Garmin today announced seven new nuvi GPS models: three new 2x5T models and three new 7X5T versions. Before you yawn at the thought of yet more Garmin nuvi GPS models, the new units are actually delivering some exciting new features.
All the new nuvis will include free lifetime traffic - no more subscription or annual fees. The new 2x5T models add Bluetooth and traffic to the nuvi 250 series. The new 7x5T models are the first Garmin models to feature lane assistance, accelerated map-drawing and routing capabilities, and 3-D transparent view of buildings in when driving in cities.
 |
 |
Here's the details on the seven new nuvis introduced today:
I wonder why only 785 uses MSN Direct? And is this MSN Direct Plus?
Otherwise, these new features look nice. The transparent maps are similar to Google Maps in 3D mode. Cool feature, and could see how it could be useful to know what a building looks like, or to get your bearings based on your surroundings.
What traffic system to they use? Does the MSN Direct model have the option of using the MSN traffic or (I'm assuming) the other model's TDS radio system?
The traffic information for these new devices will be provided by NavTeq, with the exception of the 785T, which will come standard with MSN Direct information.
The traffic receiver for these new products will be a 12v adapter, but will not be sold as an accessory for existing products.
Question is at this point, which traffic provider has better coverage and more up-to-date information (MSN or NAVTEQ)?
Seems like only ONE model has MSN. The most expensive model has NAVTEQ but w/Transatlantic mapping (yet a lower model number than the MSN unit). I sometimes find it hard to figure out Garmin's marketing strategy with their model numbers vs. features.
Will the the 7x5 series include the Custom Route Avoidance and Detour Prompt feature that are sorely missing from all the previous Nuvi's including the 6x0 and 7x0 except for the 5000 and 8X0?
I don't care about the Voice Command of the 880 but had been thinking about upgrading from my 780 for the Custom Avoidance & Detour prompt features. But Lane Assist, 3D Reality View and A2DP streaming to BT Headset and lower reatail pricing are more important to me than the Voice Command. So I hope that these new 7x5 units also have the Custom Avoidance and Detour Prompt features.
Also looking at the 8x5 Product Landing Strip it looks like the 8x5 only comes with 3 month trial of MSN Direct and not lifetime.
Lifetime only appears to including with the Navteq RDS Traffic service.
Does anyone know how this compares to Clearchannel TMC?
The specs on Garmin's site include Route Avoidance and "Auto Re-Route" for detour (may not be the same as you putting in a specific amount of miles for the detour). This was listed for the 7 series.
Model numbering is actually fairly simplefor all the fairly recent models. x5x indicates no bluetooth, x6x is bluetooth, x7x is dual-continent maps and x8x is MSN included. As for traffic, MSN is preferable IMO, IF you are in a solid MSN coverage area. The extra services are well worth it. But you need to check coverage maps before committing to either service.
Given that the new units will have lifetime traffic services, I wonder: if you buy the nuvi 785, for example, would you be able to use the same MSN/12v adapter on your subsequent nuvi GPS purchase and continue to get MSN Direct (for free)?
The Free Traffic is not available on the 785. it only comes with 3 month trial. My father's 680 at leat came with a 12 month trial.
I spoke with a Garmin Tech Rep who has tested the new units and stated the reason why they are offering Free Traffic on these new units is that it is "AD SUPPORTED".
He stated that "you will receive bearly noticeable Pop up Ads".
In the past year and half, I have gone from a PPC>660>680>780 and was about to go to an 880 for(which I will now put on hold).
I could care less about the "Voice Command" but wanted the Custom Route Avoidance and Detour Prompt feature that had been sorely missing from NUVI Line.
My Garmin Contact has informed me that once again these will not be on the new 7x5 Line.
So now i need to decide which is more important: Lane assist or custom avoidance and detour prompt.
Th
I bought a new 880 about 2 weeks ago and now Garmin has pulled this about giving the traffic for free. This is not right, they should put out an update for all the models that have traffic capabilities.
I tend to agree - if I had just shelled out $900 for a nuvi 880, I'd want the new features delivered by way of a firmware update. Even if I had to pay for a "feature pack" or something.
As I understand Garmin position regarding forward compatibility or benifits, you are buying and paying for the product at the time of purchase with no promise to be able to update or add new features going forward and no promise of capability with future new hardware.
Hardware price and memory is going down so how can Garmin guarantee next year lower pricing for hardware or software development today?
If they did, they would not sell any new units.
There is a new Numap process that allows free map update from time of first satellite reception for 60 days there after. So if your BestBuy or Costco customers turn a Garmin unit on and return it, they will not be able to resell the same unit since it can sit on the shelve for many months before it is resold and you will not be entitle the next customer to the free map update, since the unit was turn on and satellite was acquired lets say 61 days ago.
Look at it this way, Garmin is doing everything they can to take care of customers and we all want next year features and hardware now and not be charge for it, but in theory that would be a wonderful idea for Garmin to consider from a customer relation standpoint, but in reality Garmin stock holders will not allow such foolish action after they lost so much money already. My friends and family purchased Garmin stock at $105 so I am hearing an ear full all the time for even recommending Garmin stocks.
I have to pay for new products also, so I am in the same boat as everyone else, well almost.
Good point - but I do think Garmin could make some nice incremental revenue by offering to sell a "feature pack" or upgrade to existing customers.
If you think about it, no one who just bought a $900 nuvi 880 is going to downgrade to a nuvi 780 and pay another $700. Nor is anyone who just bought a nuvi 760 likely to shell out the full purchase price again and buy a 765 just for the new features. However, I'd wager a lot of owners would be willing to pay $49 - $100 to be able to install the new features on their existing units. It could represent a lot of untapped revenue for Garmin, in my opinion.
They bought at $105??? Heck I bought at $42 and thought I'm screwed. It was $38 last I looked.
I bought it based on popularity along with their aviation systems. That and I own several Garmin units and like them. However, speaking as a stockholder, I don't like that they fell behind TomTom. The advance lane guidance was so attractive to me that I bought a TomTom 930. Anybody want a slightly used one, with a traffic cable???
I'm not understanding why you said to return the item if you are a Best Buy customer. Why would you want too? And why just those two retailers?
Fletch, I already ask Garmin about noticeably missing on the new product announcement is the MP3, Audio books, Picture viewer and FM transmitter that allows the audio command to come through the factory speaker. I am not sure if someone forgot to put these features in or has it been eliminated? Any update information, I don't have a unit yet. Wonder how the rest of the crowd will feel when the 855 and 885 comes available. We can just keep waiting till after Christmas when they have these huge returns and blowing units out the door at a 25-40% discount because they don't wish to take it back.
I also understand the 2009 maps may not be as up to date as the new Magellan 4350's but who cares right?
The press release seems to only highlight what's new in the new 2x5 and 7x5 untis, so I'm assuming all the multimedia features and FM transmitter are unchanged from previous 200 and 700-series units.
I bought a new nüvi 760 about 3-4 weeks ago and now I'm kinda mad about all these new features. I mean, I live in a small town with about 40,000 people. I don't really need traffic but it's nice to have. Also, I wish that Garmin would release a firmware update for at least the land assist. Do you think that lane assist will be included in the next map update NAVTEQ releases? Like the speedlimits they released in the 2009 maps.
I completely agree with you for the firmware update for the existing unit. I also just bought nuvi 760 for 3 weeks ago. When I know about the new models come out, I want to exchange to the newer model. However, most of online store offers only 30 days for return. I'm sure that the after that.
Since, US. 2009 map is already available, I'm curious that the map file for newer models is the same as the one we are using (example on nuvi 760 unit)?
fletch- I was about to buy the 760. Do you think it would be wise to wait on the 765? Also I am thinking the price of the 760 might drop after the 765 is availiable.
If it were me, I'd wait and buy the 765T. As you say, even if you decide to get the 760 after all, it'll no doubt get cheaper once the 765 comes out. Although I think the 765T might be a better deal, considering the free traffic and new features.
Fletch, I agree with your idea about purchasing an upgrade to correct the problems that exist with my Nuvi 760. I am waiting to see if Garmin will offer such an update for their existing customers...if Garmin says no, then I'll consider this information when I decide to upgrade and look at the competition and their upgrade support positions' before buying. These upgrade features: Lane assist/Hot-fix/accelerated map drawing + routing are offered because they are weaknesses of their existing product line and they are trying to keep ahead of the competition and to ask their existing customers to spend all the money to get their problems solved by purchasing a new unit every year is a terminal marketing plan. By the way, I did purchase their recent update for $69.00 and personally didn't notice much difference. This new upgrade, if Garmin decides to offer it, would not only provide them some additional revenue, but would establish them as the premier GPS company for all competition to emulate!
I'm not sure I'd agree that the lack of newest features are a "problem" with the existing 760. At the time of its release, the 760 was competitive. But I do think Garmin might offer a way to purchase feature packs for recently released units.
I'm not suggesting they offer it for the full line, like the now discontinued nuvi 350 of 660, but it might be nice for the current line-up of units. That would at least not leave current owners out in the cold.
As I said, I don't see this as lost revenue for Garmin, just incremental. Someone who just bought a 760 isn't going to rush out and get a 765 instead. But they would almost certainly buy an add-on pack that updated the feature set.
I also agree with those who purchased new devices. I also bought my Nuvi 880 in July. Now I see this. I do understand that technology is forever progressing but this makes me feel like I didn't get my moneys worth. Why? Well, they knew about these features before the release of the Nuvi 880. Now it's sort of like saying here is what you could have had if you had waited. I don't know maybe I sound silly but slightly disappointed. I too hope they offer some type of update allow these type of features.
I suspect lifetime traffic will be made available tho there may be a one time charge for it. Maybe not. 3D buildings? I would guess with the next map update. Lane Assist? Don't see it happening. Hotfix? You already got it.
Oops. Forgot to mention the faster redraw/ route computation. That's an impossible upgrade, as it's hardware dependent. I look for the new 7x5's to have a 600hz platform (just guessing), more than twice the speed of the current 7x0's. Screen refresh will be an amazing 10fps, more than twice the refresh of the top of the line TomTom. Add in Garmin's new map update policy that's twice that of TomTom's and it looks to me like Garmin already IS the premier GPS company that the others want to emulate.
I understand TomTom have the best screen refresh rate in the industry at 10 FPS refresh rate already in their older unit.
As far as hardware upgrade, think of it like the Apple iPhone, than the iPhone 3G, it is just the way we are heading towards, cheap disposable society we are. I would bet if they charge $$2,000 for the older Nuvi 760 and use the best processor and memory available, we will probably be able to upgrade our units.
But new Nuvi 760 is down to $399 and NOH Nuvi 760 is like $329 so why are we all complaining about.
For the folks that purchased the new model first and paid full price, well you got to use your unit before anyone else and should consider yourself lucky.
Like cars, if they keep designing things backwards compatible, they will put themselves out of business since either they have to charge so much more for the current GPS nav product they release now so they might be compatible with next generation feature set upgrades to work. Not very realistic.
Anyway, I think it is all a matter of choice, you don't like what Garmin is doing, buy a Magellan or TomTom, but sad to say, they are doing the same thing. The new features on the Maestro 4350 Garmin is not backwards compatible with the Maestro 4250 and the TomTom 920 feature is not backwards compatible with the TomTom 910's. I have tons of fleet customers that are mad about TomTom 910's not able to transfer telephone address books into the unit when the TomTom 720 can. What can I say, system limitation and you have a choice to buy the product as shown NOW or wait forever! Garmin, Magellan and TomTom would never say their products will be backwards compatible at any time.
You want cheap, so think of it this way, would you buy this new unit for $2K, and if you will, than put the money you save now towards the next release product and if you don't, than you can't afford to own one now and worry about the future features that maybe release. Bottom line is will this unit navigate you to where you wish to go, and if it will, you don't need all the rest of the extras that does not help your navigation experience. Point A to point B does not require 3D building image, lane positioning, traffic etc. We been doing without these features all these years and now everybody must have it but for $100 more as an upgrade?
gps4me, my 930 definately isn't refreshing 10fps. It's approx. 2 times as fast as my 760, maybe a bit more, which can't be more than 6hz
Just noticed that I referred to 6hz rather than 6fps. And to be clear, what I talk about is the redraws per second. As a double-check this morning I took a drive and had my son time the screeen dras on the 930. Tough to nail down exactly, but between 4 and 6 per second as best we can determine. If someone can point to solid information to the contrary, I'll amend the post.
Warren, I will try to get you the exact specs for you from TomTom, what we are talking about is when TomTom zooms in as it near a destination or turn compare to the zoom out level when it is driving to long on a long distant ride where it has a much wider view, the unit will zoom in as it near a turn and the refresh rate is much smoother than any unit currently available on the market. This has been acknowledge by ALL GPS manufacturers that TomTom have the best refresh rate.
As for the nice lane position image on the new Garmin 7x5, it is only an image and not a moving map so is a still frame picture of the next maneuvers like a turn arrow but nicer.
I think you're going to find that TT GOx30's are refreshing the map about 140 times a minute or so, or around 4fps. The nuvi 7x5's will be at 10fps. A big difference
Just a thought! Does anyone else believe that maybe we should email Garmin letting them know that we want these updates? I ask, because it has been stated that they have no plans in place to perform the lane assist, 3d, etc. updates in existing models. Maybe as a consumer we should come together on this and let Garmin know how we feel.
Again, just a thought!
Yes! as consumers of Garmin i think JerryW is right that we let Garmin know that our previous units deserve an upgrade.I have a 350 and i absolutely love it.just imagine a 350 with reality view and lane guidance(perfect!).if Garmin wants me to pay for such features(as long as its affordable i would definitely pay for it).this is an untapped market and Garmin should think about this.
Fletch-When do you think you will get to test drive the 7x5's?
MSN vs. FM Traffic? It seems that there is no offer for lifetime traffic with MSN, only the FMC I believe? If so, do we know which has better coverage?
Coverage will vary from area to area. I do better with MSN than TMC here in Central Florida. On the other hand, a friend of mine in New Hampshire can't get MSN service and TMC is marginal but usable. If I could get good reception with either service and they both were roughly the same cost, then no question for me: MSN with it's additional weather and severe alerts, current gas prices, etc. With lifetime free traffic via Navteq the choice is not nearly as clearcut.
Garmin has gone to NavTeq traffic instead of using Clear Channel for the life time traffic service.
So is the coverage the same with MSN as Navteq? I guess the questions is, does MSN use Navteq data?
No their traffic source is different.
After contacting Garmin in reference to possibly upgrading the software for my Nuvi 880, I was sent an email reply saying that the technology behind the free traffic uses hardware that they have not used in previous units and is free because the traffic is an ad-based system. No comments as to the 3d-transparency view or lane assist.
Maybe if all ours, owner of nuvi 880, write email for contact garmin support, for a firmware update that include similiar aspect that nuvi xx5, 785t for example, lane assist, etc.. they made for us...I wrote,,yesterday an they answer that they are in study the case...Thanks....
As I said earlier, I'm pretty certain lifetime traffic will be offered to older traffic-enabled models, probably towards the end of the month and likely for $60 one-time charge. Also watch for an announcement of a subscription-based map update offer as well as quarterly map updates, probably to be made middle of next month.
Well, I have a concern here so let me put my few cents here.
What if you are able to get a cheap Garmin 680/780 at ebay with 20-30% cash back these days or probably a month later during thanksgiving in 200-250 range. And you pay for life time MSN extra $130. Wouldn't that be cheaper than these upcoming models if people are so worried here about life time free traffic ? Other than couple of new added features I really do not see any reason to pay for these new models unless you plan to have Non MSN real time traffic updates..
Sorry guys. I just purchased a 755t off of the internet because the new modles still have not been released to Best Buy or Circuit City as of October 11, 2008. I went from a Nuvi 660, which was stolen, to a 755t. The new modles are better. I do not think Garmin will offer updates with the new features to owners of older models. Unfortunately, it just does not work that way. I suggest you forget that notion. You might just want to wait until Black Thursday, the day after Thanksgiving and see who has what on sale. Economist are predicting a dreary holiday shopping season, with current economic conditions. Merchants and manufacturers are aware of consumer fears and will probably mark down prices to generate spending. Wait and see . . . I'm willing to bet you will see some great prices on these newer modles as well as some older models.
A few more points . . .with the dismal economic outlook for the upcoming holiday shopping season, you can bet your last dollar that Garmin will not offer upgrades for older units. The idea is to get new units in the hands of consumers. $100 upgrades take away from the sale of new units. Pleas keep in mind that Garmin is a publically owned company and has a responsibility to shareholders to increase revenue and profit. My fellow technogeeks, you must think along the lines of corporate America and not along the lines your pipe dreams. A $100 upgrade is not as profitable as the sales of a $500+ gps unit. It's simple math . . . Remember the words of the infamous Gordon Gecko, from "Wall Street" fame, "Greed is good."
We're in same boat: I want the Lane Assist and 3D Reality View but also Custom Avoidances. It would be unfortunate if the latter is not supported by the 7x5 series.
I have a Nuvi 350 and one feature I miss is the ability to create a custom route on the PC then download it to the device. I think other Nuvi models support this and implement it using multiple Via Points. Is this available on the 7x5?
Is the mount/bracket for the 880 compatible with the 785? I'm thinking of getting an 880 and 785, and it would be very convenient if I could interchange the mounts. I'd like to use either GPS in any of our cars regardless of whose mount is there.
UPDATE: I just saw that Circuit City has placed the Nuvi 765t on sale. They're knocking $50 off of the suggested retail price of $599.99. That's $549.99. The interesting thing about it all is that the Circuit City stores nor the website have any of the new Nuvi models as of yet, although they have placed the items on the site, with a disclaimer that they are coming soon. It's the weak U.S. economy that is forcing prices on many items to drop.