Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS - XM Radio and Remote Control

Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS Vehicle Navigation System

In this age of preference for smaller and more compact electronics we may forget that sometime bigger is better. GPS Navigation Systems are no different. Garmin has designed GPS systems for hikers, motorcycles, boats and even cars. The sizes of the displays vary from pretty small 3.5 inches on the c series to a generous 4.3 on some Nuvi models.

The Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS Navigation System sports a huge 7 inch touch screen. It is not only large it is also smart. This touch screen determines what the conditions are and then dims or brightens accordingly. Even so, why would anyone need a 7 inch screen on their GPS unit? Anyone driving a large vehicle such as a van, a SUV, motor home or even a semi truck would appreciate it. Consider the distance of the driver from the dash of these vehicles.

When you see the price of the StreetPilot 7500 you may be taken aback. But the intelligent 7 inch touchscreen is just one of the unique features of this GPS unit. This is a great time to mention the remote control. Yes, I said a remote control. It is wireless and can be used to control all of the functions of the StreetPilot 7500.

It is not unusual to receive traffic updates on a GPS receiver but the StreetPilot 7500 uses an integrated XM radio receiver for this feature. This is extremely helpful when paired with an optional GXM 30 antenna. This combination provides nationwide satellite based traffic and weather information.

It may not be unusual that there is an integrated MP3 player, but it is much less common to have the ability to connect your GPS unit to a DVD player. Not to mention that you also have the option of listening to over 150 radio channels over satellite based XM radio. May sound somewhat trivial to some, but for others that spend long hours driving across the country it adds to the entertainment possibilities. On the more practical side - the StreetPilot 7500 also audibly directs you to your destination.

Other features include a USB port for connecting to your computer, a headphone jack for personal listening, and an SD card slot for memory expansion. Memory expansion may not be as important for the StreetPilot 7500 as with other GOS units due to the fact that the unit is preloaded with the MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps. These maps cover the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. One feature that is missing however is Bluetooth connectivity.

If you have special points of interest (POI) you can add them. If you want to depend on the integrated POIs that should not be a problem since there are approximately 6 million at your fingertips.

In addition, (with professional installation) the StreetPilot can keep you on course even when the GPS signal is lost (such as inside a tunnel) with its "Dead reckoning technology". This feature would definitely be useful to professionals that are on tight schedules and cannot take the chance of having to be re-routed to their destinations.

It is a wonderful thing that there are so many options to choose from when purchasing a GPS unit. We all have different needs, wishes and budget.