Two new, as-yet unannounced Garmin GPS units have just surfaced at the FCC. The Zumo 340 and Zumo 350 are meant for use on motorcycles, and their model numbers suggest they are mid-level offerings, though pricing can only be guessed at so far. The units are also a little different in shape than the current flat form factor of Nuvi devices.
Garmin on Wednesday introduced the lowest-priced navigation device for motorcycle riders in its current range, with the zūmo 220. The rugged device has a 3.5-inch color touchscreen with a 320x240 resolution that has the ability to make text-to-speech guidance over the built-in speaker or by sending it to a Bluetooth headset. A lane assist feature and off-road navigation are its two largest software extras.
Garmin last week introduced a number of new products or services, including a unique way to customize their Garmin GPS devices. The free-to-download Voice Studio app can be used by Windows or Mac PC users and allows them to record any voice, including their own, to hear back during navigating. The phrases can be edited, but cannot be applied to text-to-speech prompts such as street names. It is compatible with all Nuvi devices apart from the 300 and 600 series.
HP's most significant CES unveiling includes a sweeping update to its Mini netbooks to bring them in step with Intel's Pine Trail platform. Heading up the range is the 10-inch Mini 5102, the company's first touchscreen netbook. It supports native multi-touch for Windows 7 and is targeted at the relative high end with an aluminum chassis like the EliteBooks and a Broadcom HD decoder that can process 1080p video.
Garmin chose Wednesday to reveal its full slate for CES and led off with a new top-end model for its nuvi GPS units. The 4.3-inch widescreen navigator updates the 880 with a lane assist mode that also includes a junction view: drivers are not only told which lane to use for the next change but also shown the layout to properly follow through the next exit or intersection. It further brings an upgraded set of MSN Direct data services and now lets owners check their airport flight status as well as more detailed weather with Doppler maps, better movie listings, local events and the option of sending maps and routes from a computer.
