GPS

Stand back, folks, I think we've got ourselves a record-breaker here.

While supplies last, TigerDirect has the refurbished Magellan RoadMate 5045-LM 5-inch GPS for $69.97 shipped. That's after applying coupon code AXX51184 at checkout.

That's not only the lowest price I can recall for a 5-inch GPS, it's definitely the best deal I've seen on a 5-inch GPS with lifetime maps and traffic.

It's true: in addition to a nav system with a nice, roomy screen, you get a forever subscription to realtime traffic conditions and the latest North American maps. All for … Read more

I know what you're thinking, "Haven't GPS-enabled smartphones rendered the portable navigation device obsolete?"

True, an Android, Windows Phone, or iOS device running a navigation app such as Google Maps, Bing Navigation, GPS by Telenav, or Waze will handle the turn-by-turn needs of your average smartphone-toting techie. However, there are plenty of circumstances under which a standalone navigator still has its advantages and may be the best device for the job.… Read more

TeleNav's latest trick combines the functionality of navigation apps with the ubiquity of browser-based maps.

Of course, getting turn-by-turn directions on your phone is nothing new--just look at the Google Maps app--but it requires launching a discrete navigation app. Likewise, browser-based maps services are nothing new either--just look at the Google Maps Web page in your phone's browser--but usually they're static, lacking motion and live updates for location and directions. TeleNav announced today that it's blending these two technologies and delivering the first browser-based map service to also give turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

The HTML5-based service comes … Read more

LightSquared believes someone has it out for the startup and its efforts to build a 4G LTE network.

The latest stumbling block came last week in the form of a leak of a preliminary government report, which revealed that the company hadn't settled the concerns that it could disrupt the signal of a large number of personal and military GPS devices.

LightSquared's general counsel, Curtis Lu, blasted the leak, noting that only the negative portions of the tests were shown, and that the conclusions were based on incorrect assumptions.

"The leak was designed to subvert the fairness … Read more

Sometimes, you don't want a ton of bells and whistles on your GPS device. Sometimes, you just want to reliably and cheaply get from point Alpha to Bravo.

Enter Garmin's Essentials series of Nuvi GPS navigators. Specifically, we're taking a look at the largest model in the entry-level Essentials series: the 5-inch Garmin Nuvi 50.

There aren't many surprises here where design is concerned. If you've handled a Garmin Nuvi in the last half decade, you'll know exactly what to expect from the 50. The icons are all where you'd expect them to … Read more

Happy Cyber Monday! I've always preferred this "holiday" to Black Friday, as it allows me to shop in my preferred garb: bathrobe and slippers. (Tried that on a Black Friday once; I am no longer welcome in the mall.)

Indeed, this is arguably this biggest shopping day of the year for the ol' Cheapskate, as all the deals are, by definition, online. I'll be discussing some of my favorites live today on CNET's Holiday Help Desk, which airs at 3 p.m. ET, noon PT.

In the meantime, here are some assorted Cyber Monday goodies … Read more

Even I roll my eyes at those ads where someone gets a new car with a big, red bow on a snowy holiday morning. But when you think about it, a car is actually a pretty awesome gift.

Cars are more than just basic transportation these days. Pick the right ride, such as our top Holiday Gift Pick and Editors' Choice 2012 Audi A7, and you'll also be giving the gift of entertainment, safety, utility, and style. And while a car really is too big to be gift wrapped or stuffed into a stocking, you may be able to squeeze the diminutive 2012 Fiat 500 C under a big enough tree.

We acknowledge that a new car isn't always the best gift idea--maybe the car lover in your life already has a perfectly good set of wheels. Never fear, we have plenty of smaller car tech gift ideas as well. From radar detectors for speed demons to Bluetooth hands-free kits for motor mouths, sports cameras for daredevils, and GPS navigators for the perpetually lost, there's something for every sort of automotive enthusiast in our Car Tech Holiday Gift Guide.

… Read more

If you think a car is high tech because it has Bluetooth and an iPod connection, you're in for a big surprise.

Yes, a "high-tech car" used to mean an iPod connection, hands-free calling, and GPS navigation. Now, that's almost quaint. Cars are getting connected like every other device in your life: wirelessly to the Internet. Navigation, communication, entertainment, and telematics all get better, but there will be some bumps along the road.

In this episode of Device & Conquer, we'll show you a sampling of how connected cars work and get you ready to … Read more

Just yesterday I was discussing the merits of standalone nav systems with my brother-in-law Charles (who's as savvy a cheapskate as there ever was--and I mean that in the best possible way).

I said, "Hey, look, here's a GPS with lifetime traffic for under $100." His response: "I'd rather have lifetime maps."

Well, sir, how about both? Today only, Staples has the TomTom VIA 1405TM 4.3-inch GPS for $99.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states). It comes with free traffic data and map updates for life.

The Via 1405TM is … Read more