GPS Tracklog

New Internet content for Dash Express

Dash Navigation is announcing today that they are opening their API to third party developers. Bringing Internet-based content to your car, the first five "DashApps" are:

Garmin handheld shortcuts to OK

No matter what type of Garmin handheld you have, setting a waypoint name is a pain. All that scrolling for every character, then back to "OK." Then you have to scroll to "OK" again to save the waypoint. The Colorado has eliminated this but the consensus seems to be that it still takes longer to create a waypoint using the rock n' roller scroll wheel.

Garmin Colorado RAM bike mount

Earlier this spring I wrote about Garmin's bike mount for the Colorado handheld. I wasn't too pleased with the zip tie mounting system, though once I moved it to the handlebar stem it was much more stable. But a stem mount means the angle isn't adjustable, and visibility was quite poor.

Fortunately, a RAM mount has finally been released for the Colorado, and I couldn't wait to try it out. What I ended up with is pictured above. But don't go ordering one till you read the rest of the story.

TomTom reportedly drops plans to enter cell phone market

DigiTimes is reporting that TomTom has no plans to produce their own brand of cell phone, despite previous reports to the contrary. This is not surprising given their financial situation combined with the costly acquisition of Tele Atlas.

You can read the story here, but the link will probably only work for a few days unless you are a DigiTimes  subscriber.

Dash Express review

I’ve had the Dash Express for over a month now and have been enjoying testing it out. The Dash is a revolutionary new type of GPS navigation device that brings Internet search to your car along with crowdsourced live traffic. The cellular connection built in to every Dash unit sends anonymous location data to Dash servers. This data is then translated to traffic flow speeds that are updated on all Dash units every 15 minutes. If there are enough Dash users on the road in your area, you will receive traffic data superior to that offered by any other GPS device available in North America.

In this review, we’ll look at the Dash service plan, their hardware, interface, how well the crowdsourced traffic feature works, the unit’s Internet search capabilities, and how the Dash Express compares to other GPS navigators in terms of features. I’ll conclude with a list of pros and cons, as well as  a recommendation on who should consider purchasing a Dash Express.

Consumer Reports rates Garmin nuvi 760 tops

Consumer Reports has released the results of their latest GPS tests, and I've got the full press release after the jump. I've added links to my reviews of the units they mention and recommend.

Overall, I think they did a pretty good job here, much better than in the past when they have rated units introduced years before.

Garmin Forerunner 405 deal - In stock

GPS Now, one of our favorite vendors, has just received a shipment of the long-awaited Garmin Forerunner 405. They are actually $20 cheaper than Amazon for the model with a heart rate monitor (HRM), and Amazon has yet to receive them.

Unfortunately, they came in late in the day, so they won't ship till Monday. You might want to move fast if you want one, because their email notification on these is going out to more people than they have units for. They received only sage green models (both with and without HRM) today, but they hope to get the black ones in next week.

UPDATE: They now have the black models in as well.

Get the Forerunner 405 at GPSNow.com.

Garmin Forerunner 405 review

The Garmin Forerunner 405 has been eagerly anticipated by the running community since it was announced in January. Updating the Forerunner 305, the 405 was released for sale before the recent Boston Marathon and the first reviews are now being posted online.

The Forerunner 405 comes in a couple of different configurations, with and without a heart rate monitor (HRM). A bike speed/cadence sensor and foot pod are available as options.

Deals on Vista HCx and Forerunner 205/305

REI has an anniversary sale through May 11 and is offering some sweet deals on a few Garmin receivers:

• Garmin eTrex Vista HCx with Topo U.S. 2008 DVD, 128MB MicroSD™ card and carrying case - $259.99
• Garmin Forerunner 305 - $164.99
• Garmin Forerunner 205 - $124.99

Head on over to their GPS & Electronics page to access the deals. If you're an REI member and want to make another purchase, you can get 20% off a full price item. Unfortunately, GPS receivers are excluded from this deal.

Top ten GPS for April 2008

There aren't a whole of changes in this month's top ten GPS list. Magellan retains the number one auto spot although various Garmin nuvi models make up the majority of the rankings. Meanwhile, TomTom returns to the rankings with the GO 920/920T.

On the sport / handheld GPS side, the Magellan Triton 1500 got knocked out by the Edge 305. I expect we'll see one (or both) of the new Edge cycling units show up on next month's list.

As usual, the rankings are based on the number of times the units' reviews have been read here on GPS Tracklog, which seems to be a pretty good indicator of the overall GPS market.

Top ten auto GPS

1. Magellan Maestro 4250
2. Garmin nuvi 260W
3. Garmin nuvi 650
4. Garmin nuvi 260
5. Garmin nuvi 660
6. Garmin nuvi 350
7. TomTom GO 920/920T
8. Garmin nuvi 750
9. Garmin nuvi 780
10. Mio DigiWalker C230