gps

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. … Read more

Mercedes-Benz USA has an answer to complaints that car navigation directions don't measure up to those from sites like Yahoo, Google and Ask.

The automaker has partnered with Google and Yahoo to allow users to send customized Google Maps and Yahoo Local Maps directly from a computer or Web-enabled cell phone to their car computer.

A new "Send to Car" icon that will appear on both companies' mapping sites will allow you to send customized directions, maps, addresses and points of interest to your Mercedes' GPS navigation system.

Once you get in your car, pushing the "… Read more

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 … Read more

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. … Read more

Parents already have a way to monitor kids' phone calls and text messages, and soon they might have the means to track children wearing school uniforms.

An English manufacturer of uniforms is considering adding satellite tracking devices to its line of school clothing so that parents can locate their child's whereabouts at all times, according to an article from the Daily Telegraph in Australia. The manufacturer, Lancashire-based Trutex, believes there is a demand for such clothing. In a recent survey of its own, the company found that 59 percent of 800 parents surveyed were interested in buying uniforms with … Read more

In advance of Labor Day weekend and its inevitable coast-to-coast traffic jams, Microsoft is releasing Streets & Trips 2008 software. Among the new features in the deluxe edition are live traffic updates, information on nearby gas prices, and estimates of what filling up along the journey will cost for that Hummer, Prius, or whatever else you're driving. It also hooks up to Live Search maps that you can mark up, and which chart businesses including hotels, snack spots and camping areas.

Despite such helpful features, this product seems like an odd fit in the market when you can get … Read more

The Baltimore Sun has a story today about the increasing theft of portable navigation systems, as well as satellite radios and other portable electronics, from people's cars. In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, police found 33 stolen GPS units in local pawn shops, citing that these $200-to-$1,000 tech gadgets are good for a quick $150. The thefts are occurring nationwide, and police say it's not enough to hide your device in the glove compartment. Windshield and dashboard mounts are dead giveaways that you have such electronics in the car. I'm curious; for all the GPS owners … Read more

Magellan must be one happy camper, as the veteran GPS manufacturer has teamed up with National Geographic for its new line of outdoor handheld GPS devices. The Magellan Triton series includes five models--the Triton 300, 400, 500, 1500, and 2000--and are compatible with National Geographic's topographic maps. Prior to this, you could only download waypoints and routes to the company's other handheld GPS devices, but now you can get full-color maps. Just be aware that these are sold separately by National Geographic, though the Triton quintet comes preloaded with Magellan's topographic maps. Other highlights include touch-screen controls, … Read more

In the hypercompetitive business of on-board vehicle electronics, Clarion is apparently trying to carve out a niche for itself in two-wheeled transportation. A few months ago it introduced a "Drip-Proof" CD player for Japan's scooter market, for example, and now it's come up with a waterproofed version of its "DrivTrax" GPS unit suitable for handlebar mounting as well.

The device, which costs about $172, can be removed so it can be carried around (and not stolen) while running on AA batteries. Akihabara News says it also includes a speaker, though we have no idea … Read more