Drop, charge, and lose the cordsGarmin slims down with Nuvi 1200 and 1300 series
(Credit:
Garmin)
Mio isn't the only one making GPS news at CeBIT 2009. Garmin also got in on the action and introduced its new Nuvi 1200 and 1300 series of portable navigation devices on Tuesday. The new products sport thinner designs and are the first to offer the option of enhanced pedestrian navigation through CityXplorer maps.
Realizing that portable navigation devices are no longer restricted to just the car and hoping to reach new customers, Garmin wanted to provide an option for those exploring new cities by foot. Slimming down the size of the GPS was one solution and CityXplorer was another.
CityXplorer maps will be available as an optional download to users, ranging from $9.99 to $14.99, and provides information for select cities that allows users to plan and use routes that include public transit options, such as buses and subways. Garmin has not yet released a list of supported cities but plans to publish them (for both North America and Europe) on its Web site in Q2.
Even if you don't opt for the CityXplorer route, the new GPS offer plenty of other navigation features and for reasonable prices. For example, all models in the Nuvi 1300 series, which include the Nuvi 1300, 1350, 1350T, 1370T, and 1390T, have 4.3-inch touch screens and text-to-speech functionality. The Nuvi 1370T and Nuvi 1390T also provide free traffic updates for life. Meanwhile, the Nuvi 1200 series, which consists of the Nuvi 1200, 1250, and 1260T, has 3.5-inch touch screens and text-to-speech functionality. The Nuvi
The Nuvi 1200 and 1300 product lines are expected to ship in Q2; for full details and pricing of each model, check out Garmin's Web site.
Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie.
The price for the maps in England 36.99GBP, the price for the same maps in Australia 135AD and in the US 100USD. After conversion of the GBP the price in Australia and the US would be 76AD and 56USD respectively. My question, put to Garmin was why is the price for the same product different. After a rude reply email, Garmin International has directed me to the Australian site for an answer. By the way you can't purchase from the UK site if your credit card is not from the UK. I believe this is predatory pricing that effects not only Australians but also Americans. Regards Steve.