GPS now gets you from A to B in style

Posted on 13. Jun, 2006 by Joanna in Garmin, Mio, Navman, News, Sat-nav & GPS, TomTom

Tibo GPS Multimedia machine

I know that I’ve complained before about GPS systems that focus too heavily on gimmicks and not enough on mapping and reception – but now I thought it was about time to see what is actually being offered attached to your GPS device on the market today.

Digital media for your GPS ranges from Bluetooth for handsfree calls to the ability to watch full movies when you’re not navigating. Both Garmin and TomTom have integrated Bluetooth connectivity into their latest models, and they are both offering real-time traffic data either included or as an optional extra. They are not alone in this function, with Mio, Navman, Destinator and others all offering a version of TMC modules, online traffic databases, and speed camera detectors, making this “addition” probably the most common features on the GPS market right now. Less common is the MP3 player.

While this is almost standard on PDA based GPS systems, like the HP 6515, which have a Windows OS, and Media player pre-installed, it is now filtering through into the dedicated GPS market. The latest TomTom GO range not only allows you to listen to your favourite music through its MP3 player, but also offers integrated iPOD control through its touch screen. Garmin are also offering MP3 players on some of their devices, and companies like Blaupunkt offer CD and MP3 players that feature GPS almost as an accessory – so if music is your priority, you won’t be short of options.

Audio book players go hand-in-hand with the MP3 functionality, but a few systems offer this as a separate, dedicated feature. Movies are also available on the high end GPS devices, and I’ve blogged on a GPS system that plays DVDs, and how to play movies on your TomTom GO. PDA/GPS systems also often feature cameras, but the new Navman iCN range have high spec digital cameras which allow you to navigate by photographs you’ve taken.

The first GPS system to go all out for multimedia was the Tibo, and it still stands out as being the original for music and movies. So whether your multimedia of choice is music, video, or still images, or you’re more interested in chatting while you drive, or just getting there on time, there is officially a GPS system to suit you. If you have any questions about which modules boast which features, or if you’re looking for a particular function, post a comment and I’ll answer all the questions I can.

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