Sunday, October 30, 2011

Garmin Mobile 20 GPS Receiver for Smartphone Review

Garmin Mobile 20 GPS Receiver for Smartphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this to replace a CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver that is suffering from a dying battery. I intended to use it only with my Sprint PPC-6700 and the CoPilot software. However, after owning this for a couple of days, I am changing my plans.
This device is both a bluetooth hands-free device and a GPS receiver. The speaker is loud. I used it to make a call to Garmin customer service where I found that I was entitled to an upgrade to Garmin 2008 maps (the unit shipped with maps from 2006) free. The Garmin software has tons of POI and the maps are adequate. You also can use free service, Garmin Online to obtain real time traffic alerts. Be warned that this service opens a data call on your phone, which unless you are on an unlimited plan could get expensive real fast (I didn't notice the open connection for over two hours). The maps come on a 2GB mini (NB!) SD card with an SD adapter. I don't like the Garmin interface as much as CoPilot, I find I really miss the test-to-speech capability. However, at the current Amazon price, the software is just about free.
The bonus feature that this thing has, which has pleased me so is that it also fits and pairs with the Nokia N800 Internet tablet. It's a tight squeeze, but once in there it looks great and the free maps provided in the Nokia OS 2008 make a nice "add-on" GPS device. In fact in a test, I had the Garmin paired with both my PPC-6700 running CoPilot and the N800 running its map program for over 6 hours without a hitch. During the phone call I mentioned above the nice lady at Garmin customer service told me the Mobile 20 would only pair with one device at a time! The unit comes with four "charging" adapters, but the included mini-USB won't charge my PPC-6700. Neither will the enclosed "small" Nokia adapter fit my N800. But the folks at Garmin are sending me the right one for free.
The cons of this unit are the the mount is kind of on the small side and of course, there's no battery. Then there's the what do you do with it when you get to the mall question. With an N800, my brick like PPC-6700 and now this I guess I'll have to think of something ("Charlie? You're NOT wearing Cargo Pants."). One thing's for sure, I am NOT buying a murse.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Mobile 20 GPS Receiver for Smartphone

Time to smarten up that smartphone of yours by adding powerful GPS navigation and hands-free calling capabilities. The Garmin Mobile 20 is a Bluetooth-enabled wireless GPS navigation system that supports Nokia, Windows Mobile, and Treo smartphones, allowing you to navigate and make calls while you and your smartphone are on the go in your vehicle.
The Mobile 20 consists of an integrated phone mount, called the GPS 20SM, that accommodates nearly any size phone. The mount features a built-in, highly sensitive GPS receiver with the powerful SiRF Star chipset for fast acquisition times and accuracy, even when you're traveling under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers. Meanwhile, the included mapping software provides wireless mapping and navigation to deliver you directly to your destination. A Bluetooth wireless interface, powerful speaker, and noise-canceling dual microphones let you drive and talk hands-free without using a headset.
The included navigational software, which ships on a data card, provides the same high-quality navigational features found on other Garmin portable automotive GPS devices. You get detailed, accurate maps of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Setup is easy and convenient, too. Just plug the included data card into your smartphone, power up the GPS 20SM and go. The software automatically installs itself, turning your smartphone into a fully loaded, wireless navigation system.
In addition to detailed maps, the software provides automatic routing, a 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn directions that make it easy to locate addresses. Or you can search millions of points of interests (POIs)--places like hotels, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions--then dial the POI's phone number automatically for reservations, hours of operation, or other information. And of course, while you're on a call you can speak hands-free while staying focused on the road. The Mobile 20 also features Short Message Service (SMS) integration, which lets you send your location via text messaging on your phone. You can also easily view received SMS locations on a map or navigate to them.
Another enhancement, Garmin Online, provides free and subscription wireless data services to Garmin Mobile 20 customers with Internet access on their phones. Services include real-time traffic, gas prices, safety cameras, weather information, and other location-relevant content.
A built-in suction cup and phone charger make it a snap to install the GPS 20SM on any windshield and conveniently charge most smartphones. Adapters are included. Simply put, with the Garmin Mobile 20, you have everything you need to start navigating with GPS.
What's in the Box GPS 20SM smart mount; power adapters for charging most smartphones; preprogrammed data card with maps of U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico; and mapping and navigation software for most smartphones.

Buy NowGet 88% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin Mobile 20 GPS Receiver for Smartphone

0 comments:

Post a Comment