CES 2009: Garmin Debuts Specialty Navigation Units

Motorcycle riders need to quickly process vast amounts of information to keep their rides shiny side up.  This means that any navigation system fit for motorcycle use would have to be specifically created to perform under extreme circumstances.  Garmin has done just that with the Zumo 660.  Its 4.3" touchscreen--the largest found on any Garmin model--features large, glove-friendly buttons and is easy to read in all conditions.  New Lane Assist functionality helps riders select the correct lane to be in when navigating busy freeway interchanges.  It also displays a 3-dimensional view of buildings in select metro areas.  The Zumo 660 is Bluetooth compatible, and can be paired with traditional Bluetooth headsets or compatible Bluetooth helmet intercoms.  It also fares well with the elements, being waterproof and resistant to both fuel vapor and UV rays.  The Zumo 660 will be available in February for $799.

Garmin's units aren't limited to paved surfaces either.  The Approach G5 GPS system comes preloaded with 5,000 golf courses, allowing golfers to pinpoint exactly where they are on the links and calculate yardage to any point on the course.  Garmin will offer free updates to their library, and the company plans to add 15,000 courses by the end of 2009.  To put that in perspective, there are around 17,000 courses in America, making the G5 a useful gadget for the tech-savvy duffer.  The unit also keeps score, and keeps track of previous shot distance.  The Approach G5 debuts in late March and will cost $499.

--Jon D.

Comments

[scottks on January 09, 2009 at 08:16 PM]

How about a specialty GPS for truckers? They need to know about truck routes, and street and bridges that don't allow trucks. Would be a perfect application, and I bet there are more truckers than golfers that need a GPS.

[Cliff on January 10, 2009 at 12:06 AM]

Hasn't Cobra made a product like this for years?