Garmin lifetime traffic supported by ads in devices

Late last month, Garmin announced the release of its nuvi 7x5 and 2x5 GPS units which came with no-cost lifetime traffic updates. Independent testing of one of the units, the 755T, has revealed there is a price to pay for the free traffic, and that is constantly having ads in the bottom of the screens from Garmin's partners and will pop up from time to time when not in motion, and cannot be disabled. Tapping the ad will find the featured company's nearest locations. The GPS maker has not informed potential customers of this how it will offset the cost of providing users with no-cost traffic data prior to the release.

There are four GPS units in the 7x5 series which use a 4.3-inch touchscreen, including the base 755T, the Bluetooth-equipped 765T, the 775T loaded with European maps and the 785T that can get MSN Direct data via a subscription. The 2x5 range is comprised of the 3.5-inch 265T and 275T, while the 265WT switches to a 4.3-inch screen. The units are priced from $300 for the 265T to $700 for the 785T. [via GPStracklog]