Garmin Nuvi Series

Garmin has long been one of the front runners with GPS technology for some time now. They have vast knowledge and experience about the industry and they continue to make cutting edge devices that are sleek, innovative and cost effective.  The Nuvi Series of devices allows consumers to choose from a range of high quality GPS navigation devices that best suits their need, style and budget.

Garmin Nuvi 205W

The Garmin Nuvi 205W GPS navigators are entry-level portable GPS navigation systems for cars that are able to deliver travel related information at an unbelievably affordable price. With nuvi 205W's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map details, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable display is easy to read, from any direction. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nuvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map redraw rates as you navigate. Like the rest of the nuvi 2x5-series, nuvi 205W sports a sleek, slim design and fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. The Garmin nuvi 205W includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.

To learn more about the Garmin Nuvi 205W or for purchasing information, click here.

Garmin nuvi 465/465T with Bluetooth Truck GPS Navigator

There are so many choices when you decide to purchase a GPS navigation device for your road adventures. With this in mind Garmin created a special nuvi for the trucking industry called the Garmin nuvi 465/465T. It features preloaded details of street-level maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the nuvi 465T speaks street names so drivers will receive turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions, such as "turn right on Harbor Street.", specialized routing options throughout the lower 48 states, and truck-friendly points of interest all the way. This full-featured navigator was made for life on the road. The nuvi 465T as an integrated FM traffic receiver that allows you to receive free alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. For hands-free calling, nüvi 465T integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker.

To learn more about the Garmin nuvi 465/465T or for purchasing information, click here.

Garmin nuvi 1690 

The Garmin nuvi 1690 is one of the most impressive feature rich GPS navigation systems for cars currently on the market. Its long list of features includes preloaded maps, Lane Assist with junction view, hands-free calling and ecoRoute™ which allows you to save gas and money by calculating the most fuel-efficient routes to your destination.  With Garmin nüLink! services, you receive accurate real-time information delivered wirelessly to your nuvi 1690. In the U.S., each nüvi 1690 comes with a free 2-year nüLink! subscription. Get up-to-date fuel prices near your location for regular, mid-grade, premium or diesel gasoline. Other convenient services included in the subscription: Ciao!™ friend finder, weather, movie times, local events, Send to GPS, flight status, currency converter, White Pages and myGarmin™. The nuvi 1690 includes advanced navigation features to take the worry out of traveling. With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 1690's wide screen. In addition, nuvi 1690 automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide an efficient route for errands, deliveries or sales calls. It also displays speed limits for highways and Interstates. A trip log provides an electronic breadcrumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.

To learn more about the Garmin nuvi 1690 or for purchasing information, click here.

Garmin nuvi 3760T
If you are someone who desires the latest cutting edge devices, then look no further, the amazingly thin Garmin nuvi 3760T is here. This new nuvi is less than 9mm thick, wow! That's about the thickness of a standard #2 pencil. It has a full glass 4.3” diagonal multi-touch display. Dual orientation capabilities allow you to use the nüvi 3760T either horizontally or vertically, fitting smartly in your hand when walking. Sleek design also disappears neatly into your pocket or purse. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it’s ready to guide you by car or foot. It also features nuvi's nüRoute™ technology with trafficTrends™ and myTrends™, lane assist with junction view, subscription-free traffic, and hands-free calling capabilities.

To learn more about the Garmin nuvi 3760T or for purchasing information, click here.

GPS Shoppers Guide - Choosing the Right One for You

There are several options that are available to you when you are ready to select a GPS navigation system for your car. Back in the day, these devices started out as bulky instruments that were a hassle to carry around. Nowadays they are as sleek as some of the latest cell phones which are only a few millimeters thick. Here are some of the main features that you will need to consider when you go shopping for a new navigation systems for cars.

Screen Size
The screen sizes for these devices are a big reason to choose one over another. There are a few standard screen sizes that you have to choose from 3.5 inches, 4.3 inches, 5 inches or 7 inches. Of course the larger the screen size the more expensive the unit will be. Take for example the Garmin Nuvi 205 which has a 3.5 inch screen, this model retails for around $87 on Amazon compared to the Garmin StreetPilot 7200 boast a gorgeous 7-inch screen for a cool $600!

Display Quality
The quality of display is also a very critical feature to consider when buying a GPS device. Some of the older models have monochrome display but most of the more recent units are all color display. Color screens provide more data than their monochrome counterparts but they also use more battery power. Also check to ensure that the device is able to work effectively in various lighting conditions. Some devices are noted as being extremely difficult to read in sunlight even for some of the larger screen which can be pricy. Try viewing the display from different angles because some portable GPS devices are difficult to read from certain angles.

Interface Options
GPS navigation systems for cars have their share of bells and whistles to meet the varied demands of consumers. However, the more feature-rich the devices are the more you will end up paying for them. With that said, there are some features that are pretty standard in recent times. Any GPS system that is worthy of note has street-level maps with voice and text prompted directions while driving. Some of the later devices now have the ability to give deliver text to speech technology which gives you the specific names of streets and not just the generic “Turn right at next intersection” type messages. There are also devices that are able to give you information about points of interests (POI) along the way. The ability to store an address book is also pretty standard. Look for a device with touch-screen controls, automatic rerouting when you swerve off-track, and variable map views, such as 3D and bird's-eye views. As you get into the high-end models, look for advanced lane guidance, voice commands, and real-time traffic and weather alerts, which usually require an annual subscription fee.

Maps
Most GPS devices sold in the US market come equipped with built maps for the lower 48 states. However, depending on your location, make sure that your choose a device that includes the appropriate maps for your region/country.  Most manufacturers offer add-on maps, for an additional cost, that expand your device's usable range. Check the manufacturers website to confirm that your location is covered.

Storage
Even though most GPS devices are equipped with built-in maps they might also support removable storage media like Secure Digital or compactFlash memory cards. Mapping data doesn't take up a lot of space and many units even come with a 128MB card.

Accessories
Although most GPS navigation systems for cars are ready to be used out of the box and come with everything you need to get up and running in a matter of minutes. Still, there are a few accessories available that will help you get the most out of your investment, including auxiliary antennas that can be mounted at the base of your windshield to improve signal reception especially in bad weather, and carrying cases to protect your GPS unit when not in use. You can also from a variety of mounting devices, including removable dashboard mounts, motorcycle mounting kits, and low-profile external antenna mounts that adhere to the trunk of your car. You can also purchase additional maps via download or flash memory cards, as well as AC adapters that let you use your portable GPS devices at home or other locations when the built-in battery needs recharging.