Alpine Electronics Blackbird PMD-B200 Phoenix AZ

Expensive GPS device has a media player, Bluetooth connectivity, and easy-to-use controls.

Local Companies

Audionut
623487-1116
9299 W. Olive #401
Peoria, AZ
Isola Laminate
480-963-0022
165 S Price RD
Chandler, AZ
Purchase Pro
(602) 324-7776
Phoenix, AZ
Data Doctors Loc #203
(480) 704-0700
3961 E Chandler Blvd
Phoenix, AZ
Computer Wholesalers Inc
(480) 775-3500
6965 S Priest Dr
Tempe, AZ
World Wide Technology
(480) 736-7300
455 W 21st St
Tempe, AZ
Mobile Comp Affordable On-Site Computer Repairs
(623) 435-7366
Glendale, AZ
Re-Mac Computers Inc
(480) 443-2699
15090 N Northsight Blvd Ste 112N
Scottsdale, AZ
V & L Laser Recharge Llc
(928) 855-2108
1509 El Camino Dr
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Family Computer Center
(480) 890-2525
2662 E University Dr
Mesa, AZ

The navigation features in this redesigned high-end GPS from car-electronics specialist Alpine Electronics are easy to operate, but lower-priced competitors like the Garmin Nuvi 360 offer the same functions.

Among the options missing from the Blackbird are 3D map views, pronunciation of street names, and the ability to view images that you store on an SD card. The device's Centrality Atlas II GPS chip was less accurate than the SiRF Star III GPS transceivers used by the other four units I tested for "GPS Devices: Road Tested and Reviewed." In addition, the Blackbird PMD-B200 was slower to update directions and map views than the other devices.

You can sync your Bluetooth phone with the Blackbird PMD-B200 for hands-free calling, and its built-in player handles AAC, MP3, and WMA audio files stored on an SD or MMC card. While this new version of the Blackbird offers directions in French, Spanish, or English, you don't get the diverse voice options available in cheaper GPS models such as the Garmin Nuvi 360.

Alpine places four buttons in a circular controller on the right side of the device's touch screen. Though these buttons are intended to simplify zooming in and out of the map, adjusting the volume, and opening the op­A-tions screen, but they add bulk to the unit. I found it just as convenient to use the switch on the unit's top to adjust the volume, and to use the icons on the screen to access the options for entering a destination.

Despite its clear interface and ample options, the Blackbird PMD-B200 costs considerably more than other GPS devices that offer better accuracy and more features in a smaller size.

Featured Local Company

Audionut

623487-1116
9299 W. Olive #401
Peoria, AZ

Related Local Events
Toastmasters
Dates: 1/7/2010 - 1/7/2010
Location: Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Peoria, AZ
View Details

Toastmasters
Dates: 2/4/2010 - 2/4/2010
Location: Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Peoria, AZ
View Details

Toastmasters
Dates: 3/25/2010 - 3/25/2010
Location: Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Peoria, AZ
View Details

Toastmasters
Dates: 5/6/2010 - 5/6/2010
Location: Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Peoria, AZ
View Details

Toastmasters
Dates: 6/17/2010 - 6/17/2010
Location: Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Peoria, AZ
View Details

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History