Garmin Etrex Vista CX GPSMSRP: $320
If portability matters to you the etrex might be your best bet. the pint-size waterproof wonder includes a built-in map of all major roads in the country, and it's so small you can plunk it onto virtually any motorcycle. Five operator buttons on the sides of the unit allow for one-handed operation that won't block your view. it accepts downloads from Garmin's map cDs, and an electric compass and altimeter function are included, too. An easily customizable menu of data fields makes it one of the most compact high-performance GPss around. And you can power it for up to 12 hours on two AA batteries (an external power cable is available as well). A black-and-white version can be had for $100 less.
Dimensions:2.2 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches, 5.5 ounces
Screen: 1.3 x 1.7 inches;176 x 220-pixel color tFt
Memory: 64mB micro sD card (incl.)
Garmin Quest 2
MSRP: $750
it's got an advanced feature set, and the pocket-size Quest's folding antenna and horizontal layout make it easily mountable and a good match for moto-travel. Some highlights: automatic routing, turn-by-turn directions and voice guidance, 20-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery, usB connection, crisp, readable 2.2 x 1.5-inch color display, 12-volt Dc power adapter and an external speaker. most importantly, it comes preloaded with city select North America Nt, which serves up nearly six million points of interest. the Quest 2 also accepts optional mapsource cartography and offers a host of possibilities for customization-you can upload high-density or school zones and program in a warning for when you're over the speed limit. Perhaps most essential for touring riders, the Quest 2 is waterproof to the iPX7 standard.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches, 5.5 ounces
Screen: 2.2 inches, 240 x 160-pixel color TFT
Memory: internal solid state
Garmin Street Pilot 2820MSRP: $1075M
Sure, it's pricey, but this is one feature-rich motorcycle navigation tool. Highlights include a high-resolution color touch screen, usB port, 128mB flash memory (included), 12-volt and 110-volt power adapters, remote control, two mounting systems, detailed downloadable maps and a large menu of adjustable capabilities. the internal software is on par with many auto GPs systems, and the processor speed's wicked-fast. New features include automatic zoom-ins of complicated intersections and route prompts with adjustable "biases" (for when you're walking versus riding, and so on). the 2820 adds Bluetooth technology for wireless integration, and Xm satellite weather info includes forecasts and current conditions. ou can also transfer the unit between your car/boat/motorcycle with ease. For $100 less, the 2720 omits the Bluetooth.
Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.2 x 2 inches, 15 ounces
Screen: 3.3 x 1.7 inches, 454 x 240-pixel color tFt
Memory: internal solid state
Garmin GPSMAP 276C
MSRP: $645
Some riders we know choose the GPsmAP 276c as their favorite all-around GPs. the big color screen is backlit for night use and is fully readable in the bright sunlight; Americas Autoroute basemaps are included for street and road data on the entire country. slide in Garmin data cards for up to 512 mB of additional storage. the rechargeable lithium battery provides 15 hours of run time, or rig the included 12-volt power cord directly to your bike battery. An optional auto kit adds a peaker, mounts and cD with street data for all the cities in the country. it mounts flat on a car or bike dash or on handlebars and is fully waterproof to military standards. For Xm, the 376c will run you $320 more.
Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.2 x 1.9 inches, 13.6 ounces
Screen: 3 x 2.2 inches, 480 x 320-pixel color tFt
Memory: No internal memory
Magellan Roadmate 2200T
MSRP: $400
It's full-featured but pocket-sized, and the roadmate is expandable, too. simple touch-screen menus make turnby- turn voice and visual guidance a snap. the Magellan roadmate 2200T sports a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to eight hours of life. it's rugged and waterproof to IPX4 standards, and the advanced sirFstariii chipset receives satellite signals faster and easier with a wider search range. A built-in interactive map of the U.S., Canada and Puerto rico makes for easy access to a wide coverage area.
You get to choose from close to two million preprogrammed points of interest when you need to find gas stations, airports, hotels or restaurants. Additional features include multidestination routing,SD memory card compatibility and a built-in music player and picture viewer so you can take your entertainment with you.
Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches; 7.8 ounces
Screen: 2.1 x 2.8 inches
Memory: SD Card
Product Review
Nolan N-Com System
Basic Kit MSRP: $100
Bluetooth Kit MSRP: $250
The Nolan N102 helmet i got to test recently (reviewed on page 97) just happened to be a perfect match with the tomtom rider. that's because the helmet came equipped with the optional N-com communication system, an integrated modular setup available for the Nolan N102, N84, N42 and other Nolan helmets.
In addition to the N-com Basic Kit (earphone speakers and a boom microphone) already fitted into the helmet, i requested the optional Bluetooth Kit (an external control panel and rechargeable battery), which allowed a wireless linkup to any Bluetooth-equipped device like a cell phone or GPs-in this case, the rider (you can chat wirelessly with your passenger if they also have a rigged N-com helmet). there's some careful assembly, battery charging and device pairing required at first, but it's pretty painless provided you follow the included instructions.
Three external buttons (for "on," "arrow up" and "arrow down") on the panel are fairly accessible and well spaced and handle all functions with just a press. i could make and answer calls easily (when i figured out my phone's functions), and once i paired the rider with the N-com i was wire-free (with just the Basic Kit, wired options exist for non-Bluetooth devices). i had absolutely no complaints about the quality of the voice prompts from the GPs or noise levels within the helmet at speed-instructions were clear and, once i tweaked the volume, unobtrusive (remember that noise levels are pretty subjective, though).
The N-com system can be transferred from one Nolan helmet to another, and though both kits add up to a nice chunk of change, they're a well-designed, nicely integrated communication solution. -AC