Garmin Introduces New GPSMAP 500 and 700 Series Chartplotter and Combo Units

Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced a premier addition to their fully-integrated line of GPSMAP series chartplotters and combination plotter/sonar units. Boasting a sleek new design, vibrant touchscreen and unsurpassed positioning technology, these new models offer boaters and anglers the features they demand.

“Boaters can rely on this new line of plotters to get them to their fishing spots with unparalleled precision,” said Ian Edwards, National Sales Manager, Garmin Australasia. “And thanks to Spread-Spectrum CHIRP sonar capability, anglers can see deeper than ever before, with excellent target separation.”

Whether deciding between the 5-inch VGA screen on the new 500-series or the 7-inch WVGA touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom on the 700-series, both allow for easy visibility, day or night. Each series provides a streamlined look by being flat or flush-mounted, while the 700-series can also be gimble-mounted and the 500-series can be swivel-mounted. Coupled with Garmin’s hallmark user-friendly interface, these chartplotters will be the focal point when showcased in any helm.

With the integration of the high-sensitivity 10Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver, both the new 500 and 700-series are able to update position and heading ten times per second, providing significantly smoother on-screen navigation. This industry-leading GPS receiver dramatically improves the ability to mark and navigate to any one of 5000 user-created waypoints and also allows for vessel movement to be crisp and fluid on screen. Although the water may be choppy, navigation won’t be.

The product lineup includes the GPSMAP 557/xs and 751/xs, both preloaded with Australia and New Zealand BlueChart® g2 cartography.

For superior situational awareness, mariners can also load the new GPSMAP 751/xs plotters with an optional BlueChart® g2 Vision® micro-SD card to navigate with a clear moving-map representation of the boat’s position. With BlueChart g2 Vision, mariners can also take advantage of the Auto Guidance feature which suggests the best routes to follow. In addition, g2 Vision features true MarinerEye view above water or a FishEye underwater perspective – both in 3D.

With the ‘xs’ series, Garmin has not only included the newly redesigned, highly acclaimed HD-ID sonar technology but they’ve also included built-in Spread-Spectrum CHIRP sonar capability. When used with a compatible CHIRP transducer (sold separately), the combination devices can display crystal-clear sonar images to help find the next hidden fishing spot, ship wreckage or diving location. With Garmin’s Spread-Spectrum technology, not only will boaters see target separation and resolution at extraordinary depths, but they can dial into specific frequencies to target certain species of sport fish. Bottom contours are also more visible and signal noise can be suppressed at greater depths to provide a more timely interpretation of what’s below for safer navigation and better fishing.

While the GPSMAP 751/xs will fully support radar, all of the new GPSMAP products are NMEA 2000 compatible. The new line of GPSMAP devices will also have full wireless connectivity to tablets and smartphones for use with the BlueChart Mobile app as well as a suite of other apps available in 2013.

The new GPSMAP 557/xs standalone and combination units are scheduled to be available in June 2013 and the GPSMAP 751/xs in July 2013. For additional information regarding these devices, visit garmin.com.au.