Garmin International Incorporated has recently announced its next generation of large-format multi-function displays, namely the GPSMAP 6000 and GPSMAP 7000 series, with Garmin G Motion technology that comes as a graphic breakthrough, regarding speed, smoothness and clarity, providing users with an ultra-smooth map panning and zooming with virtually seamless graphical updating in all dimensions. To make things even better, these new chartplotters sport a low-level backlight display that can be dimmed all the way down to 0.5 nits, as well as the backlit keypad for use in low-light conditions without compromising vision.

“The evolution of marine navigation continues with these new top-of-the-line network chartplotters that feature the smoothest, most detail-rich displays in Garmin’s chartplotter lineup,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Utilizing Garmin’s G Motion technology, we’re setting the new standard in speed in a self-contained unit – it’s some of the most stunning marine cartographic technology you’ve ever seen in this class of equipment.”

The GPSMAP 7x15 series is the one that offers a huge 15-inch display that sports an XGA resolution, 1024 x 768 and it is also touchscreen. There are two models offered in this series, namely the GPSMAP 7015 that packs an improved worldwide satellite imagery basemap and the GPSMAP 7215 that comes pre-packed with highly detailed U.S. coastal charts and Explorer Charts for the Bahamas. The two models features a PC monitor input so they can be used for displaying digital presentations, internet browsers and other computer apps.

6x12 is the other GPSMAP in the series that comes with a common soft-key interface including an alphanumeric keypad and a 12-inch diagonal XGA sunlight readable display. The two models are the GPSMAP 6012 and GPSMAP 6212 that have the exact same packing as the 7x15 series, so it's just the display size that differentiates them.

Both the 7x15 and 6x12 series can be purchased in smaller screen sizes, namely 12 inches for the former, and 8 inches for the latter, while maintaining the same resolution. According to third-party websites, these will be available by February 2010 and the price will be no lower than $3,000.


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