2009 Suzuki SX4 to have standard GPS

Suzuki has announced that it will offer in-car navigation as a standard feature on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan and front-drive SX4 Crossover hatchback models. This is the first time a manufacturer is including integrated GPS navigation in an entry-level vehicle in the United States.

The navigation system is based on the Garmin Nuvi 700 series portable navigation device (PND). The Suzuki version, called T.R.I.P (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information, and Play) will offer a 4.3-inch touch-screen display with preloaded maps and millions of points of interest (POI), such as restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and gas stations. Suzuki has customized the POI database by adding recommended destinations such as music venues, surf spots, and other activity-focused attractions.

Buyers will be able to upgrade to a more premium navigation system, adding Bluetooth capability and Microsoft Network service—which offers real-time traffic, weather, and gas prices. Suzuki will launch a community Web site to share and download destinations and recommendations among other SX4 owners.

The system will be integrated into the audio system, which automatically lowers the volume of the radio or CD when the navigation system is giving a verbal instruction. Additionally, the Microsoft antenna is integrated into the vehicle’s antenna to continuously receive new data with the premium version.

The Garmin device can be removed from the dash-board docking station, and Suzuki advises that it could be replaced/upgraded in the future by the car owner with another similar Garmin unit. The Garmin Nuvi 700 series has performed well in our ratings (available to online subscribers) of portable devices.

Suzuki decided to add this system after hearing feedback from current SX4 owners that navigation is the most desired feature in their next vehicle. In-car navigation systems from the factory can cost $1500-$2000, or be a part of an even more expensive technology package.

Suzuki has not yet released pricing for the 2009 SX4 line, but says it will have a base price of under $16,000, signaling a potential price increase. The SX4 Sport starts at $14,270 and the SX4 Crossover at $14,770, plus $625 in destination charges. For comparison purposes, you can buy a portable Garmin Nuvi 700 series device for around $600, so with a possible increase in base price, you may be paying for the system, after all. (Suzuki will not announce pricing until closer to on-sale date this summer.)

The docking station concept is an exciting one, as it could allow users to choose the level of GPS they want and potentially upgrade it in the future, allowing for new features to be brought to the car. It is conceivable that docks could become the navigation equivalent of iPod connectors, allowing consumers to choose the device and upgrade as desired. Of course, this would require the adherence to standards. With Garmin accounting for half the U.S. market, it is a possibility. Toyota is experimenting with a dock application in the 4Runner SUV. Although Toyota offers a DVD-based navigation system on the 4Runner, the Urban Runner model includes a removable TomTom portable navigation device.

Clearly, consumer interest in GPS-enabled devices is on the rise, and we expect to see more creative solutions in the future.

What solutions would you like to see? Post your thoughts in the comments below.

—Liza Barth

How to buy a GPS device for Mother’s Day

After a lifetime of dear ol’ mother telling you what to do, how to behave, and where to go, Mother’s Day is an annual occasion to show your appreciation. This year, you might consider returning her maternal favors with a portable GPS navigation system. A recent visit from my out-of-state parents had me thinking that a basic, entry-level device would be money well spent.

Between $150 and $200, you can find good, general-purpose GPS devices that are well-suited for occasional use, including the pink Garmin Nuvi 200 shown here. If Mom has a demanding commute or penchant for road trips, a model with a wide screen and spoken street names would no doubt be appreciated.

In our online GPS buying advice and video, we detail numerous factors and features to consider in choosing a portable navigation device, leading you to our comprehensive ratings, dynamic GPS product selector, and model overview pages filled with facts, figures, insights, and user reviews. By doing the quick-and-easy research, you can ensure you give Mother (or Father if you’re shopping early) a good GPS device on their holiday.

However, I encourage you to go a step further to make it a good gift.

Rather than order the GPS device online and have it shipped direct to her, send it to yourself or purchase it locally. With the device in hand, charge up the device and program it for her. Enter her home address, save into Favorites the addresses for family, friends, and likely vacation destinations where she is likely to use her new electronic assistant.

Many devices include a photo viewer. Go ahead and load up digital family pictures, giving her a mobile slide show.

Once you’ve personalized the device, gift wrap it, and treat her to a helpful, heart-felt surprise.

No doubt she may have questions about how it works, but because you set it up for her, you’ll be conversant in its operation. In a pinch, the owner’s manuals are typically available online, making it easier to help from afar.

And if you don’t use this idea for next Sunday, there’s always Father’s Day…

—Jeff Bartlett

See other gift ideas for Mother’s Day in our special section.

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

The best GPS for me, and you

With cars, we have become quite accustomed to the 4-5 year product cycle. This pattern sees a new model introduced,  a midlife update after 2-3 years, then the model is phased out or  replaced by a new, larger, more powerful, and pricier car.

But like other electronics, the fast-paced portable GPS navigation world is much different. There are now about 2-3 model cycles occurring each year, and the new models are typically sleeker, more feature packed, and sometimes less expensive than the models they replace.

Since we have accelerated our test program during the past 18 months, we’ve seen new abilities and features continually emerging. Many of these features truly improve the breed, or at least show great promise with further development. We have rated some excellent units, noting attractive Best Buys for their combination of features and price. But even recognizing how good today’s best units are, for my personal taste, there is not yet a single, do-it-all navigation device that hits all my hot buttons and sells for an attainable price. But I believe it is coming.

That hope brings excitement to testing each new product. Will this one be better than its predecessors? Just like with cars, I find myself often thinking, "The next generation will be perfect." I am still waiting.

As we have just added new units to Dash and Sony to our GPS ratings (available to online subscribers), and are now evaluating the next test group, I realize that GPS perfection may be  a never-ending quest. For now, if I could assemble a fantasy device from current units, my electronic platypus would include:

Ease of use—Garmin. From the moment you turn on any Garmin Nuvi, the interface is simple as can be. "Where to?" it asks. Being able to quickly find the destination you seek saves time and frustration. This is particularly valued if you have a passenger program the unit who may not be familiar with it or if you are a tech-averse, first-time GPS owner.

Wide screen—The larger screen width not only make the maps easier to read, but it can simplify address entry with larger on-screen buttons. Plus, I like using a split-screen with a large arrow indicating the next turn.

Spoken street names—Also known as "text to speech." Knowing exactly what street to turn on can reduce confusion, especially in urban settings. Driving through a major city, like New York, being told "Turn right" just isn’t specific enough.

Free traffic—Navigon 5100. Living in the greater NYC metropolitan area, traffic info is important to me. After all, the right information can mean the difference between domestic tranquility and a cold, lonely dinner. The MSN Direct service and Dash Driver Network both have proven to be useful services, with the Dash promising even more future potential. But, my life is overflowing with fees for other devices and I just can’t stomach one more. The free traffic information with the Navigon is similar to the data received from some other for-pay services. While not perfect, it is helpful and the price is right.

Historic traffic—TomTom, Dash. In my experience, so-called real-time traffic isn’t always up to the minute and still doesn’t adequately contend with rush-hour congestion. The increasing trend for units to tap historic traffic information means the route suggested at 8 a.m. may be different than the one proffered at noon, even if there isn’t a major accident. This is helpful for commuting to find better routes, and even more welcomed when traveling, where you simply don’t have local knowledge to predict likely traffic flow.

Reality view—Sony NV-U83T, NV-U73T, and TomTom 930, 730. Like latest Navigon units, these newer devices provide a so-called “reality view” that presents a simple graphic of an upcoming, major intersection, though their graphics are a touch more pleasing. I have found this feature to be very helpful in navigating complex highway interchanges, with clear guidance on the proper lanes to occupy.

Speed alerts—Integrated speed alerts can display the current speed limit and alert when it has been exceeded by a user-set amount. This can be a real help in unfamiliar areas where the speed limits rise and fall unexpectedly.

Processing speed—It can be frustrating to delay leaving on a road trip while a device seemingly flips endlessly through a card catalog to find and route to a POI, rather than whisking quickly through its electronic database.

Design—Give me a clean design that maximizes screen size, with a thin, non-reflective case. And place a hard-key button on the exterior for muting.

Best for you
As the innovation continues, more and more consumers will find the multi-function GPS devices to be an important tool in their mobile electronics inventory. However, it is the core navigation features that I want to see refined and gathered in a single, affordable model. To me, stuff like a video player or currency converters don’t contribute to the main purpose of a GPS device—just efficiently get me where I want to go.

So while the perfect GPS device (by my standards) may not yet exist, any online subscriber can quickly find the best GPS device available for their needs and budget using our dynamic ratings chart. Links from each product name will take you to a detailed product page, with our testers’ notes on the highs, lows, and bottom line.

If you buy a device, please return to the product pages once you’ve had some experience to share your insights with others via the user reviews. And rest assured, the GPS team will continue to rate models on our never-ending search for the perfect device.

In the meantime, what features matter most to you? Post your thoughts in the comments below.

—Jeff Bartlett

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

New portable GPS navigation ratings

We have just completed testing 10 new personal navigation devices (PNDs) and posted the results to our online ratings. These new products include:

Delphi NAV300
Garmin Nuvi 260 and Nuvi 260W
Harman Kardon Guide+Play GPS-310 and GPS-810
Jensen Rock n Road NVXM1000 and Touch & Go NVX430BT
Lowrance XOG
Magellan Maestro 3140
Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U

The ratings are a result of months of in-lab and on-the-road testing, thousands of miles of driving, and putting the units through their paces in cities and the countryside. As we’ve found, portable GPS devices can all provide nationwide route guidance to help you find long-distance destinations and local points of interest. Where they differ most is in ease of use and their features. For our ratings, we factor heavily the qualities that make it easy to input destinations and give the most helpful directions.

With newcomers such as Jensen, Panasonic, Sony, and others entering the market, there are more choices and dramatically lower prices than ever before. Many features that were previously found only on high-end models are now available on budget-priced ones.

Yet, despite the influx of new models, the longtime GPS brands—Garmin, TomTom, and Magellan—are still making the best systems, accounting for 16 of the top 20 models in our Ratings.

To help in making PND selections, we have Quick Picks for Best Overall and Best Budget. Of course, online subscribers can browse the standard ratings chart and click through for the detailed model pages, complete with user reviews. We encourage GPS shoppers to engage with our interactive ratings tool that allows you to sort and filter by the parameters that matter most to you.

If you're not ready to replace a paper map this month, look for continued coverage in the near future. We will further expand the ratings when we complete testing on units from Dash, Garmin, Magellan, Sony, and Uniden.

—Jeff Bartlett and Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

GPS viruses - Has your device been infected?

The threat of direct-from-factory viruses in portable GPS navigation devices lit up the tech message boards and blogs about a year and a half ago. The risk may have been overstated that a virus could be transferred between a GPS device and PC, though the possibility raises some interesting questions.

We have seen only one official reference to a unit shipping with a virus. TomTom states in a press release from January 29, 2007: "A small, isolated number of TomTom GO 910's, produced in one week in the last quarter of 2006, may be infected with a virus. The virus is qualified as low risk and does not affect the navigation performance..."

We have not seen other such cases reported, nor experienced a virus with the 100 or so GPS units we've tested since then.

However, a recent report on CNN.com sourced from the Associated Press "Electronic gadgets latest sources of computer viruses" got the CR GPS test team's attention. It seems other household electronic devices including digital frames have been found to ship from the factory with a no-extra-charge virus onboard. The article cites TomTom as having had a problem.

For a quick reality check, we wanted to reach out to see if our readers have experienced such problems with personal navigation devices. If you have, please describe the problem and name the device in the comments below.

—Jeff Bartlett

Updated 4/4/08.

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

 

Dash Express - Unboxing our latest GPS

The innovative new Dash Express personal navigation device (PND) stands out for its clever approach to traffic data, combining historical patterns and traditional metropolitan alerts with real-time information gathered directly from other in-use devices. The promise is that a car a few minutes ahead of you on the highway could be your traffic service, rather than depending on periodic radio updates. Cool stuff, indeed. But what about the rest of the unit?

As our test engineers are just beginning to register and evaluate our Dash Express test units, we can provide more information about this much-hyped product. For instance, the Express has a 4.3-inch screen, measured diagonally with 480x272-pixel resolution, according to the manufacturer. It can display traditional two-dimensional maps, tilted-view three-dimensional, or just list the directions—all common representations. The traffic flow information is applied to the map, and the user can select the level of detail shown. Users can detour around trouble spots, and multiple alternative routes may be suggested.

Taking the units from their box, we were surprised at their girth and heft. Certainly, the official images hadn't prepared us for the units being so bulky. The tapered shape may render this a non-issue for outward visibility, though the mass impacts portability, including the ability to stow it out of sight in the car for security reasons. Also, we will watch closely how the weight impacts the mount stability.

The exterior has an odd shape, being deep front to back at the top edge and more slender at the base. Dash explains that the unusual design is to accommodate its "large" lithium-ion battery and three antennas for GPS, GPRS cellular, and Wi-Fi.

The claimed battery life is two hours with all receivers on--notably less than most GPS devices in our Ratings. It would be expected that connectivity would drain the battery more than non-Web-enabled devices, though that two hours would likely decrease over time. Of course, the included power cord enables unlimited in-car usage; an AC adaptor is also standard.

There are a couple other little surprises.The circular pad for adhering the mount to the, uh, dash looks very similar to our highest rating score graphic, the beloved red "blob." We're not sure if this is a coincidence or sly marketing. Needless to say, we'll be the judge of how this unit rates without fear or favor.

The package also includes a couple Dash logo stickers for putting on a car window. Certainly the device promises to endear itself among a loyal user base that will be sharing information, from real-time traffic to recommended points of interest (POI). Therefore, signaling you are in the unofficial Dash club seems a natural, right until you consider that it also alerts thieves that a unit may be onboard. Should it be stolen, the Dash Express can be disabled wirelessly. Of course, all that does it deter a few blog-reading crooks and provide solace that someone on the black market won't be navigating to your personal POI, including your home. Our advice: Don't put the sticker on your car.

In total, the Dash Express is focused on traffic and Internet-enabled connectivity, which promises future enhancements and invites third-party programmers to create their own downloadable applications. Notably absent are the usual array of non-navigation features found on mid-range and premium GPS units, like a photo viewer, MP3 player, video viewer, FM transmitter, Bluetooth, and pedestrian modes. It is an open question as to how important those extras are to buyers, though they are common at this price point. (We do not score for such features in our Ratings.)

As I write this, our test engineers are motoring into Manhattan, New York, for some behind-the-wheel time with the units. With more hands-on experience, we'll have more insights to share. Let us know in the Comments below what your thoughts are on the Dash Express. If there is interest, we will continue to explore facets of the Dash as we prepare our official First Look in the days ahead.

—Jeff Bartlett

Also read, "Dash Express GPS - redefining "real-time" traffic."

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Dash Express GPS - redefining "real-time" traffic

This has been an exciting year for personal navigation devices (PNDs), with a flood of new products pushing the boundaries for convenience and high-tech features. Among the trends has been a drop in prices, while features continue to improve and increase. Looking back at our tests from just a year ago, we see top-end products with prices at $800 that would compete with current models at about half that price. As we posted recently, the portable GPS market shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, the revolution continues, and a California-based startup has just fired the next salvo in this marketplace battle with the Dash Express.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Dash Express caught our interest with its innovative connectivity and traffic information. The Express gathers information through Wi-Fi and GPRS cellular service, enabling an on-the-go Internet connection to deliver current, localized information such as cheapest gas stations or best restaurants. The Web connection extends to the user's PC, from which addresses or business names can be highlighted and sent directly to the device for future route planning.

The more intriguing role of connectivity is in the traffic information. Dash has taken a multi-pronged approach to traffic, drawing upon historical data and traditional metropolitan information for predicting traffic flow and delivering roadway alerts. In addition, Dash collects data from each unit to monitor current, real-time traffic conditions, sharing the data with other units in the area.

This strategy holds much promise, enabling drivers to get current information on their roadway. Should there be congestion, the device can provide information on the traffic flow for secondary streets to aid in detouring. While there is a scalability question, with the information detail becoming richer as more units are put in service, Dash has a solid base level of information that should match or exceed current offerings.

Commuting just outside New York City, we can see much appeal in the promise of this "TruTraffic" service. Traditional traffic information on GPS units is hampered by the same time delays and spotty coverage as radio alerts. Even stations that provide updates every 10 minutes have relatively old information that is imprecise and worse, may not be for the road you are traveling. On the occasion of a road being shut down, often the common detours are slow-moving car conga-lines.

Ultimately, this information comes at a price. The unit itself costs $399, with three free months of service. The traffic service then costs $9.99-$12.99 per month, depending on the length of contract. This fee is in line with traffic services from other brands. There is no additional cost for the cellular service or Wi-Fi connectivity.

We are anxious to see if this much-hyped new product lives up to its billing. We have just bought units for testing. Our test engineers will put the devices through our traditional, exhaustive test process, as well as delve into the unique features.

Look for more coverage in the Cars blog of the Dash Express in the days ahead.

—Jeff Bartlett

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

 

No sign of slowing down - new Garmin and Navigon GPS units

Here we are, just two months removed from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and six new portable navigation devices (PNDs) from major companies have been introduced in rapid-fire succession. Granted, these introductions coincided with the European equivalent of CES, known as CeBIT, but at this rate, our interactive GPS ratings chart could grow significantly by the end of the year if we keep up. (It currently features complete ratings on 74 models, available to online subscribers.)

The exciting pace is likely to continue, given that PND sales were up over 300 percent in 2007 compared to the previous year, and they show no signs of slowing down. We are busy testing new models from Sony and Garmin, introduced at CES, and adding to our long shopping list of units we will be purchasing this spring. We haven't seen the retail availability of the new Becker, Dash, Magellan, and Uniden units from CES, but we are watching closely. Plus, we are planning for the new TomTom, Garmin, and Navigon models just announced.

TomTom kicked off this recent announcement wave with the GO 730 and GO 930 boasting two notable new features: IQ Routes traffic-informed routing and Advanced Lane Guidance with realistic views for major intersections. Both new features will be in the GO 730 and GO 930 models, on sale late April.

Navigon 2100 max/2120 max
Navigon introduced the 2100 max and 2120 max PNDs, each with wide, 4.3-inch screens; spoken street names; automatic speed warnings; and Reality View 3D representations of major highway intersections. A new feature called DirectHelp pinpoints a user's location and provides directions and phone numbers for nearby services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and roadside assistance. These twin devices differ in the packaged maps. The Navigon 2100 max ($299 MSRP) ships with maps of the continental U.S., while Canadian-market Navigon 2120 features maps of the U.S. and Canada.

Navigon also announced its new FreshMaps service for all the company's PNDs. For $79.99, consumers can download and install up to 12 quarterly map updates over three years, including points of interest.

Garmin 2x5 - nuvi 205 / 255
Garmin announced the next evolution for the popular nuvi 200 series, dubbed 2x5. These new devices promise swifter satellite acquisition times and expanded ability to step up to premium features. A new HotFix aids the start-up time for connecting with satellites by storing past location information to hasten establishing the current location.

The 2x5 units will be available in 3.5-inch and 4.3-inch screen formats, with sequential models providing progressive steps in added features. The maps now use shading to indicate elevation, giving the units a different look. An interesting feature is the ability to choose user-supplied pictures from the Garmin Connect Photos site to download to the device and use for seeking landmarks.

Helpful in an emergency, the nuvis include the "Where am I?" feature that displays the exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations.

When used with an optional receiver, each nuvi 2x5 can display updated information from Traffic Message Channel or MSN Direct (for $49.95 a year, or a one-time charge of $129.95.)

The nuvi 205 and 205W will be available in versions that offer maps the contiguous United States, Canada, or regional sections of Europe. The nuvi 255 and 255W will be available in versions that include comprehensive coverage of North America, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. In addition, the nuvi 255 and 255W models for North America speak proper street names when giving audio directions.

Clearly, the market is moving quickly, but we aim to stay on top of the most significant developments and products.

—Jeff Bartlett and Mike DiLauro

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

Wired is as wired does

It should come as no surprise that people attending a conference called GPS Wireless 2008 are a pretty connected bunch. After all, they make their living at this stuff.

Attendees spent an inordinate amount of time messing around with their BlackBerries and laptops during presentations, and one piece of the canned welcoming speech from our host seemed hopelessly out of date – especially with this crowd.

"Please turn off your cell phones and pagers" can probably be struck from the script, now that it’s been 12 years since the first of these conferences was held. Even the event organizer had to pause for a moment after uttering that line.

"Does anybody even have a pager anymore?" he asked.

Nobody answered. They were all hunkered over, tapping away at their smart phones.

The point was driven home by the moderator of the opening panel discussion, who began by inviting attendees to text message him with questions for the panel. His number was prominently displayed on two giant screens for everyone’s convenience.

OK, kids, fire those phones back up. At least he didn’t ask anybody to page him.

For me, it is now time to unplug, at least until I head off with the CR Cars team this Wednesday to provide continuous coverage of the New York auto show. (Not to worry, we do have more GPS news coming to the blog soon.)
 

How did we get by in an analog world?

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

GPS, meet WPS. Mapping the next step

For the past few years, a company you likely haven’t heard of has had hundreds of people all over the place, quietly seeking out and marking the location of Wi-Fi hot spots as a means of taking personal navigation one step, or several steps, further. Maybe even an entire walk.

See, as good as GPS is, the technology has its limitations. One restriction is that in urban areas—as likely a place as any for visitors to want navigational help—tall buildings can interfere with signals, sometimes rendering the devices useless. Pedestrians need navigation that stays with them every step, or bus ride, of the way. They tend to wander in and out of buildings, use public transportation, and generally place more demands on a nav system than say, a car cruising all day on the interstate.

Enter Skyhook Wireless. By mapping out all those Wi-Fi hotspots, Skyhook offers another way to let people know where they are and guide them to where they want to be. They call it the Wi-Fi Positioning System, or WPS. The way WPS works is by determining the number of hot spots within range of a user’s device, usually five or so according to their Web site. They can then determine the location of that user and help them navigate from there, indoors or out. The downside is, the Web site also says Skyhook can only narrow that user’s location to within 20 meters, so don’t expect pinpoint directions to the rest room when you’re in a rush.

In fairness to Skyhook, tracking and navigating for a user indoors at the pace of a walk is harder than doing the same for somebody barreling down the interstate. And GPS units have the advantage of combining location data with map data, while measuring strides from the local pharmacy to the grocery store is probably less common.

Attention iPhone users: you’re already using Skyhook’s WPS. (If you use the iPhone mapping, let us know what you think in the comments below.) As of this writing, iPhone doesn’t offer GPS.

A Skyhook spokesman said the company doesn’t see their product as an alternative to GPS, but as more of an enhancement, something to add to PND devices that will add to their capability and be transparent to the user – GPS on the road, WPS when inside. They also say they see a social networking application, where users can more precisely locate one another as being a popular selling feature. And hey, think of other uses. Mall walkers rejoice.

Skyhook says to expect their WPS to be included with navigation devices from major suppliers within the next year, and that they’ve already located some 33 million hotspots in North America. And according to that same company spokesman, they’re adding 100,000 every day.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

 

These directions brought to you by our sponsor

Attendees and panelists here at the lively GPS Wireless 2008 convention in San Francisco have different forecasts about what's coming next to the navigation world. That's no surprise. Put a representative from a cellphone company and a portable navigation device (PND) manufacturer in the same discussion, and you'd better expect different forecasts. These people have to eat, plus they have hungry shareholders to feed.

But one thing most seem to agree on is that PNDs will become more connected in the near future. People, they say, will demand real-time traffic and weather, Internet access, and other gotta-have services. Some also say the industry needs to move in that direction because it can't survive by cranking out $150 barebones devices.

One question expert panelists are wrestling with is how to pay for these added services and who is going to create them. Another is specifically what the most important services will be. More than one panelist dodged that question. Once again, they have to eat. Can't be giving away the store and all.

In terms of paying for it, there are a couple of ways to go. Subscription fees could do it, but it hasn't been proven that everyone will fork over 10 or 12 bucks a month for traffic, weather, and whatever. "Bundling" products together, much like cellphone plans do with voice mail, text messaging, etc. is another possibility, and one that can be an easier sell than a la carte services, especially to a wired public whose cart is overflowing with connectivity fees already.

And then there's another, and possibly even less appealing alternative: Advertising. But that alternative is so unappealing that panelists don't even like to use the "a" word. They prefer "sponsorship." As in, "I see you asked for directions to the nearest coffee. Howzabout a coupon or discount code for Starbucks?"

By doing this, some say the subscription cost to the user could be cut by half, or eliminated altogether.

Note to self: Stop blogging. Go buy a barebones unit right now.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

Navigating the future

A popular discussion in the world of personal navigation devices (PNDs) these days is whether dedicated portables as we know them will continue with their explosive sales growth of late, or if cell phone-based navigation will come to dominate.

Here at the GPS Wireless Conference 2008, 200 or so industry experts and professionals are wondering aloud about that, too. The experts don't know the answer, either. Or if some do, they're not talking. Some say the marketplace has room for both, comparing the scenario to that of camera-equipped celphones and conventional cameras. Phones haven't put the camera industry out of business, they point out, and draw the same analogy between smart phones and personal computers. They contend people will want one of each.

Still, one has to wonder what's coming, especially with phone giant Nokia's bid to takeover mapping data provider Navteq, and their increasing emphasis on navigation. A Nokia representative speaking at GPS Wireless today said his company alone will ship more navigation-enabled cellphones, an estimated 35 million units, in 2008 than the entire industry did last year. Also interesting is portable GPS market leader Garmin's planned entry into the cellphone business.

Speakers here joke about how every year for the twelve years of this conference, people have been walking around saying, "This is the year" for their industry. They're saying it again this year. It's just that nobody really knows what that means, and whose year it will be.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

What's next in GPS?

That's what we're going to San Francisco to find out, at the GPS Wireless 2008 conference.

The portable navigation market continues to evolve at a mind-boggling pace, with prices continuing to drop, more features being added all the time, and new manufacturers entering the market seemingly every day.

If you've been on the fence about whether to buy now or wait to see what's around the corner, stay tuned. GPS Wireless promises to show us what's on the horizon, with industry experts from companies that make the devices, mapping providers, auto companies, and analysts bringing us the latest news. We'll share it all with you right here in the CR Cars blog.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

 

TomTom GO 730 and GO 930 GPS - new traffic intelligence

In the hotly contested portable navigation device market, TomTom has announced its latest products, the GO 730 and GO 930, boasting two notable new features: IQ Routes traffic-informed routing and Advanced Lane Guidance with realistic views for major intersections. Both new features will be in the GO 730 and GO 930 models, on sale late April.

IQ Routes functionality draws on historical speed profiles of over 6.2 billion miles of roads driven by TomTom users. Devices already in service capture the data and then it is made available about four times a year when TomTom releases its regular map updates. By understanding the traffic patterns due to rush-hour congestion, traffic lights, rotaries, and other factors, this new feature reportedly enables the devices to provide a more appropriate route for the specific day and time, and subsequently give a more accurate prediction for time to destination.

Advanced Lane Guidance changes the map view to a relatively realistic depiction of highway junctions with lane-specific visual directions on a static image. Navigon offers a similar feature called "Reality View." In our testing, we found this to be helpful when navigating confusing highway intersections. (See Navigon 5100 first look and video.)

TomTom GO 730 and TomTom GO 930
The new personal navigation devices (PNDs) introduce a sleek, black design and new features to the company's GPS lineup. The two units appear quite similar, with few differences. The 730 includes maps for the United States and Canada, with 2 gigs internal memory. The 930 adds European maps and has 4 gigs memory, plus it has a unique dead-reckoning technology to maintain navigation even in tunnels and among skyscrapers. Otherwise, the models are quite similar.

Common to the GO 730 and GO 930:

• 4.3-inch screen
• Voice address input
• Spoken street names
• Bluetooth
• "Help me" direct access to emergency services
• FM transmitter

—Jeff Bartlett

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

GPS highlights from CES

What do Goodyear, German electronics giant Becker, and the For Dummies franchise have in common? They've all just gotten into the portable GPS business in the United States. Here's a quick look at what each brings to the table:

Goodyear
Through a licensing arrangement, a  New York-based electric accessory company called The NCC is bringing a total of eight GPS models bearing the Goodyear name and logo to market. Two Bluetooth-enabled models include a wireless remote for answering and disconnecting calls. Depending on the model, other features include MSN Direct service, MP3 player, an FM transmitter to enable playing music through your car stereo speakers, text-to-speech capability for spoken street names, and a walking mode. Due in the second quarter of 2008, prices have not been set.

Becker
Becker has been in the automotive electronics business for some 60 years and supplying navigation components to German automobile manufacturers for past decade. Now the company is bringing a line of four portable GPS units to the U.S. market. All Traffic Assist models include a lifetime subscription to Clear Channel traffic information, a built-in MP3 and WMA player, and the ability to speak 17 languages. More expensive models add features like Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling, an FM transmitter for broadcasting phone calls or digital music through your car's audio system, and up to a 4.8-inch screen. Prices range from $399 to $699, and all are expected in stores in early 2008.

Navigation for Dummies
It was only a matter of time. Navigation for Dummies—the hardware—uses the familiar colors, style, and cartoon character seen in the instructional book series of the same name. Marketed as being easy to use, there is one model on sale now: the FD-350. Features include text-to-speech capability, an MP3 and video player, photo storage, and 4.7 million points of interest. Three additional models are promised soon, with added features to include Bluetooth capability for hands-free calling. For now, the FD-350 is the only option for dummies. The price is $279.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

Garmin nuvi 5000 - Super-size my GPS

Designed for drivers of trucks and RVs, whose distant windshields can make a small screen hard to see and even harder to reach, the new Garmin nuvi 5000’s most notable feature is a large, 5.2-inch display.

The nuvi 5000 offers other features of particular interest to drivers of larger vehicles, including a 3D elevation map to show upcoming grade changes and speed limits for highways. It has the capability to sort through multiple destinations to plot the most efficient route for deliveries, and it lets the driver enter custom points of interest, such as locations of school zones, for future trips. Alerts can be set to give sufficient notice of approaching points of interest, so drivers of large vehicles have time to plan accordingly. A video input is included for hooking up a rear-view camera, and an electronic breadcrumb trail lets you see where you’ve been.

More conventional features include text-to-speech capability for announcing street names, an MP3 player and picture viewer, and an FM transmitter for broadcasting music through the vehicle’s sound system. Garmin’s “Where am I?” feature lets users press a button for immediate latitude and longitude, along with the locations of nearest fuel and emergency services. The nuvi 5000 can also provide MSN Direct content for weather, traffic, and other info, but that service requires both a separate receiver and a subscription.

The nuvi 5000 is due in stores in February at a retail price of $799.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Uniden MapTrax GPS - Navigation meets radar detection

Uniden is making a big GPS push with six new units and one new wrinkle: Radar detection. The company, arguably best known for telephones, was once in the radar detector business. Now their top-of-the line portable GPS unit, the MapTrax 438, marks their return to the technology.

Like some other portable navigation devices, the MapTrax 438 displays vehicle speed on its screen. When known, if it senses that the posted speed limit is exceeded, the Uniden's speed display turns red. If it detects any of thirteen bands of radar ahead, it alerts the driver, and enables marking of the location for further reference.

The radar detector is a separate unit that mounts to the windshield below the navigation device, connected using a plug-in cable. Uniden says the reason for this is so the radar detection unit can be disconnected in states where its use is illegal.

Other features include text-to-speech capability, available traffic alerts, Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling, and a point-of-interest menu with some six million items on it. Priced at $499, the MapTrax 438 is due in stores in April. Other Uniden models begin at $179.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

Garmin nuvi 880 - Hey, I'm talking to you!

Garmin's new nuvi 880 portable GPS navigation device, introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), takes speech recognition technology one step further than other units on the market by allowing the driver to control the device entirely with voice commands. Other devices advertised with this feature still require a combination of voice and touch-screen input.

The nuvi 880 comes with a push-to-talk wireless remote button, which users can mount on their steering wheel. Once the button is pushed, a driver can enter a street number, name, city, and state without ever touching the unit. The voice commands correspond to touch-screen buttons on the unit, which can also be used to enter an address.

Point of interest (POI) menus can also be navigated by voice. If the user is in the mood for lasagna, for example, the driver can say, "Find the nearest Italian restaurant" and a list of possibilities appears on-screen. Once they tell the nuvi 880 which eatery they'd prefer, they're on their way with turn-by-turn directions. Popular chains like Starbucks can also be asked for by name.

If users get lost, they can ask "Where am I?" and the nuvi will display their latitude and longitude, the nearest intersection, and closest hospitals, police stations, and gas stations. The unit also remembers where the car is parked when it's removed from the windshield mount, helping users find their way back to the car.

The nuvi 880 is also equipped with the newest version of MSN Direct, which provides traffic information; gas prices; weather conditions and forecasts; movie listings with ratings and actors; news; and stock updates. It also lets you plan trips from a PC and wirelessly send locations to the nuvi.

Other features include an MP3 player, picture viewer, Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling, and a removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Proving that talk is not always cheap, the nuvi 880 is priced at $999, including a three-month trial with MSN Direct. After that, a subscription costs $49.95 per year, or users can opt for a one-time charge of $129.95.  The nuvi 850, which has all the same features except MSN Direct and Bluetooth, is priced at $899. Both devices are expected in stores during the second quarter of 2008.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

 

Magellan Maestro Elite 5340 GPRS adds Google search

Magellan showed nine new portable GPS navigation models and introduced several new features at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, including a pedestrian mode. This gives users the option of continuing to navigate on foot once the unit senses they've shut off the car. If the user accepts the change in guidance mode (from driving to walking), the device then ignores routing restrictions of one-way streets, keeps the pedestrians off highways, and, best of all for fans of malls and major tourist attractions, guides them back to their own car.

Magellan also announced a new partnership with Google that will enable mobile users to search the Web for businesses, events, aircraft parts (my airline could've used that one Sunday night), or whatever they might use the search engine for from home. A company representative said if a user keys in "cheesecake" for example, the Maestro Elite 5340 GPRS will return a list of businesses with the dessert either in their name or on their menu, and route them to the one of their choice.  (I imagine that the term "Starbucks" would also be heavily used by some of my colleagues.)

Using cellular phone technology, the 5340 can also provide traffic and weather information, and it enables drivers to wirelessly send addresses to the device from their PC for planning routes. Route changes or new directions can also be sent to a user on the road.

The Elite 5340 also features Magellan's OneTouch, a new pull-down menu that provides users with access to up to nine buttons they can pre-program for options of their choice - be they a favorite restaurant, the home of a relative, a search for local antique stores they can use wherever they are, or one-button connectivity for their MP3 library.

The Elite 5340 GPRS also has voice command capability, a 5-inch widescreen display, a USB port, and AAA Tourbook information. Priced at a laptop-like $1299, it is expected in stores in February.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums. 

Dash Express GPS links to Web and other devices

A California-based Dash Navigation is looking to stir up the ever-evolving world of GPS navigation when it begins shipping its Dash Express during the first quarter of 2008. The company says their device is the first to combine navigation, real-time traffic from different sources including units belonging to its own subscribers, and constant Internet connectivity.

For navigation, the Dash Express works like most GPS devices, with drivers entering addresses or choosing from a points-of-interest (POI) menu. The real-time traffic info comes from data provided by the same sources used by other GPS manufacturers. The real buzz is that it also can receive traffic information from other Dash units, turning each unit into a mobile traffic sensor. A company spokesperson said, Dash traffic info will only improve as more units are put into use, and it will include data from secondary roads not always covered by others. The units offer drivers up to three alternative routes to a destination, with estimated drive times for each.

The Dash Express uses both WiFi and GPRS (cellular) network for connectivity. Gas prices, restaurants with menus, and movie listings all come from the Internet, and subscribers are constantly being provided with updated information. They also have the option of going to the Dash Web site and customizing their POI menus with categories like playgrounds or dog parks. "Send2Car" allows an address highlighted on a home computer to be sent to the device. Users can also create information feeds to send from their my.dash.net account.

The ability to be connected enables the Dash Express to automatically update software and eventually maps.

Cost for the Dash Express is $599; monthly data subscriptions range from $9.99 to $12.99 depending on the length of the plan.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Sony introduces nav-u line of portable GPS devices

Electronics giant Sony is reaching to grab a bigger slice of the GPS pie with the introduction of two new portable units unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Emphasizing ease of use rather than features like MP3 players and photo storage, both nav-u models feature text-to-speech capability. Real-time traffic reporting is available. A suction-cup mount coated with a non-adhesive gel will enable it to stick to the textured surfaces of dashboards, according to Sony. The idea is to put the devices closer to the driver, thereby making them easier to see and reach. Plus, such a system avoids a windshield mount, which is illegal in California and Minnesota.

Another unique feature is "gesture command." So long as the address has been pre-programmed, a driver can get directions home with just a finger swipe of the screen drawing an inverted "V," representing the shape of a house roof. Other gesture commands perform common functions like "call home" and zoom.

The nav-u systems include maps of all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and 5 million points of interest.

The NV-U73T is the base model with a 4.3-inch screen, and it is priced at approximately $350. The NV-U83T adds Bluetooth hands-free calling ability, a larger 4.8-inch wide-aspect screen, and a split-screen feature that gives drivers a more detailed, three-dimensional view of approaching intersections. It also continues to provide directions for brief periods when the GPS signal is lost, such as going through a tunnel. It is priced at $500. Both are expected in stores in February.

We will introduce the nav-u into our ongoing portable GPS navigation device test program as soon as it is available.

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Gadgets, gizmos, and gamblers - Live from CES

With more than 2,700 exhibitors, 140,000 attendees, and 1.7 million square feet of exhibit space, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas bills itself as the world's largest consumer technology trade show. Running from January 7-10, CES features the latest in all things electronic from televisions to toasters, spread over multiple convention centers and other venues throughout town.

The Consumer Reports Electronics team will be there in numbers to deliver coverage of the latest high-tech wizardry for your home. That leaves the Cars blog to concentrate solely on mobile electronics—and that's fine by us. Odds are we'll have our hands full. We're expecting yet more entries into the red-hot GPS market, many new models being introduced. Expect to see more new features, and increasing numbers of portable units that will let you enter an address by voice rather than having to use a keypad.

We'll also be checking out the latest in-car entertainment systems, mobile Internet access options, telematics systems, and whatever else is new in the ever-evolving relationship between the car and the microchip.  Between running around knee deep in gadgets, we're planning a side trip to the Vectrix booth to check out their electric motorcycle. With seating for two, a top speed of 62 mph, a range of up to 55 miles and a recharge time of 2-3 hours, it might be a useful option for some commuters. At the very least, it might be just the thing for getting around the massive show.

Look for continuous coverage to begin in the CR Cars blog on Monday.

—Jim Travers

Road trip or refund? Rate your GPS unit.

Portable GPS devices were among the hottest gifts this holiday season. In particular, the Garmin nuvi and StreetPilot product lines, along with the Magellan Maestro and Crossover models, and TomTom One and Go systems were heavily discounted by many retailers and made for affordable gifts.

If you received a GPS this holiday season, or recently purchased on for yourself, let us know how you like it. Are you planning to return it to the store, or are you planning your next road trip?

Once you've had some experience with your new GPS, be sure to return to share your insights in the user reviews. (To read or write a user review, online subscribers will find link on the GPS model pages, accessed through the Ratings chart by clicking the product name.) To interact directly with other consumers, enter the GPS forum.

—Liza Barth

Automotive resolutions

The end of 2007 is fast approaching and that means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. Many people make resolutions to lose weight, get into shape, or save money—while all good goals, what is the fun in that? Being the CR Cars blog, we thought we would invite readers to share their automotive resolutions.

Some suggestions are to resolve to be a safer driver by stopping distractions such as not talking on the cell phone or texting while driving. The New Year could be the time to finally indulge in your driving fantasy and buy the dream car you’ve always wanted, or “go green” and buy a hybrid or more fuel efficient vehicle. The year 2008 could be the time to break in the new portable GPS you received for the holidays and take a road trip. Thinking big: If each motorist vowed to improve their driving behavior and reduce fuel consumption, together, we could make the automotive world shine brighter one driveway at a time.

Whatever your resolutions may be, we invite you to share your ideas and thoughts in the Comments below.

Have a safe and healthy New Year!

—Liza Barth

Bagging the electronics

A friend recently remarked that he's had it with all of his mobile electronics. It's not that he doesn't find them useful and convenient, because he does. In fact, he loves them. But he says that he's finding himself more distracted by them than ever before.

"I was running late one morning," he said. "I confess that I put on my earpiece and paired it with my phone while merging onto the highway. It took me three tries.

"And I noticed that my phone was nearly out of juice so I plugged it into the cigarette lighter. On my iPod was my daughter's playlist, which contains songs by The Wiggles and Danna Banana, so I fumbled with the scroll wheel until I found Emmylou Harris. Later, I found myself staring at the GPS more than the road, because I didn't want to get lost. I nearly sledded into another car while trying to decipher what street I was supposed to merge onto."

So, my friend is attempting to forego the cabin gadgets for a few weeks (especially with our northeast roads morphing to ice), but he's really jonesing for that GPS unit. "It's the one thing I find hard to live without," he says. "But I fear I'll do some damage if I don't keep my eyes on the road."

Its ironic that so many cars come with so many newfangled safety devices, such as curtain air bags, stability control, blind-spot warning, and pre-collision systems at the very same time the electronics manufacturers are shoveling distracting devices to us. It's almost like the auto companies are building safer cars to protect consumers from their gadget addictions. Then again, automakers are tempting us with built-in nav systems, menu-based controls such as iDrive, iPod connections, and over 150 channels of satellite radio to scan through, perpetually.

If I had a holiday wish for automotive consumers, it would be that the next wave of mobile electronics would emphasize driving safety over finding other inventive ways to lure our attention away from driving.

I'd like to see stockings stuffed with GPS units with head-up displays that glisten on windshields. It would be a Bluetooth Christmas if mobile phones really paired seamlessly and invisibly with any car. Even better if they only take calls when the vehicle is not in motion. And surely, there's some miraculous workshop where somebody is tinkering with an MP3 player that employs voice-recognition technology.

Heck, while I'm in the spirit, let's go for some real holiday magic: I'd like to wake up one cold, crisp morning and discover that every car on the road once again has a conventional radio tuning knob, rather than an array of Chiclet-scale buttons or hockey-puck rotary controllers. If technology truly made life simpler and safer, befuddled commuters like my friend wouldn't scream "bah, humbug" in frustration.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

—Cliff Weathers