Garmin Unveils Nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series GPS Units

Garmin today introduced the Ultra thin Nuvi 1200 and 1300 series GPS navigation systems that offer enhancement for navigation inside and outside of the car. The nvi 1200 and 1300 series are the first nvi devices to offer pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps. CityXplorer maps are available for select tourist destinations in both North America and Europe, and can easily be downloaded directly to the nvi. With both products you will be provided premium feature like free lifetime traffic alerts and lane assist for added convenience in navigating complicated intersections and turns. You'll also find features that you are already have with your current Garmin such as text-to-speech.

Our nvi devices are known for the great navigation experience they provide in the vehicle. Now our customers can have that same great experience when navigating an unfamiliar city by foot or public transportation, said Dan Bartel, Garmins vice president of worldwide sales. The nvi 1200 and 1300 products allow us to meet the needs of that on-the-go customer by offering an affordable nvi that provides location and destination information when, where, and how they need it most. The personal navigation device (PND) is no longer just for the car take it with you wherever you go and enjoy the enhanced usability and rich features only a dedicated device like this can offer.

In addition to features offered by other members of the nvi family, these new multi-mode navigators feature a public transit mode supporting optional CityXplorer content. Available as a download for select cities, CityXplorer allows the user to plan and use routes that can include public transit options such as bus, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems. With CityXplorer, users can get the most out of their navigation experience to many exciting cities across North America and Europe. The thinner and lighter form factor of these new products allows the unit to be more easily carried in a pocket or purse making it ideal for pedestrian navigation. Content from CityXplorer varies in cost from $9.99 - $14.99, depending on the city.

To help drivers make their gas tanks go the extra mile, these devices come standard with ecoRoute, which suggests fuel-efficient navigation. In addition to faster time and shorter distance for route preference, ecoRoute lets nvi users choose less fuel as the best way to save gas and money. Through ecoRoutes Fuel Report and Mileage Report, drivers can focus on their fuel conservation, and also find fuel-saving tips along the way.

All models in the nvi 1300 series boast a bright 4.3 touchscreen display and feature text to speech technology. The nvi 1300 is available with coverage of the lower 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, while the nvi 1350 is available with preloaded comprehensive coverage of North America. For transatlantic travel, the nvi 1370T comes standard with mapping for North America and Europe. Both the 1350, 1350T and 1370T add lane assist, which highlights the preferred lane for navigation. Building on the aforementioned features, the 1390T adds junction view allowing drivers to see realistic images of upcoming junctions where available. Lifetime traffic alerts from NAVTEQ Traffic are also included with the 1350T, 1370T and 1390T, enabling drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction. The nvi 1370T and 1390T come standard with a traffic receiver that will provide alerts in the coverage areas no subscription fee is required. The nvi 1370T and 1390T also feature Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Every new model in the nvi 1200 series feature a bright 3.5 touchscreen display, and features our popular text to speech feature. The nvi 1200 is available with coverage of the lower 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and the nvi 1250 and 1260T are available with preloaded comprehensive coverage of North America. The 1260T adds Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and lifetime traffic alerts from NAVTEQ Traffic.

The manufacturers suggested retail price for these models is as follows:

nvi 1300 $249.99
nvi 1350 $299.99
nvi 1350T $349.99
nvi 1370T $449.99
nvi 1390T $399.99
nvi 1200 $199.99
nvi 1250 $249.99
nvi 1260T $299.99

All models are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2009. Additional information is available at www.garmin.com. Lifetime traffic alerts extend for the useful life of the nvi unit or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier.