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The StreetPilot 7200's huge 7-inch touch-screen display means you'll always see where you're going, from anywhere in the vehicle. Designed for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses, it is a premium automotive unit that comes preloaded with City Navigator NT detailed maps of North America. With the purchase of an optional sensor (not included), the unit notifies the driver of accidents, road construction and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered (requires subscription, traffic service only for select cities where coverage exists). Either of two optional purchase sensors can provide these features, the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic sensor or the GXM 30 Smart Antenna (separate purchase required). ln addition to traffic data, the GXM 30 provides real-time satellite weather information. The 7200 model features all of Garmin's well-known GPS functions, including intuitive navigation and automatic route calculation; voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions; 2D or 3D map view; and automatic rerouting if a motorist strays off course. With its P0l Loader software, users can load custom points-of-interest such as school zones or safety cameras. The StreetPilot 7200 also includes entertainment options, including an internal MP3 player, XM radio, and playback of audio books. The built-in MP3 player lets users browse music by artist, album, song, or genre. The XM Radio (with the optional GXM 30 Smart Antenna and XM Satellite Radio subscription - not included) features 150-plus channels of commercial-free entertainment. The StreetPilot 7200 is also compatible with www.audible.com, a subscription-based audio book service. The face of the StreetPilot 7200 only has one button, an on/off switch. Using simplicity to manage complexity is a hallmark of the quality from Garmin, the premier maker of GPS products.

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With a massive, seven-inch touchscreen display and groundbreaking traffic information, weather and entertainment features, the Garmin 7200 is the essential tool for all your travels. Garmin has designed the 7200 specifically for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses. lt offers premium features for those who spend lots of time on the road and demand the best.

The Garmin 7200 is ready to go right out of the box.

Navigation begins with a simple screen. View larger

Thanks to XM- or GTM-powered traffic data that is integrated into the unit's 3-D map display, you can see what hazards or traffic disruptions are in your area. View larger

Load up your favorite MP3s and play them. View larger

0r, listen to programming on XM radio. View larger

And don't forget to check the weather, which is also powered by XM. View larger

The Latest Traffic Technology
The 7200 offers a choice of mobile traffic information options. First, you can choose an optional GTM 10 or GTM 11 FM antenna that allows you to get traffic alerts broadcasted by Clear Channel in select U.S. cities. This service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route.

lf you want to step up to the next level of driving data, choose the optional GXM 30 antenna, which provides compatibility with XM satellite radio services. XM NavTraffic is the first nationwide satellite-based data traffic information service to enable an onscreen overlay of current traffic conditions. The 7200 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest faster alternative routes long before traffic starts backing up. Accidents, road construction, or other incidents affecting traffic are graphically represented as icons on the navigation map. Precise information relating to a traffic incident is also available, including the exact location of the incident, the lanes affected, and the predicted duration. What's more, roadways are color-coded to indicate directional traffic flow speed.

The 7200 can also keep you up to date on weather conditions, thanks to XM weather data. Current weather conditions for over 2,000 locations and weather forecasts for 162 cities are displayed on the screen. United States county storm and flood warnings are also highlighted, giving you the best and latest information available for your travels.

The 7200 can also serve as a powerful entertainment device, as it offers more than 150 channels of XM satellite radio channels, featuring 100-percent commercial-free music, as well as more than 30 channels of news, sports, and talk. You can send XM and navigation audio to your car stereo through the StreetPilot's integrated FM wireless transmitter or via an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headphone/line-out plug. And if that's not enough, the 7200 also comes equipped with an MP3 player that lets you take your personal music collection on the road. Loading music from your computer is drag-and-drop easy, and there's no need for special software. The 7200 also works as an audiobook player; you can download books from audible.com and enjoy your favorite authors on the road. Plus, thanks to the 7200's AV in connector, you can connect and play portable device, such as a DVD player, on the unit's massive screen. For safety's sake, entertainment audio is muted when navigation instructions are given.

Top-Tier GPS Performance
The 7200 is a high-end GPS navigation device with text-to-speech functionality that allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. The 7200's 480 x 234 widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. An included wireless remote control can be used to operate the device's functions.

Finding your way with the 7200 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back-seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 7200 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. ln addition to point-to-point navigation, the 7200 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. With the 7200, you have the option of choosing from a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or from one of several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while you keep your eyes on the road.

An integrated dash-mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release, and an integrated speaker enables the 2730 to deliver voice prompts (or, as mentioned, you can use the built-in FM transmitter to route commands to your vehicle stereo system.) An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna, as well as a SecureDigital (SD) memory card slot and a headphone jack.

Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 7200 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 7200 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 7200's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.

Note: Subscriptions are required for XM NavTraffic and XM Radio services. A subscription may be required for use of the GTM 10 or GTM 11 traffic services, which are not available in all areas.

What's in the Box
StreetPilot 7200, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, integrated FM wireless transmitter, alphanumeric remote control, 12-volt adapter cable, USB interface cable, A/C power adapter, quick-release dash mount, quick reference guide, and owner's manual.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Close to perfect, but not quite... ...
Pros:
* Adequate screen size
* Highly detailed maps and directory are preloaded
* Advanced software with efficient, well-designed GUI

Cons:
* Limited mounting options. The GPS is powered by the cradle, which has to snap into a permanent dash mount. There is no alternate mount (such as windshield suction mount.
* For $1300, one would expect to receive a protective storage case. Not so. One would also expect an external antenna as part of the package. Not so.
*Although a great unit, the 7200 is not a good buy. You'll get more bang for the buck with a slightly smaller unit from Magellan, or an in-dash unit.

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Buyer's feedback: - Best I have used
I have used the 7200 on two trips now, one being a 1300 mile around trip from California to Oregon. My impressions are very positive. I have previously owned a Street Pilot III and have used the 2730 model. The 7200 is basically the same as the 2730, but with a bigger 7" screen. I found the user interface and the voice prompts to be very useful when trying to find specific waypoints. I am not going to go into all the different options; others have done that. I use my 7200 in a GMC pickup (Diesel 2500), and have mounted it back near the window under the rear view mirror. This gives me the best view of the road. By slightly leaning forward I can easily use the touch screen. I also use the remote while driving to change views.

I was also concerned that the (CD) maps did not come with the unit. I called Garmin Tech Support and asked for the software for my PC. They sent it to me at no charge.

Two issues that I think should be addressed.
1) Mounting brackets: Using the bracket supplied with the unit caused too much vibration from the dash when on rough roads. I wish there were alternative mounting systems to give you more options where you can place the unit (on or in front of the dash, possibly a floor pedestal mounted bracket). Maybe an alternative would be something like the sand bag mount used with the 2730 (a little bigger to give the unit stability).
2) Software - Back Button: There are times when you need to go back to a main screen or transition to another area on your GPS. You must hit the back button sometimes 4 to 6 times just to get back to the main screen. Unlike the 2730 that has an external button, this unit will need to make a software change to include this option.

Other than these two personal issues I have with the 7200, it is everything that I expected it to be and much more. With all the option available for the 7200, it will give any user a very effective and enjoyable unit.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Review of Garmin 7200 ...
Just purchased, only used on a few trips, but want to give you my first impressions, which are very positive.

First, the ads say that this is designed for larger vehicles. Not agreed. The impression from the on-line descriptions is that the screen size is HUGE, for example, the same as your office PC. Not true, it is a 7 inch diameter screen, so it is still relatively small, the same size as most current built in expensive auto GPS screens. Compared to the 2730 model, the 7200 has perfect size touch screen inputs while on the go. For the extra money, recommend the 7200 with the larger screen over 2730 which has the same features. So, the touch screen size of the model 7200 is great for viewing and input of addresses on any size vehicle.

I was very impressed with connectivty during heavy weather and recommend the external antenna option (sticks to the inside windshield by suction cups).

The voice commands are excellent with advance warnings of upcoming turns and then the next anticipated turn.

Screen is bright and automatically adjusts to light.

No need to change anything in the initial settings, they are great. Just plug in and go. User friendly screens.

Easy to upgrade to the latest software as shown on the garmin web site from your PC to the unit. No need to insert update chips.

The on/off switch. Should press and hold down. Just a light press does not do anything.

I was disappointed that the software bundle included in the package did not include the NT navagation database software, and had to purchase it separately. The PC software allows you to pre-plan your route on your PC and download this to your 7200 so you do not have to load addresses on the go. I tested this and it works great.

If you are in a traffic jam, press "Detour" and you will taken around the jam to your destination. Be prepared however to go through back roads and areas that you may not know.

I did not test the special features of sat. nav. traffic, audio, nor books yet.

Update: I have used this now on a dozen trips and the navigation is very trustworthy. My wife is a Realtor and she loves it.

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Buyer's feedback: - I'm very happy with it!
I have a Garmin 2710 and am very pleased with it...but...this 7200 is MUCH easier to use/see/enjoy. The 7200 takes up a significant amount of dashboard space with it's 7" screen, but what do you expect from a device that you can use as a monitor for your DVD player? If you have a small car/truck, this GPS is probably too large for you.

I've yet to use the MP3 and Audio book capabilities, but expect good things from them as well.

The GPS capabilites (like the 2710) are outstanding with a much improved user interface, 3D navigation, and clearer voice prompts.

If there's one thing I wish it had it would be a friction mount for the device. A "sticky" mounting bracket is furnished with the device, but I'd like to take it from vehicle to vehicle without having to stick something to the dash of each car.