Garmin GPS – New navigators with reality view and lifetime traffic

Garmin has been shaking up its portable GPS navigation line recently by lowering prices, dropping models, and now announcing several new devices coming in time for the holiday season. As the sales-leader adjusts its product portfolio, Garmin is introducing new features, such as reality view (called "Lane Assist"), three-dimensional buildings, and free traffic alerts.

Three new models expand the well-rated Nuvi 2x5 line: the Nuvi 265T, 265WT (shown), and 275T. These build on the 2x5 foundation by adding Bluetooth connectivity and standard traffic receiver. If you want traffic information, it is usually cheaper to purchase a unit with the receiver built-in. For these units, and others in the 7x5 series, the traffic information is delivered via FM from NAVTEQ and the service is free – no subscription required. The Nuvi 275T has maps for North America and Europe. Retail prices range from $300 to $400 for these new units.

The next-evolution for the more premium Nuvi 700 series is the 7x5, including the 755T, 765T, and 775T (shown). As the "T" in the names suggest, these upscale units include a traffic receiver and “lifetime” traffic service. More significantly, these units introduce a reality view feature that can help navigate major intersections by displaying a representation of the roads and signage. We have used reality view on Navigon and Sony units, and we found it a useful tool on busy exchanges.

The Nuvi 7x5 devices can display a semi-opaque, three-dimensional view of buildings to further aid guidance in some areas. This has potential in unfamiliar surroundings where there may be distinct landmarks. The HP iPAQ 310 has a similar feature, and we found it to be more of a novelty than a true navigational aid.

The 775T has maps for North America and Europe. The range-topping Nuvi 785T has an MSN Direct receiver that can provide information on traffic, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes, and local events. Unlike the other units covered here, the Nuvi 785T comes with an MSN Direct receiver and three free months of MSN Direct, though it requires a subscription for the traffic and other information beyond the trial period. Retail prices range from $500 to $800 for the new 7x5 units.

In addition to these devices, Garmin has announced its "NuMaps Guarantee." This program applies to Nuvi and Zumo (motorcycle) GPS devices, enabling one free update per customer within 60 days of purchase and first satellite acquisition. So, if a consumer purchased an older unit, even a discontinued one like a Nuvi 660, that may have been on the store or warehouse shelf for months, the customer could be brought up to date with the latest map at no charge. The program takes affect October 15, and it will apply to units purchased since August 17, 2008. This is good news for customers looking for an affordable navigator, less concerned with the latest features. There are a variety of retired, and soon-to-be retired, models still available.

We will test these new units once they go on sale in the fall.

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—Jeff Bartlett and Desiree Calamari

For fun, read "Personalize your Garmin GPS - Follow that burrito!"

Comments

[Karen MacDonald]

I have been told by my BMW dealer that the gps will blow out the cigarette lighter. Both cars have needed new fuses in the lighters. Garmin says the draw is too small to matter. Radio Shack and another dealer says they have not heard of this. Do you know anything?

[maddy08]

Heard that the GPS will blow out with the cigarette lighter. But Garmin says the draw is too small to matter.

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maddy

Used Cars

[dan]

I have been looking for a gps and or a nav unit for some time. I go offroading and camping a lot I would like to buy a unit that can be used for nav and like the hand held gps. Is there a brand and a model that will do this for me

[autryld]

Your automobile manual should tell you how many amps the lighter is fused for. Compare that number with the amperage specifications in the GPS manual. I have great difficulty believing the GPS can blow out the lighter.

[Ojai Roy]

Karen,
if you are blowing fuses one possible cause is that when you insert the lighter plug sometimes you turn the plug and then it's shorting out the system. This happened to my friend and it took me to notice that he was twisting it. He plugs it straight in now and he has not blown any fuses.