2007 may have been the year of the GPS, but it sure wasn't the year of real-time traffic information.

The lure of real-time traffic awareness is nothing short of driving bliss; your less informed automotive brethren drive straight into a 45-minute traffic delay, woefully unaware that they could have taken any number of alternate routes and avoided the holdup altogether. You, on the other hand, have been alerted by your fancy, traffic-enabled GPS, and have intelligently avoided the whole mess, arriving at your destination refreshed and on-time!

That's the promise behind real-time traffic data. The reality is that real-time traffic data is rarely "real-time", coverage areas are limited to a select few cities, and it's pretty unlikely that your GPS will route you around a traffic jam.

Continue reading "Disappointment of the Year: Real-Time Traffic" »

Posted by Fletch at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

While LG made an impressive effort with their first GPS device, the LN740, they are really trying to up the anti with the new LN790.

This upgrade to the LN740 feature a 4.3" screen (vice the LN740's 4"), adds Bluetooth technology and video playback, plus features all of the regular goodness such as voice guidance and street name announcements with millions of points of interests. You will also have access to real-time traffic data in 50 U.S. cities.

Continue reading "LG Releases LN790" »

Posted by Michael at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (32)

Sure, Garmin holds over 50 percent of the US market for GPS devices today, but how is the company going to maintain its edge in the face of increased competition, cell-phone based GPS navigation, and general price erosion.

Newsweek sat down with executives from Garmin to discuss the companies future. Spoiler alert: Garmin executives insist they're not worried, and the future is very, very bright.

Continue reading "Can Garmin Hold On to The #1 Spot?" »

Posted by Michael at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

GPS navigation devices have grown over the last several years to many affordable units readily available to any willing consumer. However, did you know that navigation devices were available as early as 1981.

Back in 1981 Honda offered a “non-satellite-guided system." According to GrandJDM, You choose a plastic map from the guide book, insert it into the machine, place an "X" on your current position and then a gas gyroscope measures the car's movement, plotting your course.

Continue reading "Honda's 1981 In-Car Navigator is Seriously Old School" »

Posted by Michael at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

According to an article in yesterday's NY Times, GPS devices were the "hottest technology purchase in the week ending on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving." Consumers dropped about $100 million on GPS units that week, a 237 percent increase over last year's sales numbers.

The average selling price of a GPS dropped 53 percent this year, with an average device selling for $171 (vs. $322 last year). The article goes on to say that more people are buying GPS devices this year than PCs, and, despite an overall slowing of tech sales, GPS sales are stronger than ever, beating out LCD televisions, MP3 players, plasma tvs, and digital cameras.

The Times also says that it's quite possible retailers will slash prices even further as Christmas approaches, and that bargain hunters might be well served to wait until the very last minute to buy a GPS this year.

Posted by Fletch at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

It's here! Whether you're a starving student or a money-is-no-object type, GPSmagazine has the info you need to buy the right GPS this holiday.

It's good news for GPS shoppers this year; prices have dropped steadily, and it's now possible to buy a decent GPS for under $200, and even the more expensive units are considerably cheaper than last year's round-up.

Continue reading "GPSmagazine 2007 Holiday Buyer's Guide" »

Posted by Fletch at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Verdict: Some neat features, but frustrating and difficult to use.

Navigon has supplied the software that runs many GPS devices for years, and the company itself has been around since 1991. Now the German based company is releasing a line of Navigon branded GPS units, and is hoping to differentiate its product lineup by offering some unique features not found on other models. Navigon has released the 2100, 5100, and 7100 models, targeted at the entry level, mid-range, and high-end, respectively.

Navigon's 7100 looks promising on paper, offering features like integrated Zagat restaurant ratings, lane guidance, free lifetime traffic data, and photo-realistic 3D images of junctions. With a suggested retail price of $649, Navigon's 7100 faces some stiff competition, pitting the 7100 squarely against Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom. How does Navigon's high-end 7100 stack up? Read on.

Continue reading "Navigon 7100 Review" »

Posted by Fletch at 1:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (31)