Miss Direction

Today, Sony announced the immediate retail and online availability of its Sony NV-U73T and Sony NV-U83T portable navigation systems. Announced back at CES 2008, both models focus on safety and have text-to-speech technology, nearly 5 million points of interest with branded icons and preloaded maps of the United States and Canada. They're equipped with SiRF StarIII GPS chips, but the units also have a feature called Position Plus that includes pressure, gyro, and acceleration sensors, which should provide for more accurate positioning even when driving through tunnels and in between tall buildings. In addition, you can perform certain functions with just the swipe of your finger, and there's a dual-view mode that will show a 3D rendition of complicated intersections.

As the flagship model, the Sony NV-U83T also has integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and a 4.8-inch, 16:9 ratio touch screen, while the NV-U73T has a 4.3-inch screen. They can be had for $400 and $300, respectively.

Garmin Nuvifone

(Credit: Gizmodo)

Garmin makes GPS devices. Garmin makes navigation software and accessories for cell phones and smartphones. Garmin makes cell phones...wait, what? Yep, you read right. Today, the GPS manufacturer took the wraps off its first smartphone at a press event in New York: the Garmin Nuvifhone. It's a GSM/HSDPA mobile that runs on Garmin's own operating system and focuses on, no surprise, navigation. The device will come preloaded with maps of North America (or Eastern or Western Europe for all our international readers) and points of interest. In addition, it offers turn-by-turn voice directions, Google Local Search integration, and Garmin's "Where I am?" safety feature, which displays your coordinates, closest address and intersection, and nearby emergency services.

The Garmin Nuvifone also features a 3.5-inch touch screen, a Web browser, and e-mail capabilities. It's multimedia-friendly with MP3/ACC/MPEG4 support and a built-in camera/camcorder. It also has access to Google's Panoramio picture sharing site, where can search through geo-located photos. The Nuvifone will be available some time in the third-quarter, but no specifics on dates or pricing. We're still getting details on this smartphone and will report them to you as they come in but any initial thoughts?

Dash Express

(Credit: Dash )

It's been well over a year since Dash Navigation unveiled its Internet-connected GPS device, and after months of beta testing, we're finally one step closer to actually seeing the Dash Express navigation system hit the streets. Today, the company announced that it's taking preorders for the Dash Express from its Web site, carrying a price tag of $599.99 that includes a complimentary three-month subscription to the Dash Service. Afterward you can choose from several plans to continue the service: two-year plan at $9.99 per month; one-year plan at $10.99 per month; or month-to-month at $12.99.

The Dash Express is unlike other portable navigation systems as it offers connectivity via Wi-Fi and GPRS, so you have an always-on connection to receive the latest traffic and map updates and local search powered by Yahoo. In addition, there's a Send2Car feature so you or someone else can send addresses from your computer directly to the Dash device. The unit is expected to ship in mid- to late February.

Just out of curiosity, how many of you are actually interested in getting the Dash? Frankly, I think the unit price is a bit high (even knocking off $100 seems a bit more reasonable) and I'm just wondering if this type of system is ready for prime time yet. Although I think the offered features are great, I'm not sure how many people will be willing to pay the monthly fees ... Read more

You heart Garmin

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

When you think of GPS, what brand name comes to mind? Would it happen to be Garmin? Because according to a new study by marketing research firm BrandIntel, Garmin is the most discussed portable navigation system and holds the best overall sentiment score with consumers. But it shouldn't get too comfortable or complacent, because TomTom, Magellan, Mio, and Lowrance are hot on its heels.

Based on an analysis of search results from "online consumer communities" (i.e., blogs, forums, and so forth) across the Web during July 2006 to August 2007, BrandIntel's GPS Navigation Systems Report found that Garmin made up 42 percent of the 7,000 consumer mentions, while TomTom was a distant second with 15 percent. Magellan garnered 13 percent of the results; Mio had 10 percent; Lowrance scored 5 percent; and 12 percent went to other vendors. However, the competition gets fierce when it comes to customer sentiment scores. Once again, Garmin took top honors with a 3.9, while Magellan, Mio, Lowrance, and TomTom were all close with scores of 3.7, 3.6, 3.6, and 3.5, respectively.

Garmin lead the pack for its functionality, features, ease of use, and appeal, but price seemed to be a sticking point, which I can understand. I find that even its entry-level models, such as the Garmin Nuvi 200, are overpriced for what they offer, especially when you compare them to the competition like the Mio DigiWalker C230. ... Read more

Eeeesssshhhh. So, umm, it's been a while since my last post and for that, I offer you my sincerest apologies. You see, it's been a little cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs for me these past several months. For those of you who don't know, I also cover smartphones for CNET, and with the holiday shopping season fast approaching, the cell phone manufacturers are unleashing a storm of new products--all at once. Guh. Seriously, my cube is a fire hazard with all the phones I have plugged into the power strip. Anyway, amid the rush to get through all those reviews, I've neglected my blog BUT not that I'm using that as an excuse. I just wanted to let you know that I'm getting back on track and will do a better job of keeping you informed of GPS trends, news, and more, so I'll be talking to you soon.

Mio DigiWalker C720t

(Credit: Mio )

It seems like there's a new company hopping on the GPS bandwagon every week, trying to loosen the grip that big boys Garmin, TomTom, and Magellan have on the market. Truth be told, these three companies have been in the industry for a while, and they know what they're doing, so these newcomers have a tough task ahead of them. However, we've been pretty impressed with one company in particular: Mio Technology. With the exception of the Mio C220, which had a horrible screen, it has consistently churned out some solid portable navigation systems and always packs in a good value for the price. Today, Mio continues that tradition with the announcement of three new products: the Mio DigiWalker C230, the Mio DigiWalker C320, and the subject of this blog, the Mio DigiWalker C720t.

There a number of cool things about the Mio C720t. First, it has a really sleek design similar to the Mio C520 and boasts a 4.3-inch touch screen. It also has a built-in 2-megapixel camera with zoom, so you can take pictures and geotag them with location coordinates. You can then use them as photo points of interest (POI) or share them with others. We've seen this feature before on the Navman iCN 750, but the C720t takes the cake with a better lens and slimmer form factor. That said, we have yet to test out this feature so we'll stop with the praises there. ... Read more

HP iPaq 310 Travel Companion

(Credit: HP )

Last year, HP introduced its HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion, a sleek gadget that combined the powers of a PDA and a portable navigation system into one solution. It was the first GPS device for the company, and based on user opinions, it was a pretty successful product. Now, HP has decided to embark on its first GPS-only venture with the new HP iPaq 310 Travel Companion. I got a sneak preview a couple of weeks ago, and I must say, I'm pretty impressed. Unlike the rx5900, which used TomTom software, HP created its own interface for the iPaq 310, and it was pretty intuitive to use from the brief time I had with the product. Maps looked nice and sharp on the 4.3-inch, 480x800 pixel resolution touch screen, and I was really digging the 3D building renderings. Everything else is pretty standard; the system comes preloaded with maps of North America and features text-to-speech functionality, integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling, and an online trip planning site. The HP iPaq 310 Travel Companion will be available in late September and will go for somewhere in the $399 to $499 price range--not too shabby.

Garmin Nuvi 760

(Credit: Garmin)

Far be it from Garmin to let TomTom have all the spotlight today. Yes, Garmin had some news of its own as it introduced the Garmin Nuvi 700 series of portable navigation systems. The family includes three models--the Garmin Nuvi 750, Nuvi 760, and Nuvi 770--and features an enhanced user interface that makes these systems simpler to use. For example, you can now choose between a QWERTY or alphabetical keyboard. I know, it may not seem like such a huge deal but after struggling to enter addresses on an alphabetical keyboard, I'm pretty excited about this new functionality. Each model also has Bluetooth for hands-free calling, a built-in FM transmitter so you can hear directions, phone calls and MP3s though your car's stereo, and up-to-date traffic alerts (with a lifetime subscription to traffic services!). In addition, they have nice 4.3-inch wide-screen displays and text-to-speech functionality. The bad news is that you're going to pay for all these goodies. The Nuvi 750 will cost $624.85, while the 760 and 770 will go for $857.13 and $1071.42, respectively. All three will be available in Q4, so start saving your pennies now.

TomTom GO 920

(Credit: TomTom)

Today, TomTom took the wraps off of its latest portable navigation systems, adding three new products to the portfolio: the TomTom One 3rd Edition, TomTom GO 920, and the TomTom GO 920T. So without further ado, here's your friendly little breakdown of each.

TomTom One 3rd Edition: This entry-level GPS device is similar to the TomTom One but adds the Map Share technology and "Help Me" safety feature that was first introduced in the TomTom GO 720. Map Share allows you to make adjustments to your maps (such as noting blocked roads, updating points of interest, adding new streets, and so on) and then share the information with other drivers. You can make the changes right on your device, save them, and then upload and share them with other users via the TomTom HOME desktop companion. Meanwhile, the Help Me safety function tells you where you can find the nearest police station, hospital, or car service center, based on your current location. As a basic system, you don't get text-to-speech functionality, but you do get the standard text- and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions as well as a 3.5-inch touch screen. Perhaps the greatest feature, though, is its price tag. The TomTom One 3rd Edition will go for a wallet-friendly $249 when it hits store shelves next month.

(Credit: TomTom)

TomTom GO 920/920T: From the low-end to the high-end. The TomTom GO 920 comes preloaded with maps of not just North America but

Me, the TomTom GO 720, and the open road

(Credit: TomTom)

So I've decided to take my Labor Day Weekend trip a week earlier, and I'm hitting the road tomorrow to head down to Carlsbad, California. My friend Kristen just moved there with her fiance Mike, so I'm going to visit their new crib and hit the waves at Tamarack and Moonlight Beach (you've been warned San Diego surfers; steer clear of the girl with the yellow surfboard). I'm looking forward to paddling out in warmer waters, enjoying the sunshine, and good times with friends.

I'm also looking forward to the drive down there itself. I love taking road trips, but since becoming a "responsible adult" (whatever), I haven't been able to get out as much, so this is a nice treat. And guess what happened to arrive on my desk this week? The TomTom GO 720. Talk about perfect timing. Yes, the latest in-car GPS device from TomTom is coming with me as my navigator so I can test out the new features and performance. I'll be keeping a diary of my trip so you can check in and read about my experiences with the system. But before I hit the road, anyone have any recommendations as to fun or offbeat towns or sights I should peep while on my journey? I figure I'll take I-5 this time around; as much as I love taking Highway 1 down the coast, ... Read more