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As the battle heats up between stand-alone portable navigation devices (PNDs) and turn-by-turn applications on GPS-enabled phones, we will be seeing more innovation this fall from both camps, as well as a few devices that further blur the lines between the two.
Meanwhile, car audio manufacturers have been reducing prices and adding features in a fight to remain competitive in a market where OEM systems improve every year.
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Garmin Nuvi 1690
Date: Winter
Price: $499
The outlook: The Nuvi 1690 is Garmin's latest foray into the connected-PND category. With its built-in nuLink data connection, the 1690 serves up live Google and White Pages searches, as well as traffic, weather, and airline flight status data. Best of all the nuLink service is free for 2 years.
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
THE BOTTOM LINE: By itself, the Garmin Nuvi 1690 is merely a solidly performing GPS device, but it earns its keep through the free nuLink service, giving users easy access to up-to-the-minute data for safety, convenience, and entertainment.
