Garmin Street Pilot 2720: Portable Color GPS Navigation System, Traffic Ready

What it is: The StreetPilot 2720 is a GPS auto navigation system that offers text-to-speech (which means it talks to you) and traffic interface capabilities. As an update to earlier models, this unit announces the name of upcoming streets and points of interest (POI) so you can keep your eyes on the road, and not glued to the GPS unit. The widescreen, touch-display automatically adjusts to light conditions. Drivers can view the map three ways: in a three-dimensional perspective, a top-down track-up, or a north-up view. The unit is preprogrammed with mapsâ€"containing detailed road maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This map database features nearly six million POIsâ€"including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions.

Specs:• Preloaded mapsâ€"ready to use out of the box
• Built-in patch antenna; MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection
• Turn-by-turn directions
• Avoid traffic tie-ups using optional GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver
• Text-to-speech feature delivers street and POI names, as well as addresses, so you can keep your eyes on the road
• Arrange destinations to minimize trip distanceâ€"a real time-saver for realtors, sales forces, and errand-runners
• Import custom POIs such as restaurants and safety cameras from industry-standard CSV files
• Proximity-alert feature warns of upcoming custom POIs, such as safety cameras and school zones
• Touch-screen and alphanumeric remote control
• View the map in either a three-dimensional perspective or top-down track-up or north-up view
• 3.8�-diagonal WQVGA color, automotive-grade, sunlight-readable TFT display; 3.3�W x 1.7�H; 454 x 240 pixels
• Unit dimensions: 5.6� W x 3.2� H x 2.0� D
• Weight: .93 pounds
• Built-in photo sensor adjusts for light conditions automatically
• Integrated dash mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release

Best Feature: An optional traffic receiver isn’t cheap ($215), but will allow your unit to receive instant traffic and weather conditions in participating cities.

Best Feature II: You will receive a warning if you’re traveling too fast (!)

Best Feature III: The unit can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations and you can tell it to avoid specific areas or roads.

Oddest Feature: The unit is submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. (Let’s hope you don’t have to test out THAT feature!)

Price: About $750

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Beth Mathison

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