Garmin announced several new GPS navigators during CES, including in-car, portable and laptop solutions. Here are our hands-on impressions.
| Garmin Nuvi 880 |
Gallery » |
 Garmin's "flagship" GPS, the Nuvi 880 is completely operable via voice, searching for addresses and providing route information without the driver having to remove their hands from the wheel. The remote attaches to the steering wheel and activates the voice commands. We also liked MSN direct service, and "Where Am I?" which reveals the unit's exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations. Release: July 2008.
Pros: Complete hands-free operation, MSN direct
Cons:
| Nill |
Slight |
Moderate |
PALPABLE |
Extreme |
|
|
| Garmin Forerunner 405 |
Gallery » |
 Garmin's Forerunner 405 uses their GPS technology to track workout data. We imagine that the touch bezel would be much more convenient than trying to fiddle with tiny watch buttons while running. Garmin offers a multitude of internet-based community functions, but our favorite part of the Forerunner 405 is its automatic wireless syncing with a computer. Release: July 2008. Price: $300.
Pros: Easy, wireless data backup to computer, touch bezel
Cons:
| Nill |
Slight |
Moderate |
PALPABLE |
Extreme |
|
|
| Garmin Colorado 400t |
Gallery » |
 A hiker's best friend, the Colorado 400t has some impressive if nuanced features. The screen is clear and bright, and the Rock 'n Roller wheel allows for one handed use for many, if not all functions. The three other variations are tailored for specific functions like marine or coastal environments. The rugged design makes it seem right at home in a backpack, on the trail or on the shore. Release: July 2008. Price: $600.
Pros: Rugged design, large screen, Rock 'n Roller wheel
Cons: High cost, lack of versatility
| Nill |
Slight |
Moderate |
PALPABLE |
Extreme |
|
|
| Garmin Nuvi 780 |
Gallery » |
 The update to Garmin's 700 line, the 780's main new feature is the second generation of MSN Direct. The fuel prices, events and traffic updates (among others) make the device appealing, but we're not crazy about the price structure. Audiobook support through audible.com is nice, but this is mainly just a junior version of the Nuvi 880. Release: July 2008.
Pros: MSN Direct
Cons: Cost of service
| Nill |
Slight |
MODERATE |
Palpable |
Extreme |
|
|
| Garmin Nuvi 260w |
Gallery » |
 The latest update to the 200 line, the 260w adds the ability to have street names called (“turn right on Main Street” instead of “turn right in 200 feet.”) It packs all the basic GPS features standard for a GPS unit, and the smaller form factor makes it slightly more portable than its larger cousins. Release: July 2008.
Pros: Compact size, affordable
Cons: Limited features
| Nill |
Slight |
MODERATE |
Palpable |
Extreme |
|
|
| Garmin Mobile PC |
Gallery » |
 Garmin's Mobile PC in effect turns any laptop into one of their Mobile GPS units. The software, which can be purchased separate from the device, uses the same interface as their Nuvi line, with a larger screen albeit limited mounting options. The low price point ($100) makes it an affordable option for the many people who already have a laptop. While certainly a practical tool, we didn't like the long usb cable, which we suspect is required to place the device near the windshield. Release: May 2008. Price: $100.
Pros: Low cost, adds functionality to existing device
Cons: Requries another device, long awkward USB cable
| Nill |
Slight |
MODERATE |
Palpable |
Extreme |
|
|
Philip Berne, Matthew Ruiz, Edward Distel and Sindre Lia contribute to the CES 2008 coverage.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Archive