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Garmin Monterra handheld GPS runs Android, ships in Q3 for $650
This technically isn't Garmin's first foray into Android territory, but it could prove to be one of the most successful. The navigation company's just introduced Monterra, a dedicated handheld GPS running a TBA version of Android. Basic specs are in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range smartphone, including a 4-inch touchscreen, an 8-megapixel camera with flash and geotag support, 1080p video capture, 6GB of internal storage and microSD expansion. Naturally, the display is optimized for outdoor use -- it's transflective, so you only need to use the LED backlight in low light, letting you conserve power during daytime river treks and sunlit hikes. The device is ruggedized, with an IPX7 waterproof rating, and can run on either a rechargeable battery pack (included) or AA batteries. It includes WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC, a built-in FM radio with NOAA weather and SAME alerts, dual-band GPS and GLONASS receiver, a 3-axis compass with accelerometer and gyro, a UV sensor for monitoring the sun's intensity and a barometric altimeter, which can report altitude and predict weather based on pressure shifts. There's also a handful of preinstalled apps designed to take advantage of this plethora of connectivity, including Europe PeakFinder, or you can download favorites from Google Play -- anything from farming aids to efficiency trackers can utilize many of Monterra's bundled sensors. The device is expected to ship in Q3, and should run you about $650 in the US or £600 in the UK.
Garmin spits out new handheld, touchscreen GPS devices
If you're the outdoorsy, adventurous type, this will no doubt be of interest to you. Garmin's just outed two new touchscreen, handheld GPS devices -- the Oregon 450t and 450. These mid-range devices both boast 3-inch displays, weigh in at in 6.8 ounces, and supposedly get around 16 hours of battery life on their two AA batteries. They also have 850MB of internal storage, microSD card slots, and can store up to 2,000 waypoints, 200 routes, 5,000 caches and a track log of 10,000 points and 200 saved tracks -- good news for avid hikers, no doubt. The main difference between the two units here is that the 450t comes preloaded with topographic maps of the entire United States, with coverage of major trails, urban and rural roads, interstates, highways, coastlines, rivers and lakes, national, state and local parks, forests and wilderness areas. Both units are available to order now on Garmin's site, and the Oregon 450 retails for $399.99, while the 450t will cost you $499.99.
GolfLogix teams with Garmin to give caddies a break
With Brandt Snedeker upstaging Tiger's return to the greens, we have to wonder if he didn't get ahold of GolfLogix's latest gizmo before heading out to the tee box. The self-named GolfLogix handheld GPS exercises an exclusive agreement that allows the company to "utilize its proprietary golf software on Garmin's popular eTrex line of GPS receivers." Since this still-debatable technology has been given the USGA and R&A blessing, folks looking to more accurately judge the distances, terrain, and unforeseen hazards up ahead can legally take advantage of its 1.25- x 2.25-inch LCD, automatic advancement to the next hole, large on-screen numbers, water / shockproof enclosure, personalization features, and backlit screen to get an edge. The built-in 12-channel GPS receiver claims to be accurate within two meters, and while we're not exactly sure how much internal memory is included, it can hold "multiple courses" simultaneously. The unit itself should start shipping soon after its stint at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, and while one free course download comes with the $349 pricetag, you'll probably want to invest the yearly $29.95 for unlimited course access if you plan on moving around much.
Bushnell unveils trio of handheld / car-based GPS units
Those thinking GPS to stuff the stockings this winter now have option when it comes to picking out the perfect handheld / car navigation system. Bushnell is taking time from crafting those night vision goggles and luxurious binoculars to throw down three forthcoming GPS units. The ONIX 200 ($199.99; pictured after the break) handheld sports a SiRF Star III receiver, 240 x 160 resolution grayscale display, 128MB of SDRAM, 32MB of built-in memory, integrated US / Canadian maps, rugged / waterproof design, and even boasts the nifty ability to "download, display, and georeference satellite photography." The similar ONIX 200 CR sports the same specs and functionality, including a 26-hour battery life on two AA cells, but replaces the monochrome LCD with a 320 x 240 resolution colored version. On the car-based side, the NAV 500 ($599.99) features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, pre-installed maps of the US and Canada, a SiRF Star III receiver, MP3 player, SD slot, photo viewer, and a "pedestrian mode to calculate walking routes." While the ONIX 200 and NAV 500 units will both be available this month, the colorific ONIX 200 CR should hit shelves by next February.Read - Press releaseRead - Bushnell ONIX 200Read - Bushnell ONIX 200 CRRead - Bushnell NAV 500
Rand McNally GPS Navigator sports pre-planned vacations
Sure, your navigation unit might sport a 7-inch LCD, support Bluetooth calling, or track your roaming pet around the neighborhood, but can it make vacation planning decisions for you? Rand McNally's latest GPS handheld boasts "door-to-door" routing in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the 26 preloaded "best of the road" trip itineraries steal the show. These top-notch American road trips were selected by the company's own award-winning editorial staff, and include tourist-friendly attractions, eateries, and fuel stations to stop at along the way. Aside from prepackaged journeys, the nav sports a 3.5-inch QVGA color touchscreen, 20-channel SiRF Star III receiver, MP3 player, obligatory robotic voice prompts, multistop route planning / mileage calculator, and a (self-explanatory) "Go Home" button. If you've got a full tank of gas and nowhere to be -- or you'd rather not spend half your vacation figuring out where to go -- the $499.99 GPS Navigator can queue up your next fun-filled excursion with the simple press of a button.[Via GPSLodge]
