Product Features
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mio C320 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator(Mio C320)
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Product Description
- added text to speech ( a feature normally found on the more expensive 520 version)
- added newer maps with 6 million POI (again, found on the more expensive unit vs. the 1.5 million found out of the box)
- edited the skin of the navigations screen and changed/removed buttons for ease of use
these and other features, such as an optional video player, and many other custom features, can easily be found on google and several gps forums.
obviously, customzing the unit to this extent is not for everyone, and if you are not technically inclined, you might not get the full value out of your c320. however, if you have a decent grasp of computers and software in general , you should take advantage of this great gps - great out of the box, EVEN better once you get to work with it for a few weeks.
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Update: 5/29
Ok so it's been about 6 months since I got this GPS. In that time, I've downloaded newer maps (now have 12 million POI's), downloaded a custom skin that adds a ton of usability features (easy access to applications like word doc, video player, etc) as well as improving the overall looks, and done some fine tweaking on the settings to improve the TTS. (The applications can only be accessed through a hack, by the way).
However, in adding all these features (most of these were intended for the more expensive C520), my GPS unit started to operate alot more sluggishly. The map would take a few seconds to update after turns, which was unacceptable. There was a noticeable lag between button presses and responses. Like I said, this was probably because all these added features were never meant to be run on the processor of the C320.
I wound up removing all the extra features I added, but I still have text to speech and the newer maps. I also defragged the drive , which helped alot. The lag is very minor but still noticeable. I'd still recommend this unit if you can get it for cheap, as it's better than almost any other sub $150 unit out there.
RM1700 LM Back Up Camera Bundl(Magellan RM1700SBBUC)
See Special Offers Product Description RM1700 LM Back Up Camera Bundl Most Helpful Customer Reviews 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful Amazon Verified Purchase The RM1700LM display seems to have a problem coming on on hot days - the screen just stays blank and the unit must be turned off/on - sometimes several times. There is also quite a delay for it to switch to camera mode - about 4 seconds when the unit is on and about 20 seconds when it first turns on. The battery only lasts about 20 minutes which is disappointing if you want to use it outside the car. The picture on the screen is nice and clear and the GPS process is very good. I like the lifetime updates. I think this model requires a little more work. |
Friday, September 21, 2012
Magellan Maestro 4000 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator(Magellan Maestro 4000)
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- ChargerCity Exclusive Original Magellan Maestro OEM Basic Receiver Mount Bracket Cradle for Maestro 4000 4040 4050 GPS (PN# 702370 or 930-0047-001) by Magellan
4.3 out of 5 stars (3)
$0.99
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
With fresh graphics and an intelligent touch screen, the Magellan Maestro 4000 is the ultimate travel companion. View larger - Side view |
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Easy to use navigation features SmartDetour and auto re-route. View larger. |
Access built-in AAA information from your GPS touch screen. View larger. |
The Maestro 4000 includes built-in AAA TourBook® guide travel information, giving you instant access to service details and Diamond ratings from the world's leading travel expert. Quickly find AAA approved lodgings and restaurants, AAA member roadside assistance details, and discounts available through the AAA Show Your Card & Save® program. Touch the tow truck icon and quickly access details for directing AAA member roadside assistance to your location.
Note: AAA member roadside assistance requires AAA membership.
Easy-to-Use Navigation
If you don't like reading directions, you'll love the Magellan Maestro 4000. It's simple to use and ready to guide you to virtually any destination in the 48 continental United States right out of the box -- just turn it on and go. Its thin, sophisticated design and attractive, intuitive touch-screen graphics make driving a pleasure. Enter an address or select from 1.5 million preprogrammed points of interest (POIs), such as ATMs, gas stations, and restaurants with just a few screen touches. SiRFstarIII™ gives you the fastest GPS position accuracy in the industry, which you can use to route on the 2D or 3D map. Finally, let Maestro's friendly voice guide you turn-by-turn while you enjoy the drive.
Additional Product Features
- Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance: Enter virtually any address or POI and get there quickly and safely
- Graphical interactive maps: Built-in maps and destinations for the continental U.S. mean you'll always know where you are and where you're going
- Bird's-eye 3D view: Clearly see your surroundings in 2D or 3D; also choose between Map View, TrueView™ 3D split screen, and Maneuver List
- Rechargeable battery: Navigate even when you don't have access to power
- Multi-destination routing: Select up to 20 destinations and choose the order that best fits your needs
- SmartDetour™: Automatically prompts you to route around slow freeway traffic
- Auto re-route: Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you make a detour
- Auto night view: Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing
- Complete mobility: Transfer your Maestro 4000 to any vehicle, with no installation
- 1.5 million points of interest (POI): Optimized database to easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, and more. And with smart location you can search by name, category, and region. There's even a Coffee category so you can quickly find caffeine whenever you need it.
- Interactive POI icons: Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination, see name and address, and get an instant route
- Customizable route methods: Fastest time, shortest distance, least or most use of freeways, avoid toll roads
- Route exclusion: Select streets and freeways to avoid so you can get there your way
- Address Book: Create and store POIs for easy reoccurring trips
- Instant locate: One touch shows your location; quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services
What's in the Box
Magellan Maestro 4000 Portable Auto GPS System, windshield mount and cradle, adhesive dash mount disk, cigarette lighter power adapter (12-24 watts), AC wall power supply/charger, quick reference guide, reference manual CD, and USB cable.
Product Description
Now the bad stuff. There is no way for me to look up POIs on my computer, and download them; which is stupid since the unit has a USB interface. The POIs on the GPS are all "AAA" rated places, so you are limited to the places that "AAA" wants you to go to. I looked up restaraunts in my area, for which there are at least 20 "chain restaraunts" like chili's & applebees etc; however, it only listed one obscure restaurant in my area. The next closest place it listed was nearly 10 miles away!!! In my opinion the pre-loaded POIs are absolutely useless. And with no way to download them from my PC, I am forced to look up the address via internet and then MANUALLY enter them into the GPS (this seems like stone-age technology to me).
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Magellan Maestro 3225 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator(Magellan 980-0010-001)
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Clear 3.5-inch QVGA color touchscreen shows your position, POIs, route, ETA, and more on the interactive map. |
Innovative easy-to-use interface makes it a breeze to find the route to your destination in seconds--without even needing to read the instructions. |
Adjustable mount for your windshield or dashboard. |
Exit POIs feature provides a listing of restaurants, gas stations, or hotels near approaching freeway exits. You can select one of the POIs presented and create a route to it. |
Touch the simple menu on the large 3.5-inch color display to get an instant route to virtually anywhere in seconds. The intuitive interactive screen shows your route and position on the map, plus distance to destination, arrival time, street names and more. Turn-by-turn voice guidance offers worry-free directions without even looking at the screen.
SayWhere text-to-speech technology enables you to hear street names with each turn.
Magellan's QuickSpell feature intelligently searches and checks spelling while entering addresses and POIs, making it easy to find what you're looking for with just few touches of the screen. Search POIs by name or category, near your position or near any city. Interactive onscreen icons show nearby services. Touch an icon to see the address and phone number (when available) and get an instant route.
Store locations in the Address Book for easy navigation on recurring trips. Set the Home button to your house or any location to find your way back from virtually anywhere. And backup your personal data using your own SD cards.
The SiRFstarIII GPS receiver and built-in high-sensitivity antenna provide the fastest position acquisition in the industry for reliable navigation. SmartDetour prompts you to route around sudden slow freeway traffic.
Ultra-thin, pocket-sized, wireless and fully self-contained; take your Magellan Maestro anywhere for easy navigation.
Key Features Include
- Ultra-thin and stylish combining style and functionality in a pocket-sized design.
- Innovative easy-to-use interface makes it a breeze to find the route to your destination in seconds--without even needing to read the instructions.
- 3.5-inch QVGA color touchscreen shows your position, POIs, route, ETA and more on the interactive map.
- Pre-loaded North American maps enable you to travel all 50 United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
- 1.3 million pre-programmed POIs make it easy to find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, coffee and more. Search by name or category near your position or near any city.
- Interactive POI icons so you just need to touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination to see name, address, phone number (when available), and get an instant route.
- SayWhere text-to-speech so you can hear street names with each turn so you can concentrate on the road.
- Exclusive QuickSpell auto-complete feature makes it easy to enter destinations with just a few touches of the screen and helps prevent mis-spelling.
- SmartDetour automatically prompts you to route around sudden slow freeway traffic.
- Clearly see your surroundings in 2D or 3D with Bird's-eye 3D view--choose between Map View, TrueView 3D split screen, and Maneuver List.
- SiRFstarIII integrated chipset provides the fastest, most reliable GPS position acquisition in the industry.
- Rechargeable battery lets you Navigate for up to 3 hours when power is unavailable.
- Automatic re-route quickly gets you back on track whenever you take a detour.
- Customizable route method: Select Fastest Time, Shortest Distance, Least or Most Use of Freeways, and Avoid Toll Roads.
- Create and store personal Points of Interest to make reoccurring trips easy with the Magellan Maestro 3225 address book.
- Auto night view adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing.
- SD-card compatibility lets you easily back up your address book.
What's in the Box
Magellan Maestro 3225 3.5-Inch portable GPS navigator, adhesive disk for dash mounting, basic cradle, vehicle power adapter (12-24 watts), quick reference guide and CD, windshield mount
Product Description
The set of requirements I had for a replacement GPS were: 1) small form factor (needed to fit in a shirt pocket) 2) TTS (text to speech, ability to say the actual street name) 3) fast satellite acquisition (most units can do this) 4) low price point 5) good POI database 6) intuitive interface. Note I did not include good customer service as a requirement, which would have eliminated Magellan. However, I am tech savvy enough that I do not foresee any need for service, other than if the unit fails. After using the 3225 for about a week, here are my observations:
Pros:
Low price given capabilities
Great POI database (if you "upgrade" to the 6M POIs, just Google around)
True text-to-speech, says a synthesized version of actual street names, that, even if mangled, helps significantly in navigating
Nice bright screen
Fast satellite acquisition
Fast user interface response (very little lag when entering info)
Gives good advance warning prior to turn ("turn right in 0.5 miles followed by a left turn")
Very portable -- fits easily in pocket
Most accessories included (AC adapter, USB cable, mount, car charger)
Cons:
No Bluetooth, mp3 or video player (these don't matter to me, but shouldn't expect these features at this price point)
No external battery charge indicator (in order to see charge state, need to power on, go to System Status, and view the status on the screen, which slows charge since screen is on)
Maps may be getting a bit dated (mostly fine in my area, but others have complained; I've read that this is not Magellan's fault but Navteq, the map-making company, and that the next major map update is due this summer)
Relatively low battery life (3 hrs vs. many other units at 5+)
Routing may not be as good as Garmin (but YMMV)
No carrying case (but you should be able to find something acceptable for not much at your local Target or Walmart)
I've mounted mine on the Bracketron UFM-100BL Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad because windshield mounting is illegal in California, and that has worked great. [[Update]]I just took delivery on a very cheap case, the Caselogic JDS-6 USB Drive Shuttle 6-Capacity (Black), which works quite well for the 3225 (and I imagine many other 3.5" units); it's not a perfect fit, but at $5, I can't complain, and it's nice looking to boot. I feel like if I accidentally dropped it onto the concrete, it would probably survive unscathed.
Again, if you're looking for a unit with all the bells and whistles, look elsewhere (and open up your wallet wider). If you're looking for a great entry-level unit with a decent feature set, I think you could do a lot worse. Use it for a few years, and then buy a new unit (maybe the next generation Dash).
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator(Garmin 010-00400-10)
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
The Garmin 7200 is ready to go right out of the box. |
Navigation begins with a simple screen. View larger |
Thanks to XM- or GTM-powered traffic data that is integrated into the unit's 3-D map display, you can see what hazards or traffic disruptions are in your area. View larger |
Load up your favorite MP3s and play them. View larger |
Or, listen to programming on XM radio. View larger |
And don't forget to check the weather, which is also powered by XM. View larger |
The 7200 offers a choice of mobile traffic information options. First, you can choose an optional GTM 10 or GTM 11 FM antenna that allows you to get traffic alerts broadcasted by Clear Channel in select U.S. cities. This service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route.
If you want to step up to the next level of driving data, choose the optional GXM 30 antenna, which provides compatibility with XM satellite radio services. XM NavTraffic is the first nationwide satellite-based data traffic information service to enable an onscreen overlay of current traffic conditions. The 7200 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternative routes long before traffic starts backing up. Accidents, road construction, or other incidents affecting traffic are graphically represented as icons on the navigation map. Precise information relating to a traffic incident is also available, including the exact location of the incident, the lanes affected, and the predicted duration. What's more, roadways are color-coded to indicate directional traffic flow speed.
The 7200 can also keep you up to date on weather conditions, thanks to XM weather data. Current weather conditions for over 2,000 locations and weather forecasts for 162 cities are displayed on the screen. United States county storm and flood warnings are also highlighted, giving you the best and latest information available for your travels.
The 7200 can also serve as a powerful entertainment device, as it offers more than 150 channels of XM satellite radio channels, featuring 100-percent commercial-free music, as well as more than 30 channels of news, sports, and talk. You can send XM and navigation audio to your car stereo through the StreetPilot's integrated FM wireless transmitter or via an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug. And if that's not enough, the 7200 also comes equipped with an MP3 player that lets you take your personal music collection on the road. Loading music from your computer is drag-and-drop easy, and there's no need for special software. The 7200 also works as an audiobook player; you can download books from audible.com and enjoy your favorite authors on the road. Plus, thanks to the 7200's AV in connector, you can connect and play portable device, such as a DVD player, on the unit's massive screen. For safety's sake, entertainment audio is muted when navigation instructions are given.
Top-Tier GPS Performance
The 7200 is a high-end GPS navigation device with text-to-speech functionality that allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. The 7200's 480 x 234 widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. An included wireless remote control can be used to operate the device's functions.
Finding your way with the 7200 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back-seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 7200 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. In addition to point-to-point navigation, the 7200 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. With the 7200, you have the option of choosing from a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or from one of several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while you keep your eyes on the road.
An integrated dash-mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release, and an integrated speaker enables the 2730 to deliver voice prompts (or, as mentioned, you can use the built-in FM transmitter to route commands to your vehicle stereo system.) An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna, as well as a SecureDigital (SD) memory card slot and a headphone jack.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 7200 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 7200 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 7200's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.
Note: Subscriptions are required for XM NavTraffic and XM Radio services. A subscription may be required for use of the GTM 10 or GTM 11 traffic services, which are not available in all areas.
What's in the Box
StreetPilot 7200, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, integrated FM wireless transmitter, alphanumeric remote control, 12-volt adapter cable, USB interface cable, A/C power adapter, quick-release dash mount, quick reference guide, and owner's manual.
Product Description
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator(Garmin 010-00400-10)
See Special Offers
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
The Garmin 7200 is ready to go right out of the box. |
Navigation begins with a simple screen. View larger |
Thanks to XM- or GTM-powered traffic data that is integrated into the unit's 3-D map display, you can see what hazards or traffic disruptions are in your area. View larger |
Load up your favorite MP3s and play them. View larger |
Or, listen to programming on XM radio. View larger |
And don't forget to check the weather, which is also powered by XM. View larger |
The 7200 offers a choice of mobile traffic information options. First, you can choose an optional GTM 10 or GTM 11 FM antenna that allows you to get traffic alerts broadcasted by Clear Channel in select U.S. cities. This service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route.
If you want to step up to the next level of driving data, choose the optional GXM 30 antenna, which provides compatibility with XM satellite radio services. XM NavTraffic is the first nationwide satellite-based data traffic information service to enable an onscreen overlay of current traffic conditions. The 7200 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternative routes long before traffic starts backing up. Accidents, road construction, or other incidents affecting traffic are graphically represented as icons on the navigation map. Precise information relating to a traffic incident is also available, including the exact location of the incident, the lanes affected, and the predicted duration. What's more, roadways are color-coded to indicate directional traffic flow speed.
The 7200 can also keep you up to date on weather conditions, thanks to XM weather data. Current weather conditions for over 2,000 locations and weather forecasts for 162 cities are displayed on the screen. United States county storm and flood warnings are also highlighted, giving you the best and latest information available for your travels.
The 7200 can also serve as a powerful entertainment device, as it offers more than 150 channels of XM satellite radio channels, featuring 100-percent commercial-free music, as well as more than 30 channels of news, sports, and talk. You can send XM and navigation audio to your car stereo through the StreetPilot's integrated FM wireless transmitter or via an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug. And if that's not enough, the 7200 also comes equipped with an MP3 player that lets you take your personal music collection on the road. Loading music from your computer is drag-and-drop easy, and there's no need for special software. The 7200 also works as an audiobook player; you can download books from audible.com and enjoy your favorite authors on the road. Plus, thanks to the 7200's AV in connector, you can connect and play portable device, such as a DVD player, on the unit's massive screen. For safety's sake, entertainment audio is muted when navigation instructions are given.
Top-Tier GPS Performance
The 7200 is a high-end GPS navigation device with text-to-speech functionality that allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. The 7200's 480 x 234 widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. An included wireless remote control can be used to operate the device's functions.
Finding your way with the 7200 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back-seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 7200 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. In addition to point-to-point navigation, the 7200 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. With the 7200, you have the option of choosing from a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or from one of several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while you keep your eyes on the road.
An integrated dash-mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release, and an integrated speaker enables the 2730 to deliver voice prompts (or, as mentioned, you can use the built-in FM transmitter to route commands to your vehicle stereo system.) An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna, as well as a SecureDigital (SD) memory card slot and a headphone jack.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 7200 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 7200 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 7200's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.
Note: Subscriptions are required for XM NavTraffic and XM Radio services. A subscription may be required for use of the GTM 10 or GTM 11 traffic services, which are not available in all areas.
What's in the Box
StreetPilot 7200, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, integrated FM wireless transmitter, alphanumeric remote control, 12-volt adapter cable, USB interface cable, A/C power adapter, quick-release dash mount, quick reference guide, and owner's manual.
Product Description
best gps! magellan roadmate
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2012
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September
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- Mio C320 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator(Mio C320)
- RM1700 LM Back Up Camera Bundl(Magellan RM1700SBBUC)
- Magellan Maestro 4000 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Naviga...
- Magellan Maestro 3225 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Naviga...
- Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Naviga...
- Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Naviga...
- Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator w...
- Magellan RoadMate 760 3.8-Inch Portable GPS Naviga...
- Magellan RoadMate 3045 4.7-Inch Portable GPS Navig...
- Magellan RoadMate 3000T 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navi...
- Magellan RoadMate 700 3-Inch Portable GPS Navigato...
- Magellan Maestro 4040 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetoot...
- TomTom GO 920 Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator(TomTo...
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- Magellan RoadMate 1430 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navig...
- Magellan RM2230SGLUC RoadMate 2230T-LM(Magellan RM...
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