Tech Shout!

Garmin has launched nuvi 500 series of navigation device that is useful for travelers in all modes of transport including between driving, bicycling or walking. It sports a waterproof body makes the device ideal while boating too.

The new Garmin GPS device is preloaded with road maps and U.S. topographic maps. Users can simply change the modes between driving, bicycling, boating or walking by touching the usage mode indicator located at the top of the home screen.

The nuvi 500 models feature a 3.5″ water-proof touchscreen display. Moreover they come along with a compass page, track log and a removable, rechargeable battery. While, Garmion’s “Where Am I?” feature will let users know their exact location anytime with just a tap on the screen.

Apart from that, the Garmin nuvi 500 series devices are loaded with optional BlueChart g2 Vision, and Inland Lake Vision marine cartography. Hence, users can get water-places specific information such as spot soundings, intertidal zones, wrecks, port plans and restricted areas etc.

“This multi-mode nuvi is the ultimate device for those seeking portable navigation in the car and in the great outdoors,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “This product allows us to combine features from several of our most popular automotive and outdoor navigators into one compact unit. From weekend trips to the lake, to a hike around the trail, nuvi 500 is ideal for people seeking automotive and recreational navigation in one dynamic device.”

Garmin is expected to release two nuvi 500 series devices namely nuvi 500 and nuvi 550. The nuvi 500 navigation device will be preloaded with detailed street and topographic mapping for the lower 48 U.S. states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. On other hand, the nuvi 550 is expected to be loaded with comprehensive street map coverage of the U.S. and Canada.