Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Garmin® Introduces the StreetPilot® i-Series(TM): A Small Wonder in Car Navigation
OLATHE, Kan., July 15 -- Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today introduced the StreetPilot i2(TM) and i3(TM), a new line of small, inexpensive automotive GPS navigators that make driving fun.
No larger than a baseball and starting at just $299.99 (MSRP), the StreetPilot i-series is destined to be a hit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who are looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of GPS satellite navigation for the first time.
"For roughly the same price as a premium MP3 player, consumers now can purchase a GPS navigator that's designed to make their time on the road more convenient and safe," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "And while it may be petite in size, the StreetPilot i-series has many of the same powerful capabilities as our other premium automotive GPS navigators."
The compact i-series features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a "back" button -- which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit's menu-driven interface. The i2 and i3 provide voice prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker, and the unit easily moves from vehicle to vehicle with an integrated suction cup mount. The i-series will also automatically put drivers back on course if they miss a turn.
The StreetPilot i2 and i3 come with a MapSource® City Select® North America NT v7 DVD, which contains mapping detail of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico -- featuring nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Users load the City Select data onto an included 128MB Transflash(TM) data card via a fast USB connection.
Garmin has also added the ability for customers to augment the pre-loaded maps with Custom POI's from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras. In addition, a proximity alert feature is included to optionally notify the driver of upcoming Custom POI's.
The i3 features a 32k-color, sunlight readable TFT display with backlight, while the i2 features a high-contrast backlit FSTN monochrome display. Motorists can choose from either a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or overhead "bird's eye" view. For added convenience, drivers can power the unit with either unit with two AA batteries (six hours, typical use) or the included 12-volt adapter cable.
Product specifications:o WAAS enabled, 12-parallel channel GPS patch antenna, with MCX-type connector for optional external antennao Unit dimensions: 3.00" W x 2.74" H x 2.15" Do StreetPilot i3 display: 1.3" W x 1.7" H, 176 x 220 pixels, 32k-color TFT with backlighto StreetPilot i2 display: 1.3" W x 1.7" H, 176 x 240 pixels, high contrast monochrome FSTN with backlighto Weight: 5.3 oz (includes vehicle suction cup mount, no batteries)
The StreetPilot i2 and i3 ship with a PC/USB cable, 12-volt adapter cable, vehicle suction cup mount, dashboard adhesive disk, 128MB Transflash data card, a MapSource City Select North America NT v7 DVD with full unlock, and setup guide. The StreetPilot i3 has an estimated retail price of $399 and it is expected to be available in August. The StreetPilot i2 is expected to be available in October at an estimated retail price of $299.
Garmin International Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN) group of companies, which designs and manufactures navigation, communication and information devices - most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer GPS markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor recreation, automotive, wireless and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.
Source: Garmin International Inc.
CONTACT: Ted Gartner or Jessica Myers, both of Garmin International Inc., +1-913-397-8200, media.relations@garmin.com
Web site: http://www.garmin.com/
