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There have been rumors that Garmin is developing a new nuvi 670 and/or nuvi 680. It's going to be identical to the nuvi 660 but will add MSN Direct support for weather, traffic, and random information like local gas prices and movie times. Good idea, but we'll see just how accurate and easy-to-use the data will be, not to mention the price.
Well, Garmin finally announced the new Marine lineup for next spring. More confusing numbers and letters, a new line of 4" units and TWO separate 5" units, as well as new radar and new large-screen systems. All of the compact units (4" and 5" diagonal screens) come with internal gps receivers, so if you need the external receiver, you'll have to buy it separately. This is probably a good thing, as it cuts the number configurations to sort through in half. But if you're in anything but an open console, you'll NEED the external antenna; Garmin's betting strongly that people realize this, or that all the retailers make a note of it.
The introduction of the GPSMAPs 4212/4012 and 4208/4008 signify a new era for Garmin. With 12.1" and 8.4" size screens, their new network chartplotters are making a direct run at Raymarine's E120 and E80 lines. Garmin's system will be a bit cheaper; how it stacks up competitively will be determined when people can finally get their hands on them
The biggest change in the Garmin marine system is the introduction of BlueChart g2 Vision. Not content with BlueChart g2, with it's 3D views and port photos, the new Vision-compatible units feature a worldwide satellite cartography basemap, and Vision adds a more sophisticated 3D view with perspective choices, more port services and coastal roads, more, and higher-detailed port photos and marine charts, and something new called "auto guidance technology," which essentially plots an auto-route path in the water. This will be revolutionary: as the smartest innovation in chartplotters, or the most destructive, dangerous idea Garmin's ever had.
For an overview of all the new stuff, plus charts, click here.
Simrad Yachting's acquisition of Lowrance Electronics in January 2006 (press release here) is bad news if you're hoping to give or receive a Lowrance product this holiday season, whether it be a marine system or one of the popular color-screen iFinder models.
Simrad recently shifted most of its manufacturing to Lowrance's existing plant in Mexico. Good synergies for them and better products to come in the future, you say? Maybe. But Lowrance's factory was already running at full capacity; Simrad's additional product lines have apparently overwhelmed the facility. As a result, Lowrance is experiencing major backlogs on most products, has discontinued most existing marine products, and is not expecting to deliver their new marine line until after the holidays. Bah humbug!
My advice to you: buy as soon as possible if you can still find what you're looking for, or start checking out some Garmin or Magellan products!
Garmin's let us drop our price just in time for the holidays on some hot products:
The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx and GPSMAP 76Cx prices have dropped almost $100! These are full-featured top-of-the-line handheld navigation units, with color screens, SiRF StarIII chips, expandable microSD memory, and more! The 76CSx adds a barometric altimeter and electronic compass features that the 76Cx lacks.
The Garmin GPSMAP 492 and GPSMAP 498 prices have dropped almost $200! The GPSMAP 492/498 features a 5" diagonal color screen and is fully loaded with Garmin BlueChart g2 detail for the US East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast and Great Lakes, and the GPSMAP 498 adds the convenience of built-in sonar as well.
