Garmin GPS FAQ
Over the past decade, American electronics manufacturer Garmin has emerged as one of the major designers and marketers of portable GPS navigation devices. Garmin's GPS receivers come with a host of options and are divided into model lines for different types of use.
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Product Lines
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The main Garmin product line for GPS navigation in an automobile is the Nuvi series. There are dozens of Nuvi models available, with new versions replacing old ones every few months. The Nuvi series largely replaced the StreetPilot series in the mid-2000s.
Garmin also produces the zumo series, which are marketed for use on motorcycles. These are similar to the Nuvi series but feature more durable cases that can absorb the shock of motorcycle driving. They are also waterproof and come with mounting hardware to attach them to a motorcycle rather than to the interior of a car.
Another notable product from Garmin is the Nuvifone. This is a smart phone that runs on the 3G network and combines Garmin's GPS navigation system with a wifi, touchscreen cell phone.
Features
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Within the Nuvi line, Garmin offers everything from simple, entry-level GPS units to much more advanced systems. All of Garmin's GPS units sold in America come with pre-loaded maps of the United States. Maps of Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Europe are included on some higher-end models and can be downloaded from Garmin's website for a fee to be added to other units.
Many of Garmin's GPS units also feature "text-to-speech," which allows the GPS receiver to speak the name of streets as part of its turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
Garmin Nuvis also feature an SD memory card slot that allows them to store and display photos and MP3s.
Does Garmin offer traffic monitoring?
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Garmin offers two different forms of real-time traffic monitoring as part of optional subscription-based services. These systems inform drivers of traffic delays and suggest alternate routes.
The original Garmin traffic monitoring system was based on an FM receiver that connected to locally broadcast information streams. This sort of traffic monitoring is available for a monthly fee.
More recent Garmin models feature a digital receiver that connects to Microsoft's MSN Direct service. This subscription service not only streams traffic information to the GPS but also provides weather forecasts, movie times, and other information of interest.
Differences From Other Brands
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Garmin's line of Nuvi navigation units are relatively similar to the GPS devices offered by other major makers such as Tom Tom, Megellan, Mio, and Lowrance. Most offer GPS units with similar features at a variety of price points. One area where Garmin has attempted to distinguish itself is with its maps and navigation software. In side-by-side testing, Garmin devices often find the fastest routes by using more up-to-date maps. Owners of a Garmin GPS device can download new maps as they become available from Garmin's website for a one-time fee.
Garmin's maps also include thousands of points of interest, such as hospitals, restaurants, parks, entertainment venues and retail stores. These are also updated in each subsequent map release.
Garmin devices are also among the most reliable mechanically and experience relatively few computer glitches. One area where users tend to complain about Garmin GPS devices is in terms of their mounting hardware. The suction mounts that come with most Garmin GPS receivers are rather flimsy and many drivers choose to replace them with sturdier, more expensive aftermarket cradles and mounts.
Other GPS Products
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Besides its Nuvi and zumo devices, Garmin offers several GPS devices with specialty applications as well. The Garmin Foretrex series is designed for off-road use, either in an off-road vehicle or while hiking. These devices offer simple operation, long battery life, and additional features such as an altitude meter and electronic compass. The Garmin Dakota, Oregon, and Colorado are higher end off-road GPS devices that also include mapping features.
The Garmin Approach is a GPS device designed for golfers. It is a waterproof unit that comes pre-loaded with maps of major golf courses and included a digital scorecard feature.
The Garmin Marine network is a separate GPS network and series of devices designed for use on boats and personal watercraft. Garmin also produces a line of aviation GPS devices.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Cabfdb, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garmin_nuevi_250.jpg
