According to Engadget, the nuvi 1860 has more characteristics of a smartphone or MID than a GPS unit. It will run a Linux OS that has a Web browser (including YouTube support) and will have multimedia, email, and Internet radio applications.

It apparently has Wi-Fi, but no word on an EDGE or cellular connections like the nuvi 1690 that is also due out around the same time. The 4.8 inch device also has a 3 megapixel camera which can be used for geotagging. Oh and it does all that navigation stuff too: lane assist, traffic receiver, text-to-speech directions.

The smaller 4.3-inch nuvi 1690 is reported to retail for $499.99 (not including the connected services) and is now confirmed to use its EDGE connection for weather, flight statuses, gas prices, traffic and Google-powered searches. [Engadget]

The first round of fixes, which are available in Garmin's WebUpdater app, will remedy signal acquisition, freezing and update prompt problems for of the Nuvi 7x5 series of navigators. Updates for the similarly afflicted 800 series, nüvi 8x5, Zumo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640 hardware will be coming in "the near future," which, given how short the timeframe is on this issue so far, probably means no more than a few days.

Mercifully, for the unlucky folks whose nüvi 7x5 have been bricked by the prior update, Garmin is urging users to file for an RMA, and will fix or replace the devices under warranty. [Garmin]

The Financiapocalypse can't stop Christmas, but it can sure as hell suck some of the joy out of it. At the very least, it's probably making you reconsider just how much you wanna spend on toys for yourself and others this holiday season. You're probably looking to cut corners here and there, on dollar-store Christmas lights, iPod knockoffs and the like. That's all fine and dandy, but we've made a list of things you can't afford to cheap out on, because doing so will bite you in the ass later. Still, since we like you, we're also sharing how to save a bit of money in the process, so the whole not-cheaping-out thing doesn't hurt as much.

Graphics Cards

When you're configuring a laptop online, you get a ton of options unless it's a Mac (ooooo burn). Anyway, the popular wisdom is that juicing the processor is always the best way to allocate your dollars to boost performance, since more megahertz is more betterer, right? Wrong. Take this Dell Studio configuration here. Spending $75 on the discrete ATI Mobility Radeon is a way better buy than $50 200MHz upgrade to the processor.

The performance difference those couple hundred megahertz buys you is negligible, while a discrete graphics card from ATI or Nvidia will deliver serious performance benefits over Intel's integrated graphics crap. This is especially true if you do even light 3D gaming, HD video playback or anything else mildly graphically intensive like running Vista's Aero interface (oooo another burn). Also, if you plan to keep a laptop for more than two years, buying the graphics card makes it more future-proof, since Windows 7—and many resource-intensive apps—will grab hold of graphics cards for extra computing muscle, too.

Memory

Memory (aka RAM) is another place to sock your computing dollars instead of blindly bumping up the megahertz. Adding RAM almost always gives your computer a more noticeable performance boost for the same price (especially if you're going from like 1GB to 3GB), allowing you to multitask more and run crazier programs without dragging your computer down. And really, you shouldn't even try to run Windows Vista on anything less than 2GB. (If you can get 4GB and run Vista 64-bit, that's really magical.)

There is a trick to this, however. You don't buy the extra RAM as part of the computer configuration process, since your computer maker of choice will charge you by the arse-hairs for it. Instead, if you're comfortable doing an at-home installation, buy a laptop with the lowest amount of RAM, then buy it separately from Newegg, who even has a helpful tool to pick the right RAM that won't blow up your computer. Crunch the numbers first, of course, but chances are, in big RAM jumps, you will save money.

Another memory tip for those taking the not-as-hard-as-it-sounds cost-cutting step of building their own desktop PC: DDR2 memory is significantly cheaper than DDR3 memory ($60 vs. $120), and at equivalent speeds, the performance difference isn't very noticeable. Your best bet—following our not-skimping guidelines—is to get twice as much DDR2 memory for the same price.

Camera Lenses

The secret about DSLRs that Nikon and Canon don't wanna tell you in the middle of their arms race is that what really matters is the glass—the lens. A Canon 20D—or hell, an XT—with an awesome lens will take better pictures than a 40D with a crummy lens every single time. Besides, if you really want to maximize your DSLR's potential, you're going to need to expand beyond the kit lens that came in the box. It's literally like getting new glasses after a decade of avoiding the eye doctor. Unfortunately, like glasses, camera lenses are one of those things where price really does tend to be commensurate with quality. Don't expect fire sales.

Don't go crappy, instead go used. A used or refurbished lens is always cheaper than a brand new one. Of course, you should always buy from a reputable retailer with a good warranty and return policy, in case there's something wonky with it. (That applies for new lenses too, really.) Here's a list of places to buy used Canon glass. With older lenses, there might be a few caveats like the lack of autofocus, but as Charlie at Gadget Lab notes in his account of using some more "antique" Nikon glass, the experience with those limitations can actually be rewarding, and help you learn about more photography in the process. (And isn't learning why you got a DSLR in the first place?)

If the used route frightens you, another approach is to go with a cheaper camera, and spend the extra money on quality glass. And guess what? Just because a new camera model pops out every six to nine months, it doesn't magically make the older models take less excellent pictures.

Portable GPS Navigation Devices

What? The GPS navigation in your phone isn't enough? Okay, it probably isn't if you actually get behind a wheel to go places. There are lots of GPS navigation devices, and some of them look pretty good for pretty cheap. We're gonna get real specific with our advice here: Get a Garmin Nuvi. Every. Time.

We've road-tested pretty much every navigation device out there, from the smartest cellular connected machines to the dumbest WinCE systems falling off the truck from China, and time and again, we come back to the Nuvi. That's not to say you have to spend $200 more on a navigator. Maybe you could track down last year's top models that are now on sale. The maps wouldn't have changed that much in 12 months. Regardless, even if the Garmin is $25 or $50 more than the TomTom or Magellan on the shelf next to it, get the Garmin. The product will last longer and be more simple to use, resulting in your happiness and the happiness of the people stuck in the car with you. It's worth the extra scratch.

Headphones

Like liquor, strippers and accountants, when it comes to headphones, you get what you pay for. In this dimension there's no such thing as good $2 headphones. You might tolerate them because you know don't any better (or you are simply a knowing masochist) but I guarantee you, they sound like the Tin Man's rusty ass.

You may recall that our amazing, extensive no-BS headphones battlemodo breaks down the best and the worst in every price category worth considering, and is a great place to start. The trend of the piece, you might notice, is that you can't go wrong with Shures, which don't cost as much as some audiophile earphones, but generally have list prices starting at $100. Good news, my favorites for the money, Shure's E2c sound-isolating headphones, now can be had for $60 easy, or as low as $40 on sale. Some people prefer those to their current replacement the SE110 (the E2c's are slightly bassier), that list for $100 but sell for $75 at Amazon at the moment. I know that a few editors at Gizmodo prefer the SE110s, but either way, the "hundred dollar" headphones stomp the cheap-skate models.

That's the real point: The extra $40 for a good pair of headphones delivers such a fantastical world of difference—especially to those commuters and workout buffs who spend a decent amount of time wearing them—that it is very much worth the extra cash. The only "catch" is that you will finally hear how bad your MP3s sound if you ripped them at a super-low bitrate. MP3s under 192Kbps might need to be re-ripped, since you will hear actually, at long last, hear the compression.

Your Turn

Alright, that's five from us. Surely you guys have got advice on other gear and accessories you should never skimp on. If so, though, you better be prepared to share ways to buy them cheaper than list price. Retail is for suckers! Come on, let's hear from you in the comments.

More Advice for the Black Friday Fray:
• The aforementioned Ultimate Survival Guide.
• 5 Gadgets You Can't Skimp On (And How to Save Money Buying Them)
• Best of Black Friday Deals Complete Roundup">All the best deals in one place
• Plus these late breaking ones from Cupertino: Apple Black Friday Deals Include Some Decent Third-Party Discounts
• Warnings: 7 Crappy Black Friday "Deals" That Aren't Really
• How To Choose an HDTV on Black Friday (or Any Day)
• How to set up that new HDTV you just got.

Photochop Contest:
• Brutally Honest Black Friday Ads Showcase Retailers on the Brink

Why You Might Want to Avoid Shopping on Black Friday, altogether:
• 10 Reasons We're Doomed: Black Friday Edition
• WalMart Worker Trampled to Death by Deal-Crazed Black Friday Shoppers

[Complete Black Friday Gadget Coverage at Giz]

The nuvi 765T adds Bluetooth(R) wireless technology for hands-free calling and supports a powerful advanced audio amplifier for a stereo Bluetooth connection. For transatlantic travel, nuvi 775T adds mapping of North America and Europe. The nuvi 785T features an MSN Direct receiver with trial subscription that includes updated information about traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes and local events.

The nuvi 265T and 265WT will be available with preloaded comprehensive coverage of North America. For transatlantic travel, the nuvi 275T comes standard with mapping for North America and Europe. These nuvis are available in vibrant 4.3" or 3.5" screens that display shaded digital elevation mapping. All models will announce street names in their voice prompts, advising drivers to "Turn right on Elm Street," rather than "Turn right in 500 feet."

All seven units are expected to be released in October at prices ranging between $300 and $700 for specific models.

Aug 27, 2008 07:00

Garmin(R) Expands Affordable nuvi(R) 2x5 Series, Offering Hands-Free Calling and Lifetime Traffic Alerts
OLATHE, Kan. —(Business Wire)— Aug. 27, 2008 Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the next evolution of the popular nuvi 2x5 series, adding top-of-the-line features to this family of affordable navigators. The nuvi 265T, 265WT and 275T enhance upon their 2x5-series predecessors with Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and provide free traffic alerts.

"Many customers want a simple-to-use, low-cost personal navigator, but find themselves in need of premium add-ons along the way," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "These devices add two of the most popular premium features - traffic alerts and hands-free calling - to an affordable, yet powerful navigator."

In addition to features offered by other members of the nuvi 2x5 family, these new navigators boast lifetime traffic alerts from NAVTEQ Traffic that allow drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction. These devices come standard with a traffic receiver that will provide alerts in the coverage areas, and no subscription fee is required. Thanks to Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, these nuvis make it possible for drivers to make and receive calls using the unit's built-in microphone and speaker. For states which prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while driving, the Bluetooth hands-free option is ideal. With the patented auto time zone feature, these nuvis will automatically adjust your time zone while navigating. All nuvis in the 2x5 series include Garmin's new HotFix(TM) feature which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information for fast satellite reception. For the ultimate in awareness, these compact nuvis will also display the speed limit for major roadways.

The nuvi 265T and 265WT will be available with preloaded comprehensive coverage of North America. For transatlantic travel, the nuvi 275T comes standard with mapping for North America and Europe. These nuvis are available in vibrant 4.3" or 3.5" screens that display shaded digital elevation mapping. All models will announce street names in their voice prompts, advising drivers to "Turn right on Elm Street," rather than "Turn right in 500 feet."

Using Garmin's unique Web site - Garmin Connect Photos - users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nuvi, for a photo-rich navigation guide. With Garmin's "Where Am I?" feature, nuvi is always aware of a driver's surroundings. At any time, drivers can look up their exact location including nearest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection.

Aug 27, 2008 07:00

Garmin(R) Introduces nuvi(R) 7x5 Series with Lane Assist, Giving Drivers a Clear Picture of the Road Ahead
OLATHE, Kan. —(Business Wire)— Aug. 27, 2008 Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the next evolution of the nuvi 700 series, adding state-of-the-art technology to this popular line of advanced navigators. With lane assist, the nuvi 7x5 series provides drivers with a clear illustration of what lies ahead on their route.

"Garmin's nuvi 7x5 series uses lane assist to make navigation clearer and easier than ever before," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "The lane assist view takes the guesswork out of driving through a busy intersection or an unfamiliar city. Drivers will no longer have to speculate which turn lane to be in, or what lane leads to which exit - that's nuvi's job."

This new and improved series gives clear guidance on a 4.3" touchscreen that details upcoming maneuvers and specific driving directions, including road sign detail and arrows indicating the proper lane for navigation. In some areas, a 3-D transparent view of buildings appears, giving drivers a more realistic depiction of their location. The nuvi 7x5 series also features accelerated map-drawing and routing capabilities, and makes screen zooming even smoother than before. For faster satellite prediction, nuvi 7x5 has Garmin's HotFix(TM) feature which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information.

The nuvi 755T, 765T and 775T will come standard with a traffic receiver that provides lifetime traffic alerts in coverage areas from NAVTEQ Traffic. The cost of the traffic receiver is included with the purchase of these devices - no subscription fee is required. The nuvi 765T adds Bluetooth(R) wireless technology for hands-free calling and supports a powerful advanced audio amplifier for a stereo Bluetooth connection. For transatlantic travel, nuvi 775T adds mapping of North America and Europe. The nuvi 785T features an MSN Direct receiver with trial subscription that includes updated information about traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes and local events. For more information on MSN Direct services and coverage areas, visit http://garmin.msndirect.com. To give motorists the highest degree of awareness, this series of advanced navigators also displays speed limits for major roadways.

In addition, each nuvi 7x5 also comes standard with the popular "Where Am I?" feature, enabling drivers to look up their exact location including nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations at any time. Drivers can also associate their favorite images with saved locations using Garmin's own unique Web site - Garmin Connect Photos - where users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo sharing community.

[Garmin]

The 260w adds almost another inch of screen real estate to the speedy, stripped down but highly recommended 200 series, stretching it to 4.3 inches. And when is a wider screen not an improvement? It's also got built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, using the system's own speech recognition to chug through contacts, and its music player supports MP3, Ogg (!) and FLAC (!!). And of course MSN Direct—the version of which is the only real update in the 700 series' new 780 model.

Super-Sized GPS Navigation: Garmin® nüvi® 5000

Olathe, Kansas/January 3, 2008/PR Newswire — Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced a new series of nüvi navigators designed specifically for those seeking premium navigation features on a large, 5.2-inch touchscreen display. The nüvi 5000 was announced in conjunction with the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and will be on display at the Garmin booth (South Hall 4, booth #35832).

"The nuvi 5000 is ideal for those with larger vehicles that need navigation on a big screen" said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "With its easy-to-use interface and route planning features, it puts drivers in total control of the road."

With its large, touchscreen interface, the nüvi 5000 makes it easier than ever to obtain voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions, route calculation, and automatic rerouting if a motorist strays off course. Route planning is a cinch as the nüvi 5000 will save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the big screen. Additionally, it auto sorts multiple destinations providing the driver with the most direct and efficient route for errands, deliveries or sales calls. Drivers who want to keep track of where they have been can turn on the track log feature and see an electronic bread crumb trail that shows their previously traveled route on the display. If a driver wants to avoid an area, the nüvi's routing can be customized by choosing to avoid select roads and areas. Garmin has also made it possible for customers to supplement the pre-loaded maps with custom points of interest such as school zones and safety cameras.

All routing information is displayed on a digital elevation map that shows detail about the surrounding terrain. Users can select a configurable vehicle icon, which allow the user to travel along their route with a fun, customized vehicle-shaped icon - instead of a simple wedge shape graphic. The nüvi also displays speed limits for major highways and Interstates.

Customers also have the opportunity to receive dynamic content from either MSN Direct (U.S. only) or FM TMC (Traffic Message Channel) traffic receiver. Those selecting the optional MSN Direct receiver will receive enhanced, up-to-date traffic information, fuel prices, weather reports, enhanced movie listings, and news and stocks information for major metropolitan areas in the United States. In addition, owners may plan trips and look up destinations from their computer, via Microsoft Local Live, and then send locations and routes to the nüvi 5000. Customers who purchase the optional FM TMC traffic receiver will receive up-to-date traffic information for metropolitan areas in the United States and select European countries.

In addition, the nüvi 5000 displays a video signal from an external analog source, such as a back-up camera. When an external video source is active, the user may revert to the map display by touching anywhere on the screen.

Customers also have several entertainment options to choose from - an internal MP3 player, audio book player and games. The built-in MP3 player lets users browse music by artist, album, song or genre. Music can be loaded onto an SD card and is "drag-and-drop" easy - no special software is required. The nüvi 5000 is also compatible with audible.com, a subscription based audio book service. A handful of games are preloaded on the nüvi to help passengers pass the time. Additional games will be available in the future at HYPERLINK "http://www.garmin.com/games" www.garmin.com/games. All music or speech files can be emitted over the vehicle's existing speakers, through the nüvi's built-in FM wireless transmitter or via the unit's 3.5mm stereo output jack. The entertainment audio is muted when navigation instructions are given.

The nüvi 5000 is expected to be available in North America in February for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $799.99. It will be available in Europe in the second quarter of 2008.

Garmin Nuvi 200 Series Get Wider [Navigadget]

Now I've gotten my hands on that cheap-o Nuvi 200 and I have to say, testing them side by side, they gave nearly identical performances in terms of warning me of turns, locking onto satellites, and ease of use. It thankfully didn't have the neat, but flawed MSNDirect service, and MP3 player. One thing omitted that I missed? The text-to-speech ability for reading street names during nav. Still, I'm in love with how it does the basics.

Here it is: A sub-$500 navigator with a kick-ass UI and pathfinding performance. Highly recommended.
– Brian Lam
Garmin Nuvi 200 [Gizmodo]

Following on from yesterday's Garmin Nüvi 200, here come a trio of Nüvis (Nüvee? Nüvilots?): the 600, 650 and 660FM. The 600 and 660FM are aimed at the European market, the former being a regional version of the 650, the latter bringing an FM transmitter to the 660.

So, let's concentrate on the 650. It's available from next month onwards, expect to part with $749.99, which is waaaaaay more 'spensivo than the 20GB-hard drive equipped TomTom GO 910 ($499) and the specs are after the jump.

Receiver: high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
Display: 3.81"W x 2.25"H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3" diag (10.9 cm), 480 x 272 pixels; WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
Unit dimensions: 4.9"W x 2.9"H x .9"D (12.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 cm)
Weight: 6.2 ounces (190 g)
Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, up to 7 hours of battery life depending on use
Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
Fingertip touchscreen interface
Look up addresses and points of interest
Choose 2D or 3D maps
Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cameras with POI Loader
Built in Travel Kit includes MP3 player with sample MP3s, audio books, picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, calculator and more
Add optional software such as Travel and Language Guides to personalize nüvi
SD card slot
USB interface for loading data

– Ad Dugdale

Product Page [Garmin via InfoSync World]

The nüvi 200 ($400) has maps of the contiguous United States, while the nüvi 250 ($500) adds Alaska and Hawaii, Canada and Puerto Rico to that range. Europeans and world travelers will be interested in the nüvi 270 ($600) with its mapping data of over 30 countries in Europe as well as all the maps of the other 200 series units.

What's lacking at this lower price? These pocket-sized slim GPS units don't have that widescreen or MP3-playing capability of their more-capable brandmates, but that might be a small sacrifice for this new price point. They don't look half bad, either. Garmin didn't say yet when these would be released. – Charlie White

Hit the gallery below for a good look at these easy-to-use GPS devices.

Garmin site