GPS

OnStar attempts to stay relevant

GM announced two new services for OnStar this week, one that involves a partnership with MapQuest, and one for people who can't program a DVR. With the MapQuest partnership, called OnStar eNav, users will be able to find destinations on the MapQuest Web site, then push a button to have the destination sent to their cars. This service should come in handy for people planning vacations or needing complex routes, and signals OnStar's foray into the Web-enabled world. To use eNav, you will need a vehicle equipped with OnStar turn-by-turn navigation. The second service, OnStar Destination Download, requires … Read more

Review: 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible

With its chunky body, powerful stereo, and live rear axle handling, we couldn't help but think of the 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible as a thick, juicy steak of a car. The styling evokes the muscle car era effectively, reason enough to salivate for people in a certain age group. On a hard corner, the car feels like it has a lot of meat on its rear, making power slides possible, for good or ill. The 500-watt stereo pumps out audio thick enough to satisfy fans of bass-heavy music, although people of more refined appetites should stay away.

Ford has … Read more

Retro GPS stereo leads cars back to the future

As many carmakers try to outdo each other with cutting-edge technologies, we may be seeing a the beginnings of a trend to take accessories back in time, at least where design is concerned.

That makes sense, especially for those of us who appreciate vintage cars but can't stand the jarring appearance of a new digital radio ruining the aesthetics of a '57 Chevy's dashboard. Companies such as RetroBelt have figure this out with products like its "Retro Sound" sound system, and now Becker has done them one better by adding GPS features to a retro stereo … Read more

Google, Garmin link up for GPS trip info

The link between online mapping services and global positioning devices is growing stronger.

Starting Tuesday, people using Google Maps to plan trips will be able to send location data to their Garmin GPS systems, the companies announced on Monday. The feature, called "Send-to-Garmin", will eliminate the need to re-key route information into GPS devices.

Likewise, Garmin has inked a deal with Mapquest to send mapping information from that online service to Garmin's GPS products. The service is expected to launch in April. Mapquest already lets people send mapping information to mobile phones.

Roughly one year ago, Garmin … Read more

Dash Express finally hits the streets

It's been almost two years since Dash Navigation first announced its Dash Express portable navigation system, and we're happy to say that you can now finally get your hands on this device. The Dash Express is unlike any other portable navigation system on the market today because it offers two-way connectivity (cellular and Wi-Fi), giving drivers access to a whole new world of information via the Internet and the network of other Dash-connected users. You can conduct live (and more relevant) Web searches via Yahoo Local search; get real-time traffic data; wirelessly send addresses to the system; and … Read more

Mio delivers Mio-Navman 'Moov' product line

In January 2008, Mio Technology and Navman formally merged under the Mio name, and we're now seeing the first products of that marriage: the Mio Moov line. The series birthed four little Mio newborns--the Mio Moov 200, the Moov 210, the Moov 300, and the Moov 310--and combines Navman's software with Mio's hardware.

Alas, these cuties aren't easy children. CNET's Bonnie Cha spent some time with the Mio Moov 310 Car GPS and had high hopes for a nice bonding experience. The Mio Moov 310 came with a promising bundle of navigation features, including … Read more

TomTom not worried about Garmin Nuvifone...for now

As you may recall, TomTom introduced two new models to its line of in-car GPS--the TomTom GO 930 and GO 730--the other week. During the prebriefing for these products, I spoke with TomTom USA President Jocelyn Vigreux via phone to get the lowdown on all the latest features, talk about TomTom's place in the market, and all things GPS. I learned little nuggets like:

The portable navigation device (PND) market has grown 333 percent in 2007 versus 2006. There's still less than 6 percent market penetration: 14 million PNDs sold compared with the 240 million cars on the … Read more

Reviews: GPS devices for less than $250

Paper maps are cheap and obviously prices for in-car GPS will never match their low cost. However, the cost for portable navigation systems is dropping considerably and nowadays, you can get your hands on one for $250 or less. Granted, you're only getting the most basic systems at this price but consider that for the money, you're also getting the convenience of having all your maps in one place, visual and voice-guided directions so you're not fiddling with paper while driving; and access to a large database of points of interest. It's a worthy investment if … Read more

Review: Magellan RoadMate 1200

At first glance, the Magellan RoadMate 1200 looks to be a good entry-level in-car GPS. It has a compact, no-fuss design that's perfect for first-time buyers, and you get the most essential navigation features for an affordable $199.99. Sounds good, right? Not so fast, once on the road the RoadMate 1200 tells a different story. It's sluggish to perform tasks, such as route recalculation, and lacks some of the functionality that similarly priced systems offer. That said, if you're in the market for a basic portable navigation system, we'd recommend the Mio C230, which also … Read more