Clarion EZD580 (EZD 580) Review

Clarion released a very attractive portable GPS navigation device in the EZD580. The design is very sleek with metallic and black trims. It's full of features and is capable of high-demand performance while navigating, such as audio/picture playback and traffic reception.
The Clarion EZD580 has a nice 4.3" widescreen LCD touch-panel. It's amazingly crisp and clear, providing drivers a much easier view of the maps as well as the menus. What we really liked about the EZD580 is the ultra-bright contrasting route-highlight that is highly distinguishable from the rest of the map. This makes navigation much easier in huge cities or metropolitan areas such as New York or Los Angeles. In addition, the graphic user interface of the EZD580 is very modern-looking, giving that "I got a new high-tech gadget" feel when purchased.

The menus and indicators are pretty self-explanatory and simple to use. But what we didn't like were the relatively small navigation tools such as estimated time of arrival, speedometer, and next-step distance. Though it is on a 4.3" screen, small indicators will nonetheless make it much harder for drivers to see and use.
This GPS navigation device features a high-sensitivity SiRF STAR III GPS chipset that is capable of tracking up to 20 GPS signals from orbital satellites, ensuring high-accuracy and maximum coverage wherever you are. With it comes coverage of all 50 US states as well as Canada with 12 million points of interest. In addition, there is text-to-speech technology built-in the Clarion EZD580, allowing the device to speak street names instead of just "Turn left in 500 yards". The Clarion EZD580 could also display lane and posted signs, notifying you of speed limits and various lane changes.
It is also capable of Bluetooth wireless connectivity with your phone, allowing for hands-free phone calls and even streaming audio from a capable mobile device. If you think it's hard to hear the caller, you could even hook up the 3.5mm headphone jack output to your auxiliary input of your existing car audio system for both phone audio and audio/picture playback from an SD card.
The Clarion EZD580 could read both SD and MMC cards and is also High-Capacity Card compatible, allowing users a maximum of 4GB of storage. You could even connect it to your PC and use the EZD580 as a portable card reader. From it, users could play their favorite MP3 or WMA files along with their playlists (.M3U files). Want to show your friends some pictures? Don't worry, the EZD580 also supports JPEG and BMP files, displaying them like an album thumbnails or slideshow.

Last, but not least, the Clarion EZD580 is capable of radio-based RDS-TMC traffic information allowing drivers to be notified of upcoming traffic congestions and incidents. In addition, the Clarion EZD580 could route alternate paths around heavy traffic or accidents, saving precious hours of your day!

When fully charged, the Clarion EZD580 could last up to 4 hours on its own internal power source. This stylish and high-performing GPS navigation device will sure to satisfy your navigation needs and impress you with its versatility as a driver's tool. Look for the Clarion EZD580 as it begins to appear in stores!

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.

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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.

Mio Moov 310 / 300 Review

Note: Mio Moov 310 and Mio Moov 300 are identical with 1 year Traffic messaging service included in the Mio Moov 310

Pros
The Mio Moov 310 is one of the most stylish and feature packed portable GPS navigation system available at such an affordable cost. The Moov 310 features a 4.3" widescreen LCD monitor that is almost 1" bigger than most GPS navigation devices at this price.
The Moov 310 joins a handful of GPS devices that is considered the thinnest on the market, measuring at less than 3/4" thick. The stylish and compact design of the Mio Moov 310 houses a powerful Samsung 400 MHz processor with 1GB of internal memory. This attractive GPS device also features a 20-channel GPS receiver with a SiRFStar III chipset with the new Instant Fix II technology. The processor and the chipset both are new technology that were recently released. Users will be enjoy the incredibly smooth and fast navigation that the Moov 310 has to offer. In addition, this GPS unit has built-in map database, so you won't ever have to shuffle for various SD cards for your maps.

The Mio Moov 310 also features a text-to-speech technology that will give drivers turn-by-turn direction with speech guidance that tells a driver of exact street names. In addition, its internal TeleAtlas-based maps covers all 50 US states as well as Puerto Rico with 3.5 million points of interest. If you need traffic information to be displayed on to the screen, TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) is included with a free 1 year trial subscription on the Mio Moov 310. There is also an SD/MMC card reader as well as a USB port for PC direct connection.

Cons
The downside of the Mio Moov 310 is its inability to play media files. The SD/MMC and the USB port are all for map updates and firmware/software upgrades. But at this low price, you're probably looking for a basic GPS navigation system anyway. If you're not too concern about media playback, the unit is a great stand-alone navigation device.

The battery life of the unit is also relatively short when compared to TomTom's 4+ hours of battery life. The Mio Moov 310 has about 2 hours of battery life, but that's at optimal factory conditions. Expect this number to diminish as you use it more often.

The unit features a small database of 3.5 million points of interest. This is considerably smaller for today's standards. However, 3.5 million is still quite a large number and should cover most of your favorite major-name stores, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and emergency facilities.

Overall
Ultimately, the Mio Moov 310 is worth buying if you're looking for an essential and affordable navigation unit. Expect to find this basic GPS device anywhere from $190-$250.

TomTom GO 730T Review (Tom Tom 730)

The TomTom GO 730T may be considered a more advanced GPS system. It is virtually identical to the TomTom Go 930, except that it does not feature the innovative accelerometer. They're essentially upgrades from the older TomTom Go 920 and 720, but it features a couple of new features. We'll start the review with the current features and end the review with the new features.

The TomTom Go 730T features a very nice 4.3" touchscreen LCD with 400 MHz processor that will definitely eliminate any laggy or sluggish navigation performance. In addition, whereas most GPS navigation devices today features a 16MB or 32MB internal RAM, the TomTom 730T features a larger 64MB RAM with 2GB internal flash memory. The combination of these features sets the TomTom Go 730T far above most navigation units with speed and fluid performance.
There is also an SD and MMC card reader, allowing users to play their favorite music on the TomTom 730T. There is also a built-in FM transmitter that will allow users to use their FM radio to receive music from the TomTom 730T. From experience, it is very difficult to get a clear signal on any FM transmitter built-in a GPS device. Most users will need to really park their car and find the right frequency to set the strongest signal. Don't expect the FM transmitter as the way to listen to your portable media!

A great feature of the TomTom 730T is the ability for it to interface wirelessly with Bluetooth capable devices. This will allow drivers to make hands free phone calls while displaying the caller ID and call status on the unit's 4.3" widescreen display. Don't forget that for Californians, it is mandated by law that drivers use hands-free kits when making phone calls; the law comes into effect July 1, 2008-- giving authorities the right to fine drivers $25 for the first offense and $50 per additional offense.

The TomTom 730T could interact with other TomTom "Buddies"; which are TomTom users capable of networking. Imagine going out and seeing your friends out there-- the unit will indicate where they are! In addition, it is capable of receiving local weather information, traffic condition, and other TomTom Plus add-ons and services.

This portable GPS navigation device is definitely one of the most high-performing GPS devices as of late. The high-tech key features of the TomTom 730T are its innovative Lane Guidance system that notify drivers of actual lane changes on the plotted path. This gives the high something worth buying for as it is virtually unheard of in the GPS world. If that doesn't gain your attention, the TomTom 730T features the unique ability to retrieve historical vehicle speeds within a path, instead of just posted speed limits. This gives the user a much more accurate reading of the fastest route. However, the unit is a bit pricey for the lack of 3.5mm headphone jack auxiliary output. But it does have a lot of fun features that keeps you connected with your TomTom friends, as well as hands free calling.

Note: TomTom 730 is the standard version without traffic services; the TomTom 730T features traffic services

TomTom ONE XL Review (Tom Tom 1)

TomTom recently released the TomTom ONE XL, a stylish new navigation device. The first thing you'll notice about the TomTom ONE XL is its relatively thin design. The market's thinnest GPS devices measure at less than 3/4" thick. The TomTom ONE XL measures at a little bit over an inch, so it's still relatively small. It is an upgrade from the older TomTom ONE model which featured a 3.5" LCD touchscreen display. The TomTom ONE XL features a 4.3" widescreen LCD that is significantly larger and much clearer as well as high contrasting.
Keep in mind that the unit is a very basic unit but it does feature Bluetooth connectivity that is optional with an additional subscription, as well as an SD Card reader that enables any user to update their map database. The TomTom ONE XL does not feature any playback of audio or video files, but it does receive FM radio-based traffic information that updates the displayed map. In addition, the unit could receive weather data of any user selected cities.
Also be advised that the Bluetooth technology is not designed for hands-free calling but only for addition TomTom Plus subscription. It picks up better traffic information through the Plus subscription. This portable GPS navigation device, however, features an SD Card reader that could read up to 2GB of map information.
On the one hand, the unit is a great basic unit that offers plenty of GPS functions; but on the other hand, there really is no other feature that would be attractive to more advanced users. The TomTom ONE XL features a SiRFStar III processor that runs at 266 MHz, which is unfortunately slower than most portable GPS navigation units today. However, there is truly only one function for this unit, which is navigation, so a 266 MHz processor would be adequate with most usage. If you're looking for a basic in-vehicle navigation system, the TomTom ONE XL could be the perfect easy-to-use navigation device for the basic user at under $250.