GPS Devices Reviews

The Garmin Nuvi series has validated to be a significant success for the expert navigation producer. The earlier version - Garmin Nuvi 350 impressed its consumers not only with terrific high performance but also with its travel-friendly features. Equipped with navigation tools, travel guides, and multimedia capabilities, it is the supreme travel attendant. Now, the company's cutting-edge model in the series, the Gamin Nuvi 660, adds even more improvements, such as integrated Bluetooth and a larger screen, all while delivering solid performance. Now, here's the bad news. It costs a whopping $1,076.91, and you have to fork over even more cash if you want the expanded travel tools. If you don't need all that functionality, the Nuvi 350 is a solid alternative. For a portable GPS system that can do it all, and then some, check out the Garmin nuvi 660. The price is high, but the nuvi 660 justifies the expense by combining voice-guided navigation, current traffic alerts, Bluetooth compatibility, digital audio playback and even a picture viewer into one compact, portable unit.

The nuvi 660 starts with a wide-format, 4-3/10-inch LCD touchscreen that boasts a resolution of 480X272. Maps, on-screen menus and JPEG images give the impression of bright and clear, and you can view maps in 2-D or 3-D. A basic speaker provides unimpressive audio, so we're glad Garmin includes an integrated FM transmitter that lets you listen to navigation instructions and other audio content over your car's stereo system.

When you turn on the nuvi 660, the SiRF Star III high-sensitivity GPS receiver rapidly locks onto your position. Route calculation is fast, and the course selected is generally accurate and straightforward. Simple-to-follow on-screen navigation is backed up by voice navigation, and the nuvi 660 features text-to-speech (TTS) that speaks the actual names of streets as opposed to the more generic "turn left ahead" instructions common to lesser GPS units.

One very handy feature is the integrated FM traffic alert receiver, which allows the nuvi 660 to receive information about approaching traffic tie-ups, construction zones and even emergency situations. The unit then reroutes you around the problem area and returns you to your original course. This service requires a subscription to activate, but its worth will quickly become apparent after you avoid one or two traffic jams.

If your cell phone is Bluetooth-compatible, you can use the nuvi 660 for hands-free phone operation. You answer incoming calls by simply tapping the touchscreen, and the built-in microphone picks up your voice. The power of the cell phone/navigation system combination is truly demonstrated when you delve into the nuvi 660's points of interest database, using that database to initiate your call.

The nuvi 660 is preloaded with Garmin's City Navigator NT software, which includes street-level maps and points of interest for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. An add-on to maps, the 2GB of memory can store MP3 music files, audio books and JPEG images. Garmin rates the built-in rechargeable battery's life from 3 to 7 hours, but we found that it lasts toward the low end of that range.

A long list with outstanding features and high-speed, perfect and hassle-free performance make the Garmin nuvi 660 tough to beat. The Garmin Nuvi 660 is a solid-performing and versatile GPS device that offers all the navigation basics, tools for the world traveler, Bluetooth, superb multimedia functions, FM transmitter, accurate and fast route calculation and even more.

The GPSMAP 76Cx is a refreshing upgrade of the GPSMAP 76C, one of our most popular models for outdoor and marine use. This unit features a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory and a waterproof, rugged housing. The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment. Users can load map data and transfer routes and waypoints through the units fast USB connection. In addition, this unit features a new, highly sensitive GPS receiver that acquires satellites faster and lets users track their location in challenging conditions, such as heavy foliage or deep canyons.

The Garmin GPSMAP 76Cx has all the features of the GPSMAP 76C, with two important differences. It uses a new SiRFstarIII high-sensitivity GPS receiver, which gives you GPS coverage even under dense foliage and in deep canyons. The GPSMAP 76Cx also does away with internal memory. It comes with a 128MB microSD flash memory card, so you can use multiple cards for navigation, or order a larger card to fit a bigger map segment in your unit. You can use the included USB cable to load your maps from your PC.

Considered the mainstay among serious outdoor enthusiasts, the GPSMAP 76Cx and GPSMAP 76CSx offer a large color TFT display and turn-by-turn routing capability. These units also float when dropped in the water. Each unit comes with a blank 128 MB microSD card. Owners of these new x-series handhelds can also purchase new microSD cards that are pre-loaded with MapSource Topo and inland lake maps, BlueChart marine cartography, and City Navigator street maps.

Package Includes: GPSMAP 76Cx unit, 128 MB microSD, USB interface cable, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, Lanyard, Owner's Manual, Quick-Start Guide.

GPS or (Global Positioning System) technology was initially designed to be used by the U.S. military, and is still used by the U.S. Defense Department. A system of satellites sends signals to a GPS system device which then calculates the current position by latitude and longitude. Once the GPS device knows its own position, it can help the user determine direction and distance to other locations.

Garmin's MAP60 CSx is an all-purpose upgradeable handheld locator that lets you load up your own digital maps for better reference. The reflective 256-color display lets you find your way onthe map in almost any lighting. It's got a long-life battery for up to 20 hours of outdoors adventuring. The new MicroSD card slots make it simpler than ever to find those out-of-the-way places - just put them on a MicroSD card and load it up. Internal Memory - 64MB MicroSD Card slot Celestial tables Quad helix antenna Battery life - 20 hours (requires 2 AA batteries) Includes belt clip and USB cable.

The venerable Garmin 60CS just got a whole lot better. The 7.5-ounce GPSMap 60CSx now features an insanely accurate, high-sensitivity GPS receiver by SiRF that tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons. Plus, you get a bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 64 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Add all that to the 60CSx's integrated barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and you've got a unit that is ready to take you anywhere on land or sea.

The 60CSx's 2.6-inch, 256-color TFT color display is designed to present mapping and trip information clearly and accurately in any lighting conditions. Plus, the case is lightweight, rugged, and water resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes). When using two AA alkaline batteries, you'll get up to 20 hours of battery life from the unit. The unit's barometric altimeter system features automatic pressure trend recording while providing current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, and average and maximum ascent and descent rate. Meanwhile, the electronic compass allows you to get accurate headings while standing still.

Another key feature of the 60CSx is the 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions. There's also a large-numbers option for easy viewing, as well as a dual-position display mode.

The 60CSx's trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more. Meanwhile, a fast processor allows the 60CSx to provide quick auto-routing, turn-by-turn directions, and audio alerts when you use the optional MapSource software, which can be stored on the unit's included 64 MB microSD card. Downloading information is quick with the USB or serial port interfaces. Using the dedicated serial port, the 60Cx can share navigation instructions with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots. The four-position rocker pad and dedicated high-use buttons make navigating through the unit's features easy, even when your fingers are cold or wet.

Finally, the GPSMap 60CSx is packed with some extra fun features. An integrated outdoor calendar provides ideal hunting and fishing times, plus moon rise/set/location information. There is a dedicated geocaching mode for those of you into the hot GPS community treasure hunt game. Finally, there are indoor/outdoor GPS games to help you and your friends enjoy the outdoors.

If you like the features of the 60CSx, but don't need an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, check out the Garmin 60Cx.