Garmin Nuvi 5000 GPS System
July 22, 2008
Garmin Nuvi 5000 GPS Sat Nav System though is a portable GPS satellite navigation unit, is designed mainly for the RV and truck drivers’ use. The large screen of this device is 5.2″ in measurement and of the TFT type with a backlight that dims automatically.
This latest GPS system comes with a good base map and pre-loaded maps that cover a number of European countries. The user has the option of adding his/her favourite maps into the system. Maps can be viewed either in the 2D or in the 3D display modes. Apart from these, the user can configure vehicle icons for more effective map navigation.
Navigation
This GPS system opens up a new concept to locate the nearest hospitals, gas and police stations, closest intersection and address called Where Am I? feature. Auto sorting of multiple destination helps in the determination of the best direct route as auto re-routing helps the user in the quickest off-route as well as re-route computation. The user also holds the discretion of choosing the ideal route in terms of distance, time or off road apart from effectuating smart avoidance of motorways, tolls, etc. This GPS system also provides a couple of voice guidance for better navigation like voice prompts and text-to-speech. However, this device does not feature either a speech recognition program or a Bluetooth feature for hands-free calling.
Entertainment and Other Significant Features
This Garmin Nuvi 5000 Portable GPS Navigator proudly accommodates a multimedia player that realises MP3 files. An audio book player is also an ingredient of this device. A remarkable picture viewer enables the user to view pictures and photographs in JPEG formats. The user is also blessed with an option of choosing either of a QWERTY or an ABC keyboard using the keyboard layout device of the system. This GPS system also features an FM transmitter and a reliable anti-theft lock in the form of Garmin Lock.
Checkout the specifications below and compare Garmin Nuvi 5000 Sat Nav System prices to save more.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Garmin |
| Model | Garmin Nuvi 5000 GPS System |
| Maps | Base Map covering European Countries |
| Mapping display | 2D and 3D |
| Screen size in diagonal inches | 5.2″ |
| Memory Memory Expansion Type |
Internal Solid State Memory SD card |
| Battery life | External Power |
| Weight | 263 g |
| Dimensions | 14.35 x 9.42 x 2.03 cm |
| Portable or fixed | Portable |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Additional Features | |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Spoken audio directions | Yes |
| Dynamic routing | Yes |
| Points of interest (POI) | Yes |
| Live traffic information | Yes |
| High Sensitivity Receiver | Yes |
| Multimedia Features | |
| Music | Yes |
| Photos | Yes |
| Accessories | |
| Mounts | Yes |
| Carry Case | Yes |
| Vehicle Power Cable | Yes |
| AC Adaptor | Yes |
| USB Cable | Yes |
Blaupunkt Travel Pilot Lucca 3.5 GPS System
July 18, 2008
Blaupunkt is known mainly for their exceptional car audio systems. However, after their self-introduction into the world GPS market, they have managed to reach a covetous position recently, after going through a rough patch in the earlier stages. The Blaupunkt Travel Pilot Lucca 3.5 GPS Satellite Navigation System is all about remarkable navigational service, though a smart multimedia player built in the system gives it the form of an entertainer too.
Interface
The interface of this Multimedia Navigation system is a 4.3″ TFT touch screen of 16:9 aspect ratio. The resolution of the display here is 480 x 272 pixels and it possesses anti-glare properties too. Visual route guidance is presented here in map mode or arrow mode. 2D and 3D map views are more than enabled in the gadget’s screen. The mapping factor of this GPS system is satisfactory with the availability of street level mapping for Ireland and UK . Further, you have the major road coverage of Europe as well as street level coverage for another twenty-one Western EU countries. Day and night modes are automatically switched on in the system. You can also use the off-map navigation as a digital compass. A large number of Points of Interest are availed in this latest navigation system and you have the option of including more in the long run. Apart from all these, a smart display of the destination time, distance and arrival time is also facilitated in this GPS system.
Destination Input and Voice Route Guidance
You can program your destination by giving the address, house number, street name or number and district details into the system. Postal code entry is also a possibility here and you can also chart your destination through the map. However, you have a return home option from almost anywhere. Voice guidance is given in an array of European languages of which you have the discretion of choosing your own. This GPS system promptly announces the street as well as the highway number for your convenience. TMC warnings predicting traffic congestions can be availed even minus active route guidance. Another striking aspect here is the provision of acoustic as well as visual speed limit warnings.
Entertainment
The Blaupunkt Travel Pilot Lucca 3.5 GPS Navigator comes with a good music player that realises the playback of MP3, WMA and OGG files through an MMC or SD card. A picture viewer is also a smart inclusion in this system with the ability to display JPEG, BMP, and GIF pictur3e files.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blaupunkt |
| Model | Blaupunkt Travel Pilot Lucca 3.5 GPS System |
| Maps | Street level mapping for UK and Ireland |
| Mapping display | 2D and 3D |
| Screen size in diagonal inches | 4.3″ touch screen |
| Memory Total Capacity Internal Type Expansion Type |
1GB Yes MMC , SD , SDHC |
| Battery life | 3 hours |
| Weight | 230 g |
| Dimensions | 122 x 95 x 22 mm |
| Portable or fixed | Portable |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Additional Features | |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Searchable postcode digits | Yes |
| Spoken audio directions | Yes |
| Dynamic routing | Yes |
| Points of interest (POI) | Yes |
| Live traffic information | Yes |
| Multimedia Features | |
| Music | Yes |
| Photos | Yes |
| Accessories | |
| Suction Cup Holder | Yes |
| AC Adaptor | Yes |
| Charger Cable | Yes |
| TMC antenna | Yes |
Shinco GM 350 GPS System Review
July 14, 2008

A n award winning gizmo from Shinco , the compact Shinco GM 350 GPS system comes armed with the renowned Destinator software and NavTeq maps. It has earned credibility in a very short time by proving itself a quick route finding, value for money device.
Striking interface and design
3.5" TFT LCD touch screen formatted in widescreen mode stands the main aspect of the interface. 65,000 colours at 16 bits along with a smart backlight further fortify this aspect. It also facilitates night mode display. Consider that this is a handheld device weighing just about 185 g and designed one of the slimmest of its kind, yet sturdy.
NavTeq Maps
This Shinco GM 350 Satellite Navigation comes with an inbuilt, detailed map of the UK and Ireland along with optional maps of Western European countries. The smart map aspect is further subject to augmentation by not only an optional 2D and 3D display but also an aerial view.
Another thing worth mentioning here is a remarkable technology allowing the device to automatically detect a country change and accordingly change the map too. In most of its counterparts, this is a rarity.
Navigate to near perfection
Ponder on these navigational features to frame a concept about the Shinco GM 350 handheld GPS system .
- 2 GB internal memory enabling the fast route detecting features and effective guidance
- Door to door navigation realized by a full postcode search of 7 digits in the U.K.
- About 65,000 Points of Interest highlighted by vivid icons on the maps
- Route guidance further enhanced by a fast ARM9 400 MHz processor
- 5 meter accuracy
- Warnings rendered at on-road congestions and toll points
- SiRF Star III receiver back up sharpened by the inclusion of an integrated antenna
- Lastly but obviously not the least a powerful built in Lithium Ion battery of 3 hour life powering the entire device
Good multimedia features
The Shinco GM 350 GPS navigator comes with an integrated MP3 player and video player enabling the running a full-length feature film.
Warranty
The Shinco GM 350 satellite navigation system comes with a standard warranty of 12 months from the date of first purchase.
| General Features | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shinco |
| Model | Shinco GM 350 |
| Maps included | Full UK and Ireland maps and optional Western European countries |
| Mapping display | 2D/3D |
| Screen size | 3.5” |
| Memory Total Capacity Free Space Internal Type Expansion Type |
2 GB - Yes SD and MMC cards |
| Battery life | 3 hrs |
| Weight | 185g |
| Dimensions (L x H x D) mm | 122 x 74 x 22.5 mm |
| Portable or fixed | Portable |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Additional Features | |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Searchable postcode digits | Yes |
| Spoken audio directions | Yes |
| Dynamic routing | - |
| Points of interest (POI) | Yes |
| Live traffic information | - |
| SiRFStar III GPS Chipset facility | Yes |
| Multimedia Features | |
| Music | Yes |
| Photos | Yes |
| Video | Yes |
| FM Transmitter | No |
| iPOD | No |
| Accessories | |
| 12 V car adapter | Yes |
| Windscreen mount | Yes |
| Mains adapter | Yes |
| USB cable | Yes |
| Carry case | Yes |
RAC 215E Satellite Navigation System Review
July 10, 2008

RAC have applied their expertise to a good extend here in developing a user friendly device like the RAC 215E GPS System that helps you to be at peace of mind even amidst the wildest traffic.
Striking features of the interface
The RAC 215 comes with a large 4.3" touch screen simplified by simple menu interface icons. Further, you can design your screen to the best of your taste by simply adding 3D angles, colours and display values of your choice to it. A smart night view option enhances your screen display by changing the brightness of the screen as per the available light.
Maps with Points of Interests
A full coverage of the U.K. along with Northern Ireland is included in this aspect of the RAC215E sat nav system . You can engage 2D or 3D displays according to your wish. Thousands of the best available Points of Interest adorns your map here. You can search for them with ease and store your most desired spots and addresses. Lastly and obviously not the least , the automatic zooming display of complex cross roads that comes as a significant aspect of the RAC 215 E is the one for you to watch for its perfect serving of the purpose.
Navigation features
A range of smart navigational features further strengthens the RAC 215 E.
- Step to step voice guidance rendered
- Position indicated by simple tracking mode
- Planning of routes by denoting arrival time and distance to cover
- Automatic re-routing
- A selection of the best route (Quickest, shortest or the most economical)
- Alerts for fixed speed cameras
- Address search reduced to child’s play by Fuzzy Search (SMS Styled)
- In the UK you have the option of 7 digit full postcode search or search by address
Power
An in-built Lithium Ion battery with a life of 3 hours powers the RAC 215E portable GPS system
Warranty
The RAC 215E comes with a standard 12 months warranty from the date of first purchase.
RAC 215E Specification Details
| General Features | |
|---|---|
| Brand | RAC |
| Model | RAC 215E |
| Maps included | Map of Great Britain |
| Mapping display | 2D/3D |
| Screen size | 4.3" |
| Memory Total Capacity Free Space Internal Type Expansion Type |
64 MB - Yes SD |
| Battery life | 3 hours |
| Weight | 226 g |
| Dimensions (L x H x D) mm | 126 x 90 x 23 mm |
| Portable or fixed | Portable |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Additional Features | |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Searchable postcode digits | Yes |
| Spoken audio directions | Yes |
| Dynamic routing | Yes |
| Points of interest (POI) | Yes |
| Live traffic information | Yes |
| SiRFStar III GPS Chipset facility | No |
| Multimedia Features | |
| Music | No |
| Photos | No |
| Video | No |
| FM Transmitter | No |
| iPOD | No |
| Accessories | |
| Car suction cradle | Yes |
| 12 v car adaptor and DC lead | Yes |
| Start guide and Manual | Yes |
RAC 200 GPS System Review
July 7, 2008
RAC 200 gps system is certainly a device all set to go places with almost all advanced features attributed to present day GPS gizmos included in it.
Striking interface and map features
- Starts with a 3.5" LCD touch screen with the simplest of menu icons, followed by a load of smart functionalities
- Pre loaded with UK and Ireland maps
- Map displays in 2D as well as 3D modes
- Complex cross roads simplified by intuitive zoom option
- Scores of Points of Interest
- Facilitates storing of favourite locations and addresses
- Address search reduced to child’s play by Fuzzy Search that comes in SMS style
- Day and Night view options that brings the screen brightness and contrast suiting the available light
Exceptional navigational aspects

As stated above the RAC 200 Sat Nav System comes puffed up with a number of smart navigational features starting from voice instructions literally rendering step-to-step accounts. Fuzzy search along with a full 7 digit post code and address search enhances the seeking ability of the RAC200 portable satellite navigation system . The device also exhibits some striking navigational programmes like one that initiates an arrival time and remaining distance indicated route-planning, one enabling the determination of the fastest and the shortest routes, one enabling intelligent re-routing in case of unexpected diversions and also a simple mode of tracking to explain ones position. The device is further fortified by the inclusion of Fixed Speed camera Warning with free updates.
More features
- Screen customisation
- Built in speaker
- USB 1.1 interface
- 266 MHz Samsung processor
- GPS high sensitivity receiver
- Built in Battery of 3 hour life (rechargeable Lithium Ion type)
Warranty
RAC 200 in-car satellite navigator comes with a 12 months warranty from the date of first purchase.
| General Features | |
|---|---|
| Brand | RAC |
| Model | RAC 200 |
| Maps included | UK and Ireland maps |
| Mapping display | 2D/3D |
| Screen size in diagonal inches | 3.5" |
| Memory Total Capacity Free Space Internal Type Expansion Type |
64 MB - Yes SD |
| Battery life | 3 hour |
| Weight | 191g |
| Dimensions (L x H x D) cm | 100 x 84 x 24 cm |
| Portable or fixed | Portable |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Additional Features | |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Searchable postcode digits | Yes |
| Spoken audio directions | Yes |
| Dynamic routing | Yes |
| Points of interest (POI) | Yes |
| Live traffic information | Yes |
| SiRFStar III GPS Chipset facility | - |
| Multimedia Features | |
| Music | No |
| Photos | No |
| Video | No |
| FM Transmitter | No |
| iPOD | No |
| Accessories | |
| Car suction cradle | Yes |
| 12 v Car adaptor with DC power lead | Yes |
| Start guide | Yes |
