September 2009

September 30, 2009

Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer





Amazon.com Review Combining powerful performance-tracking features with a GPS receiver, the Garmin Forerunner 201 offers runners and hikers a unique way to track their exercise regimens and goals. Unlike its main competitor, Timex's BodyLink sport monitoring system, the Forerunner 201 integrates the GPS receiver into a single body (BodyLink has separate housings for watch and GPS).


101

201

301
1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport.
2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate).
Speed
Pace
Distance
Calories burned
Heart rate
Sports profiles1
Advanced workouts2
PC interface
(serial)

(USB)
Analyze workout data on PC
Size (inches, WxDxH) 3.3 x .9 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7
Weight (ounces, with batteries) 2.6 2.75 2.75
Batteries 2 AAAs, 15 hours Rechargeable, 15 hours Rechargeable, 14 hours
At first, the device felt a little bulky on my wrist, both in weight and in size (it measures 3.26 by 1.71 by 0.69 inches). But it really is light enough (less than 3 ounces) that it felt comfortable and transparent. I did, however, position the band a bit higher up my arm to ensure full mobility of my wrist, as the length of the Forerunner tended to get in its way.

The large display--with equally large, easy-to-read characters--helps you avoid having to squint at the readout. Just a quick glance at your numbers and you'll maintain your training concentration. The six rubber buttons on the front of the chassis are easy to access (unless you're wearing bulky gloves). I easily got the promised 13 hours out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At the end of the day, I'd just recharge it for around two hours and it would be ready for me the next morning.

While this is definitely a workable GPS receiver, the Forerunner is slim on overall GPS features--which is not to its detriment (think of it as a performance monitor with a dash of GPS). That said, the Forerunner was able to pick up a GPS signal just about wherever I went outside (though it had very slight hiccups in the center of downtown). But if you're looking for a full-fledged tracking device, the Forerunner isn't for you. (You'll want to start with a basic GPS unit like Garmin's eTrex.)

The Forerunner 201 has a variety of helpful tracking, monitoring, and navigational features. The History function enables you to view your workout statistics broken down by individual days, cumulative weeks, or your entire workout history (if you track different workouts during the same day, they'll be broken out as different laps). You can even view a map of your route. And much like other GPS units, you can save waypoints (called "locations" in Forerunner parlance) to mark the coordinates of a place you want to return to later.

Most interesting is the Virtual Partner mode, which enables you to set goals for a workout which will then be completed by a digital character displayed on the Forerunner's screen. You can then see how far off the time, pace, or distance you are of your virtual training buddy's; your digital character even stops when you do (though the buddy keeps on going). I found that, unless you've got a good idea as to your pace or distance, you'll have a couple of trial-and-error training sessions to get in sync with your buddy. I cut short my first attempt after my buddy got so far ahead of me that he disappeared off the screen (which I'd like to believe was not due to my woeful pace).

I was disappointed at not having the LogBook software, which enables you to keep a journal of your exercise activities (it was not available at the time of this test). But overall, the Forerunner 201 is a very useful exercise-monitoring system that will be prized by anyone involved in serious physical training. --Agen G.N. Schmitz




Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance.


History: Review training history by day or week.


Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location.


Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner."


Pros:

  • Loaded with performance-tracking features for the serious athlete
  • GPS functionality a bonus, especially in referring back to previous routes
  • Virtual Partner feature offers a fun, competitive way to keep you concentrated on training
Cons:
  • Lack of Logbook software at time of test
  • Virtual Partner feature takes some trial-and-error adjustments


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September 29, 2009

Garmin nüvi 1370T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator





Amazon.com Product DescriptionThe Garmin 1370T GPS navigator with Bluetooth and included Traffic Receiver features a widescreen, ultra-slim design (approximately 25% thinner than previous models), enhanced user interface, ecoRoute, public transit mode, and text-to-speech on all models. The nüvi 1300 series are the first nüvi devices to offer pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps, which are available for select tourist destinations in North America and Europe and can easily be downloaded directly to the nüvi. The nüvi's enhanced user interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation, while ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers money and fuel. Also, Garmin's new public transit mode allows you to navigate using buses, tramway, metro, and suburban rail systems. Pre-loaded with City Navigator North America and Europe NT.

An ultra-thin GPS navigator with great Garmin features like CityXplorer and ecoRoute. Click to enlarge.

Just over a half-inch thick with a 4.3-inch widescreen display. Click to enlarge.

Easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Click to enlarge.

Garmin greets you with two simple questions: "Where to?" and "View Map." This screen is central to every navigation function and route-planning tool. Simply plug and play. Click to enlarge.

The device announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. Click to enlarge.

Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. Click to enlarge.

Thin New Design
The nüvi units are just over a half-inch thick and weigh only 5.7 ounces, which means they'll fit easily into your pocket and can be taken just about anywhere.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology
The 1370T enables calling with a compatible phone, giving you a completely hands-free mobile phone experience. Broadcasts navigation and phone calls through your car stereo.

NAVTEQ Traffic Receiver Included
The included traffic receiver provides North America traffic information to your 1370T. Using this data, your device alerts you to local traffic tie-ups and displays current traffic levels. The receiver also acts as an in-vehicle power charger. Traffic provided by NAVTEQ Traffic. Watch informational video

  • Comprehensive, reliable nationwide coverage
  • Accurate traffic flow speeds
  • Unplanned incidents such as accidents and stalled vehicles
  • Planned incidents such as road construction and closures
  • Information about special and sports events and holidays that may affect traffic

See More
With nüvi 1370T's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos, and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.

Easy-to-Use Touchscreen Interface
One of Garmin's core beliefs is to continually enhance the simplicity of the user experience. The nüvi on-screen menus are logically arranged, with clearly labeled, colorful icons, making it easy to enter data and get to the information you need quickly.

Navigate with Ease
nüvi 1370T comes ready to go right out of the box, with pre-loaded City Navigator North America NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs), such as hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, ATMs, and more, with map data provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. Enter a destination on the touchscreen, and nüvi takes you there with 2-D or 3-D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Text to speech enhances standard sat-nav voice guidance by speaking the names of places and roads. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 1370T accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras, and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.

Travel North America
With nearly 6 million points of interest and detailed road coverage for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, City Navigator North America NT delivers all the data you need to navigate North America.

  • Displays nearly 6 million points of interest--hotels, restaurants, parking, entertainment, fuel, shopping, and more.
  • Includes highways, interstates, business, and residential roads in metropolitan and rural areas.
  • Includes such detailed information as turn restrictions, roundabout guidance, speed categories, and other navigation features.
  • Gives turn-by-turn directions on your compatible Garmin device.
  • Includes postal code support for Canada.
  • Contains traffic data for compatible Garmin devices that use traffic receivers.
  • Enhances pronunciation data for compatible Garmin devices that speak street names (example: "Turn right on Main Street").

Tour Europe
City Navigator Europe NT provides highly detailed maps for your Garmin device and boasts 1.5 million points of interest and 8 million kilometers of road coverage throughout the continent, so you can navigate turn by turn to the destination of your choice.

  • Includes full country coverage for Western Europe and many countries in Eastern Europe.
  • Expanded address ranges for Belgium.
  • ATM/cash stations added for all covered countries.
  • Displays 1.5 million points of interest--restaurants, lodging, border crossings, attractions, petrol stations, campsites, shopping and more.
  • Includes motorways, national and regional thoroughfares and local roads.
  • Includes such detailed information as turn restrictions, roundabout guidance, speed categories, and other navigation features.
  • Gives turn-by-turn directions on your compatible Garmin device.
  • Contains traffic data for compatible Garmin devices that use traffic receivers.
  • Enhances pronunciation data for compatible Garmin devices that speak street names (example: "Turn right on Main Street").

City Navigator Europe NT provides full country coverage for Western Europe and many countries in Eastern Europe. Click to enlarge.

Know the Lane Before It's Too Late
No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.

Pedestrian Navigation
With the Public Transit feature, you can navigate using buses, tramway, metro, and suburban rail systems with optional CityXplorer content. Downloadable CityXplorer data and city guides are available for purchase and download from garmin.com for many cities.

Where Am I?
Keep track of yourself and your car with nüvi 1370T. Just tap "Where Am I?" to find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address, and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates. The nüvi 1370T even remembers where you parked. It automatically marks your position when you remove it from the windshield mount, so you can navigate with nüvi on foot and find your way back to your vehicle. Perfect for unfamiliar spots and crowded lots, such as amusement parks, stadiums, and malls.

HotFix Satellite Prediction
Garmin's HotFix capability automatically calculates and stores satellite locations, greatly reducing satellite acquisition time so that you can turn the unit on and get going. With HotFix, your nüvi remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to three days after the device was last turned off.

ecoRoute
With this feature, drivers can view suggestions for fuel-efficient navigation, conserving both money and fuel:

  • Save Gas and Money--Now more than ever, we're all looking for ways to conserve both money and fuel. Whether we're taking fewer trips or carpooling with family and friends, saving resources is a top priority. It was that thinking that led to the creation of ecoRoute--Garmin's free software update for compatible nüvi products that allows you to find more fuel-efficient routes when navigating and even track their fuel usage. With ecoRoute, you may be able to save gas and money by adopting smarter driving habits.
  • Select Fuel-efficient Routes--With ecoRoute, you have a "less fuel" option as a routing preference. When selected, nüvi will determine if more fuel-efficient routes exist based upon road speed data and vehicle acceleration data for a given route.
  • Get Fuel and Mileage Reports--Through ecoRoute's Fuel Report and Mileage Report, you can focus on your habits even when you're not behind the wheel. Fuel Report tracks fuel usage over time, and Mileage Report monitors mileage and fuel usage on a per-trip basis. In addition, Mileage Report makes it easy for business travelers to keep track of distance traveled for company reimbursements. You'll have a detailed report for each trip and the miles driven. You also can customize your nüvi by entering your car's fuel economy and the current price of gas.

MSN Direct Compatible
Add the GDB 55 receiver for MSN Direct. With dynamic content from MSN Direct, you can avoid traffic backups when you travel with your compatible Garmin device. MSN Direct broadcasts traffic data to your GPS navigator so you can find the best route through traffic, check traffic flow, and receive accident warnings.

Avoid Traffic Tie-ups by Adding the GTM 25
The GTM 25 provides North America traffic information to compatible Garmin GPS navigators. Using this data, your device alerts you to local traffic tie-ups and displays current traffic levels. The receiver also acts as an in-vehicle power charger. Traffic provided by NAVTEQ Traffic.

Navigate by Photo with Garmin Connect Photos.

Search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.

Navigate by Photo with Garmin Connect Photos
Using Garmin's Connect Photos Web site, you can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo-sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide.

  • Choose from Panoramio's collection of photos from around the world.
  • Easy-to-use interface displays photos on Google Maps.
  • Search for photos by location name or map area boundary.
  • Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator.
  • View photos in Google Earth.
  • Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, and Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.

Take It with You
The nüvi 1370T sports a sleek, slim design and fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot.

Additional Features

  • Speed limit indicator--unit displays speed limits for most major roads
  • DEM maps show you shaded terrain contours at zoom levels of five miles and above.
  • Auto time zone automatically adjusts your time zone while navigating.
  • Trip computer records mileage, max speed, total time, and more.
  • Built-in travel kit includes such features as picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, and calculator.
  • microSD memory card expansion slot allows for optional mapping and data storage.
  • Includes Garmin Lock anti-theft feature.
  • Configurable vehicle icons allows users to select fun, customized car-shaped icons; download additional choices from www.garmingarage.com.
  • Offers a 3-D mapping perspective or 2-D overhead view.
  • Unit dimensions: 4.8"W x 2.9"H x 0.6"D; Weight: 5.7 ounces
  • Built-in lithium-ion battery lasts up to four hours, depending on usage.
  • Includes sturdy suction cup mount that allows for easy adjustment and quick release.
  • Simplified PC connectivity, using USB mass storage, access either the microSD card slot or the unit's internal memory directly from your PC desktop.
  • POI loader program lets you set up proximity alerts for school zones, create custom POIs, and more.

What's in the Box
nüvi 1370T preloaded with City Navigator North America and Europe NT, Vehicle suction cup mount, FM traffic receiver/vehicle power cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual

Which nüvi is Best for You?

Note: All nüvis come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.

Device
Screen Size inches (W x H)
Included Maps
Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names)
Traffic
Bluetooth
Media
FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system)
Multi-Point Routing
Battery life (hours)
Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
AK and Canada
Europe
nüvi 205 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 205w 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 255 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 255w 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 260w 3.81 x 2.25
 
Photos
up to 5
nüvi 265T 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 265WT 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 275T 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 285WT 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free);
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 465T 3.81 x 2.25
FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 755T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 760 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos, MP3s
up to 5
nüvi 765T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 775T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 780 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos, MP3s
up to 5
nüvi 785T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 850 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 855 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 885T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos, MP3s
up to 4
nüvi 1200 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1250 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1260T 2.8 x 2.1
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1300 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1350 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1350T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1370T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1390T 3.81 x 2.25
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1490T 4.4 x 2.5
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)
Photos
up to 4
nüvi 1690 3.81 x 2.25
NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service)
Photos
up to 4



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September 28, 2009

Palm 3380NA GPS Navigator featuring Garmin





Find your way with the Palm GPS Navigator for your Palm smartphone.Get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions right to the front door with the Palm GPS Navigator featuring Garmin Mobile XT software. With the latest maps, it's easy to find fuel, restaurants, parks, airports, and other destinations. Garmin Online is also included, to help you avoid traffic tie-ups, view the weather forecast, locate the cheapest gas prices, and more. And with 3-D mapping, an intuitive user interface, and simple touchscreen operation, you'll never need to re-fold another map again!


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Garmin nüvi 750 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Portable Dashboard Mount Included





Garmin nüvi 750 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Portable Dash Mount


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Sharp Wizard OZ-590A Electronic Organizer





The Sharp Wizard OZ-590A Electronic Organizer is the perfect product for those looking for an affordable, functional organizer without the fancy colorful displays and features that are never used. The OZ-590A features 8 MB of memory that stores thousands of entries--and with three phonebooks, you can easily look up thousands of addresses and phone numbers. Information is displayed on the large 80 by 111 dot backlit display. In addition to the phone/address book, there is also a calendar, memo function, "to do" function, birthday/anniversary function, world clock, calculator with conversions, expense manager, alarm, and games. You can use the alarm to keep track of all your appointments. A 24,000-word English/Spanish word translator is also included.

The OZ-590A syncs with Microsoft Outlook via USB and is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP Home and Professional, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98, and Windows 98SE. Software is included to enable the sync. At less than half an inch thick, this Wizard will easily fit in your pocket and go everywhere you do. A protective flip cover protects the display from scratches and damage. Battery life is approximately 120 hours when data is continuously displayed without backlight, and can last a year when turned off with the clock running. The Sharp Wizard OZ-590A Electronic Organizer runs on one AAA battery and is backed by a 1-year warranty.

What's in the Box
OZ-590A electronic organizer, alkaline battery, software CD-ROM, USB PC-Link cable, operation manual, and stylus.



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