Dell’s Mini 10 already offers GPS with an integrated 3G chip, but if you’re not interested in mobile broadband, starting next week you can opt instead for a wireless 700 location solution, a hybrid of Broadcom’s assisted GPS and Skyhook’s WiFi positioning technologies. We had a chance to sit down with a few of the product managers working on the device, and even within a brick-laden office building it did a pretty fine job of finding us within 30 meters and integrating with Flickr, Loopt, and Yelp using the Loki plug-in for Internet Explorer / FireFox. Impact on battery life was said to be “immaterial” although a ballpark estimate was about a five percent hit when in use. For $70, it’ll come bundled with CoPilot turn by turn navigation software. It requires the $30 HD display upgrade, but even then, an extra Benjamin total for a large-screen navigation device is hard to pass up if you’re looking to get a netbook anyway. If you’re still not sold, Dell promises it’ll be available for other Mini options, with and without the HD upgrade, in the near future. Now how about a few words on the Mini 11, eh Dell?

Filed under: GPS, Laptops

Dell’s Mini 10 getting GPS / WiFi tracking upgrade next week originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garmin’s already firmly entrenched in the GPS for outdoorspeople game with its Oregon line of handhelds, and now the company’s announced a new series, the Dakotas. Two models — the 10 and 20, respectively — have been launched. These bad boys supposedly have a 20 hour battery charge life, a 2.6-inch LCD (diagonally), and store up to 200 tracks. The higher-end Dakota 20 boasts a MicroSD slot, an electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, and wireless data transfer between compatible units. They’re expected in the 3rd quarter and will run you $299.99 for the Dakota 10 and $349.99 for the 20. Full press release after the break.

[Via GPS Tracklog]

Continue reading Garmin launches Dakota line of handheld GPS units for the great outdoors

Filed under: GPS, Handhelds

Garmin launches Dakota line of handheld GPS units for the great outdoors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This isn’t the first time that Nextar has offered free live traffic updates (courtesy of NAVTEQ) on one of its GPS units, but it is the first time that it’s put Nav N Go’s navigation software into use, which brings with it some easily updateable maps and, of course, some fancy 3D graphics. Otherwise, the device is a fairly standard 4.3-inch number, with it packing 1.6 million points of interest, an SD card slot for expansion, text-to-speech, the usual basic media-playback options, and that bundled live traffic receiver. So, nothing too extraordinary, but the $169.99 MSRP is certainly right, and you can pick this one up right now if you’re in a hurry.

Filed under: GPS

Nextar rolls out 43LT nav unit with free live traffic updates originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It didn’t take long for Garmin to get into gear, once it acknowledged the firmware update had ultimately brought ruin to its nüvi 7×5 series GPS units. The company’s released a new software update that should provide a fix — it should be available now via its WebUpdater. If you’re one of those whose device won’t even turn on anymore, there’s also a support section online for requesting a return authorization to have it repaired under warranty. Garmin acknowledged a few other devices that may be affected, including 800 series, 8×5 series, zūmo 660, and GPSMAP 620 / 640. Those will all be getting updates “in the near future.”

Continue reading Garmin issues patch to exorcise brick from 7×5 series GPS

Filed under: GPS

Garmin issues patch to exorcise brick from 7×5 series GPS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It was pretty much a year ago to the day when DeLorme released its Earthmate PN-40, and now the outfit is busting out a lower-end unit that could easily be mistaken for the PN-40 from 2008. Indeed, the PN-30 doesn’t deviate from its roots, boasting a peanut-shaped waterproof chassis, a 32-channel Cartesio chipset, a daylight readable LCD and maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. It’s also sporting a rubberized housing around the edges to keep it safe from minor bumps and bruises; nothing too fancy here, but it ought to bring a smile to the face of all the argonauts in attendance. You can get one headed your way next month for $299.95, and the full release is after the break.

Continue reading DeLorme kicks out waterproof Earthmate PN-30 GPS device

Filed under: GPS

DeLorme kicks out waterproof Earthmate PN-30 GPS device originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Things are still a little early with this one, but a sizable number of reports have cropped up today indicating that there’s some seriously wrong with Garmin’s 7×5 series GPS units, with a firmware update seemingly the likely culprit. Interestingly, it doesn’t look like the firmware update instantly bricked the units when it was installed, but rather caused them all to suddenly seize up at some point on June 22nd. While it’s not saying anything official just yet, a number of folks that have spoken with Garmin’s customer support say that the company is aware of the problem now that the calls are pouring in, although it’s unfortunately not offering much in the way of solutions to the problem just yet (though at least a few customers seem to have been offered a replacement unit). So, has your nuvi left you in the lurch? Let us know in comments.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: Garmin is aware of the issue and is working to fix it. Full response is after the break.

Continue reading Garmin 7×5 series devices bricked by firmware update?

Filed under: GPS

Garmin 7×5 series devices bricked by firmware update? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We already knew that Mio was planning a few PNDs for the European market with integrated Freeview tuners, and now the outfit has come clean with the official launch of the Navman Spirit TV V505 and V735. Just as expected, the TV tuning satnav units boast 4.7- and 7-inch displays (respectively), with each also packing an EPG, two available antennas and support for video, photo and music playback. There’s also a new slidetouch UI, 3D maps, built-in traffic support (with a lifetime subscription), an FM transmitter and a selection of Travel Books that provide in-depth listings of the best local stops. The new devices should hit UK shelves next month for £229 ($372) and £299 ($487) in order of mention, though we get the feeling a US version may not be in the cards.

Filed under: GPS, Portable Video

Mio debuts Freeview-tuning Navman Spirit TV V505 and V735 PNDs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay, so if you thought the CATSeye matchbox-sized tracking device was a bit too big or cumbersome, the gang is back with something decidedly smaller and more discrete. Introducing the CATS.i, also known as CATSeye Mk2. It’s got all the same functionality as its predecessor — GPS, GSM/GPRS, RF, internet / SMS controls, etc. — but is now only eight millimeters thick (or twelve if you chose the thinner “folded over” arrangement) and completely waterproof. Power options include a Li-ion battery, solar power, or any number of other ways you can think to run juice. Have an urge to keep track of all your family members and loved ones even more secretly than before? The new devices ship next month.

[Via NaviGadget]

Filed under: GPS, Wearables, Wireless

CATSeye Mk2 tracking device takes the smaller, more waterproof route originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia is currently testing an indoor positioning system at the Kamppi Shopping Center in Helsinki that lets users triangulate their position from a series of WiFi transmitters on their Nokia S60 cellphone. The handset runs an app that allows users to pinpoint their location on a map of the mall, send SMS messages with their location to fellow shoppers, and find the shortest route to the Orange Julius (or its Finnish counterpart). Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a company try to make GPS-like positioning viable indoors, but it may be the first that’s expressly designed to enable your shopping addiction. We’ll be keeping an eye out for further developments — in the meantime, peep the video demonstration after the break.

[Via Switched]

Continue reading Finnish mall rats take Nokia’s WiFi positioning system for a test drive

Filed under: GPS, Wireless

Finnish mall rats take Nokia’s WiFi positioning system for a test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, let’s be frank. The Knight Rider GPS, while brilliant, is a bit of a stretch. Isn’t it a little sad to be living out your boyhood fantasies of excitement and danger vicariously, behind the wheel of your ‘92 Buick Roadmaster station wagon? On the other hand, perhaps you’re ready to put away your childhood dreams and hit the road in a manner more befitting your average schlub. The official Homer Simpson voice skin for the TomTom GPS features the voice of the iconic cartoon dad, including such gems as “Take the third right. We might find an ice cream truck! Mmm…ice cream.” Psyched? We bet you are. Priced at $12.95 — check out an audio sample after the break, and then hit the read link to pick it up it for yourself.

Continue reading TomTom’s Homer Simpson voice skin is just like the real thing, without the Duff’s

Filed under: GPS

TomTom’s Homer Simpson voice skin is just like the real thing, without the Duff’s originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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