Garmin Debuts Next Gen nuvi
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 3/4/2008
Olathe, Kan. - Garmin has unveiled the next generation of its lower priced nuvi 200 series, called nuvi 2 X 5, which provides the ability to add optional MSN Direct traffic, previously available only on higher end models.
The latest nuvi 205 becomes Garmin’s leader model at a suggested-$199, Garmin’s lowest priced personal navigation device (PND) to date. With a 3.5-inch screen, the unit includes maps of the contiguous U.S. and offers a faster 333 MHz processor for faster routing and map drawing. The nuvi 205W steps up to a 4.3-inch screen and has a suggested price of $250. Next in the lineup is a 3.5-inch nuvi 255 that adds street name guidance and maps of North America at $299. Capping the nuvi 2 x 5 series is the 255W that adds a 4.3-inch screen at $350. The series also offers maps with shaded elevation displays—a first time feature for Garmin.
The series was introduced at CeBit along with a Garmin nuvi 900T that is the first PND to add DVB-H mobile TV reception. It will be available only in Italy and Garmin said it is not commenting on plans to bring the device to the U.S.
The new 2 x 5 nuvis will ship in June and will work with a new optional MSN Direct receiver to allow real time updates for traffic, weather, movie listings, gas prices and other features. MSN Direct comes with a free trial period and has a fee of $49.95 per year or a one-time fee of $129.95 thereafter.
The nuvi 2 x 5s also offer Garmin’s "Where am I?" feature that provides information on the closest emergency services and gas stations.
