Garmin Nuvi 205 / 205W Review (nüvi 205 W)

A new release by Garmin coming soon is the Nuvi 205 / 205W, compact and affordable GPS navigation systems. Due to be released in the late second quarter of 2008, these portable navigation devices feature new navigation technology such as a built-in MSN Direct receiver.

Common Features
This new product is quite compact, housing its crisp and clear LCD touchscreen display in a chassis that is under an inch thick. What's nice about any Garmin units, such as this Garmin Nuvi 205 / 205W is the speedy access and GPS satellite lock, providing fast and true real-time navigation without sluggish performance. This is primarily due to its built-in flash memory and the speed of the built-in processor. Most users have never complained about Garmin's inability to respond quickly to navigation and commands, and we don't expect anyone to do so with the Nuvi 205.

The Garmin Nuvi 205 / 205W features Garmin's City Navigator map database which is specialized map database for regions in which you live in. The same Garmin Nuvi 205 will be available in most parts of major European countries such as France, UK, Ireland more. The navigation function of the unit allow users to do 2D or 3D perspective navigation with complete turn-by-turn voice guidance. However, the Nuvi 205 does not feature text-to-speech technology, limiting vocal directions to distance and directional turns without any street or highway names mentioned.

The Nuvi 205 / 205W does, however, feature an MSN Direct receiver that will give users the ability to check on weather, movie times, and even gas prices-- and it's all completely free service. It also features an emergency feature that displays not only your current location but also of nearby emergency facilities such as police stations and hospitals. Of course, with all new Garmin navigation products, users are free to download their own customized icons for their avatar displayed on the screen while navigating. This isn't a make-or-break feature, but it's definitely a fun addition to have.

The Nuvi 205 / 205W do not feature any audio or video media playback other than its built-in picture viewer (JPEG). It is indeed a basic compact navigation device. It weighs around 5 ounces and has a lithium-ion battery capable of lasting a maximum of 4 hours. They both have USB ports for firmware/software updates, possible future map updates, and SD card access from a PC. They both also feature some unique tools such as currency conversion calculator, mathematical calculator, and even clocks that could be adjusted to various world time zones. Last but not least, each of the new Nuvi 205 / 205W GPS navigation units could receive FM-based traffic information.

Differing Features
The Garmin Nuvi 205 features a 3.5" LCD touchscreen display while the Garmin Nuvi 205W features a wider 4.3" LCD screen. The screens are both equally high-resolution and crisp, with great visibility even in bright settings. Though the two screens differ in size, both GPS units are equal in thickness (measuring under 1"). Another difference is the Nuvi 205W SD Card reader where as the smaller, more compact Nuvi 205 features a Micro SD Card reader.

--
The Nuvi 205 / 205W is Garmin's attempt to reach out to the average driver in need of an average navigation unit. The interface is easy to use and the device features key driver-friendly functions. The ability for the units to stay under $200 is already incredible, especially with its traffic and MSN Direct receiver, and a nice anti-theft feature that is common on Garmin products.

Magellan Triton 2000 Review

We realize that hikers need GPS navigation too. Where in the city you would need to navigate the streets, hikers would need to navigate trails. The Magellan Triton 2000 could do both. This hand-held waterproof navigation device is the perfect combination for the multi-dimensional traveler.

Pros
Keep in mind that the unit is a hand-held navigation device, not a mount-style navigation unit. Having said that, a 2.7" LCD touchscreen isn't a bad size. This screen delivers high quality images with brilliant colors and high contrast. The Triton 2000 showcases an array of features that would benefit hikers. One is an integrated LED flashlight that would provide great illumination for late evening treks. Magellan has designed the Triton 2000 to integrate the LED flashlight with minimal power consumption and is built for the battery to last as long as possible.
Another hiker-minded feature of the Triton 2000 is the electronic compass that would give the user an accurate compass reading of a location, whether standing still or hiking. It also has a barometric pressure monitor that provides accurate readings of weather and elevation changes. The Triton 2000 offer users the capability to display topographic maps, as well as marine cartography. In addition, the GPS receiver on the Triton 2000 is also very sensitive and highly accurate; and when coupled with the SiRFstarIII processor, the unit will navigate smooth and lag-free.

Now you're probably thinking "I want to pack light." Don't worry because when you bring the Triton 2000 with you, you wouldn't have to bring your digital camera. The Triton 2000 features a 2 mega pixel built-in camera. Now you can navigate and take pictures with the same unit. This highly versatile portable navigation device has a recorder, a media player, and an SD Card reader that will allow users to upload various topographical or cartographic maps, as well as media files.

Finally, this hiker's GPS navigation device is also capable of being mounted on a bicycle or any vehicle with the purchase of additional accessories. It even has a headphone output jack for an enjoyable hiking experience.

Cons
The price. The unit is expensive, listed at $499 MSRP. If you don't need all the bells and whistles of the Triton 2000, we suggest the Triton 1500, which is $399 MSRP but does not feature the barometric pressure monitor or the built-in digital camera.

Triton Series Comparison Chart

There is also the Triton 500, priced at $249 MSRP. It features everything but a 2.2" LCD display instead of the 2.7", no media playback, no camera, and no audio outputs. The Triton 400 is priced at $199 MSRP with the features of the Triton 500 but with no barometric pressure monitor and no compass sensors. The Triton 300 is set at $149 MSRP with everything Triton 400 features but with no SD card reader. The Triton 200 is set at $129 MSRP, which features similarly as the Triton 300 but with less points of interest.

---

Navigon 2100 MAX (2100MAX) Review

There are so many GPS products out there, it may be increasingly difficult to find which one is better and which is worse. We would argue that instead of finding the answer to the "Which is better?" question, try asking yourself, "What's an important feature for me?"

We say this to stress the point that technology is becoming very universal and with that universality comes universal quality. There isn't really one better than another because there are so many categories that comparison isn't possible unless it is something very objective, such as price and size.
With all that being said, let us introduce to you, the Navigon 2100 MAX. This model is an upgrade of the Navigon 2100. Where last model featured a 3.5" LCD screen this new piece from Navigon features a 4.3" LCD touchscreen display that features a high resolution, vivid colors, and very nice contrast. Of course, all these truly help drivers in seeing the screen while driving in direct sunlight. The Navigon 2100 MAX
features a very attractive design and the screen is encased in a very thin and compact black-gloss finished chassis.

Navigon never specified how many points of interest the unit holds. However, Navigon's unique FreshMaps allow users to update the map and point of interest database on a monthly basis. In this sense, the Navigon 2100 MAX would never be outdated; but we're a little skeptical at how many POIs it actually has.
The Navigon 2100 MAX features a unique Lane Assistant and Reality View that allow drivers a very detailed and up-close look of upcoming lane changes. For drivers in busy metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York, the Lane Assistant will definitely be a greatly appreciated feature that makes driving much safer and easier. It also has text-to-speech technology, that complements the Lane Assistant feature. It'll tell you exact street names and freeway names instead of the vague "Turn left ahead", which is incredibly difficult with 5 left lanes at an interchange for 3 freeway splits. In addition, the Navigon 2100 MAX also features a DirectHelp function that directs a driver to an emergency facility such as hospitals, police stations, or fire stations, with a push of a button.

This portable navigation unit also features the optional add-on that allows it to receive traffic information. It could display your speed (and warns you if you're over the speed limit) and you could also plan your trip before you go out and actually get on the road. Unfortunately the unit does not play any sort of media nor does it have any secondary audio outputs such as a headphone jack or FM transmitter.

For all these unique navigation features and its stylish design, the Navigon 2100 MAX is relatively inexpensive with an MSRP set at $299. The only thing we're concerned about is its inability to playback audio and video files and the unspecified POI, which usually means it does not have a whole lot. If you're looking for a straight-up navigation device, the Navigon 2100 MAX offers innovative and incredibly helpful guidance through the busiest interchange in North America.

TomTom GO 930 (Tom Tom 930) Review

TomTom will soon be releasing their new main battle tank, the Go 930. It will definitely be one of the coolest GPS navigation we've seen as of yet and its features will surely impress even the most novice GPS user.

The unit features a standard 4.3" LCD touchscreen display with an excellent color depth, contrast, and visibility. It's quite impressive how clear the navigation is and it truly complement its other features. This portable GPS unit is for the most part a slight upgrade from TomTom's previous release, the Go 920. However, the Go 930 features IQ Route technology which measures not posted speed limit, but what actual speed of vehicles travel at; and as a result, this will give drivers a much more accurate estimated time of arrival.

The TomTom Go 930 also features Advanced Lane Guidance technology that makes complex interchanges much easier to manage. This is a great feature to have if you live in busy metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, etc. The technology simulates the driver's point of view as the vehicle approaches an upcoming interchange. It will then indicate which lane to take, as well as the correct offramp/onramp.

Since the TomTom Go 930 is an upgrade from the TomTom Go 920, much of its features are identical, except the entire casing is black, high-gloss painted rather than the silver coat.

It does feature the same 400MHz processor, which will allow high-speed response rate while navigating. It also has 64MB RAM memory with 4GB of internal flash memory that is primarily used for navigation data. The SD/MMC Card reader could even expand the capabilities of the unit by allowing other media files to be played in the GPS unit. The GPS receiver is also a highly sensitive receiver that will unlikely to drop any GPS satellite signals. The TomTom Go 930 could pick up RDS-TMC traffic signal for up-to-date traffic information that could be displayed while navigating through traffic hot spots.

What's great about the TomTom 930 are its built-in FM transmitter as well as its integrated Bluetooth technology that allow users to do hands-free calling by using the on screen phonebook and dial pad.

The TomTom 930 has great features, but it also comes with a great price. Expect this newly released portable GPS unit will be priced at around $500.

Jensen NVXM1000 (Rock N Road) Review

It is truly a pleasant surprise to see Jensen make it in the GPS navigation competition, but are their products worth the buzz? Debuting this quarter, the NVXM1000, AKA “Rock-N-Road” is a portable GPS navigation device with lots of rare features.
You’ll notice its screen is the standard portable GPS size, measuring at 4”. It is an LCD touchscreen display and it is capable of displaying both maps and digital media information. The colors and contrast depth is pretty average, and not enough to impress. There’s just something about the color. It’s not bad, but it has rather that dull look. From our experience, un-contrasting colors and less sharp images on portable navigation devices tend to be hard to see in direct sunlight. This may be quite problematic for those who travel often during rush hour when the sun is right in the line of sight of the navigation device.

However, with that put aside, the NVXM1000 does present itself well with several interesting and useful features. You’ll notice that on its left side it has two slots: one for an SD Card undoubtedly, but one for another similarly-shaped port that’s slightly bigger. This larger port is for an XM Radio mini tuner, which acts much like an SD Card. The mini-tuner is sold separately, but to have this feature means that you instantly have the option to having an XM radio in your vehicle, or wherever you go, thanks to this XM Satellite radio ingenuity. This means that users will have 170 XM channels as well as XM NavTraffic—a feature that allow drivers to check local real-time traffic reports.

The navigation unit is a NavTeq based system with over 11 million points of interest. It has maps of the United States as well as Canada. However, we are a little bit concerned of its processor. The Rock-N-Hard navigation unit only features a 300MHz Atlas II processor. In our experience anything slower than 400MHz tends to perform sluggishly and would frustrate drivers in busy locations such as metropolitan areas. In addition, for a unit that boasts 11 million POIs in 8GB of internal hard drive space, it only features a 64MB RAM. So now you have a slow processor, with a ton of things to do and display.

Another bad aspect of the NVXM1000 is its awkward shape. It’s not a great symmetrical design, and makes mounting a harder task, especially for those of us who wish to have a more integrated look in our vehicles.
The NVXM1000 Rock-N-Road has great concept ideas, but needs to implement these ideas with better components and features. It’s also a bit expensive for its bulkiness. Its design appear to have come from the 1990s and doesn’t present itself to be impressive.

Harman Kardon GPS-810 Review

This is arguably the crown jewel of portable navigation. Of course, you can't really expect anything less from a top tier company like Harman Kardon. The Harman Kardon GPS-810 features an incredibly thin casing, with a width measuring no more than ¾" thick. With this kind of style, you'll definitely impress your friends with how good your dashboard will look after you mount one of these.

Display Features
It features a very bright and daylight-readable 4.3" LCD display, capable of down-scaling pictures as large as 4096 x 3072 pixels. The built-in GPS system is capable of displaying US, Puerto Rico, and Canada maps without additional mediums such as a disc or a flash card. In addition, it features a blazing fast 532 MHz i.MX31L processor. The combination of the two will give users quick response and calculations from starting point to destination. You can be sure that the unit will also have a fast refresh rate so that you won't see much lag at all when navigating through high speed freeways.

Navigation Features
Whereas typical GPS Navigation have 1 to 6 million points of interest, the GPS-810 features an internal memory that holds over 12 million points of interest. With the vast amount of locations stored internally, you are most likely to find the most current directional and address guides to your favorite landmarks, restaurants, and of course, gas stations. What is amazing is the unit's 16-channel GPS receiver (which is by the way capable of receiving traffic messages). The 16-channel receiver could lock on to 16 different orbital GPS satellites and makes sure that you won't lose reception where ever you are.

Compatibility
This portable unit is also capable of playing music files in AAC, MP3, WMA, WMV, and WMA with WM-DRM10 (Digital Rights Management) format. In addition, it will display album art and you could play music while you're navigating. I know what you may be thinking. You're thinking "why would I want to play music through the small built-in tin-can speakers?" But instead you could use its included FM modulator or its 3.5mm auxiliary output, and you would be able to hear digital quality music through your existing audio system. Moreover, if you insert an SD Card, the unit is capable of file transfers from your computer through the USB connection.

Bluetooth Features
The GPS-810 also features a built-in Bluetooth connection that displays caller ID and call status on the 4.3" LCD display. This will allow you to communicate through either its built-in audio or through your car's audio system with either the FM or auxiliary connection. It could even synchronize your cell phone's phonebook and will display any contact information on the screen for easy-to-navigation access.

Wireless Remote
To top it all off, the Harman Kardon GPS-810 includes a wireless remote. This is my favorite feature because it does not force me to lean over or reach forward to access the unit. Instead it's sensitive and easy-to-use remote is very familiar to use and could even be mounted anywhere it is convenient for you such as the center console or your door-side arm rest console.

With such great features, this Harman Kardon unit stands as one of the best GPS portable navigation unit as of first quarter 2008. It's going to be tough finding similarly featured as well as similarly performing competitors, especially with a price tag of less than $400, this premium quality navigation unit. It's worth every penny and you won't ever regret your purchase!

Click here to compare GPS prices from different stores