Garmin Introduces Three New Product Lines, Four New Models

Topping the new 800 series is the Garmin Nuvi 880, with advanced speech recognition. Limited speech recognition has been available in higher-end GPS models from several manufacturers, but it has been a work in progress. Garmin describes its next-generation speech recognition: "Users mount a push-to-talk wireless remote to their steering wheel, which is used to activate voice commands... the user can effortlessly manipulate controls by speaking the words that correspond to buttons on the touchscreen display, so that almost any common task can be performed without ever touching the unit." The 880, like other Garmin Nuvis, can be equipped with an MSN direct receiver to provide traffic info, fuel prices, weather, movie info, stocks and more.

Pocket-size in-car GPS units have 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) screens, and "wide" screens are 4.3 inches, so that must mean the new Garmin Nuvi 5000 has an "ultra-wide screen" at 5.2 inches (diagonal). This new big screen provides more room for typical GPS features and... "In addition, the Nuvi 5000 displays a video signal from an external analog source, such as a back-up camera. When an external video source is active, the user may revert to the map display by touching anywhere on the screen," states Garmin. The Nuvi 5000 is expected to be available in North America in February for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $799. It will be available in Europe in the second quarter of 2008.

Garmin introduced four new handheld models for outdoor, fitness, and marine enthusiasts featuring a "Rock 'n Roller" wheel that lets you operate features with one thumb. All of the Colorado models also feature high-sensitivity GPS receivers, shaded-relief and satellite imagery mapping, and color, 3-inch, high-resolution screens. The Colorados also allow for wireless exchange of tracks, waypoints, and geocaches between units. 400t: for hikers, with 3D elevation perspective and preloaded U.S. topo maps. 400i: for anglers, with shoreline, depth contours and boat ramps. 400c: for coastal use, with chart coverage for U.S. and Bahamas. The 300 has a worldwide basemap. The 300 is to sell for $499, while the 400t, 400i and 400c will sell for $599.

The Forerunner 405's predecessors are compact, but still too bulky to be mistaken for ordinary sports watches. Not so for the 405. Garmin bills it as a GPS sports watch "you can wear all day." The Forerunner 405 tracks speed, distance, heart rate and location. A new touch bezel on the face of the watch is used to navigate the watch's features. "Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner," states Garmin. Cyclists may use the 405 as well. Other features include a high-sensitivity GPS receiver (works in the city), two colors (black or green), and wireless data transfer to your personal computer. Suggested retail price: $299.