Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review
The Garmin StreetPilot 7200 is a large (7″) screen automobile GPS device with radio and text to speach capability. It is on the pricier end of devices, with most stores selling at around $590.
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator at Amazon.com
Some of the features include:
* High-end automotive GPS navigator with 480-by-234-pixel 7-inch color TFT touch-screen display
* Text-to-speech technology announces the names of streets and delivers turn-by-turn directions
* Integrated XM radio receiver delivers real-time traffic info, weather, and entertainment; built-in MP3 player
* Includes MapSource City Navigator NT North America software with maps of U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
* Built-in A/V input for connecting portable DVD player; 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.2 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
Product Description
The StreetPilot 7200’s huge 7-inch touch-screen display means you’ll always see where you’re going, from anywhere in the vehicle. Designed for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses, it is a premium automotive unit that comes preloaded with City Navigator NT detailed maps of North America. With the purchase of an optional sensor (not included), the unit notifies the driver of accidents, road construction and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered (requires subscription, traffic service only for select cities where coverage exists). Either of two optional purchase sensors can provide these features, the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic sensor or the GXM 30 Smart Antenna (separate purchase required). In addition to traffic data, the GXM 30 provides real-time satellite weather information. The 7200 model features all of Garmin’s well-known GPS functions, including intuitive navigation and automatic route calculation; voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions; 2D or 3D map view; and automatic rerouting if a motorist strays off course. With its POI Loader software, users can load custom points-of-interest such as school zones or safety cameras. The StreetPilot 7200 also includes entertainment options, including an internal MP3 player, XM radio, and playback of audio books. The built-in MP3 player lets users browse music by artist, album, song, or genre. The XM Radio (with the optional GXM 30 Smart Antenna and XM Satellite Radio subscription – not included) features 150-plus channels of commercial-free entertainment. The StreetPilot 7200 is also compatible with www.audible.com, a subscription-based audio book service. The face of the StreetPilot 7200 only has one button, an on/off switch. Using simplicity to manage complexity is a hallmark of the quality from Garmin, the premier maker of GPS products.
Our Opinion:
Beautiful large screen, and Garmin quality. We like this device.
Some cons:
No street names on the map.
Large size, tight fit in small autos, maybe more suitable for SUV or larger.
Hefty price tag.
Navigon 8100T Review
Navigon 8100T Review
Navigon GPS Unit Looks Pretty, Takes Its Sweet Time
GPS is supposed to get you where you want to go. The Navigon 8100T does deliver on its promise of no wrong turns and the occasional Dairy Queen pit stop. However, at $600, it seems the poor house is a little too high on this unit’s points-of-interest list.
The Navigon 8100T is a dashboard-mounted GPS unit with a flat, sexy, 4.8-inch touchscreen. It’s easy to affix it to your dash via a suction cup. We especially liked the Reality View Pro feature, which gave us a realistic image of all of the streets we never knew existed in our area, complete with their actual road signs.
Also, the unit’s Panorama View is the most whiz-bang feature: It displays pretty 3-D effects not unlike those in Pole Position. Whether or not that is a good thing is between you, the local authorities and your steering wheel. Still, like the game, the graphics are good, but a bit bland. Considering the unit boasts 3-D, both images and the points of interest could pop better — and quicker, so you actually have a chance of checking out something new before you zoom past it at 60 mph. In other words, don’t expect to have the Toon Patrol from Roger Rabbit as your copilot. Still, it’s a nice touch that’s relatively easy on the eyes.
For the full review, check out Wired reviews.
