:32 +0000

Garmin just announced release of a new 5 inch widescreen GPS unit – the Garmin nuvi 1490T. It comes hot on the heels of the recently unveiled 1200 and 1300 series. With a suggested list price of $499.99, this GPS navigator definitely belongs among the high-end models. Garmin says that it will come with lifetime traffic alerts, lane assist / junction view and Bluetooth.

It also has something not found on the 1200 and 1300 models – Multi-Destination routing.

The nuvi 1490T will also be 25% thinner than most current generation nuvis and offer pedestrian-friendly features and the ability to use optional CityXplorer™ maps.

This unit is expected to be available in July of 2009.

Source: Garmin USA

Garmin Unveils New nuvi 1200 & nuvi 1300 Series

gpsguy — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:41:00 +0000

Garmin unveiled two new Nuvi product lines at the massive CeBIT 2009 trade show in Hannover, Germany.

The Garmin nuvi 1200 (3.5″ touchscreen) and nuvi 1300 series (4.3″ widescreen) GPS devices are 25% slimmer than previous Nuvi products and designed for walking as much as driving. They are designed to fit in a purse or pocket.

The four new nuvi 1200 GPS navigators are reported to start at $200 and include top-of-the-line features features like text-to-speech, free lifetime traffic and lane assist. All the 1200 and 1300 models also feature a new “Enhanced Pedestrian Mode”, and something called “Public Transit Mode”. Read on for all the details and pricing information.

The retail price of the nuvi 1300 navigators starts at $250. All 8 new models are expected to be available in the second half of 2009.

More on the Garmin nuvi 1250, Garmin nuvi 1300 and Garmin nuvi 1350.

Best Deals for GPS Under $299

gpsguy — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:04:43 +0000

Head out to Amazon, Target, RadioShack and Sears for some good deals on GPS. Magellan Roadmate 1430 and Garmin nuvi 205W that are selling at deep discounts at Target. Amazon is selling the Garmin nuvi 260 and Garmin nüvi 270 3.5-Inch GPS Navigator at whopping 70% discounts. RadioShack is enticing buyers with discounted Mio Moov 310 Portable GPS Receiver. For some good bargains on Magellan GPS, head out to Sears.

Garmin Launches The Nuvi 785T

gpsguy — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:28:32 +0000

Garmin nuvi 785T

Garmin will start shipping the much anticipated nuvi 785T soon. It features a bright 4.3-Inch Diagonal Touch Screen Color Display and adds enhanced MSN Direct traffic receiver and full coverage mapping for USA, Canada and Puerto Rico.

The preloaded map data features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. It features 3D buildings, lane assist and lifetime traffic alerts from NAVTEQ. You can now take advantage of Garmin’s first premium traffic service without subscription fees.

Price is listed at $799 and Amazon is currently offering it at $699 with free shipping on pre-order.

How To Update Your Garmin GPS Firmware

gpsguy — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:54:10 +0000

Firstly, note that there are two parts to any GPS. The GPS unit itself and the operating system of that unit, also called the firmware. The second part is the detailed map software that is loaded either onto the unit or onto a memory card inserted into the unit.

Firmware Updates:

Firmware updates are free for all Garmin GPS units and the update files are available for download off the Garmin website. Garmin also have a download utility program called WebUpdater that you download once onto your computer and which you then run directly from your computer while your GPS unit is connected to your PC. The program will automatically identify your GPS unit, log itself into the Garmin database and download all the relevant update files directly to your connected Garmin GPS unit. These firmware updates also include any new or updated voice files, Bluetooth software (if your Garmin GPS unit is Bluetooth enabled), vehicle icons, firmware improvements and bug fixes for your unit. Once the program has run, you simply disconnect your GPS unit from your PC and let it reboot and update itself (this can take a minute or two depending on the unit).

Important Note: ALWAYS remove any memory cards from the unit BEFORE doing a firmware update.

Garmin 2009 Map Update Released

gpsguy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:48:06 +0000

Garmin has just released its annual map update. The 2009 Map Update retails for around $69, and can be purchased as an electronic download or a physical DVD disc. This map update may only be installed on one compatible unit. If you purchased a Garmin GPS recently, Garmin will give you the update for free. The update packet size is about 2GB, so download it over a broadband connection rather than a dialup. It contains more than 8 million miles of road coverage and about 6 million updated points of interest. It includes postal code support for Canada.

Garmin’s nuvi 200 Is The Top Selling GPS in USA

gpsguy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:32:51 +0000

NPD Market Research has released its latest list of top selling PNDs, and Garmin’s nuvi 200 snagged the top slot for units sold between June 2007 and May 2008.

Garmin’s nuvi 200 is the first nuvi GPS below $200, and is presently the best selling automotive GPS. The nuvi 200 is an entry level model with relatively few features. There is no text-to-speech, bluetooth, or live traffic updates, but the price is at a point where it gives extremely good value for money for a highly regarded nuvi line of products from Garmin. Here’s a list of the current top 10 car GPS units.