More StreetPilot Photographs>   (Note: This photo image file size is 2.5 megabytes in size.)

The 2720 is similar in appearance to the SP26X0 series but without removable memory feature.   Note: Later production models of the SP2620 have been changed and do not have removable media same as the SP2720.  The GPS antenna is integral within the unit and  the unit  is designed to fit on top of your dash and provide  visual and audio directions for navigating your car on unfamiliar streets and roads.  A  battery powered IR  remote control is provided so that passengers can program the unit even from the back seat.   Functions of the SP2720 are operable from both the main unit and the remote, but many features are more easily operated by the remote control unit.   Unfortunately  (for the kids), Garmin did not choose to put any games in this model.

We think the StreetPilot 2720 has a good user interface but not quite as nice as the SP2610/20/50/60 series. There are four push buttons for major functions (PAGE, MENU, FIND, and SPEAK/volume. (Only the SPEAK key retains the dual function capability found in the SP26X0 units.  We particularly miss the ability to easily MARK a location with a waypoint by pressing and holding a key.)  Like the  SP-2610/2620, the 2720 is designed without internal batteries and operates ONLY when plugged into an external 10 to 24vdc  power source. Like the SP2610/2620, the SP2720  automatically turns ON and OFF with the power application from its external power cord. A switch is provided to turn the unit on and off manually as desired.  Unlike the SP26X0 series, the screen does not time out to the map screen automatically.  The SP2720 was designed to replace  the   combination   of GPS/Laptop Computer/Mapping Software system that many still  use to maneuver around cities in the USA. 

Here is a comparison note with respect to the Magellan RoadMate 500/700/760 which is the direct competitor of the SP2720/2610/2620.  Both vendor's units have plusses and minuses with respect to features.  The Magellan 500/700 is THE simplest to use of any car navigator we have reviewed. Many car navigator units now offer complete USA and Canada maps already loaded "right out of the box"  SP2720 continues that welcome feature addition.   On the other hand,  the Magellan 500/700 systems have far fewer "normal GPS features" as compared with the SP2720 and 26xx series.  The SP series has slightly better guidance information in complex expressway interchanges   Which one is "best" depends 100% on your needs and on your interpretation of what features are "essential".  In this review,  we will describe the rich feature set of the SP2720 unit.  Our Magellan RoadMate review can be found HERE.

Street priced at discount GPS dealers for about $895 and less, (Can be bought for up to $1000 and up), (Check Latest Prices Here.) the SP-2720 is a medium priced Automatic Car Navigator -and- One of the best performers.  The 2720 is perhaps $100 more than the SP2620 model which also comes out-of-the-box with complete USA and Canada maps installed.

With the SP-2720 you do NOT receive a copy of the NavTeq CityNavigator 7 CD. (Note:  This is being changed soon and you WILL receive a version of firmware and the necessary CD software to allow route creation on the PC and download to the SP2720.  My review unit does not have this feature.)  Instead, the maps come already loaded in internal Flash Memory.  (CityNavigator automatic routing maps are only available for the USA, Europe, South Africa, and Australia as of August 2005).   The CN7 in the SP2720 is "permanent" and not erasable by the user to use for loading other maps.  However, these "permanent" maps can be updated/upgraded with newer CityNavigator maps in years to come as Garmin provides ongoing updates..  In addition to the fixed USA/Canada map memory, there are 750megabytes of additional "user map memory" into which you can load maps from Europe or other parts of the world -OR- you can load USA Topo maps from Garmin or other Garmin furnished maps.  Note:  Garmin does NOT recommend Topo Maps for use with the SP2720.

The concept of a "base map" for the USA is not relevant to the SP2720 as it has complete USA maps installed when purchased in the USA.  Or if purchased in (say) Europe, it will have complete European maps (see Garmin website for coverage information).  For loading CityNavigator maps into user memory for areas OTHER THAN those included with your GPS, as a rough planning guide for calculating storage card capacity is:  4  megabyte for every  million population.  The 750 megabytes of user map storage is thus able to store large areas of Europe, Australia, and/or South Africa using Gamin's available overseas map products.  As to CityNavigator map sizes, the four central Atlanta "map chunks" are about 1.5 megabytes each, and other area "map chunks" range from 400 kbytes to 2.0 mbytes. To see EXACTLY what CityNavigator maps look like for YOUR area, click HERE and select CityNavigator on the map viewer. Keep clicking on the map until you get your area in whatever detail you want.  You can route to covered highway intersections just using the basemap. 

The StreetPilot 2720 is straightforward to use, and the manual is a bit better than average.  Still,  there is no substitute for a few hours of  "playing around" with the unit in consort with the manual for quick learning and  discovery of available features.  

The SP-2720  routinely gives routing "the same as I would have chosen". I will say that in our testing, the SP2620 model with CN7 at odd times would give a superior route as compared to the newer SP2720.  I attribute this to the fact that the SP2720 uses a new algorithm which is different from that used on  the older SP26X0 series.  I believe that as a result, the SP2720 fails to consider as many alternative routing options as are considered by the algorithm used in the SP26X0 units.  I place the routing proficiency of the SP2720 on a par with "industry norms" but with the routing ability of the SP26x0 slightly superior.  Sometimes the route generated is "just OK", but... the SP-2720 is just a machine. (Note: If you will be upset when a GPS Car Navigator fails to generate precisely the route YOU would have picked, then expect to be disappointed from time to time.  The SP2720 routes generally very well, but not exactly as a human would.)  

Automatic ROUTE GENERATION with SP-2720 is about average for a  GPS Car Navigator.  There is no "Quick, Better, Best" route selection on the 2720 as on the 26X0 models.  On the calculation of a 400 mile route, the 2720  usually takes about 15 to 20 seconds.  This compares to close to a minute with the SP-III and to 5 to 10 seconds on a 2620..   One trial route from Atlanta to an address in Los Angeles took about 2 minutes with the SP-III and 20 seconds with the SP-2610/2620 and SP2720  which seems extremely fast by comparison.  Offroute, reroute recalculation with the new "Partial Reroute" algorithm typically takes about 1 second and it (generally) tries to take you back as quickly as possible to your ORIGINAL route.  It does this  the first THREE times it goes "off route, recalculating".  On the fourth "off route" it figures out you are serious about not going back to the original route and does a complete recalculate which on a local (25 mile) route usually takes just a few seconds.  (SP-III ver 2.50 is using this same algorithm and it seems to be confusing some folks, but I personally like the rerouting  speed so much I am willing to put up with the first three reroutes not necessarily taking you the optimum route.  If you do not like the "partial reroute" offered by the SP2720, you can always press the FIND  key, then RECENT FINDS and then select your address again and press GOTO.  I note here that this is more than twice as complex as the same function on the SP26X0 units.  I have also found that when the SP2620 us set to "better" or "best" routes, it often generates superior quality routes as compared with the SP2720. )

The early version of SP2720 offers no capability to generate maps on the PC and download such a route to the GPS.  Software available about 10 Sept 2005 now offers this feature.   Frankly,  using PC for routing is NOT what you would normally want to do with the SP-2720 in any case.  It is much easier and more convenient to use the SP2720 itself to generate and mold the route to your needs as compared with generating routes on the PC and then  having to download routes to the GPS navigator.   The CityNavigator (NavTeq) maps offer coverage the entire USA and major metro Canada as well.  Details in rural Canada are not complete, but are much better than in CN5.   Details as to which lane to be in and which way to turn onto exit ramps at complex expressway interchanges is frequently included.   The SP-2720/2610/2620 uses a USB connection for  data loading. 

NMEA data I/O  is NOT available on the SP-2720. 

Note: As of this date, NO OTHER map products (from alternative vendors) can be uploaded into Garmin GPS receivers except those offered by Garmin for the purpose. This same proprietary relationship exists for other vendor's consumer GPS products as well.

This new SP-2720 is designed principally for automobile use and its size, the high power drain,  absence of an internal battery, and lack of off road or marine features make it unsuitable for hiking or boating use.   It does have an OFFROAD mode that can be used to advantage if TOPO maps are loaded.

What's new in StreetPilot 2720?

The SP-2720  kit contains: SP-2720 GPS, Speaker/power cable, USB data cable (for memory and data load and Garmin HOST MODE data output), Dash Mount Bracket, "bean bag" portable mount,  AC power module for use in loading memory, and  CityNavigator 7 comes already installed in the 2720.  Also included are a quick start guide, detailed manual, and a plastic cover for the faceplate. 

The SP-2720 gets rid of most effects of GPS measurement error that bothered many people in years past.  CityNavigator 7 will "lock" your vehicle track to roads as long as you  travel on the road.  (This feature does not operate with MapSource R&R, USA Topo, or WorldMap.) Automatically generated routes using CityNavigator maps "rubber band" to the roads in the route. Once in a great while, you may find an isolated road segment where the map is so far off that road lock will jump off the road, but it is rare.   

Another useful feature with CityNavigator is that  all approaching cross street names are displayed prior to arrival.   

We found the SP-2720 audio and visual guidance directions very satisfactory but the voice was not quite as understandable as with the SP-2610/2620.  This was especially noticable in the pronunciation of odd street names.   The SP2720 uses a text-to-speech technology for voice generation and there is some "distortion" in the pronunciation of many street names and town names.  But, all in all, it works satisfactorily.  The voice guidance system automatically varies its "turn here" warning time to give you more warning time at high speed than at lower speed.  We are told that  Garmin will offer a website download for the following languages:  American English, Australian, and British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch.  A typical audio/visual sequence would go something like this:

• <audio> In 1.5 miles exit right. <screen> shows arrow to the right, distance to go, speed, time to go and "Exit right to I-285 West"..
 

• <audio> In .3 miles exit right. <screen> shows Exit Right to I-285.
 

• <audio> In 1.2 miles exit right <screen> shows Exit Right to Roswell Road NE
 

• <audio> In .3 miles exit right. <screen> shows Exit Right to Roswell Road NE.
 

• <audio> In 800 feet turn left. <screen> shows Turn Left on Roswell Road NE.
 

• <audio> In 1.2 miles turn right. <screen> shows Turn Right on Mt. Paran Road NE.
 

• <audio> drive .3 miles to destination <screen shows .3 miles to destination.
 

• <audio> drive .1 miles to destination on right. <screen> shows .1 miles and the destination waypoint/address.
 

• <audio> destination 500 feet ahead on right. <screen shows destination waypoint/address.

An alternative "turn list" screen shows a listing of turns to come. Another screen display is the trip computer which is accessed at any time by pressing one of the numeric displays on the map screen.  Data displayed on the trip computer screen is fixed and  not user selectable.

AUTOZOOM zooms the screen in and out automatically as you approach waypoints and turns so you always have time to make decisions.  A blue pop up arrow on the left side shows distance to go and direction of the turn as you approach a turn.  I generally found the route turn advice timely and not confusing.

Route selections for CAR or TRUCK or BUS, Motorcycle, Taxi, Delivery Vehicles, Bicycle, Pedestrian,  or EMERGENCY vehicles are provided so you can be properly routed depending on your vehicle type.

CityNavigator7 (USA) now features about seven million (USA) "points of interest" on board.  These include: Food and drink, Lodging, Attractions, Entertainment, Shopping, Services, Transportation, and Emergency and Government. In our area,  there were a few restaurants we had not known about and a  few  prominent ones  are missing.  Despite some obvious updates and additions,  the restaurant listing (still) appears to be about 2 years old. One of my favorite restaurants (Longstreet's/Gainesville, Ga.) is  not listed  despite being in business for more than 25 years.  Even so, the listings are large, varied and very useful.    Listed "Attractions" include theme parks, museums, schools, parks and such.  The listings were quite satisfactory though the placement of a particular restaurant or gas  station might vary plus or minus a few hundred  feet (once, half a mile) from the actual location.  This feature is very handy in a strange city on on the highway.

The user can give the GPS a Street Address or Street Intersection or select one of the, for instance, Restaurants in the accessory map data base module and it will LOCATE this address or location automatically and plot it on the map screen.  The SP-2720 can then automatically create a "turn-by-turn" route to this destination from wherever you are. This is a very useful feature and it has worked very well in our tests and on trips we have made.  That said, the classifications and selection process used in the SP26x0 models has proved more reliable at finding items in the "attractions" listings.  Be prepared for a few well known items (such as my local library) to be missing from the "attractions" list. Still, if you are unfamiliar with an area, what IS included will be quite useful.

  What are the Technical Specifications of the SP-2720?

 

• Waypoints:  2000 with (up to) 20 character name and graphic symbol (Autorouting does not use these waypoints.)  Autonumbers each waypoint but allows users to change waypoint name using remote control or touch screen.  Note:  SP2720 has NO capability to MARK a waypoint using a single button as in most other units.  We consider this a significant limitation.  
  
• Track log:   2000 track log points
• Routes:       Up to 50 routes with multiple VIA points may be saved for recall.
• Trip Information Page: Speedometer,  Resettable odometer and trip odometer, Compass Indication, moving time, stopped time, total time, average and maximum speeds
• GPS Receiver: 12 parallel channel GPS receiver continuously tracks and uses up to 12 satellites.  (WAAS is available in these models.) 
• Acquisition times: Warm: Approximately 15 seconds, Cold: Approximately 45 seconds, AutoLocate: Approximately 2 minutes
• Update rate: 1/second, continuous
• Position Accuracy: Position: < 15 meters (49feet), 95% typical with clear sky view and good DOP, claim 3 meter accuracy (95% confidence) with WAAS.  
• Velocity accuracy: 0.05 meter/sec (.035mph) steady state
• Dynamics: 6g’s
• Interfaces: USB (ver 1.1) (No RS232 serial port.)
  
• Antenna: Built in patch type GPS antenna with external MCX-type connector jack.  Accepts external amplified antenna. 
• Physical Size: 3.2"H x 5.6"W x 2.0"D (8.0 x 14.3 x 5.0 cm)  (Same Size as the SP26X0 units.) 
• Weight: .93 pounds (420 g)  (Same as 26X0 units.)
  
• Display: Finger Touch Screen,  3.8” x 1.8"  WQVGA (262k colors); 454 x 240 pixels; bright, automotive-grade color TFT with automatic dimming backlight and touch screen  (More  resolution than the SP26x0 models and  wider. ) 
• Case: Rugged; fully gasketed to IPX-7 waterproof.  Remote control NOT waterproof.
  
• Temp. range: 5°F to 158°F (–15°C to 70°C)
• Data storage: Indefinite; no memory battery required 
• Map storage: No map Data cards used.  Map storage is on internal, non user removable, Flash Memory.
  
• The SP-2720 uploads MapSource maps at up to 12mbit/sec using the USB 1.1 port.   Your throughput will be less than this theoretical maximum speed. 
  
• Routes:       Up to 50 routes with multiple VIA points may be saved for recall.
• Trip Information Page: Speedometer,  Resettable odometer, Compass Ribbon (moving), time of day, driving time, stopped time, total time, Multiple Mileage Logs, average and maximum speed. 
• GPS Receiver: 12 parallel channel GPS receiver continuously tracks and uses up to 12 satellites.  (WAAS is now available in these models as a result of a Spring 2004 software update.)
  
• Acquisition times: Warm: Approximately 15 seconds, Cold: Approximately 45 seconds, AutoLocate: Approximately 2 minutes
• Update rate: 1/second, continuous

Specific Questions Answered:

 

• Does the SP-2720 have automatic daylight savings time? Yes, it works in the USA (only).  Daylight saving time rules  in most of the rest of the world are too "flexible" to make it practical to include other areas at this time.  The unit does NOT have automatic time change when moving between time zones.
  
 

• What is the battery life?  These models operate ONLY from an external source of 10 to 24vdc and have no internal batteries.  Maximum power draw from a 13.8 volt source is 12 watts or about 1 amp.
 

• Is the color screen viewable in sunlight? Yes.  We think the 2720 and the 26X0 models have the best screen for viewing in the car that we have seen.  Naturally, Direct sunlight washes it out a bit,  but if it is in your car on the dash, it is quite satisfactory in all conditions we tested it in. This unit has no contrast control and does not need one in our opinion.
  
 

• What memory cartridges can I use with the SP2720?  None.  No memory cartridge capability is provided.  There is a fixed 750 meg of internal Flash Memory available for additional user maps beyond the CityNavigator 7 maps provided.  CN7 maps ARE NOT erased when you load additional maps.
  
 

• Does SP-2720 have a trip computer?  Yes, but with fewer features than the SP26X0 units.
 

• Is the SP-2720 the same size as the SP-26X0 units?  Yes It is the same size and  shape, but the screen size is larger. It uses the same mounts and antenna connector, power connector and data connector and has no batteries.
 

• Where is the speaker for the audio output? It is mounted on the power cable near the 12vdc power plug (car end). The audio output comes from the same connector as the power input.  There are no external connector pins  for external audio output.  Motorcyclists and others who want to tie the SP2720 into their vehicle audio system will have to open the speaker case and bring out the two speaker wires -or- break into the speaker-to-GPS cable.  ANY MODS SUCH AS DESCRIBED WILL TERMINATE YOUR WARRANTY.  The speaker wires in the cable are the brown and white pair and they are "push pull" and neither should be referenced to ground or noise pickup can result.  The voltage across the speaker wires is about 2.5v peak-to-peak at normal volume.  I recommend you locate a small 1:1 audio coupling transformer and use it to couple into your motorcycle audio system.  Radio Shack is one source of such transformers.  NEEDLESS TO SAY,  making any such change as this voids the warranty and if you cause any damage,  Garmin is not likely to look favorably on a warranty repair for your unit!  AND.. If you do not PRECISELY understand what is stated above,  don't attempt this modification!  Garmin now offers a Motorcycle Mount Kit which is available with audio cables.
  
 

• Is there enough audio volume available to use SP-2720 in a noisy truck? In a <normal> car, we judge the volume will always be ample. Audio is fine in a Ford F-150 truck and we think it will work OK for a fairly noisy truck as well, but you can always connect an external audio amp and speaker or even earphones (will require opening the speaker case and voiding the warranty and perhaps some additional connector/hardware).
 

• Is the audio clear and easy to understand? Yes. We think the audio quality of the female voice is "generally" quite clear and understandable. This unit uses text-to-speech technology and this is not as clear and refined as in other Garmin units such as the SP26x0 models.  My test unit only supports English,  but there is a Language option. 

• Is there a MUTE switch for the audio?  Answer: No.  There is a volume control that you reach by holding the SPEAK key down.
  

• Are the contrast and brightness adjustable? Brightness is, but there is no contrast control (and none is needed).  There are about 10 brightness steps.  The available viewing angle of this new display is slightly more than in the SP26X0 units AND the viewing angle is skewed so it favors the left (driver side in the US).  Both the driver and passenger can usually view the screen at the same time (if the unit is placed in the middle of the dash and forward).
  
 

• Is CityNavigator included? Yes.  CN7 comes preinstalled and ready to go out of the box.
  
 

• Will my old SP (or SP-III) cable work with SP-2610/2620/2720? No.  The connectors are different and a new speaker/power cable comes with SP-2720.
 

• How do I load  additional  map data in a reasonable time? Using the USB cable is the only way to do it.  Use a computer with USB-2 capability for fastest loading.
  

• Does SP-2720 come with a dash mount? Yes. Similar to the older SP-III mount with the same mounting foot.  Also included is a portable "bean bag" type friction mount for use in rental cars or where a fixed mount is not desirable.  The portable mount seems pretty secure.
  
   

• Can I upload/download waypoints/routes/tracks to the SP-2720?  Yes, with the latest SP2720 firmware you can download all three.  Third party applications such as G7ToWin and others will require I/O protocol update for compatibility.
  
 

• Is <my> street shown on the new CityNavigator maps? Garmin now has their MapViewer working with CityNavigator shortly so you can check for your area.
 

• If I deviate from the calculated route, what happens? SP-2720 can be set to automatically recalculate a new route to your destination without operator intervention.
 

• Can I "TrackBack" on a tracklog with SP-2720? No. This feature is not supported. Instead, you would use AUTOROUTE and enter the destination address.
 

• How many waypoints can be in an automatically generated route? I am not sure. I  have tried cross continent routes from Atlanta to Los Angeles and they work fine.  Waypoints created by automatic routing do not reduce the 2000-available user waypoints.  User waypoints can be used to initiate an automatic routeand/or add "Vias" to a route.
  
 

• Can I operate StreetAtlas 9 or 2003 externally with SP-2720? Not unless Delorme comes up with a USB Garmin compatible driver and an interface for Garmin's protocol.
 

• How do I upload SA8 Maps (or DRG, or TravRoute or whatever) into SP-2720?  You can't. No way. Can't do it. Only Garmin or Garmin Partner maps can be uploaded into SP-2720. You can connect SP-2720 to your laptop, and run CN5/Metroguide 5 on your laptop and plot your travel path using your laptop if you want.
  
• Can I use my SP2720 on my airplane?  Well.. I guess you can if you want road directions in your airplane.  :)  One enthusiast says he has plugged his SP2620 unit into his 28vdc buss on his airplane and everything works fine.  Since the SP2720/2620 is only rated for 10 to 24vdc input,  this obviously voids the warranty and so is not recommended.
  
 

• Does the SP-2720 allow entry of route preferences? Yes. Options are: Avoid U-turns, Avoid Toll Road, Avoid Highways, Avoid Medium Roads, Avoid Minor Roads, Avoid Unpaved Roads, Avoid Carpool Lanes.  In addition, you can designate "Avoid Areas" and "Avoid Specific Roads" in the Custom Avoids section.   Faster Time, Shorter Distance,  Off Road, (turns off road lock and allows GOTO). Also, Calculate routes for CAR or TRUCK or BUS, Motorcycle, Taxi, Delivery Vehicles, Bicycle, Pedestrian,  or EMERGENCY vehicle.  (No.. We do not know where the pedestrian or bicycle rider will get his 12volts at 1amp power.)

  

• Then exactly how do you figure out how many "turns" can be in one route? Garmin says: There is not a limit to the number of turns per se.   Along a route -- there are several types of points that are "dropped".  The first being via points. The second are "guidance points" - where a user basically has to make a decision on which way to go (keep left, etc.), and the third are "nodes". Nodes are dropped along a route every time a road classification, name change, turn, etc.... There are a max of 1200 "nodes". If you are creating a route along an interstate, there won't be very many "nodes" dropped, because all the attributes of the road stay the same (for the most part). But, once you begin adding in lots of via points, where the detail of the map gets very complex, then there are more and more "nodes" dropped.  "Nodes" are not seen by the user.  Basically, they do show up if a person were writing third party software and sucks out the NMEA data, but that is the only place a user would see it.
  
 

• Can I buy a SP-2720 in the USA (to save euros) and then use it in Europe (or Australia) using CityNavigator maps. Yes. But a USA purchased unit will not have any European basemap. There is 750 megabytes of memory available for loading other Garmin maps if you want.   It is possible to install MapSource World Map as an underlay in conjunction with European CN5 for high detail roads if you have a USA SP-2720 and want to take a trip in Europe.  
  
 

• What about MetroGuide Europe?  Australia?  Can I use it for Autorouting in Europe same as MetroGuide USA can be used for Autorouting in the USA? No. MetroGuide Europe has autorouting capability but ONLY in the PC. MetroGuide Australia is not able to autoroute on either the PC or in a StreetPilot or iQue. The initial edition of MetroGuide USA was equipped with autoroute capability because (at that time) CityNavigator USA did not have complete USA map coverage. The latest MetroGuide USA does not offer autorouting on the GPS, only on the PC.  Now with CN 7, CN has full USA map coverage as does CN Europe for covered European states. CN Australia, CN South Africa,  and CN Middle East do not have full country  coverage.
 

• Can I add VIAs to influence SP-2720 to do a route "my way"? Answer: Yes. You can add as many vias as you want in the 2720.   You can select Vias from Waypoints, Stored Addresses,  POIs, etc.
  
 

• I want a GPS for use in my Car, for Hiking, for OFFROAD driving, and for MARINE use. Will SP-2720 do the job for me? No! We do not recommend the SP-2720 for any of your proposed applications EXCEPT for Car Navigation ON ROADS which SP-2720 is optimized for and where its performance is quite good. For Offroad driving, the unit provides no guidance directions and it only operates as an electronic map showing your position on the map along with a straight line drawn from your current position to your selected destination.. The same is true for Hiking and for Marine use. For Hiking, the story is even worse since the 2720 has no internal battery. In general there is no GPS which is optimized for all your proposed applications, but the Garmin GPS 76C  is about the best compromise I know of in a stand alone GPS unit.

• What is the GTM -10 Traffic Radio and what is it for?  The SP-2720 is the first of Garmin's GPS units to offer automatic display and automatic reroute for traffic congestion reported by the Digital Subcarrier Traffic Report data available on many FM stations in America's large Metropolitan Areas.  We understand that information will be displayed on the SP-2720's map showing construction sites,  road work and other potential traffic hazards.  We will provide a report on this feature when we receive a GTM -10 for review.
  

• Does the SP-2720 have a DETOUR FEATURE to reroute you around road work and other obstructions?  Yes.  You can select various distance values and the SP-2720 will leave your current route at the first opportunity and take you the "best available" alternate route for your selected detour distance and then compute an optimum reroute for the remainder of your journey.
  

• Does the SP2720 line offer a gyro equipped model.  No.. Not at the present time.  The downside for SP-2720 as compared some other more expensive models is that many of the more expensive models have some sort of "dead reckoning" capability to permit navigation to continue for short intervals when signals are lost. Such signal loss can happen in "city canyons" such as NYC, Chicago, LA, and London where high rise buildings can block the satellite signals.  This "dead reckoning" capability is also  available in the Garmin StreetPilot 2650/2660.  All gyro equipped units  require a connection to the automobile speedometer output and backup light to be able to function in dead reckoning mode.  Without these inputs, thegyro equipped units will function as a SP-2720/2610/2620 so it can be used portable as well as fixed install.  Connections for the speedometer and backup light signals are located on the side of the speaker case.  Note that the SP-2650/2660 will ONLY be sold by dealers who INSTALL them.  This is because Garmin feels that most people are prone to get into all sorts of trouble if they attempt to find and interconnect with under-the-dash car wiring.

• Which Garmin mounts will the SP-2720 fit? The SP 2720 base fits perfectly into the Garmin SP-III/SP2610 stick-on base and beanbag base.  The  SP2610 Touratech mount (about USD$130) is very well made and can be seen HERE.
  

• Can I operate the SP-2720 touch screen with my gloves on? In the rain? In the rain with gloves on? Yes. The touchscreen works just fine with gloves on, works just fine with wet gloves on, works just fine with wet gloves on when riding in the rain on a motorcycle. No problems reported with using this new GPS on a motorcycle.  The unit is rated waterproof to IPX-7. 

• What Compact Flash Memory cards can I use with the SP2720?  Answer: None.  There is no slot for a CF or other user installed memory card.
  

• Will the SP-2720 operate properly with an XM Radio in the car? Answer: Generally Yes. It is known to work OK with "aftermarket" Sony and Delphi SkyFi XM radios as well as all of the OEM XM radios we have heard about.  The only problem reported to us has been with early production XM Delphi Roady radio. Should you have a problem of interference to any GPS by a Delphi XM Radio,  Delphi tells us they will exchange it for a unit tuned so the interference will not occur.  This changes requires that you send the radio back to Delphi for repair at no charge to the customer.  I have a new Delphi Roady Radio and it works fine with all GPS units I have tried it with.

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• If I load additional maps into the 750megs of user map memory, How do I select the alternative maps for display?  Ans: Go to  Main Menu--> Settings --> Map ---> Tap the Down Arrow Twice to go down two pages -->  Detail Maps --> Tap the map type you want to disable/enable.  Remember Topo (and other maps) have a lower rating than City Navigator, so Topo will not show until City Nav is disabled.
  

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• What land areas have automatic guidance roadmaps which will work with the SP2720?  City Navigator USA/Canada,  Australia, Europe, and Middle East, City Select South Africa.  What about third party map makers.  No third party mapmaker with a Garmin license has (as of Sept 2005) produced a CityNavigator/CitySelect type automatic guidance product.

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• Can I download ROUTES into the SP2720.  I was not able to do so in my unit with early software, but I am advised by a reliable source that the latest version can indeed download Routes from MapSource into the SP2720.  

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• What spoken languages will be available with the SP2720? Full Text to Speech is currently available in American, Australian, and
  British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch.  I expect these languages to be made available on the web in the near future.

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• Custom POIs.  What are they and how do I load some into the SP2720.  Garmin has a new (as of 9/18/2005) Custom POI loader and tutorial at http://www.garmin.com/products/poiloader/

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• Is there a sturdy motorcycle handlebar mount for the SP-2720/2650/2660?  Answer:  Yes,  Garmin has a new model and RAM is reported to have a new  version as well.  See the Garmin model HERE.

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• The SP2720 does not have a battery.  If I have a loose cigar lighter socket will the SP2720 shut off immediately if it loses contact?  Yes.  And when you plug it back in, it will have to go back through the startup cycle.  BUT.. It will automatically continue on any automatic route you may have been on when power was lost and without you having to input the address again.
  

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We do not recommend SP for hiking or marine activities due to its reduced feature set optimized for automobile use.

The SP-2720  used for this review includes no basemaps or other substantial maps outside of the Western Hemisphere.  The unit has has a rudimentary political map for the world but essentially no roads are shown outside Canada, USA and Mexico and Central America.  . The CityNavigator Map of North America  includes highly detailed  maps of roads down to the residential street level in the USA and Canada.  In addition, major roads in Mexico, Central and South America are included 

Additional SP-2720 features include:

The trip computer has the most needed features but the data fields are not user changeable. With SP-2720, you will notice that, like the SP-III, when you come to a stop, the estimated times do not go to infinity, but hold a realistic value. The GPS calculates estimated times based upon road classes in your Route and modifies the estimation by your actual speeds on the various road classes. It also computes the actual road distance between turns (waypoints) instead of using straight line distances.  The results give fairly accurate estimated time to various points, even when using different road classes, like traveling on the freeway, and then exiting later on some local roads. Your estimates will not only be based upon your current highway speed, but by the combination of speeds you are using, or will be using on the various road classes.  We note that the SP-2720 was within 12 minutes on one continuous 500 mile highway drive we made after it "learned" our driving speed habits.

The GPS has the standard HOST mode which allows  the upload/download of waypoints and tracks, OR use the GPS for tracking with the NMEA output WITHOUT having to change from GARMIN to NMEA mode and vice versa. 

The data fields, on the main display screens  ARE  configurable.  By pressing the MENU button, and tapping SETUP, then MAP, then MAP DATA FIELDS, you can select NORMAL, WIDE or THIN as an option.  While still on that page, you then press the MENU button again, and you can choose which tab data field you would like to configure and chose from a list of optional data fields that will be listed. 

CityNavigator's  Find-an-Address feature includes: Recent Finds,   Streets,  Cities,  Addresses, Food,  Lodging, Services,  Entertainment, Attractions, Shopping, Transportation,  Emergency and Government and Waypoints and other options.  As is usual in current state of the art  in mapping,  there are some  of  the locations  of restaurants, hotels, etc. are misplaced by considerable distances.  Since the data is at least a year old,  some businesses are "missing" but overall the data is quite accurate and useful.

When not routing,  a "Driving Status" line on the Map display indicates such information  as "Driving South on Roswell  Road  near Sandy Springs".  This can be quite useful in cities where you don't exactly know which street you are on. Also as you are driving, the name of each approaching side street is displayed allowing finding side streets in the dark.

A photocell in the rear of the unit senses ambient light level and automatically dims/brightens the display as needed.

Datums- The 2720  only provides WGS-84 so any external mapping program which cannot use WGS-84 directly OR convert WGS-84 to its required datum will give larger than normal map position errors.  

80 ICONS are available in the SP-2720 to identify user waypoints and mark routes.   Icons include airport, bank, boat ramp, car, dam, post office to zoo for a total of 80.  Unfortunately, there is no EASY way to input a waypoint such as pressing a MARK button.  Instead, there are two "work-arounds" that will work to get a waypoint "MARKed".  a)  On the remote, press and hold the thumb stick down.  Basically a long
enter press.  This brings up the map with the pointer on it.  If you are in a location that pop up information exists, tap the review button in the
lower right corner.  This brings up the review page, tap the advanced button, then Add to Favorites. - Or- b) Tap the map page to initiate a pan.  This brings up the map with the pointer on it.  If you are in a location that pop up information exists, tap the review button in the lower right corner.  This brings up the review page, tap the advanced button, then Add to Favorites.  Garmin tells us that they have received VERY few requests from users to add a MARK key to the SP2720 so unless the pressure from users picks up the SP2720 will not have this feature (which I consider VERY useful).

Street pricing of the SP-2720 is about US $900 or less and includes:  speaker/power cable, CityNavigator pre-installed (No CD)  (full USA/Canada license), Glue down mount, Bean Bag (portable) mount  ( which we find works amazingly well on curved dashboards), USB data interface and cable,  AC 12vdc PSU for indoor use planning routes and destinations.

Features and Operation

The SP-2720 has a direct and easy to use routing system. The user:

 

• Press FIND then Enter an address, an intersection, select a restaurant, hotel, or other Point of Interest using the TOUCH SCREEN  or IR remote control for data entry.
 

• selects GOTO it
  
 

• SP-2720 automatically generates a route to your destination and cues the user with both audio and visual directions.

 The SP-2720 operates (only) from  external power in the range of 10 to 24 volts DC.   The SP-2720 uses FLASH memory internally and has no memory backup battery.    The LED backlit display lighting has a rated design life of 100,000 hours.  The SP shuts down when power is removed and (uniquely for Garmin equipment) turns back ON when external power is restored. (Assuming the rocker power switch is ON.)

A special Power/Speaker cable is supplied with SP-2720. The  data/power cable used is NOT the same as any prior Garmin cable connector. You will need the (industry standard)  USB DATA cable (furnished)  to load maps into your SP-2720 and/or to upload/download routes/waypoints/tracks to your PC computer.  There is NO capability with the SP-2720 for a standard RS-232 serial cable.  The SP-2650 WILL have an added RS232 data port for special uses. 

The external antenna connector, a MCX coax jack,  is located on the right rear of the unit just behind the keys.  The MCX  jack is powered (nominal 2.7 volts no load in our unit) and has a current limit rated at 25 ma  to protect the unit from shorts on the antenna cable. The normal antenna is built inside the unit and is not removable as in prior StreetPilot units.   The Garmin GA-27C (Garmin part number 010-10052-05) amplified antenna, some from  Tri-M, and other 3 volt rated antennas  work with the SP-2720.  We believe most other 3 volt antennas will work as well.

The SP-2720 does not support NMEA-0183,  DHCP and RTCM.  

Operating temperature range is specified as -15C to +70C. Unique in their class,  Like Garmin handheld GPS receivers, SP is rated submersible to one meter per IEC529 IPX(7) with gasketed memory door closed. The maximum altitude rating is 60,000ft and speed maximum is 999 knots.

Feature Details:

 

• The MAP SCREEN may  include the MAP, plus (depending on operating mode),  Current location and road, current speed display,  heading,  arrival time, time to next run, and Next Turn display. These are user selectable/adjustable as to background color(B/W and density), presence and size and (to some extent) which items are displayed.   At TURNS, a colored  arrow on the left side of the screen will make right angles or whatever angle is appropriate for the turn.  Distance to the turn is indicated beside the arrow.  A large "pop up window"  on the right will give special turn information about the upcoming turn.
  
 

• A moving map display is provided to plot your course over ground.   Outside of Canada, Mexico and the USA, base maps (on the USA models)  are generally less detailed. Waypoints saved in the  machine are displayed on the moving map page as they come within range of the map scale selected.  The map screen has pan and zoom and scales from 120 feet (1/2 inch) to about 800 miles (screen width).  You can slide your FINGER on the screen to PAN the screen in any direction as desired.  Pressing the UPPER LEFT corner of the touchscreen will put the GPS back into regular "tracking mode".  Automatic routing voice commands continue during panning if you are executing a route.
  
 

• Route  start/finish points can also be generated from user waypoints, city waypoints, points of interest, street addresses and street/road intersections. There appear to be 7 layers of map  detail in the base map and perhaps 7 more in the street level CityNavigator maps.
 

• The map display may be set to north up, or current track up.  The map display provides an array of user customizable  features such as AUTOZOOM,  Map DETAIL control, Tracklog on/off, Street label size, Railroads on/off, North up/Track up,  Display   waypoint/exit/POI controls, city/town text size selection, display/don't  display  map features such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, garages/service stations, tourist attractions,  entertainment centers and similar.  The map screen also supports zoom and pan features.  On  the SP2720,  user waypoints can have one of 43 symbols such as boat,  house, gas pump, etc. When you are  moving,  an "arrow" pointer shows your direction and leaves a "cookie trail" showing your track. Map accuracy is superb on the CityNavigator maps in the Atlanta area.
 

• The automatic guidance system USER INTERFACE is a big improvement over the earlier SP-III models. You can typically enter and address and set up a new route in perhaps 30 seconds using the finger touch screen system.
 

• A simulator feature provides display of simulated motion and simultaneously outputs simulated tracking data  to your computer for test of mapping software, data gathering simulations and such. However, the simulator can only follow established routes and cannot just be set up to travel in some user selected direction. This seems OK since the SP is designed to facilitate automated automobile navigation which requires the input of a route. If you are in simulator mode and turn off power, a power ON automatically restores normal mode operation.
  
 

• There is no screen back lighting timer feature in SP-2720.
 

• A colored screen arrow and distance to go number pops up to show  approaching next turn.
 

• When the unit is powered ON, a Garmin introductory screen comes on followed by a screen giving information on Memory Card data, then a Warning  not to enter information while driving, then after a timeout, you go to the map display page.  There is no need for manually pressing any buttons to get to the navigation screens.  You CAN press the OK button a couple of times to speed up getting to the main display if you wish.
 

• The signal strength bars are box outlined in black if the GPS has found the SV and has not yet downloaded ephemeris data and changes to solid black when data is received from each satellite in turn. Each signal strength bar is marked with the associated satellite number. On the polar plot, SV numbers are black on white when locked and white on black background when locked.
 

• Waypoints may be named with a twenty character name plus a symbol (boat,  gas pump,  house,  etc.) which may be selected from a library of 80 symbols. The GPS permits you to select any waypoint from the list and have the map "jump" to it.
 

• The SP has a multiple track log system.  Total track log storage provides  2000 trackpoints.  It is not possible  to "track back" along a cookie trail with the SP-2720 but you CAN press RETURN TO START and a route back to your starting point will be generated automatically..
 

• The SP-2720 has been updated to include WAAS, but does it offer DGPS.   SP-2720 locks you to the nearest ROAD (in on-road navigation mode) and this is more exact (since maps are more imperfect than the GPS signal accuracy) for road navigation purposes. 
  


• External  I/O signal modes available are: Text Out, Garmin Data Transfer (includes GARMIN and NMEA capabilities all in one)..  NMEA  $GP sentence output list for the SP-2650 is (likely going to be): BOD, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSU, RMB, RMC, RTE, and WPL.
 

• Proximity waypoints are not provided in the SP and North is always "true" north (no Magnetic/True  North  heading  reference selection).  USER GRIDS are NOT supported in the SP.
  

• When navigating a ROUTE, the pointer points along the road in the correct direction of travel. This happens EVEN IF the road is curvy and makes many changes in direction.  This is in contrast with conventional ROUTE technology which has the pointer constantly pointing at the NEXT WAYPOINT (TURN).  As each turn is approached, the SP delivers  a verbal warning  and  a special POINTER automatically indicates the proper turn direction and the command line switches to the next waypoint (turn) in the route list. There is no concept of "reversed route" in SP-2720. Each automatically generated route is from "where you are now" to a fixed destination. Each destination you want to travel to is selected from one of user waypoints, POI, addresses, street intersections, etc.
 

• The SP has touchscreen ZOOM in/out (+ and -) buttons on the left size of the screen.  You access by pressing the lower left corner of the screen and get rid of the zoom buttons  by pressing the N in the upper left corner.  Zoom permits easy expansion or contraction of the map display as needed.
  
 

• The SP offers 80 different waypoint symbols for pictorially identifying waypoints.  This feature permits the user to show such objects as anchors, boats, gas pumps,  houses, cars,  fish, etc., to further identify waypoints on the map display.
 

• Waypoint MARK  is NOT available in the SP-2720 via a push button or by window selection in the current 2.43 firmware.  Only via the work-arounds discussed elsewhere.  

• Waypoint AVERAGING is available in 2.20 software and later.
  

• The SP is rated submersible to one meter for 30 minutes like all current Garmin handheld GPS receives in accord with IEC-529 IPX(7).
 

• You can FIND waypoints by NAME, and you can review the "most recently used" waypoints.
 

• The SP display can only be operated in the HORIZONTAL display mode which is in keeping with its design an automotive GPS mapping receiver.

• External I/O signal modes available are: Text Out, Garmin Data Transfer (includes GARMIN and NMEA capabilities all in one).. NMEA $GP sentence output list for the SP-2650 is (likely going to be): BOD, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSU, RMB, RMC, RTE, and WPL.

• There is a neat "zoom in" feature in the 2720.  you can "draw a rectangle" with your fingertip so as to zoom the map in.  This is very handy.  Just push the scale button in the lower left (this brings up the tool palette along the left side), then press the bottom icon to change it from a "hand" to a "Magnifying Glass".  Now, put your fingertip on the screen, and move it diagonally.  This will draw a rectangle, and when you release your fingertip, the screen automatically zooms in on the rectangle you have drawn.
  

I have tested the SP on  roads and highways of North Georgia and Atlanta including several interstate trips. Our first version of (prototype) firmware did occasionally "lock up" and we had to recycle power to restart.  Since we received the latest beta firmware version 2.43, we have had no further problems.  Generally, tracking worked well.   No 3rd party support software or map software is compatible with the SP-2720 at this time. 

The SP performed on a par with other GPS units in every test for lock stability,  multipath performance, re-lock after an underpass, and ability to suddenly change direction without loss of lock. The SP laid down smooth tracks on our highway maps during all tests.  No gaps, jumps, etc. (The SP-2720  has data smoothing like the SP-26xx series.)

We note that all SP models including the SP-2720 have a form of "dead reckoning" for moments when signal dropouts occur. For instance, if the SP-2720 is tracking along and just before a sharp turn you invert it and block its antenna, it will continue to track straight for about 30 seconds.  It also provides a very good data smoothing filter to throw out random fixes that are way off track. This results in an exceptionally smooth track on a moving map display even with the "road lock" option turned off.  Even with this filter,  there was no overshoot apparent during quick stops, sharp turns, and similar maneuvers when normal continuous tracking was taking place.

SP-2720 performance under tree cover and city canyon conditions was about the same as the earlier SPs, G-V, G-II+, G-12XL,  and we rate that as very good but not perfect.  Expect dropouts in places like downtown NYC, Chicago, etc., and in mountains when multiple satellite signals are not available.

We found the display controls easy to learn and use.  The overall 2720 system is quite comprehensive and complex.  However,  what the average user has to work with on a day-by-day basis is very simple to understand and manipulate.  We especially like the touchscreen for data input.  Users will find it much easier and faster to use than similar data entry features on the SP-III.  The menu system and arrangement is generally quite intuitive and easy to learn to use.  

Since the SP-2720  exhibited essentially identical tracking performance in our tests compared to other models tested over the last 3 years,  we did not perform the extensive field trials we made with the G-12XL,  EE, and others.  For more information on tracking results with our testing of the G-12XL, and the G-II+, etc., see our reviews at: http://gpsinformation.net

Summary

Our overall impressions are that the StreetPilot 2720 is a high quality GPS unit with a few features we liked in the SP26XX models left out but with some added features that the SP26XX did not have.  The most notable of these is the new automatic traffic data system which (potentially) offers automatic display of current traffic problems in major metro areas along with automatic detour recommendations when traffic problems get severe.   While it is not the least expensive of the truly automatic self contained address-to-address car navigation systems (SP-III,  Quest, iQue 3600, G-60C, "GO", SP2610 and some other PDA based systems are less expensive), we consider the SP-2720 to be a great and  full featured performer in the medium price class of Car Navigators.   At about US$800, (Check Latest Prices Here.) we think the SP-2720 is a great product for the money.  In fact,  we think the GUI is the easiest to use of any car navigator we have tested with the exception of the  Magellan Roadmate which has fewer features. With the SP-2720 and its built in 750megs of map memory for additional maps,   I believe we can eliminate having to use paper maps for automobile road navigation (in the covered areas of the world).  The Street Prices for the SP2720   USA+Canada maps already installed is in the range of $$850 to $900 at Internet discount dealers..

What DON'T we like about the StreetPilot 2720? 

1)  As with other Garmin Car Navigators,  entering street names can be a problem.  You might know a street name as AC Lewis Road, Ac Lewis Road, or A C Lewis Road  or Baywater or Bay Water or Baewater and the spelling may/may not match the local convention.   The user MUST spell it like the Garmin/NavTeq database or the address cannot be found.   This can lead to not being able to find a street that you know is there.  NavTeq tells us that their convention is to run initials together and use caps, so you might try that if you get stumped with a street name with initials.  

2) POIs are often in "groups".  There may be several groups of restaurants by the same name (different franchises I am guessing) and you do not readily know in which group the closest store can be found.  

3) POI groups are incomplete (though they getting larger all the time and are VERY helpful).  I find that some post offices and libraries in my local area are not included, but MOST are.   The latest CityNavigator 7 has over 7,000,000 POI listings.  

4)  On occasion, we see the router generate "funny routes" such as taking a busy numbered federal highway instead of a nearby freeway.   Overall,  the SP-2720 performs as well or better than other Car Navigators we have used.  NavTeq tells me that these problems WILL be looked at if users will go to http://update.navtech.com and fill out the report form.  Lets ALL do it!     

5)  With the SP2720, there were a few small towns that could not be found (such as Highlands, NC) but addresses in Highlands could be found.  This has been reported and hopefully will be fixed soon.

 Would I take it hiking or boating? No.

If anyone has any additions, questions,  suggestions,  error corrections other comments, please feel free to Email.

Joe Mehaffey

Notes:   (*) Freshly changed items in RED.