Sep 17, 2008

Getting Lost Will Get Harder

If you’ve used in-car navigation systems as extensively as we have, you likely have been in a situation in which the nav system is advising you -- in a friendly, personable voice -- to exit on a right-hand off-ramp while you are stuck maddeningly in the left lane and can’t cross over without imminent peril to your life. Left exits, right exits, carpool-only exits simply exacerbate the problem.

Now, to the rescue is the Garmin nüvi 700 series of GPS navigation devices. With a lane-assist feature, the nüvi 7x5 series provides drivers with a clear illustration of what lies ahead on their route. Says Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales: “The lane-assist view takes the guesswork out of driving through a busy intersection or an unfamiliar city. Drivers will no longer have to speculate which turn lane to be in, or what lane leads to which exit -- that’s nüvi’s job.”

The navigation units are designed to deliver clear guidance on a 4.3-inch touch screen that details upcoming maneuvers and specific driving directions, including road sign detail and arrows indicating the proper lane for navigation. In some areas, a 3-D transparent view of buildings appears, giving drivers a more realistic depiction of their location. The nüvi 7x5 series also features accelerated map-drawing and routing capabilities and makes screen zooming even smoother than before.

The nüvi 755T, 765T and 775T will come standard with a traffic receiver that provides lifetime traffic alerts in coverage areas from NAVTEQ Traffic. The cost of the traffic receiver is included with the purchase of these devices, so no subscription fee is required. The nüvi 765T adds Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and supports a powerful advanced audio amplifier for a stereo Bluetooth connection. For transatlantic travel, nüvi 775T adds mapping of North America and Europe. The nüvi 785T features an MSN Direct receiver with trial subscription that includes updated information about traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes and local events. The nüvi 795T finds radio stations that are playing your favorites songs, drives you to work hands-free and chooses the correct mutual funds for your portfolio depending upon your age and when you’d like to retire.

Unfortunately, Garmin has no plans to sell the 795T anytime soon.