Nuvi

Are voice commands on GPS worth it?: Ask the Editors

Q: I am writing to ask you about what GPS device is the best for someone interested in traffic updates (preferably free), as well as Bluetooth capability. I also like the idea of Lane Assist because I fear missing exits. Also, is the voice response option really a practical one at this phase? Hope to hear from you soon. --Alex via e-mail

A: Hi Alex. I'll start with your last question first. Voice command functionality is just starting to show up in portable navigation devices, letting you enter addresses and perform some other tasks simply by speaking to the GPS. As with any new technology, I can understand your apprehension. Is it good enough? Is it actually useful? In other words, is it ready for prime time?

In the case of voice commands and GPS, it's not quite there yet. The idea behind it is good. The ability to enter addresses and perform certain functions with the sound of your voice would seemingly save you the time and trouble of going through various menus and tapping onscreen buttons to achieve the same goal.

Being able to do things like increase system volume and zoom in on maps via voice commands is particularly useful since you can keep your hands on the wheel instead of reaching over to fiddle around with your PND's touch screen.

However, in practice, the technology still needs some work. Voice command functionality is available on a handful of GPS models, such as the TomTom GO 930 and the Magellan Maestro 4250, but of the current offerings, there are only two models where I'd consider the voice command feature satisfactory: the Garmin Nuvi 880 and Navigon 7200T.

These two systems returned fairly accurate results when dictating addresses, and the Nuvi 800 had the bonus of offering 30 voice commands to perform other functions, including volume control and activating the hands-free speaker system. Unfortunately, they're also on the pricier side ($700 to $1,000 for the Garmin and $300 to $500 for the Navigon), and I wouldn't say the voice command functionality is so great that it's worth the extra expense. … Read more

Getting lost with a GPS? Unfortunately, yes

When the road disappeared after a hairpin turn, I knew this was definitely not going according to plan.

Then again, nothing about our evening ride back to San Francisco was turning out as expected, a source of no small irritation to my increasingly irritated wife.

Let me back up.

When it comes to finding my way, I'm no Daniel Boone, but I'm not a complete dork, either. Inside the family, there's no small difference of opinion about that claim. For the sake of matrimonial harmony, I'll leave it at that. (Though for the record: my wife'… Read more

BPAV has the Garmin nuvi 785T - GPS Navigator for $558.20, after $141.79 savings.

Save $141.79 on the Garmin nuvi 785T - GPS Navigator from BPAV >> Regular price is $699.99 >> Sale price is $558.20 >> Savings $141.79 (20.26%) >> Click here for deal

An in-car GPS built for walking: Ask the Editors

Q: If you had to pick a walking-tour-guide GPS for a first-timer walking in New York City, but wanted to use a basic GPS auto navigation system, what would you buy? Are crossover systems any good? We are visiting NYC for Valentines Day weekend and don't want to get lost! --Bill via e-mail

A: Bill, I've found that crossover GPS units aren't exactly what they advertise. These portable navigation devices, such as the Magellan CrossoverGPS and Garmin Nuvi 500, try to be all-in-one GPS solutions for drivers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it's been my experience … Read more

Garmin Nuvi 885T adds enhanced MSN Direct services

On Wednesday, Garmin expanded its Nuvi line of GPS devices at CES 2009 with the introduction of the Garmin Nuvi 885T. The high-end Nuvi 885T adds lane assistance with junction view and enhanced MSN Direct services.

The new MSN Direct capabilities include the ability to check the status of your flight (departures and arrivals), more advanced weather information, enhanced movie listing information and continued support for real-time traffic data, fuel prices, and more. Meanwhile, the added junction view presents you with details on upcoming turns with accompanying arrows and road sign detail.

The Garmin Nuvi 885T comes preloaded with maps … Read more

Route simulation on GPS: Ask the Editors

Q: 1. Is there any in-car GPS that allows me to review the route from start to finish without driving, once I input destination address in the device? If yes, which portable navigation device (PND) lets me review the route before actually driving? - Wize Chap via e-mail

A: Dear Wize Chap, turns out you have a lot of choices. Most in-car GPS offers route simulation or fly-over simulation (the name varies by manufacturer) that provides a running demo of your route from a bird's-eye view. It's useful in that it gives you an overall idea of what … Read more

Amazon.com has the Garmin Nuvi 670 for $348.08, after a $751.91 savings.

Amazon.com has the Garmin Nuvi 670 for $349, after a $751.91 savings. >> Regular price is $1099.99 >> Sale price is $348.08 >> Savings $751.91 (68.36%) >> Click here for deal

GPS for Europe: Ask the Editors

Q: I will be going to Italy next month, and I am being told that the Budget Rental Car does not have a GPS option. I am very nervous about not having help on the Italian roads. Can you recommend the right mapping system for Italy? Does the Magellan Maestro 4040 work in Italy? Any help would be appreciated. I only have a very limited budget to purchase a device, and don't need anything fancy. --Michael, via e-mail

A: Hi Michael. Driving in a completely new territory, especially in a foreign country, can definitely be nerve-wracking so I think … Read more

Garmin Nuvi 500 has multiple personalities

For those movers and shakers who cruise on four wheels, two wheels, by sea, and even hit the pavement with their own two feet, we've got a do-it-all GPS unit for you. The new Garmin Nuvi 500 series, which consists of the Nuvi 500 and the Nuvi 550, has multiple modes that let you use the portable navigation device (PND) in the car, on a boat, on foot, or strapped to a bicycle. Both models feature a rugged design, waterproof casing, and accept different types of map via an SD expansion slot, including topographic maps and Blue Chart cartography … Read more