gps tracklog: Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review


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Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review

The Garmin StreetPilot 7200 is a new wide-screen GPS navigation device with a 7" display, designed for larger vehicles such as RV's, semi-trucks and buses. The 7200 includes an audio book reader, an MP3 player and XM satellite radio. With XM radio, you not only get music, but also weather and real-time traffic conditions that overlay maps in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. The StreetPilot 7200 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternate routes before traffic starts backing up. Of course this is all in addition to pre-loaded maps of North America, a touch screen interface and voice-prompted routing.

So what distinguishes this unit from those above and below it? The primary difference between it and the StreetPilot 2730 is the big screen on the 7200. Step up to the StreetPilot 7500 and you'll get a a dead-reckoning feature that allows drivers to continue receiving navigational cues when GPS signals are obscured – such as in tunnels – through a built-in solid state gyro and a connection to a vehicle’s odometer system.



Here's what Amazon.com has to say in their review:

"...The 7200 is a high-end GPS navigation device with text-to-speech functionality that allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. The 7200's 480 x 234 widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. An included wireless remote control can be used to operate the device's functions..."

If early reviews are any indication, the 7200 is going to be incredibly popular. At the time of this posting, only two customers have reviewed it at Amazon, but they both gave it a perfect five star review. Here are their StreetPilot 7200 reviews.

I'll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other helpful resources:
The official Garmin StreetPilot 7200 web page.
A link to a PDF version of the StreetPilot 7200 owners manual.
Want to see how the 7200 stacks up against other units? Use this Garmin mobile GPS comparison tool.
I know of no active and spam-free message forum devoted solely to the StreetPilot series, but there is an excellent UseNet group devoted to Garmin products in general at alt.satellite.gps.garmin.

Find the best prices on the web for GPS devices at Shopping.com.