2007 SEMA - Highlights of new portable GPS navigation systems

The rapidly expanding and developing portable GPS navigation market showed no signs of slowing its frantic pace at the SEMA show, the POI for all things automotive aftermarket. As we saw at the Vegas show last week, more manufacturers are entering the marketplace and existing companies continue to crank out new models and features. Even better news for consumers: the industry representatives we met with expect prices to continue to drop.

We've covered the new models from Mio, Panasonic, and TomTom and touched on the latest Garmin devices. In our travels, we discovered other developments a GPS shopper should be aware of:

Nokia showed a new portable unit, the N500. The unit features a 4.3-inch-wide screen, an extensive point of interest menu, simple controls, and Bluetooth compatibility. Plus, it is traffic reporting capable, and it can play both music and videos. Scheduled to be available in early 2008, pricing for the N500 has been set at $499.

Lowrance brought the XOG Crossover, introduced this week. Designed to be used on-road, off-road or on the water, the Crossover is weatherproof, and can provide topographical and marine depth contours in addition to on-road navigation. Aerial photographs can also be combined with navigation guidance. The Crossover is priced at $299.

Garmin's new 750 and 760 are already in stores, and they offer a new feature that shows posted speed limits on major roads. The 760 adds Bluetooth, and a "Where am I" feature to show current position and allow users with a Bluetooth-enabled phone to press a button for police help or roadside assistance. Optional MSN Direct capability provides local gas price, traffic, weather, and movie info for a fee. The units both can play music files and offer turn-by turn direction. The 750 is priced at $599, and the 760 retails for $799.

Motorola displayed the T815, a system to add navigation to capable cell phones. The T815 includes navigation software and a windshield mount for the phone, text-to speech capability, and free traffic reporting for six months. Priced at $249, it hits stores in mid-November 2007.

—Jim Travers

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Comments

[BiLL Solomon]

Yet, i am still waiting for the ultimate GPS system, one that can tell you after a long trip, your trip summary, how much you spent on gas, how many miles you drove, total stop time, point of interest relevant to you route i.e ahead of of you and not scattered everywhere. A goof start is the Garmin 2820, give this functionality to 760 add the above and more for advanced user and you got a nice unit..

[Donna]

I'm new, what's POI?

[Liza Barth]

That would be Points of Interest.

[Anne-Marie]

I own a Roadmate 700 by Magellan for over 5 years & paid $100.00 two times for upgraded information. With the 700 being phased out and Costco getting ready to have $100.00 off on the Magellan Maestro 4250 so $249.99 I am thinking of buying it but can not find much information on any gliches, will it be able to upload new maps in years to come, does it have a back up system like my 700. Thanks

[GPS]

It feels great to know that the rapidly expanding and developing portable GPS navigation market have showed no signs of slowing its steady pace at the SEMA show.