GPS Tracklog

Garmin nuvi 885T review

The Garmin nüvi 885T is Garmin’s top of the line voice command navigator. Updating the nuvi 880, the 885T adds junction view, lane assist and a speed limit indicator. It is also compatible with the third generation of MSN Direct services, including doppler radar and flight status.

Garmin Approach G5 now available

UPDATE: Now available at Amazon too.

The Garmin Approach G5, a specialized touch-screen golf GPS based on the Oregon platform, is now shipping from GPSNow. The Approach includes thousands of pre-loaded courses, with more to follow.

Long-time readers know that GPS Now is one of our favorite vendors, due to nice extras like the free FedEx priority overnight shipping they are offering on the Approach G5. So if you order by 5 p.m. Central Time, you can have it tomorrow and be out on the links with it this weekend. Here’s the order link.

And here’s a couple more resources that may be helpful:

• Garmin Aproach G5 FAQ
• Garmin Approach G5 quick start manual (PDF)

Garmin nuvi 465T screenshots

Garmin's nuvi 465T page is up, and they've posted screenshots which will give you hard-working truckers an idea of how the interface will work. First of all, note the squiggly road warning in the lower-left section of the screen above. Tapping it probably brings up a detailed warning screen as seen below.

Trucker-friendly Garmin nuvi 465T

Garmin has announced the nuvi 465T, their first GPS designed for long-haul navigation and delivery trucks. The 465T will support multiple truck profiles and features advanced routing and guidance to support truck-related road restrictions such as height, width, length, weight and hazardous materials. Truckers will be able to enter their truck’s dimensions and load restrictions and the nüvi 465T will adjust many routes based on the customized truck profile and available map data.

Garmin Oregon 500 series

REI has inadvertently leaked information on a forthcoming update to the Garmin Oregon handheld lineup -- the Oregon 500 series. It's unclear whether these will be the 500 and 500t or the 550 and 550t, but it does appear that they will include a built-in camera like the Magellan Triton series. We're assuming this will give you the ability to take geotagged photos. This could help explain the $50 rebate (PDF) on the current Oregon series, which expires May 10.

Details on Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 series

A little more information is trickling out on the Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 series units that were announced yesterday. One of the more interesting things is this tidbit -- with an "enhanced user interface, you can slide your finger to conveniently scroll between screens." I wonder if screen order can be customized.

Pedestrian-friendly Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 series

Garmin has announced eight (!) new nuvi models that come with urban pedestrian navigation enhancements. Significantly thinner than previous models, "the nüvi 1200 and 1300 series are the first nüvi devices to offer pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer™ maps. CityXplorer maps are available for select tourist destinations in both North America and Europe, and can easily be downloaded directly to the nüvi."

New Navigon introductions feature MyRoutes

Navigon is announcing three new models today -- the 3300 max, 4300T and 7300T. The big news is the MyRoutes feature, which provides up to three route choices with distance and ETA calculated for all entered destinations, factoring in speed limits, construction and traffic. As you can see above, route options are displayed on a map with ETA and driving time.

Garmin discontinues nuvi 2x0 and 7x0 series

Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 2x0 and 7x0 series, leaving the multi-use 5x0 series as the only nuvis without text-to-speech (EDIT: Oops, not quite). Earlier this year, the nuvi 8x0 series was discontinued as well.

This may or may not presage new arrivals in the marketplace. Most PND manufacturers seem to be taking a cautious approach to new introductions this year. Nevertheless, Garmin has cleared up a backlog of inventory; the most likely time for new product announcements would be at CeBIT early next month.

DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 review

The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 updates the PN-20, which was already one of the most innovative GPS receivers out there. Quite simply, the PN-40 rocks, adding the following new features:

• A dual-core processor makes map redraws and menu navigation very fast, correcting the biggest flaw in the PN-20
• Tri-axial electronic compass (meaning there is no need to hold it dead level)
• Barometric altimeter
• SDHC high-capacity SD card support
• A more detailed base map