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Sunday, August 3, 2008
Garmin StreetPilot 2720 Portable GPS Navigator

Product Features
  • internal antenna communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites
  • Database of preloaded maps and points-of-interest
  • Automatic route recalculation if you miss a turn
  • Text-to-speech functionality allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest
  • 454 x 240-pixel touchscreen
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
If you're looking for a premium vehicle GPS navigation system, one with text-to-speech and the ability to gather real-time traffic information, the StreetPilot 2720 is the answer. In addition to the turn-by-turn voice-prompted navigation available in earlier StreetPilot models, the 2720's text-to-speech functionality allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest, letting you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways.
At the heart of the 2720 is a new control system that features a widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display that automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. While the 454 x 240 pixel touchscreen interface is designed for ease of use, the 2720 also ships with a wireless remote control that can be used to operate the device's functions.
and quick release, or you can use the included "bean bag" mount if you don't want to add a mount to your dash. An included speaker attachment that is built into the 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter enables the 2720 to deliver voice prompts. An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna. And if you need waterproofing, the 2720 is up to the challenge; it meets IEC 60529 IPX7 standards, which means it's submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Finding your way with the 2720 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 2720 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. In addition to point-to-point navigation, the 2720 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time-saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand-runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. You can also select a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or choose from several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while keeping your eyes on the road.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 2720 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 2720 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 2720's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.Garmin really kicks the power of the 2720 up a notch with the addition of real-time traffic information. This optional service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route. All this wizardry is made possible by the new Garmin GTM 10 receiver that connects to the 2720 and other select Garmin products. Note that while the GTM 10 receives digital data from specific FM broadcast stations in select major metro areas throughout the United States and Europe, these traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists. The service requires the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver and, in some cases, a subscription to enable these traffic capabilities.

What's in the Box
StreetPilot 2720 receiver, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, 12-volt power cable with external speaker, alphanumeric remote control, PC/USB interface cable, AC power adapter, beanbag mount, dash mount, protective cover, owner's manual, and a quick-reference setup guide.
Product Description
Find your way more easily with GPS navigation, a top grade TFT display, turn-by-turn directions and optional traffic alerts.
Features:
  • Portable GPS navigator
  • Ready to use right out of the box
  • Preloaded City Navigator® street maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
  • Nearly 6 million points of interest, including restaurants and landmarks
  • Proximity Alert feature warns of safety cameras and school zones
  • Turn-by-turn automatic routing
  • Articulates names of streets
  • 3.8" automotive-grade, sunlight-readable color TFT display
  • Photo sensor adjusts to light conditions
  • Optional real-time traffic avoidance (GTM 10 Traffic Management Receiver sold separately)
  • Touch-screen interface
  • Built-in patch antenna
  • Arranges multiple destinations to minimize trip distance
  • Multiple map viewing options, including 3-D
  • 3-D or 2-D map perspective
Includes:
  • Alphanumeric remote control
  • External speaker with 12-volt adapter cable
  • USB interface cable
  • AC power adapter
  • Dash mounting system with quick release
  • Protective cover
  • 1-year manufacturer's warranty







Customer Reviews

It's time to buy an in-car navigator

I have been playing around with GPS for 5 years. Until I got this Garmin 2720, it's all just been a waste of money. The 2720 is a great practical tool. I travel all the time, and finally, I've been liberated from MapQuest, Yahoo Maps and Microsoft Streets & Maps. This is a practical tool that really works. My last purchase was a Belkin Bluetooth GPS receiver to connect too my iPaq. A total waste of money, as were my previous GPS toys. The 2720 is the first GPS product I've bought that really makes sense. It's simple, and easy to use, and it's ready to go right out of the box. The screen is readable in all lighting conditions, and the 3D view is easy to read at a glance. The text-to-speech feature really makes it. You really don't have to look at the screen that often. It speaks the names of the streets and tells you where to turn exactly how to get to your destination. You'll want to enable WAAS right away (It's disabled initially in the default settings) because it keeps the system from spontaneously recalculating your route and taking you on wild goose chases. After enabling WAAS, it has been very accurate. The user interface is very intuitive and easy to use, and you really don't need a manual. I really love the ability to find nearby restaurants and shopping places. The beanbag mount is great for all the cars I rent on business trips... Just slap it on the dashboard, plug it in and go. I was considering a Garmin C340 initially, but for the small difference in price, why buy a crippled low-end, hard-to-read-in-sunlight unit? You'll be sorry you didn't go for the 2720 if you buy a C330 or C340. The 2720 has the same easy-to-use interface as the C3xx with a much more readable screen, and far more features. Honestly, I can't find anything wrong with this unit. Buy one.
You'll be glad you did.

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By Barara A.Blackburn

What in the world are the people giving one star ratings reviewing? Surely they don't have the same GPS I recieved a few days ago. I'm sure they think their complaints are valid -- I just don't see it. I've been using m[ine for four days and love. RIght out of the box and on my dash in forty minutes. Would have been even quicker but I took time t read the reviews and update the firmware to the latest version as well as the new voice (JILL) from Garmin's site. Perhaps that's what made the difference. No freezes. No unexpected reboots. Been smooth sailing all the way. A few things that weren't documented. The GPS can be tiled forward and backward as well as rotated on it's mount. I was a bit concerned when I first put the unit on my dash because my dash angles back. I was afraid I would be able to get a good angle in sunlight to see the screen. Garmin's mount design is brilliant but I discoverd the tilt feature quite by accident when I grapsed the unit to push down on the self-adhesive gasket. I live near Chicago -- very congested area constantly changing. I was pleasantly surprised the mapset has a lot of recent developments. One thing I thought I would hate is the speaker on the power cable. But it angles back to lie flush with the dash and I LOVE the sound. My old TOM TOM could barely be heard over road noise once I got over 55 mph. The GARMIN speaker is high quality and the female voice isn't drowned out. Very responsive as far as routing and prompting turns. Much faster than my old GPS 60CS in fact. I have a route to a local beach on Lake Michigan which features a series of rapid turns in succession. The 2720 keeps up with amazing speed. And if I miss a turn it seems to detect it much quicker than my 60CS and reroutes almost immediately. I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase. I toyed with the idea of getting the 2730 but XM Radio/XM Traffic just wasn't something I was interested in at this point in time. I highly recommend this device. If you buy it UPDATE the firmware immediately and update the voice. The new firmware features a new interface/map layout than what's shown in the promo pics on Amazon and Garmin. The Turn Arrow icon has been moved of the sidebar and now overlays the map. And the Direction Text is no longer across the top in a greenbar but on the sidebar in a box. Much more pleasing to the eye in my opinon. It's also a much more stable device than it apparently was several months ago. WHich is typical of GPS units. THe bugs get worked out slowly in a series of firmware updates.

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