Have you heard of Garmin Nuvi GPS systems? There is a good chance that you have due to their immense popularity. I bet you’re wondering why they are so popular though. There are a lot of reasons. One is that they have a great reputation for offering extremely accurate and reliable navigation instruction under extreme conditions. Another reason they are popular is because they have a ton of additional features that make using them fun. Even more, some people love these devices because they come in such a stylish package that they make the cars you place them in look good.

The Models

There are over 30 varieties of Garmin Nuvi GPS systems. In this article, we will look at seven models that seem to be more popular among both consumers and reviewers. Though the descriptions will be brief, they will give you a better idea of the standout features that make each model both unique and appealing to customers.

200 – This device is more moderately priced than some of the others, costing around the same price as its model number. But because it has a lower price doesn’t mean it is skimping on the features. If you like to travel within or outside of the continental United States you can do both thanks to its preloaded maps of the 48 continental states, as well as those for Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It comes with an extensive POI database, 2D and 3D maps, turn-by-turn voice navigation, and tools like a picture view, world travel clock and currency converter, making it more than a navigation device.

250 – The Garmin Nuvi GPS 250 is a small step up in price from the 200 but offers a huge leap in features. For example, the preloaded map database is broadened considerably to give you coverage of North America and Europe. It also has 2D and 3D maps, turn-by-turn voice instruction, and POIs. Even more, you get the picture viewer, world travel clock, currency converter and measurement converter for no extra charge.

250W – If you like the features you get from the 250 but need a wide screen then you might want to get your hands on the 250W. It has the same features as the 250, but with a 4.3-inch screen instead of a 3.5-inch screen. If you have vision problems or simply like the look of a bigger screen then this is the choice for you.

350 – This model is often advertised as a pocked-sized personal travel assistant. This is because it is much more than just a navigation device. For example, in addition to the street maps, POIs, and turn-by-turn instruction, you get an optional FM TMC traffic receiver, as well as entertainment features such as a MP3 player, audio book player, picture view, language translator, anti-theft feature, and a lot more.

360 – Also considered a pocket-sized travel assistant, the 360 gives you all of the features you love about the 350 with one extra – Bluetooth technology. With this Garmin Nuvi GPS system, you can go anywhere, enjoy your extras, and even talk to your friends hands-free without ever having to pick up your phone. Even more, when you scroll through the POI database you can call any of the locations with 1-touch dialing.

660 – This is probably the most popular Garmin Nuvi GPS system on the market. It is well known for all of its features, which include everything listed in the above models with a few more. Some include a FM transmitter, traffic alerts for road construction, a 4.3-inch large touchscreen display, customizable POIs, turn-by-turn voice navigation with street names called out, and language translation.

850 – Stepping it up a notch is the Garmin Nuvi GPS 850, an advanced navigator with speech recognition that let’s you make menu selections verbally, a widescreen display, FM translator, and tons of preloaded maps. Even more, by using the “Where am I?” function, you can ask this simple question to the device and it will give you your exact latitude and longitude coordinates on the map then give you the closest police stations, hospitals, fuel stations, addresses and more. If you want to plan your route ahead of time, you can save up to 10 routes in the system before you even leave your house. It will simulate the turns and give you an electronic bread crumb trail to tell you where you’ve been.

This list of Garmin Nuvi GPS systems is definitely not complete. But it does give you a good idea of the great features you can expect from these devices. So take the time to look over the Garmin Nuvi GPS devices on the market. You are guaranteed to find the one you love.

By: Jeffrey Meier

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Best Sport GPS Systems Available

With the business of logistics becoming more and more competitive, the use of GPS systems in trucks is increasingly common. A GPS system fitted to a truck will mean that the transportation company will be able to track all their loads throughout their journeys. This will ensure a clear picture of where their vehicles are and they will be able to track their progress as they deliver their goods. Customers waiting for deliveries can then be given a reliable report of progress and a definite expected time of delivery.

The technology which allows the use of GPS systems in trucks is now commonplace and the price of such equipment is decreasing all the time. In fact, you will now find many cars fitted with similar devices in an attempt to combat theft. Many logistics companies have now decided that the cost of the equipment is justifiable as the benefits are clear. These benefits go well beyond just knowing the whereabouts of their trucks. A GPS system will also feed information back to base regarding the speed that the vehicles are travelling. This can be important in reducing speeding and therefore reducing the risk of fines.

Another important benefit of fitting GPS systems in trucks is as an aid to navigation. As the information regarding the whereabouts of your fleet is fed to your central dispatch office, you will be able to give detailed directions to your drivers. This could be vital if you have information regarding road closures or traffic hold ups. Such details could be the difference between making a delivery on time and suffering the consequences of being late. If you are responsible for the long distance movement of perishable goods, for example, this could save your load being spoiled. Details on navigational systems are fed into the computer, including the size of the vehicles. Information such as this can be important as allowances can be made for manoeuvrability though small town. Details such as vehicle size are also important when it comes to narrow roads, low bridges or stretches of road with weight restrictions. A satellite navigation and positioning system will be of great help in the direction of vehicles in such circumstances.

Now that technology is moving on at such a rate, some companies are installing GPS systems in trucks that not only track the whereabouts of their fleet but are also letting the central dispatch office know of problems that the vehicles may be suffering. Some are fitted to the trucks main systems and will give a technical readout directly to the office or vehicle maintenance office. Although this is obviously more costly than a straightforward tracking system, it is considered to be a worthwhile investment for many of the larger companies.

Despite the initial outcry of the drivers to accept the use of GPS systems in trucks, due to the possible invasion of privacy, they are a natural step on from the old cardboard tacho systems that they replace. They are, however, a huge step when it comes to the efficient running of a logistics department.

By: Candis Reade

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Best Sport GPS Systems Reviewed

I still carry a paper map in my car. I also know that I am among the few to do so. Nowadays, many people have shelled out the couple of hundred dollars necessary to carry a portable GPS system in their vehicles, which they happily affix to the windshield of their car. Still, others will pay upwards of thousands of dollars to have their vehicles come with built in GPS software. Like I said; I carry a paper map. In some ways, however, having a GPS is much more convenient- if not more accurate than having a paper map.

While having a paper map only costs $15 versus $250, it is not always as accurate as having a GPS system. In this day and age, there are more people populating cities across the country. Not only this, but in addition to an increased population; increased population means that there are constantly new homes being built on new streets that never existed before. Therefore, GPS systems are quicker to update you on areas that before were never populated. Paper maps simply cannot keep up. I would certainly not want to be caught in the middle of the day or night trying to find a street on a map that doesn’t exist because my map is “old”.

GPS systems are also extremely helpful in the fact that they reduce the distraction of you, the driver, having to think while you are driving. What do I mean by this? GPS systems provide turn-by-turn directions audibly to guide you to where you are going. What’s even better is the fact that if you accidentally miss your turn, the GPS will not only pick up on this, it will actually re-direct you! What a novel idea! There are also GPS systems that have voice recognition built in. You can upload the GPS system with the names, addresses and phone numbers of loved ones and then talk to your GPS system to tell it to call someone or give you directions to someone’s house.

So, have we seen the death of paper maps? No, not yet. People still purchase paper maps on an as-needed basis. For instance, if they are renting a car or have forgotten their GPS or don’t want to bring their GPS system with them for fear of it being stolen or somehow getting damaged. GPS systems have only increased in popularity in the past couple of years. As they become more and more affordable for the everyday person, I am sure that it will only be a matter of time before everyone and their mother has one. For some older people, GPS systems are a little too “technological” for them. They have trouble figuring out how to use all of the buttons and features. I know of one person who is in their 50s and received a portable GPS unit from her son because she is bad with directions. However, that GPS unit has stayed in the middle console of her car, untouched.

By: Brenda Williams

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