Musically driven: in-car GPS devices that play MP3s
Bonnie Cha,
Senior Associate Editor
June 29, 2006
When it comes to in-car GPS devices, you wouldn't think of or particularly expect too much functionality from these systems other than navigation features, such as voice-guided directions and a points-of-interest database. But not so fast--these five models can shift from GPS devices to MP3 players for a little in-car entertainment. Yes, it's an unlikely pairing, but it's one that we can appreciate. After all, who doesn't like getting two gadgets for the price of one? Plus, they're all portable, so you can transport them from car to car. Read our reviews to see if one is right for you.
| Product name | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.95 to $195.00 | Check Prices | $334.99 | $139.95 to $499.99 | $289.00 to $489.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | |||||
| Average user rating | |||||
| Review date | June 01, 2006 | May 11, 2006 | May 03, 2006 | July 10, 2006 | June 08, 2006 |
| The Bottom Line | The Alpine Blackbird is a feature-rich vehicle GPS system and entertainment device all rolled into one sharp-looking package, but it hits a couple of roadblocks with its short battery life and sluggish route calculation. | The Lowrance iWay 350c delivers solid GPS performance at a reasonable price, and it offers a few cool entertainment features normally found in more expensive models. | Armed with a rechargeable internal battery and entertainment features, the Magellan RoadMate 800 is an accurate nav system you can use in the car or on foot, but it lacks some of the advanced features of its competitors. | The Garmin StreetPilot c550 offers accurate driving directions, integrated Bluetooth, and real-time traffic info in one slick package. | For early adopters, the TomTom GO 910 is the GPS gadget du jour, offering the latest and greatest in portable navigation systems. That said, we wish it had a better mounting system and a more up-to-date POI database. |
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| Features | |||||
| Included GPS accessories |
Carrying case Automotive windshield mount AC power adapter Car power adapter |
Automotive windshield mount Cleaning cloth AC power adapter PC cable Car power adapter Audio cable Protective cover |
Info unavailable |
TMC antenna USB cable Carrying case Automotive windshield mount Car power adapter |
Automotive windshield mount Car power adapter Charging cradle Audio cable Microphone |
| Color |
Black |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Navigation waypoints | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
500 |
Info unavailable |
| Audible assistance | Info unavailable |
Navigation instructions |
Navigation instructions |
Street name announcement Navigation instructions Warnings |
Navigation instructions |
| GPS functions / services | Info unavailable |
Automatic route navigation |
Info unavailable |
Speed |
Electronic compass |
| GPS PC connection |
Hi-Speed USB |
USB |
USB |
USB |
USB |
| Update rate | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
1/second |
Info unavailable |
| SBAS | Info unavailable |
WAAS |
EGNOS WAAS |
WAAS |
Info unavailable |
| GPS receiver |
16 channel |
16 channel |
14 channel |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Weight |
8 oz |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
9 oz |
12 oz |
| Antenna |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Info unavailable |
| System features |
Built-in speaker Optional external GPS antenna connection Preinstalled POIs |
Info unavailable |
2D / 3D map perspective Built-in speaker Optional external GPS antenna connection Preinstalled POIs |
2D / 3D map perspective Built-in speaker Custom POIs Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Optional external GPS antenna connection Built-in microphone Downloadable POIs Garmin Lock |
2D / 3D map perspective TomTom PLUS ready Built-in speaker TomTom PLUS ready (via Bluetooth) Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Built-in microphone Preinstalled POIs |
| Destination |
Automotive |
Automotive |
Automotive |
Automotive | |
