It’s FM transmitter allows you to easily transmit the nuvi’s audio (voice prompted directions) sent through your car’s speakers. It also has preloaded maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and over 6 million preloaded points of interest such as hotels, restaurants, attractions, banks, ATMs, etc.

Other features include real-time traffic, fuel prices, weather and movie time listing information provided by MSN Direct (the first year is free, after that one year is $49.95), as well as an MP3 player, audio book player, travel guide books, language translator, currency converter, etc. Routing modes available for automotive, pedestrian, taxi, bus and bicycle. Up to seven hours battery life. MSRP:$899. *www.garmin.com*

MAGELLAN

The affordable Magellan GPS Maestro 3100 is the most basic unit in the Maestro line featuring voice prompted directions (it will say “Turn left on 5th Avenue in .2 miles, etc.). Other features include a 3D bird’s eye and standard map views, 3.5″ full-color anti-glare screen, and 750,000 points of interest. Additional feature includes SmartDetour to help drivers route around freeway traffic. MSRP: $299.99

TOMTOM

The TomTom ONE XL is an easy to use, lightweight and portable personal navigation device with a 4.3-inch touch-screen. The extra large screen allows for an expanded view of the driving area, showing even more street names and side roads.

The TomTom ONE XL is traffic-ready, giving drivers easy access to real-time updates and road conditions through a subscription to TomTom traffic. Additionally, the device comes with the most up-to-date maps for worry-free navigation, QuickGPSfix software for an even faster connection with GPS satellites and quick route calculation for efficient travel.

With the TomTom ONE XL, customers will have access to all the TomTom PLUS services including real-time traffic and weather reports, updates on road conditions and TomTom Buddies feature. The TomTom ONE range offers optional smart accessories such as carry cases, alternate mounting solutions and a fast home charger. MSRP: $399;*www.tomtom.com*

LG

LG Electronics, a newcomer to the GPS market, recently launched a line that includes of GPS devices. Topping the new lineup is the LG Portable Navigator LN740 with a bright 4-inch screen that provides an easy-to-read map display while maintaining a high level of portability for simple transport among multiple family vehicles.

Its display also automatically changes from “day mode” to “night mode” for clear visual recognition in any lighting condition. With its turn-by-turn text-to-speech voice guidance, its highly accurate pre-loaded U.S. and Canada map with millions of POIs, access to traffic data service via a supplied RDS-TMC antenna as well as photo and music file playback, navigation, information and entertainment are more accessible than ever.

Available at Circuit City stores and other leading electronics retailers. MSRP: $449.95; *www.lgusa.com/navigation*

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