GPS Tracklog

Garmin nuvi 670 now shipping

The Garmin nuvi 670 is now shipping. The 670 hasn't received as much press as the nuvi 680, so you may not be that familiar with it. Basically, it is the nuvi 660 except instead of just having North American maps, it is is also pre-loaded with City Navigator NT for Europe (click here for coverage information).

The nuvi 670 hasn't been discounted yet at Amazon, where it is listed for $1099.99, as of this posting. I add that because Amazon prices can fluctuate wildly at times. But hey, you're in luck. As is often the case on new releases, GPS Now (one of our favorite vendors) has Amazon beat, with a low price of $899.95.

Waypoints - January 27, 2007

The past week's GPS news and more...

GPS firmware, software, maps and data

• It looks like there is going to be strong support for the DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 --  DeLorme has already posted a firmware update. Via Groundspeak.
• I've added Waymarking.com to my GPS data search engine.
• In addition to posting Training Center for Macs, Garmin has also posted an updated version for Windows.
• Garmin has posted firmware updates for the Edge 205 and Edge 305.
• Lowrance has posted firmware updates for the iWAY 350C and iWAY500C.
• Thanks to Allory for tips on those last three items.
• Navigon announces free traffic data. Of course you have to buy a GPS that can use it.
  
• The Earth is Square has published a review of Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007. Via The Map Room.
• And in the "way ahead of things" department, here's a peak at Streets and Trips 2008.
  
• Ask.com has selected NAVTEQ as map data provider for Ask Maps and AskCity local search.

Garmin Super Bowl ad preview

Garmin has ponied up some big bucks for a second-quarter Super Bowl ad and apparently, shot enough footage to produce a music video too. So here for your viewing pleasure...

A Garmin for your golf game -- GolfLogix GPS

UPDATE: Read my GolfLogix 2008 review

Garmin has added another GPS market to its stable by entering the GPS for golf market via a partnership with GolfLogix, Inc. The unit will be known as the GolfLogix GPS which, as can be seen in the accompanying photo, is based on Garmin's eTrex platform.

According to the product description, the GolfLogix GPS provides distances for:

• Front, Center Back of Green
• Bunkers
• Water Hazards
• Lay-ups
• Carries

Selected features:

Instant distances to the front, center and back of the greens plus all hazards

Auto-advances to each target on the course for completely hands-free use so there is no need for complex button layouts to learn or lasers to point during your round

Holds multiple golf course maps

Thousands of worldwide golf courses available to download

Free golf course download included with purchase

Unlimited worldwide golf course downloads are available with $29.95 annual membership

Garmin Training Center for Macs available for download

As previously announced, Garmin Training Center (GTC) will now work with Macs. Specifically, it is compatible with Intel-based Macs or PowerPCs (G3 or newer) running OS X 10.4 or later. As of today, you can download GTC for free from Garmin's website.

You can use Garmin Training Center to analyze and store workout data on your computer, from the devices listed below, as well as plan and save future workouts.

Compatible Garmin GPS receivers:

• Edge 205
• Edge 305
• Forerunner 201 (for use on your computer only; GTC workouts cannot be transferred to this model)
  
• Forerunner 205
• Forerunner 301
• Forerunner 305

Garmin Forerunner rebate alert

Garmin has announced a $50 Forerunner rebate on their popular Forerunner 305 and Forerunner 205 models. The offer is valid on purchases made between January 24, 2007 and May 15, 2007, and must be claimed by June 16, 2007. U.S. and Canada only.

Related post:

• GPS rebates and deals

Nearly 30% of U.S. households to have GPS by the end of 2007

Marketing Daily has published details of a survey on the GPS market in the U.S. As the headline says, one finding is that almost 30% of U.S. households either have a GPS or plan to buy one this year.

Here's a breakdown of GPS ownership by income:

• Almost 20% of households earning over $75,000 have a GPS
• Around 10% of households earning between $25,000 and $50,000 have a GPS
• 3% of households with income below $25,000 have a GPS

Geodashing and other lesser known GPS games

Most people reading this already know about geocaching, but did you know there are a host of other GPS-enabled games? There is benchmark finding, the degree confluence project and GPS drawing, but the list is even longer than that.

I came across a post today at GIS Lounge that mentioned geodashing, which is defined here:

In each game, a large set of waypoints, called dashpoints, from all over the world is posted on the Web. Dashpoint locations are chosen at random by computer, with all the unpredictability that presents. Dashpoints might be in suburban neighborhoods or in the middle of wilderness areas.

Then, the race is on to see who can reach the most dashpoints before the deadline.

Geodashing players can participate as individuals or as teams of up to five players to increase the number of dashpoints reached. The competition is friendly and teamwork helps to get high scores, so put your online acquaintances to good use.

Because the dashpoints are spread all over the world, it doesn't matter where you live. Dashpoints are as likely to be near to you as to anyone else. It's easy to start playing. Pick a dashpoint, visit it, report what you find.

Garmin 2007 marine GPS preview

I didn't see this until today, but earlier this month, Ben Ellison of Panbo (the best marine GPS blog I know of), posted info on some upcoming Garmin marine GPS units. The big news is that touch screens are coming. The page has been pulled down from TigerGPS.com, but I did find this page on the Garmin GPSMAP 5212 (image at left) at Marine Electronics Unlimited. So apparently boaters, you're going to be getting some new GPS options soon. The 5212 was not included in the Garmin 2007 marine GPS announcements made in November of last year and I expect we'll be seeing other units announced with this one.

Waypoints - January 20, 2007

I'll start this edition of Waypoints with GPS reviews that I've updated in the past week, then move on to GPS stories in the news and more.

GPS reviews

• DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 review - I've added a link to the excellent review posted at GPSReview.net.
• Garmin nuvi 350 review - The nuvi 350 is reviewed by This, That and the Other Thing.
• Garmin nuvi 360 review - I've linked to a very brief review posted on iJourney.
• Garmin zumo 550 review - I've added a link to a zumo review posted by Gaj-It.com.
• Magellan eXplorist 200 review - GunMuse has posted a review of this unit.

GPS in the news

• The Chinese fired a missile, shooting down an aging satellite, and setting off a round of concerns that other countries' satellites (including GPS birds) could be in jeopardy if a space arms race ensues. Or maybe they didn't shoot one after all.
• A GPS theft sting operation.
• And if you're going to steal a cell phone, you better make sure it's not also a GPS tracking device.
• I wonder if the TomTom that Wal-Mart gave to Prince was one of their many returned GPS receivers. Can you say re-gifting?
• Indigenous people using GPS in the Amazon.
• Can your GPS save the environment?