Summer road trip must haves

 Are you looking to hit the road for a summer road trip? If you haven't done a summer vacation yet, you're probably itching to get away. While you're packing your car, don't forget a GPS. It can literally transform any trip so that you can stop asking for directions or wondering if the next road-side exit has better restaurant options. Since it's summer driving season, editors at a variety of publications and websites are reviewing GPS navigators so that you can make an informed decision on which device is best for you. Here's a sampling of recent Garmin reviews:

• The nüvi 205 received 4.5 out of 5 stars from CNET. This is one of our entry-level units and according to CNET, "the Garmin is a much faster, simpler, and easier-to-use device right out of the box, making it a better choice for nontechnophiles."
• If you want a high level overview of our nüvi 12xx and 13xx series, check out this popular consumer site. According to them, "new GPS devices continue to hit the market during the summer travel season, providing more premium-level features in basic units and increasingly user-friendly designs."  They tested handfuls of devices so you don't have to.
• The nüvi 1390T's video debute is available at GPSmagazine.com. If you watch this thorough video review, you'll see the 1390T being put through its paces.
  
• The nüvi 1490T is our new 5-inch, wide-screen wonder. In Boing Boing Gadget's recent post they said, "the GPS is great, too: I actually discovered a faster route from my home to the freeway (a route Google Maps has never once suggested)."

Go Garmin!

Popular Mechanics just concluded its first-ever consumer brand survey to determine what consumer brands their readers preferred. Twenty-nine different product categories were included, with a minimum of five brand choices in each category.  Over 7,000 readers voted, and thanks to you, we were chosen the favorite GPS brand. Thank You!

As most Garmin customers know, we serve a plethora of markets and we do our best to give each of these markets the specialized attention it deserves. We strive to develop revolutionary products with features that are specific to that market. One of the many ways we do this is by having employees design, create, build and market products for industries they're passionate about. Forerunners are developed by runners, Zumos by motorcycle riders, chartplotters by boaters, avionics by pilots -- I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the idea. This Popular Mechanics award helps reiterate that we're on the right path, but don't worry, we won't rest on our laurels. We're determined to continue building products that make life a little easier and more enjoyable for our customers.

Garmin Garage: Take a Tour with Team Garmin

As Team Garmin races around the globe, we thought it would be fun to create a new vehicle bundle for the 2009 race season. Of course, we couldn’t release these vehicles without approval from the team. So Team Garmin Director Matt White stopped by the Garmin Garage to take a look. While he was visiting with us, we quickly realized that Matt would make a great co-pilot for nüvis far and wide. A quick recording session was set up and through the magic of technology, Matt was nüvi-fied. So now you can download Matt’s voice to your nüvi and he can guide you wherever you need to go. Matt's personality really shines. And if you have half as much fun listening to Matt as we did recording him, you’re sure to have smiles for miles (or kilometers). Pedal over to the Garmin Garage today and show your support for the Argyle Armada with our Team Garmin bundle. It’s free and it’s a lot of fun. But hurry – Matt’s waiting!  

Garmin + BMW Motorrad = Navigator IV GPS

BMW motorcycle owners are about to have a new BMW-customized navigator at their fingertips. Today we joined with BMW to announce the next generation BMW Motorrad Navigator, the Navigator IV. This portable GPS device is based on Garmin's zumo 660, but it has customized features specific to the BMW such as a customized four-button mount, unique Bluetooth capabilities and preloaded BMW dealers. This is the fourth generation BMW Motorrad Navigator product, and the previous version, the Navigator III, was based on the StreetPilot 2820.

The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV is a top-of-the-line Garmin navigator designed exclusively for BMW motorcycles. Ready to go right out of the box, it has everything a rider could need. The portable, 4.3-inch navigator has a bright touchscreen display that is glove-friendly and comes preloaded with detailed street maps with millions of points of interest that include locations like restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, hotels and specific street addresses. After the rider selects a destination, the system calculates the best route and gives turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions to the final destination. This feature can also work with a compatible Bluetooth enabled helmet or headset. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV’s stereo (A2DP) Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for riders to pair their phone to a Bluetooth enabled helmet or handset so that they can safely talk on the phone or listen to MP3’s without having to remove their gloves or helmet.

Ask Garmin: Updating your nüvi, zūmo or GPSMAP software

Some customers have asked us to follow-up about last week's mandatory software update decree, and they've specifically asked if all the new software has been released. The answer is a resounding YES! We have free software updates available for the nüvi 7x5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8x5 series, zūmo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640. Offering free software is something we regularly do and we've always recommend you update your GPS when new free software is available. However, last week was atypical because the software update was mandatory. If you own one of the GPS devices listed above and haven't experienced any problems acquiring a GPS signal, you still need to do the free software update. It's free and easy to do. All you need to do is visit our WebUpdater site, download the free WebUpdater application, follow the screen prompts, and it will do everything else for you.  

Garmin Garage: Fun for the Fourth!

Getting ready to load up the Family Truckster and make your way to friends and family this holiday season? If so, we’ve got two new vehicle icons to help you celebrate in style. Stop by the Garmin Garage today before you hit the road. We've spent the last week getting Topper and Ol' Glory ready to go! They'll look great guiding you from picnic to party to fireworks show and back home again. So if you're traveling near or far, your nüvi will be packed with patriotic pride. Of course, Topper and Ol' Glory aren't the only vehicles you'll find. We've got many more - including last year's Fourth of July icons - Wingspan and Moonshot. Stop by and load up! From all of us in the Garmin Garage, have a safe and festive Fourth of July!  

Learn your Garmin with the Garmin Learning Center

Have you ever wanted to see a Garmin product in action before you buy it? Or, maybe you're interested in tips and tricks about a device you already own? How about expanding your overall GPS knowledge?  If any of these scenarios sound familiar, the online Garmin Learning Center is for you. The Learning Center is the newest addition to Garmin.com, and is quickly becoming a popular place to visit because it's a one-stop resource for learning about Garmin products and all things GPS. Once you visit this site, you can watch short video snippets to learn more about your GPS. So far, the site features videos for the Forerunner 405, Edge 705, Approach G5 and Marine network. More videos will be coming soon, so you'll want to check back often.

20-year stories: eMap finds its way home

In celebration of Garmin’s 20-year anniversary in 2009, we’re reaching back to the past to bring you stories from our younger years, including some memorable customer testimonials. When the following story was submitted through our website in 2000, this customer had definitely piqued our curiosity. Be sure to keep reading for the rest of the story.

An interesting thing happened to me today that I think is worth sharing with you. I have a Garmin eMap that is my newest best friend. I fell in love with it after I purchased one for my daughter as a gift. I had to have one of my own. I carry my eMap with me constantly and had the misfortune to lose it last weekend. I was about to order another one to replace it when I received a knock at my door. A young gentleman was standing there holding what he described to be my eMap. He asked me if I had lost it. I was flabbergasted! It seems that he is an electronics nut like myself and had found it in the park. He managed to get to the waypoint page and found one titled “home.” He set this as a destination and tracked to my home using the eMap. He said he figured that it must have been important and felt that it should be returned. We had a very nice discussion about the eMap. I went ahead and ordered another eMap and gave it to this young gentleman to reward him for his honesty and inventiveness. I’ve now bought three eMaps and am delighted to have done so because they have been valuable tools for me and my daughter, and I’m sure will do the same for my new young friend. Thanks, Garmin, for making such splendid products. Oh, by the way, did I mention that I’m blind? It’s true. I’ll bet I have your curiosity piqued, right?

Gil L.

Free, mandatory GPS software available now

Today, Garmin released a free, mandatory GPS software update to correct a software issue that has been discovered to cause select GPS devices to repeatedly attempt to update GPS firmware, and then either shut down or no longer acquire GPS satellite signals.  The products affected are the nüvi 7x5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8x5 series, zūmo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640.

Garmin nüvi 7x5 series products that are no longer able to acquire a GPS satellite signal may download a firmware update immediately that will correct the software issue. This firmware update may be downloaded using Garmin’s WebUpdater.

Firmware updates for other affected products will be available online through Garmin’s WebUpdater in the near future. Affected customers who have registered their GPS device will be notified about these updates through email.

Garmin nüvi 7x5 customers who are no longer able to power on their GPS device will need to visit www.garmin.com/support, and select the first FAQ titled “My nüvi 755T, 765T, 775T or 785T is giving me the message ‘Updating GPS Firmware’ or will no longer power on…” Customers will then need to follow the instructions to request a return authorization so that the device may be repaired under warranty.

We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our customers.

Ask Garmin: Why does my nüvi 7x5 not power on?

It has come to our attention that the Garmin nüvi 7x5 series has a firmware error that is causing some devices to perform an unprompted GPS software update and in some cases shut down. We are aware of this issue and we are working diligently on a solution.  We know our customers rely upon their GPS devices and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Developing quality products always has been and continues to be a priority at Garmin. For regular updates about this issue, please visit www.garmin.com/support. 

Chicago Store: Slim down for summer with the nüvi 1200/1300 series

Chicago's Michigan Avenue is the place to be to check out this summer's must-haves, and the Garmin Chicago store is no exception! Arriving in the store this week, the sleek and slim nüvi 1200 and 1300 series units are the perfect GPS companion for all of your summer endeavors.

Pedestrian friendly, this new series of products is ideal for the traveler who wants advanced features at an affordable price. With optional cityXplorer maps, these products offer pedestrian navigation such as public transit information for select tourist destinations in both North America and Europe, and can easily be downloaded directly to the nüvi. Recently the crew at GPS Mag posted a full hands-on review of the nüvi 1390Tand touted that users will be navigating the local bus and subway lines like a native in no time. According to their experts - "If you need to tackle the complexities of public mass transit in unfamiliar cities, you won't find a better travel companion than the nüvi 1390T." And we couldn't agree more!

As the only dedicated GPS store in the country, Garmin Chicago is eagerly anticipating your arrival. Our service associates are on-hand to answer any and every question regarding the new personal navigation devices, and every purchase comes with on-site product registration and complimentary one-on-one training with a product expert. Garmin Chicago even carries products to accessorize your unit! So what are you waiting for? If you're in the area, stop by the store and find the GPS that best fits your travel needs this summer!

Garmin Garage: Father’s Day Special

We’re just a day away from Father’s Day, so if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas (*cough* new nüvi *cough*), you’ve come to the right place. We were hard at work all week in the Garmin Garage to get our two new father friendly vehicle icons ready for you. Introducing Weekend Warrior and Windsor. Weekend Warrior is perfect for short trips around the town or around the yard. And Windsor works well with any special occasion. Besides, it wouldn't be Father's Day without the ol' "Get Dad a tie" joke! Either one would make the perfect addition to a gift for dad.  And since they’re priced right (FREE!), you could download two for the price of none! How’s that for savings? Of course, fans of the Garmin Garage may also remember Big Daddy – our 2008 Father’s Day icon. So regardless of what you’re doing this weekend, plan a trip to the Garmin Garage and add a little character to your nüvi. Happy Father’s Day from all of us in the Garmin Garage! 

Make the most of your Garmin with one-click

Have you ever noticed that it’s often the behind-the-scenes technologies that get little fanfare yet quietly catapult consumer electronics forward in terms of ease-of-use?

We think you’ll find the myGarmin Agent is that type of advancement. You’ll never see it on the front page of a newspaper, but we think you’re really going to like it because it makes interfacing with your Garmin products much easier. The myGarmin Agent works with all of Garmin’s newer devices and tells you when a Garmin device is plugged in to your computer, allowing one-click access to the new myDashboard at my.garmin.com.

With the myGarmin Agent installed on your computer, you will see a message in the lower right corner of your screen whenever you connect a Garmin device. Clicking the message box takes you to the myDashboard page the starting point for one-click software updates, map updates, and much more! You can also access the myDashboard page at any time by double-clicking the myGarmin Agent icon in your system tray.

The myGarmin Agent is unobtrusive so it can sit on your computer and you’ll never know it’s there until you need it. It’s the new starting place for all of your Garmin needs and gives you one-click access to almost everything you need for your Garmin, so download it today.

Father's Day gift ideas: The gift of navigation

Father's Day is less than one week away, and like many of you, I've just started to brainstorm what I'm giving my wonderful Dad. Since this holiday seems to sneak up on a lot of people, we decided to feature gift ideas so that you can find a gift that is tailor-made for your dear 'ole Dad. And if you haven't figured it out by now, one of the best things about this time of the year is that there are always sales so you can give Dad a priceless gift without breaking the bank. 

The USA Today posted their top five GPS devices under $200, and Garmin was the only company to make the list twice. The nüvi 265T and nüvi 205 were named as great sub-$200 gifts, and we agree with their choices.  Either the nüvi 265T or 205 will easily get you from point A to B, but the 265T does so with a little extra flair. The 265T comes with free, lifetime real-time traffic updates that will route Dad around the traffic before getting stuck in it. Plus, it has Bluetooth capability so Dad can pair his phone to the GPS and safely talk on the phone without having to hold the handset to his ear.

If you want to go the extra mile and personalize the nuvi before you give it to Dad, you can take advantage of the photo navigation feature on the 265T and 205. Load pictures of some of Dad's favorite spots and let Dad navigate to them via the picture. While you're at it, you can personalize it even further by adding icons from the Garmin Garage. From golf carts to airplanes, Dad will be cruisin' in style.

June is Map Update Month

We're not exactly sure who proclaimed June as Map Update Month, but apparently it's official,so we're celebrating!  Roads, routes, and points of interest are always changing. That’s why we offer three map update options -- nüMaps Guarantee, nüMaps Lifetime and nüMaps Onetime. Each of these are great options that will help you make the most of summer roadtrips. According to a study done by NAVTEQ (Garmin's map provider), drivers want to be reminded when to update their maps. Seventy-three percent of Americans said they want to receive reminders to update the maps in their systems. If you're one of those who want to be reminded about map updates, we have good news since most newer Garmin devices notify you when yearly map updates are available and myGarmin.com tells you when quarterly map updates can be downloaded. If you want to see if your GPS has the latest and greatest map data, just connect your device to the computer and then we'll show you what you may have been missing. 

Explore a new city like the locals...on foot

The team at GPS Tracklog posted their review of cityXplorer today. The long story short is that they think it's a winner. According to them, "...I had some nervousness about leaving my car behind and venturing into the city via MARTA (Atlanta's metro system), with only a nuvi to guide me. It turns out that my fears were misplaced. Quite simply, cityXplorer rocks."  We couldn't agree more!

cityXplorer is one of the newest features for the nuvi product line and it's ideal if you're walking a city. If you're planning to be in an unfamiliar city or if you're taking a stay-cation and exploring parts of your city you don't know, cityXplorer is for you! The maps show you detailed roads and points of interest and street directions that let you use public transportation. Now you'll know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other major transportation, and an ETA on how long it will take you to get there. cityXplorer is available for most major U.S. and European cities, and you can download most cities for less than $10. Check out GPS Tracklog to read more about someone who put cityXplorer through its paces.

Hands-on with the trucker-friendly nüvi 465T

The guys at GPSMagazine recently took the nüvi 465T- Garmin's first navigation device designed for the trucking industry - out for a test drive and have posted about their experiencefrom start to finish, calling it "the best GPS for truckers, hands down." This device was built with the truck driver in mind and can navigate routes based on a truck's type, load and physical restrictions. Customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials, this nüvi will provide specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions based on your vehicle profile. Simply enter dimensions and load restrictions and let the nüvi guide the way. According to the GPS Mag crew, "trucking isn't just an afterthought slapped on at the last minute; everything about the 465T reflects the well thought out needs of a truck driver." We couldn't agree more - especially because the nüvi 465T is the first navigation device to link locations in the National Truck and Trailer Services (NTTS) Breakdown directoryto its relevant point of interest content. Drivers can even enter multiple point routing for a more efficient route between multiple stops. Keep your eyes out for the 465Ts to land on store shelves soon, but in the meantime, check out the full review and our video for more information, screen shots and more!

Click & Ride with Garmin and Volkswagen

Got a Volkswagen? It's time to get a Garmin, but not just any Garmin -- you need the "Click & Ride." Since Volkswagen has just named Garmin its aftermarket GPS supplier, they've launched the new Volkswagen "Click & Ride" GPS specifically for Volkswagen owners worldwide.  The Click & Ride is based on the Garmin nuvi 7x5 series, and one of the biggest things that sets it apart from traditional nuvi devices is the custom mount that is tailored to all Volkswagen models. We worked with Volkswagen's engineers to ensure the mount design meets all the safety requirements and integrates seamlessly into the vehicle. The GPS is charged by the car’s power supply and all audio, including turn by turn directions, is outputted via the car speakers. Plus, one of the biggest advantages of the Click & Ride is when you want to explore the city on foot, you simply snap the GPS out of the cradle and you'll continue to receive directions in pedestrian mode.

The Click & Ride has a 4.3" screen and has all of our advanced features like lane assist, which guide the driver to the correct lane when approaching a turn or exit by displaying life-like road signs on the display. It also has traffic services that notify the driver of upcoming traffic or road construction delays. If an accident or construction delay occurred prior to the user programming their route, the Click & Ride will automatically calculate a route around the congestion.

my.Garmin.com: Get the latest and greatest for your GPS

We're at it again. We're figuring out ways to make your life easier, and we think we have another winner. This time we've created something for the GPS device you already own -- my.Garmin.com is a site where you can manage all there is to manage about your GPS. From registering your Garmin to downloading new maps to learning more about your specific GPS, my.Garmin.com is designed to be a helpful resource 24/7.

So, here's what you should do...
1. Visit http://my.Garmin.com.
2. Click on the second tab, myDashboard and follow the screen prompts
3. Connect your GPS to your computer through the USB port.
4. Be prepared to learn more about your GPS than you ever thought possible from one central location.

As soon as my.Garmin recognizes that a GPS device is connected to the computer, you can click on the second tab, myDashboard, and you'll see a picture of your devcie along with helpful information about your GPS like map updates and free software updates. myGarmin is completely tailored to you and your GPS, so take some time to explore and discover everything there is to know about your Garmin.

What to get Dads and Grads

Dads and Grads season is here, and hardworking dads and graduates deserve something cool for their big day. Forget about the pen and pencil set, it's time to think high-tech. If you're not sure if you should get your dad or grad a GPS for their car, golf cart, dog, wrist, boat, plane, motorcycle or bike, you're in luck. Editors all over the world are compiling and publishing lists of their favorite devices so you can pick the perfect gift. So far, PC Mag has named the nüvi as a top pick for graduates that are bound to get lost as they travel between home and college. According to PC Mag, one of the great things about the nüvi is that even entry-level models "offers a lot of bang for the buck and are excellent choices for the budget conscious."  The Approach G5 has also been make making many Father's Day gift guide lists because it will help dad improve his golf game and give him the ultimate competitive edge. Check our site for more great gift ideas.

Peg’s Posts: How to make mom’s day

While perfumeries, patisseries and other retail niches are advertising the perfect gifts for mom, Peg’s been thinking of some unique ways to show mom she’s the best. And some won’t even cost you a dime. After all, she probably just wants you to spend time with her.

Adventure-seeking moms: Take her to find some cache … go geocaching. If you already own a GPS, that’s all the equipment you need. This high-tech version of a scavenger hunt can be played with just about any Garmin GPS—basic handhelds to nüvis to units like Oregon 400t with special geocaching features. Look up nearby geocache locations online and transfer the GPS coordinates to your unit, then head out to seek. As of today, there are 794, 655 active geocaches around the world. That oughta keep you and mom busy. If you’re caching with kids, be sure to bring swag to swap in the standard caches. Got piles of kids’ meal toys looking for a new home? Bring it.

Moms on the run: Find a new scenic trail or route that she’s never been on and take her for a run. To search for new routes in your area or a nearby town, go to our Garmin Connect site and click the “Explore” tab. Here, you can search from millions of activities uploaded by Garmin users around the world. Get detailed data on the route, including distance, mapping, elevation and more. There's even a map player feature to replay the activity. If you have a compatible Garmin fitness device (like Edge 705 or Forerunner 405), you can send the course file to your device. Just click the “send to device” button under the summary box.

The best 4.3-inch GPS?

The Engadget team caught our eye today because they're asking for your opinion on the best 4.3-inch GPS. So far, the nüvi 265WT and nüvi 765T have been mentioned quite a few times, but there are at least a dozen other nüvis to choose from too. If you're wondering why there are so many nüvis in our product line, it's because each one has slightly different features so that you can choose a GPS that fits your lifestyle.

Let's say you travel overseas often. If so, you should consider owning a GPS that has preloaded North America and Europe maps (and we designate those models by using a 7 in the tens-column of the model name, like nüvi x7x or nüvi 1x7x). If you never travel to overseas, you can save some money by choosing a device that only has maps for the North America, or even the lower 48 if you don't plan to be in Canada. After you figure out what type of maps you want preloaded on your nüvi, you can narrow it down by looking at what features you need. Is Bluetooth capability for wireless calls a must have? How about traffic info? Would cityXplorer's pedestrian navigation be helpful? These decisions may seem a little overwhelming at first, but ultimately, you'll own a GPS that is tailored to you.

Hit the open road with nüvi 465T

Designed to satisfy the navigation needs of the trucking industry, the nüvi 465T is Garmin's first truck-specific nüvi, packed with features that will help drivers make the most out of their long-haul journey. The nüvi 465T provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions; it's customizable by weight, length, width, height, no trucks allowed, no trailers allowed and hazardous materials while routing. For the ultimate in convenience, the nüvi 465T comes preloaded with the NTTS Breakdown Directory that provides truck-friendly points of interest such as tire sales repair, glass repair, towing and recovery and truck stops with repair. The nüvi 465T also lets you create custom vehicle profiles tailored to what you're driving and what you're hauling. For a closer look, watch the demo video below...over and out.

Ask Garmin: Comparison shopping made easy

Two similar questions landed in our inbox this weekend. Looking for an entry-level Garmin for geocaching, Helene is trying to decide between the GPSMap 60Cx and an eTrex Legend HCx. "The display screen seems bigger and clearer," Helene notes with the 60Cx, "and it seems easier to geocache with." Meanwhile, Tony wrote in looking for a suitable replacement for his nüvi 650. This is where our Web team's work pays off through our online sort filters.

First, let's look at Helene's question. By going to the "On the Trail" section of Garmin.com, we can click on "Mapping Handhelds" and see the various models. By clicking the squares next to GPSMap 60Cx and eTrex Legend HCx, we can compare these units head-to-head. This side-by-side comparison shows that Helene is right about the 60Cx screen being larger, as that category is highlighted to show the difference. Other differences include weight, battery life, tide tables and the inclusion of a microSD card. These details should help Helene shop and get started on her way to finding a cache.

Save $$$ by driving with a GPS

Our friends at NAVTEQ recently completed a study that confirmed something we've believed for a long time -- using a GPS saves you money and time. NAVTEQ's study quantified that German drivers saved an average of 1,500 miles of driving when using a GPS. This equates to about $200 a year for a U.S. driver, and since the price of an entry-level Garmin nüvi is about $200, that means you could recoup the cost you spent on a device within the first year. Drivers saw the biggest savings when they drove during rush hour traffic, especially if their device included real-time traffic like the nüvi 1260T with free traffic. The study also found that those using a GPS had a 12% increase in fuel efficiency, which translates to an estimated .91 tons (metric) decrease in carbon dioxide emissions every year per driver. Interestingly enough, this study took place before Garmin's ecoRoutes, so just imagine the benefits to the environment if a driver used ecoRoutes!

So, there you have it. The facts are in and they nullify almost any excuse you may have had about not owning a GPS. Get a Garmin nüvi and save time, money and the environment!

NASCAR Truck Series navigates to KS Speedway

Look for Garmin on the track of the Kansas Speedway this weekend when the NASCAR Truck Series comes to our own backyard! The last time Garmin teamed up with TheGPSStore.com and the #07 truck, driver Chad McCumbeefinished third at the two-mile California Speedway in February - the best finish ever for the team. Chad has had some pretty good success at Kansas and noted that, "the track is smooth and each year the racing gets better as the surface wears." Chad is currently eight in NCWTS point standings and we'll be cheering him on Saturday from the sunflower state. The O'Reilly Auto Parts 250 will air live on the SPEED channel at 6 pm ET tomorrow. Good luck to Chad and the entire #07 crew!

nüvi 1490T: 5-inch screen, ultra-thin and feature rich

Super sleek with a 5-inch touchscreen display, the nüvi 1490T gives drivers a big picture of the road ahead. Driver's seeking a large screen can also take advantage of some of Garmin's newest navigation features like free, lifetime traffic alerts and lane assist with junction view that gives added confidence when driving roads with complicated intersections and turns. And with the nüvi 1490T, running errands has never been easier because with the multiple-point routing feature, the nüvi will calculate the most efficient route between multiple stops. The nüvi 1490T also comes preloaded with ecoRoute - a green feature that calculates the most-efficient route tracks fuel usage and more. When you've reached your destination, take the nüvi with you as your explore the city - with enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, users can download optional cityXplorer content to help navigate city public transit. Know where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. With the nüvi 1490T, you'll always see the big picture!

Take a Spin with Marley & Me

Want to make your next trip or your daily commute a bit more exciting? We’ve got the perfect solution – a free Marley & Me audiobook from Audible.com. It’s a great story that you’re sure to love. This audiobook is available as a free download for your compatible nüvi. And as an added bonus, we’ve created a special vehicle icon as well. So you’ll be able to let Marley guide you down the road as you listen to Marley & Me in your car. Two great downloads for the price of none! Stop by the Marley & Me download page to get your free audiobook and then swing by the Garmin Garage for your vehicle icon.

 

nüvi 465T helps drivers know their 10-20

If you're in the over-the-road trucking industry, life on the road just got a whole lot sweeter. Introducing the nüvi 465T- Garmin's first portable navigation device designed exclusively for long-haul navigation and delivery trucks. The nüvi 465T will navigate routes based on the truck's type, load and physical restrictions, and when navigating, will display upcoming road restrictions and warnings to make drivers aware of possible hazards along the route such as sharp curves, steep grades and narrow roads. And for the ultimate in convenience, this nüvi is the first navigation device to provide locations in the National Truck and Trailer Services (NTTS) Breakdown Directory. With one tap on the touchscreen, driver's can easily find truck-specific points of interest such as truck repair, towing and recovery and tire sales and repair. In addition to NTTS location data, the nüvi 465T also features lane assit to guide users to the proper lane, subscription-free traffic updates, speed limit indicators, Bluetooth capabilities and delivers voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions.

Vote for your favorite GPS device!

The nominations are in and it's time to get out and vote! Engadget.com is holding their 2008 awards and it's up to you to decide the GPS Device of the Year. After nominating your favorite devices last week, the Garmin nüvi 255W was selected as one of the top picks.This widescreen navigator speaks street names, is traffic compatible and is always aware of a driver's surroundings with the "Where Am I?" feature. With the nüvi255W drivers can look up their exact location at any time including nearest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. If it's one of your favorites too, cast your ballot here

Garmin Garage: Download a lucky charm for holiday fun

There are two surefire ways to enjoy the luck of the Irish in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Your first option is to book a flight to Dublin and embrace the country's rich culture and tireless hospitality. Your second option is quicker, easier - and free! You can download Lucky, our four-leaf clover, as a vehicle icon for your nüvi. Scooter has been out in clover patches finding enough for everyone, but you'll still want to hurry and download today for the good fortune to be in full effect for the holiday. You don't need to live a charmed life to get your hands on Lucky. Just visit the Garmin Garage, follow a few easy steps and luck will be on your side (and your nüvi) in no time. To capture the full essence of the season, you'll want to go as green as possible. Let ecoRoute guide you with fuel-efficient navigation, available through - you guessed it - a free download at www.garmin.com/ecoroute. 

Oh, but if you have your heart set on that trip to Dublin, don't forget to check out our European mapping options for your Garmin devices. Because even the lucky can get lost.   

Chicago Store: Helping you find the right device

If you're in the market for a new GPS device but can't decide which unit is right for you, now is the perfect time to stop by the Garmin Chicago store to get answers to all of your questions and find the units that are right for you! Store associates are on hand to offer one-on-one service while walking you through the various features and benefits of each model. They'll guide you through thishigh-tech, high-touch environment, listen to your needs and help you select the perfect devices for all of your needs. Don't forget that the store also carries a ton of accessories for your unit(s) and offer a free one-hour “GPS Academy” training session to anyone purchasing from us. And to make sure you're device is as current and up-to-date as it can be, we will update your software for free for the life of your unit - just bring it into the store any day we are open and we'll have you taken care of in no time

If you're still hungry for information,the Garmin Chicago store will be hosting open “GPS Academy” training sessions for the general public to attend starting this weekend. These sessions will cover all the markets from automotive to fitness to outdoor, giving you an overview of the product lines and highlighting key features. Check the schedule on our web page for dates and topics and if you're in the area, feel free to join us in the second floor theater on any date you choose. We hope to see you there!

 

ecoRoute's fuel-efficient navigation now available as free download

Garmin's ecoRoute can help you save gas and money through fuel-efficient navigation, starting as soon as you download it to your compatible Garmin device. Now available as a free and simple download through www.garmin.com/ecoroute, this software update gives you valuable options and information. 

In addition to “faster time” and “shorter distance” for route preference, ecoRoute lets nüvi users choose “less fuel” as the best way to save gas and money. Through ecoRoute’s Fuel Report, Mileage Report and fuel-saving tips, you can focus on your fuel conservation even when you’re not behind the wheel. And you can customize your nüvi to fit your vehicle by accessing the “vehicle profile” under ecoRoute in the tools menu. There, you can enter your car’s fuel economy and the current price of gas to help nüvi better calculate your savings. To find out if your nüvi is compatible with ecoRoute through a free, downloadable software update - and to visit the instructional, interactive minisite - go to www.garmin.com/ecoroute.

Nominate your favorite GPS device

It's time to get out and vote! Engadget.com is preparing for their 2008 awards and they want to hear about your favorite GPS device. Everyone who has voted so far seems to lean towards automotive devices, but we can't see any reason why you can't nominate a non-automotive device if that's your favorite. Regardless of how you decide to vote, keep in mind that they only want nominations for those products that hit store shelves in 2008. This means you have to narrow down your choice to one of 25-or-so Garmin products: nüvi 2x5, 500, 7x5, and 800 series; Colorado series; Oregon series; Forerunner 405; and Garmin Mobile PC. From where this blogger is sitting, that's more then enough to choose from! Cast your ballot here.

nüvi Accolades from PC Mag

If you're on the market for a GPS and aren't sure which one to pick, you may want to take a cue from the team at PC Magazine. They've just honored the nüvi 265T with the coveted PC Magazine's Editors Choice award. According to them, "Given Garmin's history, it's not surprising that its entry-level nüvis, like the $249.99 (list) nüvi 265T, offer a lot of bang for the buck and are excellent choices for the budget conscious." The nüvi 265T has lots of great features that our customers have come to know and love like lifetime traffic, turn-by-turn directions that call out street names and hands-free Bluetooth calling. One of the newest and most talked about features of the nüvi 265T is ecoRoutes, a free software download that will calculate your estimated fuel cost for each trip. ecoRoutes helps you stretch your fuel dollars further by helping you discover how much each trip will actually cost you. It's customizable to your vehicle, so when you download it, make sure you take the time to provide accurate information for your vehicle's city and highway mile and the current fuel cost.  Read PC Mag's full nüvi 265T review here.

nüvi 1200/1300: Ultra-thin and pedestrian friendly

Now more than ever, it's true that the PND is no longer just for your car! Portable, lightweight and ultra-thin, the new nüvi 1200 and 1300 series units announced at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany, feature an enhanced pedestrian mode and premium automotive features that make them ideal for navigation on foot around the city and in the car. On the road, enjoy popular features like text to speech, lane assist, which highlights the preferred lane for navigation, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and free lifetime traffic alerts from NAVTEQ traffic. The nüvi 1390T even features junction view, which allows drivers to see realistic images of upcoming junctions. Exploring an unfamiliar city? Take nüvi with you! The 1200 and 1300 models also feature a public transit mode enabled through Garmin's new CityXplorer, an optional download that provides location and destination information for select tourist destinations in North America and Europe. CityXplorer allows the user to see bus, train and/or metro train route options and times, as well as the distances associated with them. Exploring the city has never been so easy! This new family of prouducts and CityXplorer data are expected to be available in the second quarter - just in time for the the summer travel season! In the meantime, stay tuned to the blog for all the updates and details.

Automotive OEMs Look to Garmin

The gates of CeBIT opened today and people from around the world are here to get a glimpse of the newest tech advancements. CeBIT is a huge consumer electronics trade show in Europe, and those in the Garmin booth are busy as we show off our newest wares. This year the booth is especially popular since it includes a MINI cabriolet. Why a MINI? It's helping us promote our OEM capabilities. Did you know we regularly work with OEMs so that they can offer customized Garmin navigation to their customers. These one-of-a-kind mounts hide the GPS wiring and make it look like the Garmin GPS is part of the vehicle's original dash. Today we announced that MINI and the PSA-Peugeot Citroën C3 Picasso will begin offering this customized solution. Those visiting Garmin's CeBIT booth will see a nüvi 255 in the MINI's custom mount. The MINI mount is unique because of its swivel capabilities and because it has been designed for compatibility with future nuvis. Owners of the PSA-Peugeot Citroën C3 Picasso will soon have the advantages of Garmin's premium nüvi 765 in a custom mount. The nüvi 765 has advanced features like lane assist, which guides the driver to the correct lane when approaching a turn or exit by displaying life-like road signs on the display. This feature makes unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. If you're at CeBIT, make sure you stop by the Garmin booth (Hall 15, Stand D08).

How Stuff Works points to nüMaps

If you visit HowStuffWorks.com today, you'll see a Garmin GPS device staring back at you. Since their profile piece is on how to update maps on your Garmin GPS, we decided to take this opportunity to remind you about nüMaps Lifetime. The name probably gives it away, but in case we need to clarify it, nüMaps is a way to get new maps for your GPS. We regularly provide you with map updates because we know that things around you change -- streets are added, new restaurants are opened, new housing subdivisions go up, and that's just the beginning.  Unlike those paper maps you may still be carrying around in the trunk of your car that are yellowed with age, it's important to keep your GPS maps up to date so that you're sure you're always headed in the right direction. nüMaps Lifetime is a one-time, single purchase that lets you download the most up-to-date map information as soon as new content is available -- for the lifetime of your device.  It's a great deal for any Garmin owner. Visit the nüMaps website for more info about pricing.

GRMN's Fourth Quarter Results

Garmin reported its fourth quarter results today.  Click here for the report and join the conference call at 11:00 a.m ET here.

Chad McCumbee heats up the track with Garmin

Catch Garmin on the track during tomorrow's San Bernardino County 200 at the Auto Club Speedway. Truck Series driver, Chad McCumbee, will take to the track tomorrow on Fox at 3 pm in the GPS Store.com/ Garmin #07 truck on Saturday, and is currently 19th in NCWTS points standings. Race fans may remember our sponsorship of Chad's truck last year, and can expect a similar look and feel for this year's truck. Cheer on Chad tomorrow and then again at the end of April where he will be in the Garmin truck at the Kansas Speedway. Good luck, Chad!

Garmin Garage: Nomad

Get your motor runnin’.  Head out on the highway.  And let Nomad lead the way to two-wheeled fun. At least that’s how the song goes, right? Anyway - since we swung the shop doors open on the Garmin Garage, we’ve heard from motorcycle riders far and wide. Everyone has wanted a few more bikes in the line up and we finally had time to add one to the list. It’s a good thing, too. We’re quickly approaching riding season and with our recently launched zumo 660 available soon, we wanted to make sure Nomad was all polished up and ready to release into the wild. Of course, you don’t need to ride a motorcycle to download Nomad. In fact, you don’t even need to drive. All you need is a compatible nüvi, zumo, or Street Pilot and you’re ready to go. And if you think about it, this free vehicle download may be one of the easiest (and cheapest) bikes you can own. So grab Nomad today and feel the virtual wind in your face as you travel down the road in style. Stay safe out there and remember to keep the shiny side up!

Garmin Garage: Be Mine

Love is in the air around the Garmin Garage. Well, actually, it’s either love or exhaust fumes from Tiny. But at this point, it doesn’t make too much of a difference – we’re mere hours away from Valentine’s Day and we thought we’d get our newest creation out the door for all of you last-minute Romeos and Juliets who are looking to put a little love in your nüvi - so to speak.  So it’s with great pleasure that we introduce Be Mine to all of you. Swing by the Garmin Garage and grab Be Mine when you get a chance. It’s the perfect vehicle icon if you’re planning a trip to Lover’s Lane this weekend. Or any weekend for that matter.  Have a great weekend everyone!   

Ask Garmin: Downloading maps down the road

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from Stanley, who like many of the blog readers, has a questionabout downloading additional mapping to a Garmin device. "We will be purchasing a Garmin in the very near future (the nüvi 750 looks promising), but I'm wondering if I may download European, Asian and or Australian maps to the nüvi 750 at a later date?"  While it's true that many of our devices, like the nüvi 775T, do come pre-loaded with transatlantic mapping, if your Garmin isn't preloaded with mapping for North America and Europe, additional mapping can be purchased and added to the device. Garmin users can purchase detailed street maps, including millions of points of interest for many regions including Mexico, Australia, Middle East, Brazil, China and Russia just to name a few. A full list of available regions can be found here. And if you're interested in additional mapping for on the trail or on the water, we have those too! So when you're planning your next vacation, rest assured that Garmin's got you covered.

Chicago Store: Love is in the store

Who said the best way to say “I love you” was with flowers and chocolates? This is a new age; it’s time to give the gift that will not melt or wilt away within a week - nüvi is the gift to remember this Valentine’s Day! Now in “his and her” colors of sleek piano black and stunning white, the nüvi 205 adds even more class to GPS navigation. The nüvi 205 offers a built-in map of the Continental US as well as Puerto Rico and Hawaii with spoken turn-by-turn directions. So this year, on the day of love, black and white become the new pink and red. Give a gift that really shows you care and stop by the Garmin Chicago Store to pick up a black or white nüvi 205 with a matching carrying case for even more pizzazz. Happy Valentine’s Day from Garmin Chicago!

20-year stories: Garmin goes to the Gulf

In celebration of Garmin’s 20-year anniversary in 2009, we’re reaching back to the past to bring you stories from our younger years. Some stories are retold by the individuals who were here on the first day, working in rented office space among card tables and folding chairs. Space was limited, but the ideas weren’t. And here are their stories.

In 1991, when Garmin’s first prototype GPS navigators were just rolling off the production line, U.S. troops and planes were rolling out for Gulf War deployment. Major George Nemeyer, a navigator for the U.S. Air Force, determined there was one piece of equipment his plane had to have. Military issue wasn’t going to cut it. There were only a couple companies doing GPS at the time. And only one who answered the call.

Ask Garmin: Which GPS is best for trail, car and bike?

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from John Schmid, who isn't alone in wanting one device to do the work of many. "I'm interested in a 'hybrid Garmin.' What would your recommendation be for a GPS device that could be clamped on a bike for road touring and yet excellent for hiking with topo maps included." While many of our outdoor handhelds could do the trick - even our Edge 605 and Edge 705 cycling computers can display optional topo maps - two of our newer devices are ideal for these situations: nüvi 500 and Oregon 400t.

Packed with detailed street and topo maps, the waterproof nüvi 500 is built for versatility. With the screen and interface of an automotive unit paired with the rugged durability of an outdoor handheld, nüvi 500 can navigate you efficiently in your car, on the trails and on the water. And with an optional handlebar mount, you can enjoy the same benefits on two wheels that you do with four.

If your focus is more on off-road adventures, either on foot or by bike, Oregon 400t provides an easy-to-use interface, wireless unit-to-unit transfer and preloaded topo maps for the entire U.S. And with its glove-friendly touchscreen, the waterproof Oregon is built to stand up to the weather. By purchasing a memory card with city mapping, you get the database with millions of preloaded points of interest as well as turn-by-turn directions displayed on the 3" color screen of the Oregon, which has various mounting options for the car or handlebars. 

Thanks, John, for the great question and enjoy the outdoors with the do-it-all Garmin of your choice!

Garmin Garage: Putter

Fore! Here comes Putter rolling down the cart path at a spirited 7 mph! If you haven’t already heard, Garmin recently announced the Approach G5. This touchscreen handheld gives golfers an advantage by showing key course features such as distance to the center of the green and distance to fairways and hazards. So we figured it was time to get to work on a Garmin Garage vehicle that reflects our excitement for the Approach. And, after reviewing the submissions to the Parking Lot, it looks like a lot of golf fans had requested a cart as well. Since we’re all about efficiency, we figured we could knock out two birdies with one stone. (← please forgive the pun) So we got to work. Of course, with this project, we couldn’t confine ourselves to the Garmin Garage. We had to do a little R&D at the nearby course. As it turns out, the Approach can only improve our game. By leaps. And bounds. Which is a nice way of saying that no one in the Garmin Garage will be joining the Pro Tour any time soon. But regardless of our game, Putter is now ready for you to download. Stop by the Garmin Garage and grab Putter today before your next golf outing. It's better that we get Putter out of here sooner instead of later - before Scooter ends up crashing it into our CNC Machine.  And be sure to stop by the Garmin Garage every now and then to check out our newest free vehicle icons for your nüvi or zumo!

nüMaps Lifetime: Now Available

Garmin's new map update program, nüMaps Lifetime is now available for purchase! This one-time, single purchase lets you download the most up-to-date map information on streets, highways and points of interest up to four times per year, for the lifetime of your device. nüMaps is available in three different versions and costs $119.99 for North American maps, $139.99 for European maps, or a TransAtlantic mapset for $149.99. To use nüMaps Lifetime, all you need is your Garmin device, your computer and a USB cable. A new update will be available up to four times per year; sign up for our email notification, and we'll email you when the newest data is available.

nüvi 755T: GPSMagazine's Editor's Choice

After taking the nüvi 755T through its paces, the guys at GPS Magazine are touting it, "the GPS I tell my friends to buy," and have awarded it Editor's Choice. With features like lane assist with junction view, 3-D building view, free lifetime traffic, route planning and more, the devices from the 705T series are topping the listsof gadget gurus everywhere. GPSMag also had this to say: "The 755T is easy to use, chooses smart, logical routes, is equipped with a very high performance GPS receiver, has the best map screen of any GPS available today, and is reasonably priced. The 755T is an evolutionary, incremental upgrade to what was already a class-leading GPS."

If you'd like to see and hear more about what these powerful navigators can do, check out our interactive nuvi 765T demo, and take the 765T for a test drive today!

Get Your Garmin Fix in 2009

Those of you who've followed our blog for some time may remember this post from the fall. But we've got lots of new readers joining us in the new year, so we thought we'd re-post this for everyone.

Around the Garmin blog, we’re always looking for ways to get our word out. In 2006, we tried skywriting our URL across the entire U.S. While we did enjoy limited success throughout parts of northern Montana, we didn’t get the results we were hoping for. In 2007, we thought we figured it out when we rented hundreds of Clown-a-grams® to blanket the states. Again – mixed results. But now we think we might be on to something. After a bit of coding and some switch flipping, we’re pleased to re-announce our ‘Subscribe Via Email’ option. Located in the upper left-hand corner of the blog, this new functionality will deliver a daily dose of blog posts directly to your inbox. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it’s a great way to stay-in-the-know about all things Garmin-related – whether it’s a contest, an event, a new product release, or just a chance to win some more of Jake's stuff. Not enough for you? Well, don't forget about Jake's Twitter account, too!

Of course, you can also subscribe to our RSS feed.  And if you’re not sure what an RSS feed is, we’ve included a quick video below from the good people over at Google. You can subscribe to the entire blog – or just individual feeds listed in the ‘categories’ section on the left. So however you choose to subscribe – RSS or email – you’ll get the freshest content available! Sign up today and put the Internet to work for you!