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.
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| Price | $195.00 to $237.48 | Check Prices | Check Prices | $421.95 | $329.00 to $490.95 |
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| 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 AC power adapter Car power adapter Automotive windshield mount | USB cable Mounting bracket Car power adapter | Info unavailable | USB cable Carrying case Automotive windshield mount | Microphone Audio cable Charging cradle Car power adapter Automotive windshield mount |
| Audible assistance | Info unavailable | Navigation instructions | Navigation instructions | Warnings Navigation instructions | Navigation instructions |
| GPS PC connection | Hi-Speed USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Antenna | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Info unavailable |
| System features | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs Optional external GPS antenna connection | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs Built-in FM modulator 2D / 3D map perspective | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs 2D / 3D map perspective Optional external GPS antenna connection | Custom POIs Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs Built-in microphone Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Optional external GPS antenna connection | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs TomTom PLUS ready Built-in microphone 2D / 3D map perspective Hands-free calling via Bluetooth TomTom PLUS ready (via Bluetooth) |
| Destination | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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