Garmin StreetPilot 2620

The Garmin StreetPilot 2620 is a plug-and-play GPS system - it can be used straight out of the box - no need to install maps or software or link it to a PC. The maps are stored on the internal hard-drive. Simply plug in the system, start it up and off you go.

The unit includes a pre-programmed hard drive that stores all the maps. Motorists can navigate to a specific address or access a database of more than five million POI (points of interest) -- including hotels, restaurants, petrol stations, cash machines and other local tourist attractions. The intuitive, menu-driven touch-screen operation of the StreetPilot 2620 ensures that using the unit is straightforward.

Like the other Garmin satnav system in this range, the 2610, the StreetPilot 2620 features a crisp, high-resolution screen which is touch-sensitive for controlling the menu system.

Voice prompted turn-by-turn navigation and a powerful microprocessor ensure fast route calculation and mapping

The system includes a unique wireless infrared remote control, which allows easy operation of the unit from a distance. Not only the passenger, but also back-seat passengers can now control the system allowing the driver to concentrate on driving to the destination.

The StreetPilot 2620 hardware offers WAAS-enabled support to ensure the highest degree of GPS accuracy.

A number of new software features have been included -

Enter a series of destinations, and the StreetPilot 2620 will calculate the optimum route to minimise the amount of traveling required. This is ideal for businesses, sales professionals and delivery firms who need to make several calls to different locations in a day. The time and money saved using this one feature will cover the cost of buying the unit in no time whatsoever.

Users are also able to specify certain roads or segments of the journey to avoid - this could be due to traffic announcements or other information taken from TV or the Internet prior to commencing the journey. Being stuck in traffic is not good - and to a lot of professional drivers time is money.

In common with other units it is possible to divert to Points of Interest en-route, such as petrol station, post offices, supermarkets, hotels etc.

This is a comprehensive, professional system with the key selling point being the multiple-destination optimisation.

The Garmin StreetPilot 2620 has now been discontinued by Garmin so it might be possible to find a good bargain if you shop around.